Cambodia Fostering Development of Food Standards Throughout Food Chain
Phnom Penh, August 16, 2023 --Cambodia is committed to ensuring that its food supply is safe and healthy for all Cambodians, leading to safe and healthy diets, said H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries during the World Food Safety Day celebration held here on Wednesday.“We are committed to ensuring that our food supply is safe and healthy for all Cambodians through a multisectoral approach, which will lead to safe and healthy diets, accessible through proper pricing and responsive to all forms of nutrition issues,” he said.However, this task requires good stakeholder cooperation and a willingness among respective stakeholders to implement relevant food safety practices. These stakeholders should comprise consumers, the private sector and Government from the national and sub-national levels, he said.This is Cambodia's second World Food Safety Day celebration held under the theme "Food Standards Save Lives", as organised under the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD).Food safety, nutrition and food security not only contribute to the health and wellbeing of a population, but also support national economies, stimulating sustainable development, said Dr. Nargiza Khodjaeva, Acting WHO Representative to Cambodia."While globally, Southeast Asia has some of the highest incidences and death rates related to food borne illness, the positive steps the Royal Government of Cambodia has made to strengthen food safety to date will help safeguard human health for all Cambodians," Dr. Nargiza Khodjaeva said. Narin SOK, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Country Representative, said through the European Union (EU) funding, we are implementing the food safety systems in the fisheries sector, harmonising with EU requirements, which could be replicated in other sectors."Cambodia's food processing industry has the potential for economic development. The government strives to improve food safety and standards as the country enters the global market. We are currently assisting in developing a legal framework and control system, while building capacity to ensure food standards are improved and public health requirements are met,” he said.Three hundred stakeholders in agriculture, food and nutrition came together on Aug. 16, 2023 in Phnom Penh, for Cambodia's World Food Safety Day commemoration, aimed at drawing attention and inspiring action on food safety.
Australia Helping Cambodian Farmers to Improve Their Agricultural Productivity
Phnom Penh, August 16, 2023 --The Government of Australia is helping Cambodian farmers to improve their agricultural productivity by enhancing the Skouy breed of chicken.According to a news release of the Australian Embassy this morning, the Skouy breed, locally known as “Morn Srae” is popular for its delicious meat and excellent egg-laying ability.The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research is supporting the first community breeding system for chickens in Cambodia through a chicken genetics project.The project, led by a team of Cambodian and international scientists, aims to develop a Skouy breed that is more productive and its chicks can be sold at higher price, the same source added.The programme is equipping farmers with knowledge and skills required to apply breeding selection methods, flock management, appropriate feeding, vaccination and biosecurity, and artificial insemination on hens, the programme pointed out.“We hope the improved Skouy breed will be available in the market in the next few years,” the embassy said.
Turkmenistan Intends to Connect a Direct Flight with Cambodia
Phnom Penh, August 15, 2023 --Turkmenistan is interested in strengthening tourism cooperation, especially in establishing a direct flight to Siem Reap cultural province, a key tourism destination in ASEAN, making it the first among the Central Asian countries to have a direct flight with Cambodia.The intention was made by H.E. Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov, Malaysia-based Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Cambodia during his meeting with H.E. Thong Khon, Cambodian Minister of Tourism here in Phnom Penh on Aug. 14.H.E. Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov congratulated the Ministry of Tourism as well as the Royal Government of Cambodia on their achievement in restoring and promoting the tourism sector after the COVID-19 crisis.The Turkmenistan ambassador suggested the oragnisation of tourism events in Cambodia and Turkmenistan to further promote the tourism potentials and destinations between the two countries to tourism operators, and national and international visitors in the world. From his end, H.E. Thong Khon supported Turkmenistan's intention to tighten the tourism cooperation between the two countries. He suggested the preparation of a MoU, a roadmap for the implementation of action plan related to tourism cooperation and a solid witness of the tie of friendship and cooperation between both nations.According to H.E. Minister, Cambodia received over 3.04 million foreign tourists during the first seven months of 2023, and the figure is expected to rise to some 5 million by the year end.
Preah Vihear Province Organises a Cycling Programme to Promote Tourism
Phnom Penh, August 15, 2023 --Preah Vihear provincial administration has organised a cycling programme in the compound of Koh Ker Temple, a major historical and cultural site in the province, to promote the provincial tourism.The event, initiated by Preah Vihear Provincial Governor H.E. Kim Rithy, took place late last week on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of International Youth Day.H.E. Kim Rithy said this cycling programme was aimed to contribute to promoting the national heritage and tourism, as well as to celebrating the 24th anniversary of International Youth Day in order to encourage the public as well as officials at all levels, especially the young people to turn their attention to the national heritage, left behind by ancestors, such as Koh Ker and many other ancient temples in the province.Mr. Tep Sinith, a tourist from Phnom Penh, said that Preah Vihear is a province with great tourism potential, and if the provincial leaders and authorities continue to create more particular events, national and international tourists will get to know the province better.“As far as we know, in addition to Koh Ker, Preah Vihear, and Phnom Tbeng, there are many other temples and attractive natural tourism sites in the province,” he added.More than 200 young people participated in the cycling event around the Koh Ker Temple with a total distance of 20 kilometres. Preah Vihear is a unique province in the northern part of Cambodia. The province is named after the Temple of Preah Vihear, its main hotspot.Before, Preah Vihear was one of the most remote provinces in Cambodia, but now it can connect to different parts of the nation through infrastructure development which has been paid attention to by the Royal Government of Cambodia in the last decade.
Ministry Bans Import of Carnivorous "Piranha Fish"
Phnom Penh, August 15, 2023 --The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) has banned the imports and sales of the fierce and carnivorous fish, "Piranha".According to a press release of MAFF issued on Aug. 13, there has recently been an advertisement on the imports and sales of wild and carnivorous fish on Tiktok and Facebook.The ministry's Fisheries Administration has also enforced the law among sellers of the fish and reached a deal with them to stop importing and to get rid of their current stock of the fish.The ministry appreciated the Fisheries Administration for taking timely action and appealed to the public and traders not to import piranhas and other carnivorous fish that could affect natural fish species, humans, animals, and the environment.The press release also encouraged people to report to the authorities if they knew about the import of piranhas and other feral fish as well as the raising of the fish, if any.
Next Year’s Public Holidays Up by One Day
Phnom Penh, August 14, 2023 --Cambodia will have 22 public holidays next year, an increase by one day compared to this year, according to a sub-decree signed recently by Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.Next year, the Cambodians will have one more day to celebrate their Traditional New Year, up from the current three days.Since 2020, the King's birthday holiday was cut off from three to only one day, while five other national and international days, including Meak Bochea Day, National Day of Remembrance, Children's Day, Paris Peace Accords, and Human Rights Day were not on the list of public holidays anymore.
Education Minister: Digital Society Must be Rich in Digital Youth
Phnom Penh, August 14, 2023 --It is necessary for the digital society, where the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) can cover almost all areas, to be rich in digital youth who can analyse the advantages and disadvantages of AI to take advantage of this powerful technology for the progress in all sectors.The remarks were made here on Aug. 12 by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports in a special lecture on “Artificial Intelligence and Education in Cambodia.”The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has been working to develop students' knowledge and research skills in AI technology comprehensively, H.E. Minister added.The special lecture was held as part of the celebration of the 24th International Youth Day under the theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.”Besides, there was the final of 2023 National Youth Debate on "Impact of AI as a Key to the Future of Education in Cambodia" between Paññāsāstra International School-Battambang Branch and Milky Way School (Phnom Penh), and the latter won the first price.
Benefits of Cambodia's Membership in Belt and Road Initiative
Phnom Penh, August 12, 2023 --Preah Sihanouk province gains benefits from the "Belt and Road" initiative, particularly in economic and infrastructure development.Mr. Long Dimanche, Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk province, shared the note in an interview on Aug. 10 with a media team from Jiangsu province of China to mark the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road initiative.Cambodia, he said, became a member of the initiative in 2016 and also joined as a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which is a multilateral development that finances infrastructure development under the Belt and Road initiative.He continued that the membership of Cambodia has contributed essentially to the increasing foreign direct investment in Cambodia as well as Preah Sihanouk province.Most of the Chinese investments in Cambodia through the initiative centre around infrastructure projects such as roads, seaports, and airports; agriculture; agro-industry; mining; energy and electricity; and tourism.The deputy governor was positive that the initiative would bring in more investments to Cambodia and Preah Sihanouk province.
Cambodian New Government to Uphold “One China Policy”
Phnom Penh, August 13, 2023 --The new Royal Government of Cambodia will maintain the country’s irreversible stance to support the “One China Policy” and non-interference in China's internal affairs.The stance was underscored by H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet while receiving H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh this afternoon.At the same time, H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet accepted the invitation to attend the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing, China in mid-October this year.For his part, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s commitment to continue the effective and close collaboration with Cambodia, and its readiness to welcome the official visit and participation of H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Pundit Hun Manet in the 20th China-ASEAN Expo 2023 to be held in China’s Nanning city in mid-September.Both leaders pledged to further promote the cooperation between Cambodia and China by maintaining the past achievements as well as expanding the direction of cooperation in new areas such as electricity, especially hydropower, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, etc.They also agreed to continue both countries’ cooperation and mutual support in the regional and international framework.
PM Hun Sen to Hold the Post for Two More Weeks
Phnom Penh, August 07, 2023 --Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen said he will remain at the post of Prime Minister for 15 more days, and then he will become the father of the Prime Minister, after His Majesty the King issued a royal decree appointing H.E. Dr. Hun Manet, his eldest son, the new Prime Minister of Cambodia on Aug. 7, 2023.“I will continue to be Prime Minister for 15 more days then I will be promoted as father of the Prime Minister. It is not the end yet. I will continue serving in other positions for at least until 2033, which I will then serve for more than half a century,” he underlined in a message on his social media networks.Counting until Aug. 22, 2023, the date which he will officially step down, and counting from Jan. 14, 1985, the date which he officially became the Prime Minister, he has been a Prime Minister for 38 years 7 months and 8 days, an equivalent to 463 months 2,014 weeks and 14,099 days.If counting his work serving the government from Jan. 8, 1979 in the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister, Acting Prime Minister, and Prime Minister, as of Aug. 22, 2023, he has served for 44 years 7 months 14 days, an equivalent to 535 months 2,328 weeks and 16,297 days.Looking back through time, Samdech Techo Hun Sen was the youngest prime minister (32 years old) and the longest-serving in the world.
CPP Reaffirms Continued Close Relationship with United Russia Party and New Azerbaijan Party
Phnom Penh, August 09, 2023 --The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) will continue to work closely with the United Russia Party and the New Azerbaijan Party for peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond.Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, CPP President and outgoing Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, made the reaffirmation in his recent separate thank-you messages to H.E. Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia Party, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, and H.E. Tahir Budagov, Deputy Chairman and Head of the Central Office of the New Azerbaijan Party.Samdech Techo Hun Sen extended his sincere gratitude to both leaders for their congratulations on the CPP’s landslide victory at the general elections on July 23, 2023.“I wish to stress that I value our good traditional relations as well as the strong bond between the United Russia Party and the CPP. I would like to reassure Your Excellency that the CPP will endeavour to pursue our close working relationship with the United Russia Party to further strengthen our bilateral ties aimed at safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond,” wrote the CPP president in his message to H.E. Dmitry Medvedev.In the message to H.E. Tahir Budagov, Samdech Techo Hun Sen reassured him that the strong ties between the CPP and the New Azerbaijan Party will continue to grow in the many years to come and through this close partnership, the two parties and governments will cherish the fruits of peace, political stability, and economic prosperity for the mutual benefits of the two peoples.
Cambodia, IMF Discuss Public Debt Management Framework and Technical Cooperation
Phnom Penh, August 11, 2023 --Cambodia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have discussed the review of the country's sustainable public debt management framework and mechanism and technical capacity building.H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted the discussion points when granting a farewell meeting to outgoing IMF Resident Representative for Cambodia Mr. Yasuhisa Ojima on Aug. 9. An effective debt management framework will support sustainable economic growth and development in Cambodia.Speaking highly of the contribution of Mr. Yasuhisa Ojima's leadership and hard work to Cambodia's development, the Deputy Prime Minister encouraged the IMF to continue to help monitor and evaluate the country's economic situation.He thanked the IMF for strengthening the economic projection model, compiling government financial statistics, reviewing the customs law, and assisting the reform measures of the Royal Government of Cambodia so far.He also requested the agency to further provide technical assistance and support the technical capacity development of the ministry's professional officials. Mr. Yasuhisa Ojima thanked H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth for the excellent cooperation with the IMF and congratulated Cambodia for managing its economy well amidst the continued threat of COVID-19 and regional and global challenges.He added that the IMF will continue its technical assistance for Cambodia and consider the request by the Deputy Prime Minister.
APSARA National Authority Restoring Northern Tower of Trapeang Lpeou Temple
Phnom Penh, August 10, 2023 --A restoration team of the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology is restoring the northern tower of Trapeang Lpeou Temple after finishing the restoration project of the southern tower in March 2023, said the APSARA National Authority in a news release on Wednesday.Ms. Chhun Ratana, an official of the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, said that Trapeang Lpeou Temple has three towers that still stand. So the experts spent about five months repairing the southern tower. Then, in April 2023, we started the restoration work of the northern tower to strengthen the temple structure after seeing that the structure was torn apart due to many factors.In the process of repairing a brick temple, experts began to study the layout of the temple and strengthen the walls to prevent collapse, then clean and seal the adhesive layer to prevent water seepage, making the tower of the temple strong again, the same source added.Ms. Chhun Ratana added that by the beginning of August 2023, the repair process has achieved about 70 percent. It is planned to complete the restoration project by the end of 2023. Then, we are going to restore the central tower of Trapeang Lpeou Temple for the next project.After the renovation work, experts expect that the towers of Trapeang Lpeou Temple will stand strong for a long time and be a legacy for the next generations to know and learn.Trapeang Lpeou Temple (formerly known as Prasat Trapeang Peou), a brick temple with three towers facing the east, was built around 944-968 AD in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II.
Cambodia, Vietnam Boost Inspection Cooperation
Phnom Penh, August 11, 2023 --Cambodia and Vietnam are committed to fostering their cooperation on inspection work, especially on complaint resolution, anti-corruption, power abuses, and so on.The commitment was made in a meeting between Samdech Kittisangahapundit Men Sam An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection and a Vietnamese delegation led by Mr. Bui Ngoc Lam, Vietnamese Deputy Inspector General, here in Phnom Penh on Aug. 10.Samdech Men Sam An welcomed the Vietnamese delegation’s visit to Cambodia; and congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in the country development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.She also lauded the close cooperation between the two neighbouring countries' inspection institutions, recalling that they first signed their cooperation Memorandum of Understanding in 2005, then in 2012, 2016 and this year, on May 25.
Cambodia, IMF Discuss Public Debt Management Framework and Technical Cooperation
Phnom Penh, August 11, 2023 --Cambodia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have discussed the review of the country's sustainable public debt management framework and mechanism and technical capacity building.H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted the discussion points when granting a farewell meeting to outgoing IMF Resident Representative for Cambodia Mr. Yasuhisa Ojima on Aug. 9. An effective debt management framework will support sustainable economic growth and development in Cambodia.Speaking highly of the contribution of Mr. Yasuhisa Ojima's leadership and hard work to Cambodia's development, the Deputy Prime Minister encouraged the IMF to continue to help monitor and evaluate the country's economic situation.He thanked the IMF for strengthening the economic projection model, compiling government financial statistics, reviewing the customs law, and assisting the reform measures of the Royal Government of Cambodia so far.He also requested the agency to further provide technical assistance and support the technical capacity development of the ministry's professional officials. Mr. Yasuhisa Ojima thanked H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth for the excellent cooperation with the IMF and congratulated Cambodia for managing its economy well amidst the continued threat of COVID-19 and regional and global challenges.He added that the IMF will continue its technical assistance for Cambodia and consider the request by the Deputy Prime Minister.
Women’s Affairs Ministry and Partner Work to Improve Women’s Financial Inclusion
Phnom Penh, August 11, 2023 --The Ministry of Women’s Affairs in collaboration with the Women’s World Banking organised here on Aug. 10 a workshop on “Establishing the Foundation Blocks: Accelerating the Expansion of Women’s Financial Inclusion in Cambodia”.The event was presided over by H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs, H.E. Rath Sovannorak, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Ms. Christina Maynes, Head of Southeast Asia and Regional Director at Women’s World Banking.According to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, some 30 officials from government ministries, development agencies, banks and financial institutions attended the workshop aiming to collect inputs and consult on key principles for improving women’s financial inclusion in Cambodia.The discussion touched on an understanding of the fundamental building blocks required to ensure equity of women’s financial inclusion in the Kingdom.
New National Assembly Leadership Revealed
Phnom Penh, August 09, 2023 --Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, outgoing Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and President of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has revealed the leadership of the 7th Legislature of National Assembly (NA).According to his voice message tonight, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said H.E. Ms. Khuon Sudary, current NA Second Vice President, will become the NA President, while H.E. Cheam Yeap will remain the First NA Vice President and H.E. Vong Sauth, current Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, will hold the post of Second NA Vice President.This new NA leadership has been prepared since late 2021, he pointed out, stressing the CPP’s internal unity and rejecting the Radio Free Asia (RFA)’s broadcast tonight saying that CPP senior officials are fighting for the post of NA president.Taking the opportunity, Samdech Techo Hun Sen informed that H.E. Dith Munty has required His Majesty the King to resign from his post of President of the Supreme Court due to health problems.Besides, he added, the Senate president, his first vice president, the chairman of Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, etc. have decided not to run for the senate election in 2024 because of their old age and health issues.
Australia's New International Development Policy Emphasises Importance of Partnership with Cambodia
Phnom Penh, August 10, 2023 --The Australian Government has released its first international development policy in almost a decade.According to the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, the policy reflects Australia’s enduring commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific in partnership with Cambodia and others in the region.Among its key commitments, the policy identifies ambitious targets on climate change and the development of new strategies to drive action on gender equality, disability equity and LGBTQIA+ and human rights.Support for local leadership and local actors is a central component of the new policy, including through a new Civil Society Partnerships Fund.“We are also enhancing our development finance by establishing Australian Development Investments to provide up to $250 million as a catalyst for private impact investment in the Indo-Pacific,” said the embassy.The new development policy will be supported by a robust performance and delivery framework, which will improve the quality, transparency and accountability of the development programme.“The policy also outlines a strengthened approach to country and regional planning informed by consultation with our partners. Over the next year, we will be engaging closely with stakeholders on a new Development Partnership Plan for Cambodia,” the same source underlined. “The policy presents a programme that is fit for our times and designed to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Koh Pich-Koh Norea Bridge to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Phnom Penh’s Eastern Area
Phnom Penh, August 09, 2023 --A bridge connecting Koh Pich satellite city to the Koh Norea development area in Phnom Penh’s Khan Chbar Ampov has been scheduled for soft launch in November 2023, which will contribute to reducing the traffic congestion in the eastern part of the capital.Mr. Prum Vanny, Deputy Manager of Koh Pich-Koh Norea Bridge Project of the Overseas Cambodian Investment Company (OCIC), underlined that the construction of the bridge will help reduce about 40 percent of traffic jam in Chbar Ampov district.The bridge's construction began on Oct. 26, 2020 at an estimated cost of US$38 million by the OCIC.Tim Simantha, a Resident of Koh Norea village, Sangkat Niroth, Khan Chbar Ampov, is delighted to see Cambodia’s development, stressing that the Royal Government of Cambodia always pays attention to the development of infrastructure that serves the people’s interests. He said that once put into use, the bridge will facilitate the people’s travel, ease traffic congestion.Deputy Chief of Koh Norea village Mr. Hul Tep echoed the same idea, saying that road connection and bridge will facilitate travel and transport.Once in operation, the 824-metre-long-and-24.5-metre-wide cable-stayed bridge will contribute significantly to reducing traffic congestion on the National Road No. 1, sitting south of the Koh Norea development area.
New Solid Waste Management System Piloted in Battambang
Phnom Penh, August 10, 2023 --Battambang has kicked off the piloting of the national solid waste management system to further promote the province's cleanliness.Battambang Provincial Governor H.E. Sok Lou and Environment Under Secretary of State H.E. Heng Nareth chaired the official launch of the waste management system known in short as the NSWM-Platform on Aug. 8 at the provincial town.H.E. Heng Nareth highlighted that, along with rapid economic growth and improved income among the people, solid waste management has become a priority issue to be addressed.Across Cambodia, he said, there are about four million tonnes of solid waste annually and between 120 and 140 tonnes daily in Battambang alone.According to H.E. Sok Lou, the NSWM-Platform is a new initiative by the Ministry of Environment piloted in Battambang to address garbage management issues, especially plastic waste, at public sites to attract both domestic and international tourists to the province.A clean province with more visitors will eventually improve the livelihoods of the locals, so it needs participation from all stakeholders, including all residents in Battambang, he added.