Long-Awaited Restoration of Angkor Wat's Causeway Ready
Phnom Penh, October 24, 2023 —The long-awaited and labour-intensive restoration of Angkor Wat's causeway is now complete, and it is expected to bring more tourists not only to this most-visited temple but to Siem Reap province and Cambodia as a whole.It is the completion of the second and final phase of the restoration of the temple's important causeway at the west entrance.The 190-metre-long, 11.60-metre-wide, and 4-metre-high causeway was built of laterite and floored by sandstone between 1113 and 1150.Mr. Long Kosal, Deputy Director General and Spokesperson of the APSARA National Authority, told the state-owned Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) that in the 1960s, the French School of the Far East started the first phase of the causeway restoration on the south.The causeway's second-phase restoration began in 1996 through collaboration between the APSARA National Authority and the Sofia University of Japan and took about 12 years, said the deputy director general.The Apsara Authority, he continued, will officially inaugurate the restored causeway under the highest auspices of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, on Nov. 4 this year.To ease the flow of visitors to Angkor Wat after the official inauguration, the authority will open the newly restored causeway for one-way entry, and the existing floating bridge will be used for exit.
Angkor Wat Temple's Causeway Bridge to be Reopened Early November
Phnom Penh, October 20, 2023 --Angkor Wat Temple causeway bridge, also known as Spean Harl, will be officially reopened in Nov. 4 under the royal presidency of the His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, the APSARA National Authority said in a statement issued on Oct. 19.The APSARA National Authority will use the causeway bridge as the entrance for the visit in order to better manage the flow of visits to Angkor Wat Temple.A temporary floating bridge of Angkor Wat, currently served as the main entrance and exit, will be kept as an exit, the authority said.During the restoration, a joint effort between the APSARA National Authority and Sophia University in Tokyo, the temporary floating bridge was installed south of the causeway bridge for tourists to access the temple.Starting in 2016, the restoration has used as many traditional techniques and as much materials as possible.The 190 metre-long, 11.6 metre-wide and 4 metre-tall causeway was constructed from laterite stones above a layer of sandstone.Adorned by portions of Naga and Singha sculptures, the causeway bridge is one of the most prominent features of the approach to the temple.The famed Angkor Archaeological Park earned US$24.95 million from ticket sales to 539,561 foreign tourists in the first three quarters of this year, an increase of 365 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise's report.
National Career and Productivity Fair 2023 to Offer Over 20,000 Vacancies
Phnom Penh, October 20, 2023 --The National Career and Productivity Fair 2023, scheduled for Nov. 10 and 11, will offer more than 20,000 vacancies for potential young people and interested workers.Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, Phnom Penh, the two-day event is organised by the National Employment Agency (ANE) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training in cooperation with the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) in Phnom Penh, the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the People in Need Cambodia Organisation, with the support of many other partners.In a press conference here yesterday, H.E. Kata Orn, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said that more than 180 booths from some 150 companies, enterprises, ministries, institutions and educational and training establishments would join this annual fair by offering over 20,000 job opportunities.More than 30,000 people are expected to visit this year's National Career and Productivity Fair.Interested candidates can seek more details about job opportunities and submit their application for the job that interests them on site.Besides, there will be a National Workshop on Productivity on the occasion to raise people’s awareness about productivity through knowledge and good experience sharing by experts.The National Career and Productivity Fair 2023 will also be organised online, where job seekers across the country can apply for jobs online through the website: http://careerfair.nea.gov. kh/.
Cambodia, Laos Speak Highly of Their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Phnom Penh, October 19, 2023 --The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have highly valued the achievements of their Comprehensive and Long-term Strategic Partnership established since 2019.Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Lao President H.E Thongloun Sisoulith made the appreciation in their meeting in Beijing, China this morning, on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.The two leaders also agreed to continue to strengthen and expand cooperation in a number of areas, including national defence, education, energy, and exchange of visit among senior leaders.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his support to the continuation of the “Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Joint Trilateral Disaster Relief Exercise” organised in September 2022, and mentioned a number of initiatives related to the promotion of tourism cooperation through the launch of Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam trilateral tourism cooperation “Three Countries One Destination” and the establishment of Phnom Penh-Vientiane-Phnom Penh direct flights.For his part, H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith congratulated Samdech Thipadei on the assumption of office as the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and was convinced that under Samdech Thipadei’s leadership, the relationship between Cambodia and Laos will continue to grow.The Lao President also voiced his support to the Cambodian Premier's initiative on the trilateral tourism cooperation “Three Countries One Destination”.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet accepted the invitation of H.E Thongloun Sisoulith to pay an official visit to Laos at an appropriate date in the future.
Farmers in Siem Reap form several farming communities to benefit from ASPIRE-AT
The Siem Reap Provincial Department of Agriculture claims that the ASPIRE-AT project implemented in Siem Reap will focus on helping farmers who are members of the farming community to reap many benefits. Therefore, farmers must become members of the community in order to benefit from this project.Mr. Ben Bunthoeun, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Siem Reap Province, told reporters on Radio National of Cambodia that in 2023, the Department of Agriculture of Siem Reap, among other provinces in Cambodia, has received ASPIRE-AT, a program that Implemented from the first step program implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.He said that the ASPIRE-AT program in Siem Reap, implemented from September 2023, aims to promote resilient agricultural techniques and support farmers in domestic vegetable and chicken chains. The program will consolidate four farming communities, with two vegetable-growing and two chicken-farming communities. Farmers will benefit from strengthening agricultural technical capacity, marketing planning, and access to loans for capital expansion. The program will provide a strong community with clear business plans, expert assistance, market linkage, and funding through appropriate loans and reasonable interest rates.In addition, the program will provide warehousing and roads or other materials on a schedule, and there will be teams to evaluate each enterprise or community, in the future and now farmers must participate as members of the agricultural community to benefit from support programs. Of the Royal Government.Please be informed that ASPIRE-AT, which is fully named as a program to support the rural economy and trade in agricultural products, lasts for 7 years, starting from 2023 to 2029.
Media Role In Reducing Alcohol Consumption
A workshop in Phnom Penh on October 17 aimed to promote media engagement in raising public awareness about the harmful impact of alcohol consumption in Cambodia.Over 25 media practitioners from Cambodian institutions attended a workshop organized by WHO, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Information.Addressing the workshop, H.E. Ing Phirun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health, called on active support from the media in the public awareness-raising effort.The Ministry of Health and WHO also highlighted strategic actions to discourage alcohol use, drunk driving, and treatment for excessive alcohol consumption.
MPWT, AI Technology Pte. Ltd. Discuss Cooperation in AI Modernisation in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, October 17, 2023 --Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and AI Technology Pte. Ltd. has discussed the possibility of cooperation in the modernisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contribution to Cambodia's infrastructure development.The discussion took place here on Oct. 16 between H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport and Mr. Lim Hua Nam, Director General of AI Technology Pte. Ltd.According to MPWT, the cooperation will contribute to the development of road, railway and waterway in Cambodia, with an aim to modernise the sector of public works and transport with high resilience in accordance with the digital society.Such the cooperation will also contribute to the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I of the Royal Government of Cambodia,
More Than 130,000 National And International Tourists Visit Siem Reap During Pchum Ben Holiday
Siem Reap, October 15, 2023—"A total of 132,051 national and international tourists visit Siem Reap province during the Pchum Ben Holiday from Oct. 13 to 15, of them 125,449 are local visitors and 6,602 are foreign tourists, according to the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism.
PM And Spouse Heading Toward Beijing For Third Belt And Road Forum For International Cooperation
Phnom Penh, October 16, 2023 --A high-level Cambodian delegation led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet and his spouse is heading toward Beijing, the People's Republic of China, for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation from Oct. 17 to 18, at the invitation of Chinese President H.E. XI Jinping.According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Samdech Thipadei will deliver a keynote address on the “Digital Economy as a New Source of Growth” during the forum themed “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.”On the sidelines, it pointed out, Samdech Thipadei will hold meetings with President Xi and other Chinese leaders to discuss cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.The Cambodian Premier will also engage in separate discussions with other foreign dignitaries, the source added.Samdech Thipadei is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia H.E. SUN Chanthol and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, along with other ministers, key government officials and business figures.“The Prime Minister's participation in the forum reaffirms Cambodia's support for the Belt and Road Initiative, underscoring its commitment to collaborating closely with China to advance high-quality cooperation for shared growth, peace and sustainable development in the region and beyond,” underlined the press release.
Siem Reap-Angkor Int’l Airport Kicks Off Official Commercial Operation
Phnom Penh, October 16, 2023 --The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) launched today its official commercial operation, after the airport flight demonstrations and tests of check-in demo, passenger boarding and landing as well as many other necessary procedures have been made successfully.The launching ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Sok Soken, Minister of Tourism, H.E Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, and representatives of the Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd.As planned, 16 commercial flights are scheduled to land at the airport in the first day of commercial operation.SAI has 38 berths and is able to handle 7 million passengers a year, and the figure will rise to 12 million passengers annually from 2040.Additionally, the airport can handle 10,000 tonnes of air cargo per year from 2023 and 26,000 tonnes a year from 2040, as well as 65,800 flights per year from 2023 and up to 112,700 flights annually from 2040.As scheduled, on Dec. 1, 2023, SAI will be officially inaugurated under the presidency of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia.Construction of Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport began in March 2020 with an investment of approximately US$1.1 billion by the Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd.According to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation’s report, Cambodia registered 3.4 million air travellers during the first eight months of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 180 percent.Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy. The country attracted up to 6.61 million international tourists in 2019, generating a gross revenue of US$4.92 billion, pointed out the Ministry of Tourism.
Cambodia, Malaysia to Boost Bilateral Military Cooperation
Phnom Penh, October 11, 2023 --Cambodia and Malaysia are committed to boosting bilateral military cooperation.The commitment was made in a meeting on Oct. 9 between Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen, and Mr. Colonel Nazlee Abdul Rahim, Defence Attaché of the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh.Mr. Colonel Nazlee Abdul Rahim, in the capacity of a new Defence Attaché of the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh, appreciated H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen for his warm hospitality.H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen noted that Cambodia and Malaysia have had good relations for over 66 years, and the tie will continue to flourish.In the military sector, the two countries’ defence ministries have cooperated in joint military drills, human resource training, and peacekeeping within the ASEAN framework.In addition, the two countries’ armies have participated in exchange visits, attended annual military drills, and exchanged information to prevent cross-border crimes and human and drug trafficking.
National Strategy for Informal Economic Development to Achieve Three Goals at Once
Phnom Penh, October 10, 2023 --The launch of the National Strategy for Informal Economic Development 2023-2028 will achieve three goals at the same time, i.e. alleviating poverty and social inequality, strengthening social and economic resilience, and boosting economic growth.The remarks were made by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the official launching ceremony of the National Strategy for Informal Economic Development 2023-2028, held at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel this morning.The Premier added that the National Strategy focuses on improving the lives of the people, which aligns with the main goal of the Royal Government of Cambodia.The aim is to encourage people in the informal economy to register to be in the formal one so that the Royal Government is able to manage data clearly and to put in place interventions quickly and effectively on time and on target," Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet explained.An informal economy (informal sector or shadow economy) is part of any economy that is neither taxed nor monitored by any form of government.
PM: Safety of Cambodian Nationals in Israel is Royal Government’s Top Priority
Phnom Penh, October 10, 2023 --The safety of Cambodian nationals, especially students in Israel is the top priority of the Royal Government of Cambodia, reassured Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet while presiding over here this morning the launching ceremony of the National Strategy for Informal Economic Development 2023-2028.The Royal Government has been following closely the situation in Israel and cooperating with the Israeli government in protecting and ensuring their safety, reaffirmed the Cambodian Premier.On behalf of the Royal Government, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his deepest condolences to the family of a Cambodian student, Mr. Chan Oudam, who lost his life in the recent fighting between the Israeli and Hamas forces.There are currently about 450 Cambodians, mostly students, living and studying in Israel. According to the Prime Minister, 323 of them have been evacuated to the safe place, and the Royal Government has been working closely with the Government of Israel to help the remaining 131.
Cambodians Living in Israel Appealed to Follow Instructions of Israeli Authorities
Phnom Penh, October 08, 2023 --The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has called on all Cambodian nationals living and studying in Israel to adhere to the instructions of the Israeli authorities to maintain their safety.The RGC made the appeal in a statement released last night, adding that the Cambodian nationals in Israel can contact via WhatsApp or Telegram at +85586881688 so that the Royal Government can receive information about their safety as well as provide timely assistance if necessary.Following the recommendations of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and relevant Cambodian institutions have liaised with the Israeli government and relevant authorities to provide security for all Cambodians present in Israel.“The RGC is closely monitoring the changing situation in Israel and is working closely with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of our Cambodian people there,” the statement underlined.At the same time, the RGC is trying to connect with the Cambodian nationals there, especially students, to communicate and monitor their safety, as well as provide coordination with the Israeli authorities to help them in time during this difficult stage.There are currently about 450 Cambodians, mostly students, living and studying in Israel.Israel-Gaza fighting erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, leaving hundreds of dead on both sides.
Tourists Attracted to Phnom Krom's Beauty in Siem Reap
Phnom Penh, October 06, 2023 --Phnom Krom in Siem Reap province has become an increasingly attractive tourist site with its range of recreational options.In addition to an ancient temple built in the late 9th century, Phnom Krom has impressed both domestic and international tourists with its unique position to view dream sunsets and enjoy the stunning beauty of flooded forest of Tonle Sap, said a long-standing tour operator in Siem Reap, Mr. Ra Dy.Boats also stand ready to bring interested visitors to experience Cambodian floating villages, delicious local food, as well as all the surrounding beauties.Mr. Ra Dy added that visitors will enjoy a refreshing feeling during their visit to Phnom Krom, especially during the rainy season with Tonle Sap water filling up most of the area.Phnom Krom is located in Chong Khneas district, about twelve kilometres from Siem Reap provincial city.
Cambodia, U.S. Foster Bilateral Cooperation On Sustainable Natural Resource Management
Phnom Penh, October 05, 2023 --Cambodia and the U.S. have vowed to promote their bilateral cooperation on the sustainable management of natural resources.The commitment was made in a meeting between H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Cambodian Minister of Environment and H.E. Patrick Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia here in Phnom Penh on Oct. 4 afternoon.H.E. Patrick Murphy recalled the collaboration between the two countries in wildlife protection as well as the U.S' financing to Green Climate Fund in response to climate change issues in developing countries including Cambodia.The U.S. is ready to continue the cooperation on Green Future development around the Tonle Sap Great Lake and Cambodia Climate Summit to be held next month, said the U.S. ambassador.H.E. Eang Sophalleth spoke highly of the U.S.' contribution to the protection of natural resources and prevention of global climate change.H.E. Minister also underlined the ministry's prioritised works including plastic use reduction, tree replanting, and cooperation with international partners in solving global issues, especially the climate change.
Cambodia Marks Teachers’ Day 2023
Phnom Penh, October 05, 2023 --The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in collaboration with other stakeholders marked here at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia this morning the Teacher’s Day 2023 (Oct. 5).Themed “Teachers are the pillar of school reform towards excellence”, this annual event was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.H.E. Hang Chuon Naron said teachers have been playing an important and indispensable role in the implementation of education, youth and sports reform, and the Royal Government is committed to and has put all efforts for the success of this reform.Without the contribution of teachers, the ministry would not be able to carry out school reform for excellence, he said.Today’s celebration is to highlight the important role of teachers in transforming potential learners, he added, underlining Cambodia expects teachers to be trusted and recognised as knowledge makers, real practitioners at the school level and partners in policy improvement.
More Rain Expected across Cambodia This Week
Phnom Penh, October 04, 2023 --Cambodia will experience more rain across the country this week, especially from Oct. 4 to 6, pointed out the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) in a new weather forecast released this morning.According to the source, during the said period, there would be rain, from low to medium, in Phnom Penh capital and the provinces, covering 40% to 60% of the area.The 14th typhoon, “Koinu” in the Pacific Ocean, will pass through Taiwan, in the south, before disappearing when reaching the east of Hong Kong, and will not affect Cambodia, the ministry added.
World Bank Projects Cambodia's 2023 Growth at 5.5 Percent
Phnom Penh, October 2, 2023 --The World Bank on Monday projected its growth forecast for Cambodia to 5.5 percent in 2023, thanks mainly to the revival of the services sector and improvements in agricultural production.According to the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, given the relatively fast pace of growth, the pace of poverty reduction is expected to accelerate. Downside risks include weaker-than-expected global demand, a protracted period of tighter global financial conditions, and/or a renewed oil and food price shock.The tourism and hospitality industries are likely to accelerate further, with a projected increase in international arrivals, while exports and foreign direct investment inflows are expected to be strengthened by the newly ratified free trade agreements, a substantial increase in private and public investment in key physical infrastructure, and structural and sectoral reforms.The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement and other free trade have given a boost to the Kingdom's economic growth, said Aaditya Mattoo, chief economist of the World Bank’s East Asia Pacific Region.“Certainly the RCEP agreement by creating greater predictability of market access and by inducing some reforms in Cambodia's own policies can be expected to help both to generate new trade and new investment flows and hopefully to help Cambodia in its goal of diversifying its economy and its exports which have been heavily reliant on garment so far,” he said during a video press conference on the launch of the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, on Monday.In 2024, the economy is expected to improve further, growing at 6.1 percent as goods exports are projected to also improve and gradually diversify, while FDI inflows will likely be boosted by the new Law on Investment, said the report.Over the medium term, the economy is expected to trend back to potential, growing at 7 percent, read the report.
Cambodian PM Defends the Monthly Minimum Wage for Workers
Phnom Penh, October 03, 2023 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, this morning defended the decision on the monthly minimum wage for the garment workers of US$204.Addressing to a get-together with some 18,000 workers from Khan Meanchey and Khan Dangkor in Phnom Penh, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said this is not enough for the workers, but this is the commitment of the Royal Government in order to mitigate the negative impact on this sector.“A US$4 increase is very little for our workers, but it is hard for the employers, therefore we should share to live and help to live together during this economic downturn,” he added.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said our workers’ minimum wage is already higher than that in some nations, including Laos, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam and some parts in Indonesia and Malaysia.Regarding the issue, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Chairman of the Supreme Privy Council of His Majesty the King last night shared that this is a slight increase on salary but it is better than losing a job and losing the whole income.In a situation where the world’s economy is in downturn, increasing the wages for workers is a good thing, yet what’s more important in the difficult time is to maintain jobs and to create new jobs, he stressed.Cambodia last week set a new monthly minimum wage for workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods sector at US$204 for next year, up from US$200 in 2023, and US$194 in 2022.