Cambodia Bags US$32 Million From Rice Exports In January

date_range 12-Feb-2024
visibility 3

Phnom Penh, February 12, 2024 --Cambodia exported 46,221 tonnes of milled rice in January 2024, a year-on-year increase of 25.2 percent from 36,900 tonnes recorded in the same period last year, according to a Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF)’s report.The Kingdom earned a total revenue of US$32.6 million from the export of the commodity, up 13 percent, the source said, adding that Cambodia's rice was shipped to 42 countries and regions.The European Union was the top buyer of the commodity in January with 25,005 tonnes, sharing 54 percent of total exports, followed by ASEAN countries purchasing 11,999 tonnes, and China and its autonomous regions 5,171 tonnes.The report stated that other destinations imported a total of 4,046 tonnes from Cambodia.Rice varieties the country exported included fragrant rice, organic rice, white rice, parboiled rice, and japonica rice, it pointed out.Cambodia also exported 588,814 tonnes of paddy rice, at an estimated value of US$184 million.Last year, the country exported 656,323 tonnes of milled rice, a year-on-year increase of 3 percent, generating US$466 million as revenue.

Nearly 300,000 people visit Sihanoukville during the three-day Chinese New Year, an increase of 17.49%

date_range 12-Feb-2024
visibility 6

Preah Sihanouk Province: Mr. Taing Socheth Krisna, Director of Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism, said that on the occasion of the three-day Chinese New Year, many national and international tourists came to visit Preah Sihanouk Province. From 09 to 11 February 2024, a total of 294,301 people, an increase of 17.49%, including 282,396 national visitors, an increase of 15.15% and 11,905 foreign visitors, an increase of 126.41 % and there are 303 passengers on the 6 flights, including 4 nationals and 299 internationals.Separately, international visitors entered the three cruise ships with a total of 3,719 passengers, 1,910 females and 1,814 crew, 377 females. At the same time, a total of 3,912 tourists visited the islands, an increase of 9.88% 1,797 national visitors, down 3.59% About 2,115 foreign visitors, an increase of 24.70%.A total of 290,086 tourists from beaches and resorts, an increase of 17.60%, of which 280,595 national visitors, an increase of 15.30% 9,491 foreign visitors, an increase of 187.25%.

Cambodia Records First Dolphin Calf This Year

date_range 12-Feb-2024
visibility 2

Phnom Penh, February 12, 2024 --A two-day-old dolphin calf has been found at Anlong Kampi pool in Sambok village, Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district, Kratie province.This is the first ever dolphin calf registered in Cambodia in 2024, said the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in a news release.According to the source, the newborn dolphin was spotted on Feb. 11 at 10:45 am by a river patrol team who then reported it to a research team.The calf was found swimming in a herd of six adults, the MAFF pointed out.Last year, eight dolphin calves were counted, up from six each in 2022 and 2021.The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are a living natural treasure of Cambodia and are fully protected under the Kingdom’s Fisheries Law. The population is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking for endangered species.According to WWF-Cambodia, the presence of the dolphin in the Mekong is an indication of healthy fisheries and healthy rivers, including biodiversity and natural ecosystems that provide life-support services for people.

Another Contingent Of Cambodian Peacekeepers Leave For Lebanon

date_range 09-Feb-2024
visibility 4

Phnom Penh, February 09, 2024 --Cambodian troop of multidisciplinary engineering unit No. 836 departed here for the Republic of Lebanon on Feb. 8.They were seen off at the airport by H.E. Gen. Sem Sovanny, Director General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mines, and ERW Clearance (NPMEC).Addressing the function, H.E. Gen. Sem Sovanny conveyed to them best wishes of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, H.E. Gen. Tea Seiha, and H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.The unit is led by a woman, which responds to the UN strategy aimed at empowering women, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to join the UN peacekeeping forces, as well as to the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to increase the participation of female peacekeepers to more than 20 percent, H.E. Gen. Sem Sovanny underlined.The multidisciplinary engineering unit No. 836 will replace their counterparts who successfully completed their mission under the UN umbrella in Lebanon, and returned home on Feb. 7.Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed a total of 9,465 peacekeepers, including 801 women, to 12 missions in 10 countries, including Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Mali, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Over 3,000 Square Kilometres Of Mines Cleared

date_range 09-Feb-2024
visibility 2

Phnom Penh, February 09, 2024 --Cambodia has so far cleared over 3,000 square kilometres of landmines, Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch, First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) in Siem Reap province, told reporters on Feb. 7.He added that with continuous outstanding achievement, Cambodia was elected to chair and host the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention, the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World in November 2024, with the participation of delegates from 164 countries and international organisations.Cambodia's peace, political stability, and social security were also considered when the Kingdom was elected for the role, he pointed out.Cambodia has demonstrated to the world that the country has ended the war and that people are living in peace, harmony, and prosperity, the senior minister underlined.According to H.E. Ly Thuch, Cambodia has cleared all landmines in 18 out of 25 provinces and capital and aims to achieve landmine-free status by 2025.

PM Hun Manet and Thai PM Agree to Raise Bilateral Relations

date_range 07-Feb-2024
visibility 3

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia Hun Manet (R) meets here this morning with HE Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, on the occasion of his official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand.HE Setha Thavisin welcomed the first official visit as Prime Minister of Samdech Hun Sen and a high-level delegation of the Royal Government of Cambodia in the Kingdom of Thailand. At the same time, HE Prime Minister emphasized that through the visit of the President on this occasion, the bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand will grow stronger.The Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at the bilateral meeting and thanked the Prime Minister of Thailand for his warm welcome on the first official visit of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on this occasion. The two counterparts praised the results of bilateral cooperation in the past and exchanged views on strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including politics, economy, defense, security, trade, investment, tourism, jobs, and the energy sector. Within the framework of strengthening political and diplomatic ties, the two counterparts agreed to upgrade the level of bilateral relations from "Strengthening Partnership for Peace and Prosperity" to "Strategic Partnership" for the mutual benefit of the nation and people of both countries.The two leaders also discussed regional and global affairs, expressing appreciation for mutual support in international forums, promoting cooperation in the fight against transnational crime and online fraud, and building the border between the two countries into a border of peace and prosperity.

PM: Royal Government Does Not Just Sit And Cry When Facing A Problem

date_range 06-Feb-2024
visibility 6

Phnom Penh, February 06, 2024 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, has reminded all stakeholders to further enhance and promote self-ownership for the sustainable economic development.Addressing the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation held here this morning, the Premier said in 1997, the poverty rate in Cambodia was at about 50 percent, but with over 20 years of full peace, the figure has dropped to only 17 percent.“Our poverty rate is supposed to drop to more than 17 percent, but the COVID-19 outbreak has increased the rate a bit. However, the Royal Government has never sat and cried, it has put forth stimulus mechanisms to ensure the sustainability in our nation,” he underlined.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Cambodia has used one hand to control the situation, and the other to strive to solve problems by setting up various mechanisms to maintain macroeconomic sustainability.“Macroeconomic situation cannot be stable if the lives of the people are not good [...] The Royal Government is always thinking of creating mechanisms and other conditions to ensure that the citizens can live on their own,” he said.The Prime Minister laid stress on the Royal Government’s attention and assistance to poor families, vulnerable groups and vulnerable households through social interventions.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet added that the Royal Government of the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly will continue to develop the social protection system in the country to be more concentrated, efficient, equitable and sustainable based on the spirit of not leaving any citizen behind.

Cambodia Hosts 10th World Cashew Conference In Siem Reap Province

date_range 02-Feb-2024
visibility 33

Phnom Penh, February 02, 2024 --Cambodia is hosting the 10th World Cashew Conference in Siem Reap province to increase awareness of the potential of cashew nuts among traders and businesspeople, both locally and internationally.The opening ceremony of the three-day conference was held on Feb. 1 under the presidency of H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, with the participation of H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, H.E. Hem Vandy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Siem Reap Provincial Governor H.E. Prak Sophorn, as well as relevant parties and foreign businesses.The purpose of the conference is to bring together stakeholders in the cashew industry to discuss and share experience to promote the cashew industry, to find regional and global markets, as well as to exhibit and build a global cashew network, said H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth.“The conference is attended by stakeholders in the cashew industry, both domestically and internationally, and create valuable opportunities to discuss and exchange information, knowledge and experience in the cashew industry, as well as opportunities for business matching between the participants in the conference,” he said.Cambodia has currently 472,946 hectares of cashew plantations and a total yield of 709,419 tonnes, while the export of raw cashew nuts to the international market is about 656,000 tonnes.Major markets for Cambodian raw cashew nuts include China, Japan, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and Thailand, whereas processed cashew nuts are exported to China, the Czech Republic, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and the U.S.Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to turn Cambodia into a world’s leading cashew processing and exporting country.Cambodia has raw materials, but limited processing capabilities, so the country is working hard to attract more investors to process local raw materials for export, thus generating jobs for the locals and adding value to the produce. 

Cambodia, WB To Boost Health Collaboration

date_range 01-Feb-2024
visibility 4

Phnom Penh, February 01, 2024 --Cambodia and the World Bank (WB) have vowed to further strengthen and expand their health collaboration, especially in ensuring the effectiveness of the existing cooperation projects.The commitment was made in a courtesy meeting between H.E. Koy Vanny, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Health and visiting Dr. Ronald Upenyu Mutasa, WB’s East Asia and Pacific Regional Operations Manager for Health, Nutrition and Population, in Phnom Penh on Jan. 31.Both sides discussed the outcomes, challenges and solutions of the ongoing projects, including Cambodian Nutrition Project, Strengthening Pre-Service Education System for Health Professionals Project, and the Health Equity and Quality Improvement Project-Phase 2 (H-EQIP-2).H.E. Koy Vanny spoke highly of the significance of the above-said projects in contribution to the achievement of the health strategic plan as well as health priorities toward the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in accordance with the Pentagonal Strategy of the 7th-mandate Royal Government of Cambodia.For his part, Dr. Ronald Upenyu Mutasa said the ongoing projects demonstrate the Royal Government’s commitment to enhancing the people’s health and the strong partnership between the WB and the Ministry of Health.

4th Council Election To Be Held In May

date_range 01-Feb-2024
visibility 2

Phnom Penh, February 01, 2024 --The 4th Capital, Provincial, Municipal, District and Khan Council Election will take place on Sunday, May 26, 2024.The update was shared by H.E. Chi Chamnan, Vice President of the National Election Committee (NEC), in a dissemination meeting with stakeholders in Phnom Penh on Jan. 31.H.E. Chi Chamnan called on political parties, concerned authorities, and stakeholders to exercise their respective roles and duties to ensure a smooth and successful election.The council election is a proportional, non-universal election in which members of the commune and Sangkat councils are voters for two councils, including the capital, provincial council; and municipal, district, and Khan council.There are 1,652 communes and 209 municipalities, districts, and khans for the election, he added.There are in total 11,622 voters who are members of the commune and Sangkat council, and there are 559 seats for members of the capital and provincial council and 3,641 seats for municipal, district, and khan council.

PM: Cambodia Should Revise National Economic Growth This Year

date_range 31-Jan-2024
visibility 12

Phnom Penh, January 31, 2024 --Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet this morning noted that this year, Cambodia should revise her national economic growth.Addressing the launching ceremony of the Special Programme to Promote Investment in Preah Sihanouk Province 2024, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said 2024 is the time to revise our economic growth.The global economy is projected to recover due to the improved U.S. economic situation as well as the economic intervention in China, but we have to pay attention to the insecurity issue in some areas, he said.In fact, the attack of Houthi – a rebel group in Yemen – in the Red Sea has also affected the transport of Cambodian goods, Samdech Thipadei pointed out.“We have to pay attention to this issue as Houthi’s attack caused our goods transport to change to new road where is 7,000 kilometres longer and the time is delayed up to 14 days,” he explained.In its Economic and Banking Industry Update issued early this week, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has projected the Cambodian economic growth at 6.4 percent in 2024, up from estimated 5.5 percent in 2023, mainly driven by tourism and manufacturing sector.The NBC said Tourism is expected to recover due to the improvement of tourism situation in the region as well as the continued development and improvement of infrastructure that will support the sector.Through the implementation of the new investment law, the manufacturing sector is expected to achieve better growth than 2023, especially non-garment manufacturing products, and the garment sector is expected to grow steadily.Agriculture is projected to grow slightly over 2023, benefiting from continued market diversification to the members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and bilateral free trade agreements, coupled with the Royal Government of Cambodia's support policy to boost production and markets.The construction and real estate sectors affected by the recent crisis are projected to continue to grow slowly, which will continue to be supported by public infrastructure development projects, coupled with a slow recovery in domestic demand focused on affordable housing, while demand for luxury construction serving non-residents is expected to remain weak.Inflation in 2024 is projected to be 2.5 percent slightly higher than in 2023, mainly due to expectations that global crude oil prices may rise after oil exporters plan to cut supplies.

Cambodia Preparing Two Kinds Of Special Economic Zones

date_range 31-Jan-2024
visibility 2

Phnom Penh, January 31, 2024 --To diversify the economic potential, the Royal Government of Cambodia has been preparing two more kinds of special economic zones (SEZs) to attract more specific investment.At the launching ceremony of the Special Programme to Promote Investment in Preah Sihanouk Province 2024, held in Sihanoukville this morning, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the Royal Government is formulating a policy for the establishment of the two specialised SEZs.The Cambodian Premier mentioned that one of two SEZs will be for green technology and industry as well as digital development, while the other for a particular investor.“Now, we have many SEZs, but we have to diversify our potential for our economic growth,” he underlined.Cambodia has some 50 SEZs, most of them are located along the border provinces with neighbouring nations, especially Thailand and Vietnam.

Cambodia, Vietnam Speak Highly Of Military Collaboration

date_range 31-Jan-2024
visibility 3

Phnom Penh, January 31, 2024 --Cambodia and Vietnam have spoken highly of good cooperation between the two countries' armies.The appreciation was exchanged in a meeting between H.E. Gen. Chhum Socheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia, and H.E. Senior Lt. Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan Defence Deputy Ministers' Meeting in Tokyo on Jan. 29.H.E. Senior Lt. Hoang Xuan Chien informed H.E. Gen. Chhum Socheat about the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence's intention to invite Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence H.E. Tea Seiha to pay an official visit to Vietnam later this year to join the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the birth of the Vietnamese army and the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnamese national rescue movement.Vietnam is ready to welcome Cambodian trainees to get long- and short-term training in Vietnam per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two countries signed in 2023.H.E. Gen. Chhum Socheat lauded the fruitful cooperation between the two countries' national defence sectors and emphasised the unseparated relations among the two nations.He supported Vietnam's initiative under the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) on the hosting of the ASEAN flag at the Military Unit Compound of ASEAN member countries participating in the UN peacekeeping operation.They also pledged to support Laos as the chair of ADMM 2024 and were committed to implementing the cooperation plan for 2021-2024 effectively, as well as its cooperation plan next step for 2025-2029. 

Specialized Team Assessing Biodiversity In Cambodia's Karst Hill Landscapes

date_range 30-Jan-2024
visibility 6

Phnom Penh, January 30, 2024 --Fauna & Flora Cambodia is assessing biodiversity to determine the presence of wildlife species inhabiting areas in Banan district of Battambang and Thalaborivat district of Stung Treng province.The wildlife conservation organisation shared the work recently, stressing that it was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and local authorities.The studies, using 30 camera traps, focus on the limestone karst hill landscapes of the areas considered to have the largest colonies of wrinkle-lipped bats.The studies are funded by the European Union under the Biodiversity Conservation to Mitigate the Risks of Emerging Infectious Diseases Project.The study team installed the camera traps across these karst hills from Jan. 16 to 24, and the cameras will be kept there over the next six months for continual monitoring.The findings from this study, according to the team, will be further used to designate key biodiversity areas and support the development of karst conservation and management planning that can help mitigate the risk of emerging infectious zoonotic diseases. 

Samdech Techo Hun Sen Receives Chairman Of UPF

date_range 29-Jan-2024
visibility 5

Phnom Penh, January 29, 2024—Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen (R, Pic. 1), President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King and President of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), shakes hands with visiting H.E. Dr. Charles S. Yang, Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), prior to their meeting at the January 7 Palace in Phnom Penh this morning.

Cambodia’s Song Saa Private Island Recorded In Gold List 2024 As A Best Seaside Resort In Asia

date_range 26-Jan-2024
visibility 8

Phnom Penh, January 26, 2024 --The Song Saa private island of the Kingdom of Cambodia is recognised among the Best Hotels and Resorts in Asia: The Gold List 2024, according to the Condé Nast Traveller (CNT), a luxury travel magazine.“Like many of the world’s greatest private island retreats, southern Cambodia’s Song Saa has all the trimmings of a tropical fantasy: there are stilted wooden pathways snaking to overwater villas, and private-pooled hideaways burrowed in the thick jungle cloaking the island’s hilly spine,” one of the CNT’s editors commented.“At breakfast, shoals of silvery fish shimmer like fine jewels in the glassy swell below my feet. And when the sun beams overhead, skinny palms leave shadowy patterns on the talcum-white sand hemming the snug, lounger-dotted bay,” he added.“Cambodia’s coastal regions might be plagued by overdevelopment, but Song Saa’s blueprint for mindful hospitality delivers a glimmer of hope,” wrote the editor.Song Saa Private Island is a haven of sustainable luxury nestled in the undiscovered beauty of Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago. By Phal Sophanith,

Cambodian PM Inspects The Troops Of Royal Cambodian Army

date_range 24-Jan-2024
visibility 3

Phnom Penh, January 24, 2024—Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet (Pic. 1), Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, reviews the guard of honour and rides on the open roof vehicle to inspect the troops while he was presiding over the celebration of the 25th Founding Anniversary of the Royal Cambodian Army Command (Jan. 24, 1999-Jan. 24, 2024), in Khan Kambol, Phnom Penh this morning.

Former PM Receives Executive Secretary of UN-ESCAP

date_range 22-Jan-2024
visibility 2

Phnom Penh, January 22, 2024 --Former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, received here at the January 7 Palace this morning visiting H.E. Dr. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP).In the courtesy meeting, H.E. Dr. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana thanked Samdech Techo Hun Sen as well as the National Committee for ESCAP led by Senior Minister H.E. Ly Thuch for their good cooperation with UN-ESCAP.She lauded the progress in all domains, particularly the socio-economic development, in Cambodia adding that since 2019, she paid three visits to the Kingdom.Moreover, H.E. Dr. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana asked Samdech Techo Hun Sen to share his vision on some priority areas, regional and international issues, and future cooperation with UN-ESCAP.In reply, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, also President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, highlighted two important priorities: 1, Cambodia continues to maintain peace, political stability for growth and socio-economic development, and 2, Cambodia focuses on socio-economic development and does her best to have sustainable development and enhance people's living standard.

PM Congratulates the Winners of National Dictation Contest

date_range 22-Jan-2024
visibility 3

Phnom Penh, January 21, 2024 --Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet this evening expressed his congratulations to the three winners of the National Public Dictation Contest under the theme “Angkor Writing.”The event, the first ever of its kind, was held at the Angkor Wat Temple causeway bridge, known as Spean Harl, in Siem Reap province this morning under the presidency of H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, with the participation of 800 candidates aged between 12 and 60 years old from across the country.The first winner is Mr. Cheng Ratana while the two runners up are Mr. Vorn Vida and Miss Yoap Sokheak.According to the Premier, the event is aimed at inspiring Cambodian children to love Cambodian literature, as well as promoting Angkor area, a world's great resort, associated with the beautiful cultural realities of the Kingdom of Cambodia.This is also linked to the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1 of the 7th-mandate Royal Government, focusing on the development of human capital, which is an indispensable catalyst in economic diversification to achieve Cambodia’s ambition of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050, he underlined.Samdech Thipadei also highly valued all stakeholders for organising the event with the spirit of strengthening the general knowledge, national identity, solidarity, as well as enhancing Cambodian literature.

Cambodia Welcomes 5.4 Million Foreign Tourists in 2023

date_range 19-Jan-2024
visibility 4

Phnom Penh, January 19, 2024 --Cambodia attracted some 5.43 million international tourists in 2023, a sharp increase of 139 percent from 2.27 million in 2022, Ministry of Tourism pointed out in a report on Friday.Thailand topped the chart among the foreign arrivals to the Kingdom with 1.82 million, followed by Vietnam (1.01 million), China (547,789), Laos (372,285) and the U.S. (184,780), the source underlined.A total of 1.86 million foreign tourists arrived in Cambodia via the three international airports, while the rest entered the country through border gates and by waterway, it added.Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy, in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate.According to the Ministry of Tourism, the number of international visitors to Cambodia is predicted to reach 7 million by 2025, surpassing the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level of 6.6 million in 2019.Cambodia is well known for its world cultural heritage sites, namely the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, the Preah Vihear Temple and Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province, and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site in Kampong Thom province.Besides, the Kingdom has a 450-kilometre-long pristine coastline stretching across four southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong.Last year, the number of Cambodian outbound tourists increased by 87 percent to 1.81 million, stated the report.