His Majesty The King Appoints H.E. Dr. Hun Manet As New Prime Minister Of Cambodia
Phnom Penh, August 07, 2023 --His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, has appointed H.E. Dr. Hun Manet as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for the 7th legislature of National Assembly.The appointment was made in a royal decree signed by His Majesty the King on Aug. 7.The newly appointed Prime Minister is responsible for preparing the composition of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia for a vote of confidence from the National Assembly, the royal decree stated.H.E. Dr. Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, gained support from the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) that won a landslide victory during the July National Election as the future Prime Minister candidate in December 2021.H.E. Dr. Hun Manet was born on Oct. 20, 1977 in Koh Thmar village, Memut district, Kampong Cham province (now Thbong Khmum province) during the Khmer Rouge rule of Cambodia. He married to Pich Chanmony with two daughters and one son.
Traffic Accidents Drop by Four Percent in First Half
Phnom Penh, August 04, 2023 --A total of 1,548 cases of road accidents were recorded in the first six months of this year, a decline of 4 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a report of the General Commissariat of National Police released yesterday.The accidents claimed 756 lives and injured 2,072 others, a year-on-year decrease of 20 percent and 7 percent, respectively, the same source pointed out, stressing that more than half of the accidents occurred at night.Excessive speeding, disrespect of the priority rights, drink driving, not wearing helmet, overtaking and turning in dangerous situation are among the major causes of road accidents in Cambodia.Competent authorities once again urged for the public's attention to the respect of traffic laws.
H.E. Dr. Hun Manet to Become New Prime Minister of Cambodia from Aug. 22
Phnom Penh, July 26, 2023 --Caretaker Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has officially confirmed that he will not continue to be the Prime Minister of Cambodia and H.E. Dr. Hun Manet, his eldest son, will become the new Prime Minister from Aug. 22 onward.“Hun Manet will begin his post as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia from the evening of Aug. 22, 2023 onward,” said Samdech Techo Hun Sen in a special statement aired on the National Television of Cambodia (TVK) this afternoon.“Since I took the post of Prime Minister on Jan. 14, 1985 until Aug. 22, 2023, I have been in office for 14,099 days or 2,014 weeks or 463 months or 38 years 7 months and 8 days,” he underlined.According to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, despite his resignation, he will continue his political career as the President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), a member of the National Assembly and President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty King, then President of the Senate after the Senate Election on Feb. 25, 2024.“Therefore, I will continue to have the possibility to serve the people and help the government in maintaining peace, security, order and contribute to the country development, as well as assist His Majesty the King when he is absent,” he said. “I will not interfere in the affairs of the new Prime Minister or the new government, there is a clear separation between the legislative and executive bodies.”Other dignitaries such as Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly; Samdech Krolahom Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior; Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence; and Samdech Men Sam An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection, will be also appointed members of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King.H.E. Dr. Hun Manet, current Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, gained support from the ruling CPP as the future Prime Minister candidate in December 2021.H.E. Dr. Hun Manet was born on Oct. 20, 1977 in Koh Thmar village, Memot district, Kampong Cham province (now Thbong Khmum province) during the Khmer Rouge rule of Cambodia. He married to Pich Chanmony with two daughters and one son.
Cambodia to Host 39th WAGGGS Conference in 2026
Phnom Penh, July 31, 2023 --Cambodia has been elected to be the host of the 39th World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Conference (39th WAGGGS Conference) in 2026.The election took place during the 38th WAGGGS Conference held from July 26 to 31, 2023 in the Republic of Cyprus, said the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC) in an announcement released tonight.On his social media networks, H.E. Dr. Hun Manet, incoming Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, commended the GGAC team for their hard work in achieving this brilliant result for the nation.He also thanked his compatriots for their online support for Cambodia’s candidacy for the 39th WAGGGS Conference host.A delegation of GGAC attending the 38th WAGGGS Conference was led by H.E. Ms. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, General Commissioner of GGAC.The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Conference has members from 169 countries around world.(Photo: GGAC)
More Trees and Grasses Planted at Angkor Area
Phnom Penh, August 03, 2023 --The APSARA National Authority, in collaboration with Manulife Cambodia, on Aug. 3 planted additional grasses and trees in the northwest corner of Angkor Wat's moat to make the Angkor World Heritage Site more beautiful in all seasons.According to the authority’s news release this afternoon, the event was presided over by H.E. Long Kosal, Deputy Director General, representative of H.E. Dr. Hang Peou, Director General of APSARA National Authority, Ms. Kan Nara, Managing Director of the Department of Consumer and Marketing of Manulife Cambodia, and staff from both institutions.Ms. Kan Nara reaffirmed Manulife Cambodia’s commitment to support the tree and grass planting campaign with the APSARA National Authority, stressing that the campaign has contributed to increasing green cover in the Angkor area. Trees and grass are important sources of resistance to climate change and reduce the erosion of our ancient temples, she said.H.E. Long Kosal said on that occasion that the preservation of the nation's cultural heritage is the role of every Cambodian. Each year, through the specialised department, thousands of saplings are planted in the Angkor area and distributed to public and private institutions to continue planting to increase forest cover in the country.H.E. Long Kosal thanked and warmly welcomed the presence of Manulife Cambodia Co., Ltd. for planting grass and trees at the Angkor site.The trees and grass were planted on the vacant land from which some people had volunteered to move to a new place provided by the Royal Government.
Cambodia Earns at Least 44 Medals at 20th World Police & Fire Games 2023 as of Aug. 3
Phnom Penh, August 03, 2023 --Cambodia has won at least 44 medals – 21 gold, 16 silver and 7 bronze – in Wrestling, Swimming, Karate, Judo, Weightlifting, Volleyball and Table Tennis from the ongoing 20th World Police & Fire Games 2023 in Winnipeg, Canada as of Aug. 3.Of the medals, 15 were grabbed in Swimming, 11 in Wrestling, 8 in Karate, 5 in Table Tennis, 2 each in Judo and Weightlifting, and 1 in Volleyball.Taking Place from July 28 to Aug. 6, the World Police & Fire Games 2023 attracted some 8,500 athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters and police officers from more than 60 countries across the world to compete in 63 sports.Cambodia dispatched a delegation of 48 members, including delegates, coaches and athletes to contest in 13 sports at the games.
Cambodia, Thailand Discussed Labour and Vocational Training
Phnom Penh, August 04, 2023 --The Cambodian Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, H.E. Ith Samheng, received H.E. Cherdkiat Atthakor, Ambassador of Thailand to Cambodia, on Aug. 3 to discuss labour and vocational training cooperation. H.E. Ith Samheng thanked the Government of Thailand for the opportunity for Cambodians to work in Thailand and for taking good care of the workers in the country.He added that while accumulating overseas experience and new skills and generating income for their families, the Cambodian migrant workers also contribute significantly to Thailand's economy, which is a win-win process. There are jobs with decent incomes in Cambodia, but some workers prefer to work in Thailand as well as other countries, so the Cambodian government respects their choice, he said. The two sides also discussed measures to encourage the use of the banking system for the payment and remittance of Cambodian migrant workers.On vocational training, H.E. Ith Samheng spoke highly of the Government of Thailand for providing scholarships to Cambodian students as well as the establishment of the Cambodia-Thailand Poun Phnom Friendship Development Institute for technical skill training for Cambodians. He encouraged the Ambassador to consider focusing more on badly needed skills such as electrical engineering, civil construction, automotive, cooling technology, information technology, and professional office work.The two delegates agreed that bilateral labour and vocational training cooperation has crucially contributed to strengthening political, economic, social, cultural, and people-to-people relations between the two neighbours.
Indonesia's Trade and Tourism Fair Kicks Off in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, August 04, 2023 --The 14th Indonesian Trade and Tourism Promotion (ITTP 2023) kicked off at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh this morning, contributing to enhancing trade ties and tourism sector between the two countries – Cambodia and Indonesia.The official opening ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Chhoun Dara, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, H.E. Thong Rathasak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, and H.E. Mrs. Lauti Nia Astri, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Cambodia, as well as representatives of private sector.Speaking at the function, H.E. Chhoun Dara laid stress on the importance of ITTP 2023 in promoting and enhancing the values of all-round cooperation between Cambodia and Indonesia for a stronger and deeper friendship.“The ITTP will be a platform of sharing business opportunities, investment, tourism and seeking cooperation for common interest within the framework of free trade agreements and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership,” he said.H.E. Mrs. Lauti Nia Astri said that some 50 companies in the fields of food, clothing and tourism services, as well as other cultural and entertainment activities joined the three-day fair. “The event will create networking opportunities for travel agents to build their business relationships to promote tourism of both countries,” she underlined.ITTP is an integrated promotional event held annually by the embassy since 2006 to promote Indonesia in various fields, namely trade, tourism, education opportunity, arts, culture and culinary, the embassy’s statement said.Under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation Through Collaboration”, ITTP 2023 is aimed to foster collaboration not only between government-to-government but also people-to-people to boost bilateral cooperation in many sectors and bring Indonesia closer to Cambodian people.Run till Aug. 6, ITTP has various activities ranging from Indonesian products exhibition and selling, tourism promotion, business matching as well as many various attractive and engaging cultural events such as cooking and karaoke competition, fashion show, music and dance performance, games and quiz.The bilateral trade between Cambodia and Indonesia was amounted to US$594 million in the first half of this year, a 27.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise’s report.
L'Australie restitue trois sculptures au Cambodge
Phnom Penh, le 04 août 2023 --La Galerie nationale d'Australie à Canberra a récemment restitué trois sculptures en bronze de sa collection asiatique au Cambodge, marquant le premier exemple d'un tel retour par la Galerie, a annoncé jeudi l'ambassade d'Australie à Phnom Penh.Justin Kevin Whyatt, ambassadeur australien au Cambodge, a eu la chance de rencontrer l'équipe cambodgienne avant de se rendre en Australie pour la cérémonie de remise de ces sculptures, a fait savoir la même source.« L'Australie et le Cambodge partagent une longue histoire depuis plus de sept décennies et le retour de ces sculptures est un exemple de notre collaboration de longue date. C'est un honneur de pouvoir protéger son patrimoine culturel qui est une identité du pays », a souligné l'ambassade.Le Cambodge a jusqu'à présent récupéré des objets d’art pillés de la part des Etats-Unis, du Royaume-Uni, etc. et des collectionneurs privés pour restaurer l'âme de la culture du Royaume.
MRC Launches Television Channel on Flood and Drought Risks
Phnom Penh, August 04, 2023 --The Mekong River Commission (MRC) said Friday it had set up a television channel on Facebook and YouTube to improve public awareness of flood and drought risks in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB).“The launch of the MRC TV Channel on Flood and Drought Forecasting is a part of our continued efforts to bring updated and useful information on flood and drought risks to people in the Basin in a more accessible way,” said Anoulak Kittikhoun, chief executive of the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane.“We hope the channel, in addition to our website updates, can effectively reach millions more people living along the Mekong River.”Starting in July, the channel provides weekly updates on water levels and flows along with forecasts for flood and drought risks.The four-minute broadcasts — in English with subtitles in Khmer, Lao, Thai and Vietnamese — run every Monday during the wet season. The MRC noted that the Mekong’s annual flooding drives fisheries, maintains river morphology and deposits sediments that improve soil fertility. But the flooding can also endanger lives and damage infrastructure, settlements and essential services. MORE SEVERE DROUGHTS EXPECTEDAs for droughts, “the duration and magnitude of drought impacts have significantly increased over the past two decades,” the MRC said.“With different climate scenarios, the LMB is likely to see more severe droughts in the future due to less precipitation, high air temperature, and high evapotranspiration.“The increase in population relying on Mekong water also increases water demands from all sectors.” DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSEThe MRC said it was seeking support from public figures and influencers from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to promote the new channel to a wider audience.“This will help support disaster management and emergency response, and contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable Mekong River Basin,” it said.The MRC has already engaged H’Hen Nie — Miss Universe Viet Nam 2017 — to promote the broadcast initiative.
Cambodia, Thailand Foster Cooperation on Peacekeeping
Phnom Penh, August 04, 2023 --Cambodia and Thailand have pledged to further promote bilateral cooperation on peacekeeping and land, air, and naval forces. The pledge was made in the 7th Senior Cambodian-Thai Chief of Staff Meeting co-chaired by Gen. Ith Sarath, Joint Chief of Staff of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), and Gen. Thitichai Tiantong, Chief of Joint Staff of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, in Phnom Penh on Aug. 3. Gen. Ith Sarath was very positive that the meeting would not only yield practical results but also further boost cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.The two also discussed initiatives for intimate collaboration for peacekeeping within the two countries as well as the region.
Germany to Provide Over US$2 Million to Support Humanitarian Demining in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, August 04, 2023 --The Government of Germany will provide a grant of USS$ 2,100,000 to support humanitarian demining in Cambodia.The signing ceremony will be taking place in the second week of August 2023, under the presidency of H.E. Heng Ratana, Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and Mr. Rune Kristian Dele-Andresen, Country Director of the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) at the CMAC’s eadquarters in Phnom Penh.According to a press release of CMAC, the project is to release around, 1,600 hectares of landmine contaminated areas, and provide mine risk education as well as victim assistance in the northern provinces namely Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear.The 16-month project is in line with the National Mine Action Strategy to achieve “Cambodia Mine-Free 2025,” it added.
Cambodian Scout Leaders Attend 25th World Scout Jamboree
Phnom Penh, August 03, 2023 --Other 18 Cambodian national scout leaders left Phnom Penh on Aug. 2 for the 25th World Scout Jamboree from Aug. 1 to 12 in the Republic of Korea. The delegation head of the Cambodian national scout leaders is H.E. Mrs. Kim Sethany, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and Vice President of the Cambodia Scouts. As planned, the Cambodian national scout leaders will have meetings with leaders of the Korea Scout Association, the Secretary General of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, and the Director of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office; participate in the official opening ceremony of the 25th World Scout Jamboree; and draw experience from the event.It is the sixth time that Cambodian Scouts have joined the international event, and on July 30, Cambodia dispatched 47 young scouts to join the event. Organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the World Scout Jamboree is the world's largest youth camp, held every four years. Tens of thousands of young people and leaders from 150 countries share culture, experience, and friendship and put concrete global citizenship into practice.
Cambodia Sees Significant Increase in Digital Payments
Phnom Penh, August 02, 2023 --Cambodia has recorded a sharp rise in mobile payments as more and more people have turned from cash-based to digital transaction options, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) said.The number of registered e-wallet accounts increased to 20.2 million as of June this year, read the report.The total number of transactions jumped to 333.7 million in the first half of this year from 211.2 million in the same period in 2022 with a total amount of US$58.2 billion, a year-on-year increase of 98.3 percent, it pointed out.Cambodia's payment system has been modernised by incorporating a series of new technologies aimed at enhancing payment efficiency and security to facilitate the exchange of goods and services more easily and quickly, improve the financial environment and support the integration of payment systems into the region, said recently outgoing NBC Governor H.E. Chea Chanto.“Inter-bank payments in Cambodia have become easier, in response to changes in the behaviour of companies, enterprises and consumers, who increasingly rely on online shopping and electronic payments in the age of digital technology,” he said.NBC’s report stated that 35 payment service institutions (PSIs) have been licensed and two banking and financial institutions (BFIs) have been authorised to operate payment businesses.
This is the Right Time to Step Down, Says Outgoing PM
Phnom Penh, August 03, 2023 --Outgoing Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen this morning affirmed that this is the right time for him to step down.At the inauguration ceremony of the third ring road held in Kandal province, Samdech Techo Hun Sen explained that his decision on July 26, 2023 is a decision for long-term prosperity, peace and development of the nation.“Transferring the power to my successor this time is safer than when I was old or dead,” he stressed. The outgoing Premier said rumors on who is his successor have aroused a lot of interest since 2015 or 2016.Samdech Techo Hun Sen has officially confirmed that he will not continue to be the Prime Minister of Cambodia and H.E. Dr. Hun Manet, his eldest son, will become the new Prime Minister from Aug. 22 onward.Samdech Techo Hun Sen has held this position since Jan. 14, 1985. He has thus been in office for 14,099 days or 2,014 weeks or 463 months or 38 years 7 months and 8 days.
JICA to Further Deepen Cambodia-Japan Ties
Phnom Penh, August 01, 2023 --Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has pledged to continue tightening the relationship and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan after 30 years of presence in Cambodia.“I promise you that JICA will always be within your reach, walk with you, and will continue our efforts to deepen ‘Kizuna’ between Japan and Cambodia,” said Mr. SANUI Kazumasa, the Chief Representative of JICA Cambodia Office in a message on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of JICA Cambodia Office.His full message reads as follows:“The year 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia, as well as the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the JICA Cambodia Office. I feel honored to be appointed as the chief representative of the JICA Cambodia Office on such an important milestone.We are proud that we have contributed to building strong friendships with the people of Cambodia through various cooperation projects. Among those, water supply projects called the "Miracle of Phnom Penh", two river-crossings depicted on banknotes, and more than 20-year-long support for civil laws are now known around the world. Today, we continue to develop many projects in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, health, education, environment, rural development, and so on.We believe that many of our business opportunities are the result of relationships of trust that have been nurtured over the decades. We will continue to act with the people of Cambodia, not only to pursue the results of our projects, but also to think about the future together with them in the process of our project implementation.The world is currently facing a compound crisis involving pandemics, conflicts, and climate change, and Cambodia has been significantly affected by these crises. This difficult situation has made us more aware of domestic challenges such as the lack of public services and disparities that have existed since before. At the same time, in a world where the future is difficult to predict, we have been forced to deal with global issues such as securing stable supplies of natural resources and energy and restructuring supply chains.In addition to conventional efforts to meet these challenges, it is necessary to create unprecedented solutions using new ideas and technologies. Additionally, creating an environment in which the public and private sectors can cooperate, further leverage their respective strengths. To this end, we will also need a place where everyone can obtain information and understand the situation correctly.We at JICA will work to create an environment in which people with ideas and solutions can participate by opening relevant information as well as business opportunities to the public. By acting as an information hub and sparking activities from multiple perspectives, we will aim to have a greater impact than ever before and contribute to the creation of a sustainable and prosperous society.I promise you that JICA will always be within your reach, walk with you, and will continue our efforts to deepen ‘Kizuna’ between Japan and Cambodia.”
Over 2.6 Million Tourists Visit Angkor Resort in First Seven Months
Phnom Penh, August 01, 2023 --Some 2,643,000 national and international tourists visited the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap province in the first seven months of this year.The figure was shared this morning by Mr. Seng Sotheara, Director of Tourism Development and Culture Department at the APSARA National Authority.Of the number, 2,203,696 were national visitors and 439,365 were foreign tourists, he pointed out, adding that in 2022, only 83,854 international visitors were registered at the Angkor Archeological Park.Mr. Seng Sotheara was optimistic that the number of tourists will keep rising, especially after the official launch of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport in mid-October.According to Angkor Enterprise, the state-owned institution in charge of Angkor income management, in July 2023, Angkor entrance tickets were sold to 53,596 foreign tourists, a year-on-year increase of more than 124 percent, generating a total revenue of US$2,439,927, up 154 percent.Over US$107,000 were donated to Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation in July to support the humanitarian operations of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals.
Indonesia's Trade and Tourism Fair to Kick off in Phnom Penh This Week
Phnom Penh, August 01, 2023 --The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh will organise the 14th Indonesian Trade and Tourism Promotion (ITTP 2023) here at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centreon Aug. 4-6, 2023.ITTP is an integrated promotional event that is annually held by the embassy since 2006 to promote Indonesia in various fields, namely trade, tourism, education opportunity, arts, culture and culinary, the embasay's statement stated.Under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation Through Collaboration”, ITTP 2023 is aimed to foster collaboration not only between government-to-government but also people-to-people to boost bilateral cooperation in many sectors and bring Indonesia closer to Cambodian people.ITTP has various activities ranging from Indonesian products exhibition and selling, tourism promotion, business matching as well as many various attractive and engaging cultural events such as cooking and karaoke competition, fashion show, music and dance performance, games and quiz.ITTP 2023 will host 17 Indonesian companies, 15 Indonesian products importers/distributors in Cambodia, 2 Indonesian well-known universities as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia and Provincial Government of West Sumatra.
Cambodia Scouts Joins World Scout Jamboree in South Korea
Phnom Penh, July 31, 2023 --A contingent of Cambodia Scouts left here last night for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in the Republic of Korea to be held from Aug. 1 to 12, 2023.It is the sixth time that Cambodia Scouts attends such international event, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) pointed out.Earlier on the same day, the source added, the contingent of Cambodia Scouts led by its Vice President H.E. Ms. Kim Sethany paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of MoEYS and President of Cambodia Scouts.On the occasion, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron advised the youth scout delegates to maintain and enhance the national value and dignity as a whole and the honour of Cambodian youth scouts in particular by participating in all activities in the camp, learn new skills and become a goodwill ambassador in promoting the Cambodian culture to the international arena through good communication in a spirit of friendship and peace with camp members from other countries.Cambodia dispatched 47 young scouts to join the 25th World Scout Jamboree, while senior delegates will participate in the event as guests of honour in the opening ceremony, to coordinate, examine and evaluate the participation and organisation of the programme.According to an online source, organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the World Scout Jamboree is the world's largest youth camp held every four years. Tens of thousands of young people and leaders from 150 countries share culture, experience, and friendship and put a concrete global citizenship into practice.
Cambodian Economy in H1 Remains Healthy
Phnom Penh, July 31, 2023 --Cambodia continued to achieve a positive economic growth in the first six months of this year, said the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)’s report released at a recapitulative meeting being held on July 30-31 in Preah Sihanouk province.Cambodia’s economic growth was supported by high growth of tourism sector, continued growth in agriculture, and signs of recovery of construction sector despite the decrease in manufacturing sector due to the decline of external demands, explained the central bank.In the first half of 2023, the inflation rate dropped to 1.2 percent from 4.1 percent in the second half of 2022, it pointed out.During the same period, the exchange rate continued to remain stable, at 4,094 Riel for a U.S. dollar, while foreign reserves reached US$18.4 billion, equal to seven months of imports and services.The NBC has forecast the country’s economic growth at 5.5 percent in 2023, with an expected yearly inflation rate at 2 percent.The economic growth of Cambodia in 2022 was estimated at 5.2 percent, supported by export growth, resumption of domestic economic activities, and rapid recovery of tourism.