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.
Senior Minister Ouch Borith: Cambodia to work with all partners to unlock potentials of GDI and to advance the SDGs
Phnom Penh, September 20, 2023 --Cambodia will work with all partners to unlock potentials of Global Development Initiative (GDI) and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), affirmed Cambodian Senior Minister H.E. Ouch Borith on Sept. 19.In his address to the High-Level Meeting on GDI Cooperation Outcomes – GDI for SDGs: Actions and Progress in New York, H.E. Ouch Borith underscored Cambodia’s enthusiastic participation in the GDI, which has garnered support from over 100 countries and organisations in just two years since its inception.The Kingdom takes great pride in being a part of this initiative and is motivated by the substantial progress of the GDI whose fundamental principles are to prioritise development, adopt a people-centered approach, ensure no one is left behind, and build global development partnerships, he said.H.E. Ouch Borith also conveyed sincere appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for its leadership and unwavering commitment to the GDI.The Senior Minister emphasised the significant role of the GDI's development projects in contributing to the Kingdom’s national development goal - a vision of Cambodia becoming a highmiddle-income nation by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050.H.E. Ouch Borith reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to collective action and decisive measures aimed at addressing challenges and accelerating progress while leaving no country or individual behind.He concluded by expressing Cambodia’s readiness to work closely with all partners to unlock the full potentials of the GDI, thereby advancing the SDGs and fostering a brighter future for all.
Cambodia Raises Minimum Wage For Garment Factory Workers For 2024
Phnom Penh, September 28, 2023 --Cambodia on Thursday set a new monthly minimum wage for workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods sector at US$204 for next year, up 2 percent from the current level of US$200, according to Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training.The announcement came after the National Council for Minimum Wage voted on a minimum wage of about US$202 per month for next year, which was then added by US$2 by the Royal Government of Cambodia.The council members include representatives of the government, the manufacturers' group, and the trade union.The new minimum wage will take effect from Jan. 1, 2024, the ministry said.Besides wage, workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods sector will also receive other fringe benefits for regular attendance, transportation, rent and seniority bonus, the minister said.Garment, footwear and travel goods industry is the largest foreign exchange earner for Cambodia. The sector consists of roughly 1,077 factories and branches, employing approximately 800,000 workers, mostly female.Among them, there are 802 garment factories, 140 shoe factories and 134 travel goods factories.The monthly minimum wage for the sector is US$200 in 2023, an increase from US$194 in 2022.
ASEAN-Cambodian Business Summit 2023 Kicks Off
Phnom Penh, September 28, 2023 --The two-day ASEAN-Cambodian Business Summit 2023, where business and political leaders come together to explore the opportunities and challenges of further economic integration, kicked off at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on Sept. 28.In her opening remarks under the session “Connectivity & Growth in the Mekong Region within ASEAN” this afternoon, H.E. Minister, highlighted the importance of the Mekong region, especially in the field of trade, investment, and the efforts of countries in the region to promote physical and people-to-people connectivity in order to accelerate and support sustainable and environmental economic growth.She also underscored Cambodia’s effort to promote connectivity through establishing infrastructure, digitalisation development, and effort with ASEAN member states to implement the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.In addition, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul has mentioned that the Royal Government of Cambodia paid high attention to promoting the participation of the private sector in economic activities in order to take advantage of free trade agreements and also highlighted the mechanism of establishing Public-Private Partnerships, especially in the arrangement of Government-Private Sector Forums during the end of 2023.Last but not least, she encouraged businessmen, investors, and members of the EU-ASEAN Business Council to consider investing in Cambodia’s potential sectors, including agro-processing industries, tourism services, and increasing the import of Cambodia’s potential goods such as textile, footwear, traveling goods, and manufacturing products, etc.Organised by EuroCham and its partners, the ASEAN-Cambodian Business Summit 2023 brings a good mix of practitioners and experts to provide many great knowledge and practical insight and provide an excellent opportunity to exchange and explore on trade and investment potential of Cambodia and the region.
Royal Government Not Yet Decided to Impose Capital Gains Tax Next Year, Says PM
Phnom Penh, September 28, 2023 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, affirmed that the Royal Government has not yet made any official decision to impose the capital gains tax in early next year and any other new taxes to burden the people, according to his voice message released last evening.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet's voice message was made after there are many reactions on social media in the past few days over tax issues when H.E. Kong Vibol, Director General of Taxation gave an interview to the media on the collection of capital gains tax, which is scheduled for implementation in early 2024.In the message, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the capital gains tax is not a newly established tax.“It has already been created, and the General Department of Taxation has postponed the collection of this tax for three years,” he underlined.So far, added Samdech Thipadei Hun Sen Manet, the Royal Government has not yet decided on the final principle or how to amend the principle of collecting this tax in 2024.
Visit to Koh Ker Temple Temporarily Suspended on Sept. 29
Phnom Penh, September 27, 2023 --The National Authority of Preah Vihear has announced to temporarily suspend the visit to Koh Ker Temple on Sept. 29, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.The temporary suspension is to hold a national prayer ceremony on the occasion of the Koh Ker Temple’s inscription on the World Heritage List, the authority explained.The authority thus asked for cooperation from all ministries, national and international institutions, tour operators, local and foreign tourists, and the general public.Koh Ker archeological site was listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sept. 17, 2023, after the Royal Government of Cambodia formally summitted its request for the registration since January 2021.Koh Ker or Chok Gargyar, as it is known in Old Khmer inscriptions, is a 10th-century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire, situated in Preah Vihear, a northern part of Cambodia.
Cambodian PM Delivers Three Key Political Messages To International Community
Phnom Penh, September 25, 2023 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has sent three important political messages to the international community during his participation in the General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The three key messages make the international community better understand Cambodia's neutral and independent position on the international stage, stressed H.E. Jean-François Tan, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at a press conference at Phnom Penh International Airport this morning upon the return of the Premier and his spouse from New York.According to the minister delegate, the messages include: first, Cambodia, like other countries in the world, always promotes and upholds Cambodia's national interests; second, Cambodia strengthens existing friendships and is open to new friendships; and third, the most important one, Cambodia does not allow any foreign military bases on Cambodian territory, as stipulated in the Constitution.Therefore, H.E. Jean-François Tan underlined, the accusation around Ream military base for many years should come to an end, because Cambodia has already announced to the world about its neutral and independent position, taking the whole world as a witness.
Türkiye Suggests a Cooperation Agreement with Cambodian Health Ministry
Phnom Penh, September 26, 2023 --The Ministry of Health of Türkiye has suggested a cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Cambodia, mainly in human resource training, public health, hospital management, and research.The suggestion was made known by Turkish Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Ms. Ülkü Kocaefe while paying a courtesy call on Cambodian Ministry of Health H.E. Chheang Ra at the ministry yesterday.The Turkish side also sought the Cambodian Ministry of Health’s support in drafting an agreement on health cooperation between the two countries.Besides, the Turkish ambassador pledged to support the Ministry of Health's priority plans, and to strengthen and expand the Cambodia-Türkiye bilateral cooperation in the field of health by working closely with the technical team of the Ministry of Health.For his part, H.E. Chheang Ra thanked the Government of the Republic of Türkiye for its good diplomatic relations and contribution to the improvement of Cambodia’s health care system. He welcomed the Turkish side’s request for cooperation and asked the technical officials of the two countries’ Ministries of Health to discuss the cooperation agreement as soon as possible.H.E. Minister also thanked the Government and people Türkiye, especially H.E. Ambassador, for their support and contribution to the efforts of the Cambodian Ministry of Health to improve the well-being of the Cambodian people toward the achievement of universal health coverage.
Cambodia and Australia Launch Food Innovation Partnership to Support Agri-food SMEs
Phnom Penh, September 25, 2023 --Cambodia and Australia launched a new Food Innovation Partnership to support Cambodia’s agri-food small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop new products, meet food safety standards and improve their market reach.Launched here last Friday, the partnership is funded by the Royal Government of Cambodia through Khmer Enterprise, and the Australian Government through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED).This initiative will also collaborate with the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, the Royal University of Agriculture, the National University of Battambang, and the Kampong Speu Institute of Technology, according to a joint press release.The partnership focuses on Food Innovation Fund: Providing financial support to SMEs to develop new products, improve their market reach, or meet food safety standards, and Food Innovation Service Sector: Assisting SMEs in accessing food and technology services such as food processing, technology, market information, branding and packaging.It also targets Agri-Food Innovation Summit: Bringing together SMEs, researchers, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and ideas about food innovation.“Australia is committed to supporting the development of a vibrant agri-food sector that contributes to resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Cambodia,” said H.E Justin Whyatt, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia.“In line with Khmer Enterprise’s vision and mission to expand the market potential for SMEs both locally and internationally, this fund will help to level the playing field for Cambodian SMEs and give them the resources they need to succeed,” said H.E. Dr. Chhieng Vanmunin, Khmer Enterprise’s CEO.
Cambodia And Peru To Maintain Good Friendship And Cooperation
Phnom Penh, September 25, 2023 --Peru will continue its good cooperation with Cambodia for the interest of both nations and peoples, reaffirmed H.E. Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President of Peru, in a recent congratulatory message to Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.“I have the honour to address to Your Excellency in order to send you on behalf of the Peruvian government and people, as well as my own, our warmest congratulations for the beginning of your term as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,” she wrote.“On this special occasion, I wish to convey my best wishes for the success of your administration and to express my government's willingness for maintaining our bonds of friendship and cooperation between our nations, both bilateral and in the multilateral fora of which we are part, such as the Organisation of the United Nations, the Forum for Cooperation Latin America - East Asia (FOCALAE), and the fruitful dialogue established between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Alliance (PA) among others,” the Peruvian president underlined.Other world leaders, including those of Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Cyprus, Ghana, the Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Vietnam and so on, as well as presidents of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Commission and secretaries general of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have also sent their respective congratulatory messages to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.
Cambodia Supports Timor-Leste's Request Over Its Full Membership In ASEAN In 2025
Phnom Penh, September 24, 2023 --Timor-Leste has sought Cambodia's support for the determination of 2025 as the year Timor-Leste becomes a full-fledged ASEAN member, and Cambodia responded positively to the request.Cambodia's support was voiced by Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, during a meeting with H E. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, in New York in the afternoon of Sept. 22 (New York time) or in the early morning of September 23 (Phnom Penh time), on the sidelines of the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78).Cambodia will continue to support Timor-Leste, especially in preparing for ASEAN's full membership in the near future, reaffirmed Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.The Cambodian Premier also stressed that ASEAN should expand its membership to contribute to a stronger and more resilient region.Within the framework of bilateral cooperation, the two leaders further discussed the expansion of cooperation between Cambodia and Timor-Leste in a number of potential areas, such as tourism, agriculture and people-to-people connectivity.For his part, the Timorese president asked Cambodia to consider the possibility of joint investment and business in the aviation sector and the establishment of direct flights, which will further increase the closeness between the peoples and economies of the two countries.
PM: 7th Mandate Government To Continue Upholding “Peace” As Highest Value
Phnom Penh, September 21, 2023 --The Royal Government of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly will continue to uphold “peace” as the highest value and adhere to the slogan “Thanks, peace” of former Prime Minister, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.The commitment was reaffirmed by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in a message to his compatriots on the occasion of the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21.“Peace is not something that happens by chance,” he said. “In order to build peace, we must overcome all obstacles and adhere to the spirit of unity, solidarity and international fraternity. Wars, tragedy, division, and suffering that our nation has endured for more than two decades are unforgettable bitter lessons and experiences that make us all clearly understand the value of peace.”In the last 25 years, after the complete end of civil wars in 1998, he continued, peace has given Cambodia the opportunity to change its image under the cool shade of His Majesty the King. Moreover, Cambodia has been actively contributing to the world peacekeeping cooperation under the UN umbrella.According to the Premier, since 2006, Cambodia has deployed in total 9,205 peacekeepers, including 728 women, to UN peacekeeping missions in nine countries, including Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Mali, and Yemen. A total of 903 Cambodian troops (including 147 women) are currently on peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, Lebanon, Mali, Central African Republic, and Yemen.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that Cambodia has now taken successful steps to improve the well-being of its people by ensuring that no one is left behind. Cambodia is committed to double its efforts to set forth and carry out reform measures, such as the launch of the Pentagonal Strategy to boost economic growth, create jobs, ensure equity, increase efficiency and maintain sustainability in order to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030.The Premier also reiterated Cambodia’s readiness to welcome and cooperate with the UN system, development partners and other stakeholders to achieve these important tasks.This year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated under the theme “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals”.
U.S. Embassy Delegation Showcases U.S.-Cambodia Relations During “AmCam Friendship Week” To Siem Reap
Phnom Penh, September 21, 2023 --U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. W. Patrick Murphy led an Embassy-wide delegation of more than 60 American diplomats and local staff to Siem Reap province from September 18-22 to showcase and highlight the bilateral relationship, partnerships, and programming that promotes people-to-people ties during “America-Cambodia Friendship Week 2023.”According to the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh’s press release AKP received this morning, as a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to all Cambodian people, the delegation engaged with Siem Reap partners and stakeholders in public health, education, culture, business, youth, demining, law enforcement and security. “We are the U.S. Embassy to all of Cambodia’s 25 provinces,” H.E. Ambassador Murphy said. “We are thrilled to bring our team here to the northern provinces where we have a plethora of programmes and engagements with local partners on the ground.”America-Cambodia Friendship Week included officials from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of Defence, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and other agencies represented at the U.S. Embassy.Ambassador Murphy and Embassy staff engagements included meetings with provincial government officials, a Town Hall discussion with American citizens living in Siem Reap, an interaction with university students benefiting from improved IT curricula and kicking off a programme to empower women and youth through sports.The U.S. Embassy delegation also hosted a large reception held on Sept. 20 in Siem Reap to celebrate partners, U.S. government exchange programme alumni, and key interlocuters who are critical to maintaining the enduring ties between Cambodia and the United States.The weeklong schedule of outreach activities, official visits, and engagement with local partners in Siem Reap is a continuation of America-Cambodia 2023 (#AmCam2023) Friendship - a celebration of enduring people-to-people ties and opportunity to foster areas for cooperation between the United States and Cambodia.
Koh Ker Listed as a World Heritage Site
Phnom Penh, September 17, 2023 --Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province was listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this afternoon (Cambodian time), after the Royal Government of Cambodia formally summitted its request for the registration since January 2021.Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in a message to his compatriots extended his congratulations to this great achievement which is another national prestige on the international scene.The Premier also thanked all stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts for their tireless efforts in making the listing of Koh Ker Temple as a World Heritage Site a reality.Koh Ker or Chok Gargyar, as it is known in Old Khmer inscriptions, is a 10th-century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire, situated in Preah Vihear, a northern part of Cambodia.The densely forested site containing a total of 169 archaeological remains, including 76 temples, as well as civil structures, ponds, dykes, and ancient roads, is located centrally between three other Cambodian World Heritage Sites - Preah Vihear, Angkor, and Sambor Prei Kuk.Cambodia has so far registered Angkor Archaeological Site, Preah Reach Troap Dance (Royal Ballet); Lakhon Sbek Thom (big shadow puppet); the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple; Teanh Prot (tug-of-war), a popular recreational game; Chapei Dang Veng (a Cambodian two-stringed, long-necked guitar); Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay; and Kun Lbokator on the World Heritage List.
Ministry of Information Officially Celebrates Koh Ker Archeological Site’s Listing as a World Heritage Site
Phnom Penh, September 20, 2023—The Ministry of Information like other ministries and state institutions at both national and sub-national levels celebrate at the ministry this morning under the presidency of H.E. Minister Neth Pheaktra the inscription of Koh Ker Archeological Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 45th Session of World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sept. 17.
PM Calls for Attention to Demographic Policy
Phnom Penh, September 19, 2023 --Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has laid stress on the importance of demographic policy, underlining that Cambodia should not ignore the policy for 2050.Speaking at a get-together with some 18,000 workers and employees from 18 factories and enterprises in Bati district, Takeo province this morning, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said in response to the demographic concern by 2050, Cambodia should pay high attention to the demographic policy from now on.The Premier asked the Ministry of Planning to check the statistics whether or not the older population will be really high by 2050. If this is true, he continued, the ministry should consider the demographic balance.“Do not wait until 2050 when the country is prosperous, then no one wants to have children because it costs more to raise them,” he said.According to the UNFPA, the life expectancy at birth for male in Cambodia is 69 years old, while female is 74 years old, while fertility rate per woman is 2,3 percent. Besides, the population aged 10-24 is 26 percent, and 15-64 is 65 percent.
Over 20,000 Enterprises to Benefit from Electricity Price Cut
Phnom Penh, September 19, 2023 --About 21,000 enterprises, most of them are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will benefit from the reduction in electricity prices, said this morning Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.While holding a get-together with some 18,000 workers and employees from 18 factories and enterprises in Bati district, Takeo province, the Premier asked the Ministry of Mines and Energy to review electricity prices to help SMEs.The move will contribute to increasing the production of enterprises, particularly SMEs, Samdech Thipadei underlined.“I have asked H.E. Keo Rottanak (Minister of Mines and Energy) to check the price of electricity, whether it can be reduced to any level, especially for SMEs and handicrafts or factories, because when the price of electricity is low, they will increase their production,” said the Prime Minister.
Government Trained over 270,000 Workers in Past Five Years
Phnom Penh, September 19, 2023 --The Royal Government of Cambodia has equipped over 270,000 workers with the necessary formal skills for the job market from 2018 to 2022.The figure was shared in a report issued recently by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.For 2022 alone, 73,672 of the workers have completed their technical and vocational education and training, and 19,949 of them were female.Another 16,719 workers have graduated from levels 1, 2, and 3 of technical and vocational training during the same year.During the year, another 12,269 workers completed their university and associate degrees in technical skills.During the 7th mandate, the Royal Government has set an ambitious target to provide training for 1.5 million youth from poor and vulnerable families.
Two-Story Structure Discovered on Third Terrace of Bayon Temple
Phnom Penh, September 18, 2023 --APSARA National Authority's restoration team has discovered a new structure that was never known before, i.e. the construction of two overlapping stone walls on the third terrace of Bayon Temple.According to the authority’s news release issued this morning, this structure was found while the technical team was strengthening the temple’s structure on the third terrace.Miss Meng Sovanlylin, an architect and technician working on the third terrace of Bayon Temple, said this was the second time that technicians had found a two-story structure on the third terrace which differs from other ancient temples.This structure has one platform, and another platform has been built from the outside, and changes in the architectural layout during construction have also been noted, she added.Technicians have observed that the pre-built platform is less decorative, with only stone carvings, while the later-built platform has a more beautiful design.Architects have speculated that the addition of stone wall may have been due to the builders' change for a better design.
Cambodia, Turkey Committed to Promoting Collaboration
Phnom Penh, September 18, 2023 --Cambodia and Turkey have vowed to promote their collaboration, especially between the two countries' legislative and executive bodies.The commitment was made in a courtesy meeting between Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly (NA) of Cambodia and H.E. Ms. Ülkü Kocaefe, Turkish Ambassador to Cambodia, at the NA Palace in Phnom Penh this morning.Samdech Khuon Sudary underlined that Cambodia welcomed the strengthening and expansion of cooperation with Turkey as well as with other countries in order to achieve the 7th-mandate Royal Government’s plan to turn Cambodia into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050.The NA president congratulated H.E. Ms. Ülkü Kocaefe for her new role in Cambodia, stressing that the relations and cooperation between the two countries will be further deepened during her diplomatic mission in the Kingdom.She asked Turkey to boost trade, human resource training, women empowerment, especially the bilateral relations between the two nations' legislative bodies.H.E. Ms. Ülkü Kocaefe congratulated Samdech Thipadei Khuon Sudary on her role as the first female NA President in Cambodia; and appreciated her active contribution to enhancing Cambodian women’s capacity and women empowerment.The Turkish diplomat also spoke highly of the significant increase in bilateral trade volume and people-to-people relations. Up to now, 60 Cambodian students has been studying Turkish language at the Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Cultural Centre in Cambodia.Cambodia and Turkey have formed their diplomatic relations since 1959.