4th Council Election To Be Held In May
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
History of "Kralan" Cambodian traditional snack
Phnom penh - 18,januray,2024"Kralan" is a traditional Khmer snack made of sticky rice stuffed inside the bamboo tube and sealed with a coconut shell or banana leaf before being baked from the outside around the bamboo peel.According to the Battambang Provincial Administration, the word "kralan" is derived from the ethnic group (Kola) of Burma who fled to what is now Pailin province. In contrast to Cambodians, the Kola indigenous people consume sticky rice daily.According to the same source, the Kola people used to engage in mining (gems, gold, and diamonds), hunting, and logging. They don't need to bring clay pots every time they walk into the jungle because they're heavy and fragile. When they're cooking, they go out and cut bamboo with enormous holes, cook it with a vertical bamboo tube, and set it on fire.Cambodians who went to the jungle with the Kola people found that sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes tasted different than sticky rice cooked in pots. When they returned from the forest, they shared information about how to make the delicious sticky rice with other villagers.Since then, Cambodians have referred to this snack as "Nom Kralan," which is similar to the name of the Kola people. Moreover, Kralan is regarded as both a traditional and a tourist product due to its wonderful flavor.Kralan made by the people living in Thmor Kre village, Thmor Kre commune, Chit Borey district, and Kratie province gained popularity among national and international tourists as well. It is commonly referred to as "Kralan Thmor Kre."We shouldn't miss Kralan Thmar Kram because it has a unique flavor compared to other counties. It has three flavors: normal flavor, jackfruit flavor, and coconut paste flavor. All three varieties are equally wonderful, so we can eat whatever we like.The locals claim that the "Kralan business" allows them to make more income in addition to farming and that it contributes significantly to poverty reduction.
PM Invites French Senate President to Visit Cambodia This Year
Phnom Penh, January 19, 2024 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, paid in Paris, France on Jan. 18 a courtesy call on H.E. Gérard Larcher, President of the Senate of the French Republic.In the courtesy meeting, H.E. Gérard Larcher extended warm welcome to the first official visit of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet to France as the Prime Minister, and recalled the good cooperation between the two countries, particularly between their Senates over the past 25 years, since 1999.For his part, Samdech Thipadei informed the French senate president about the outcomes of his bilateral talks with French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron, focusing on the progress of cooperation in many fields of common interests of both nations, including politics, economy, culture and language.The Cambodian Premier also invited H.E. Gérard Larcher to pay an official visit to Cambodia, especially after the 5th Senate Election in February 2024.Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony have been on a two-day official visit in France since Jan. 18.
Cambodian PM Discusses Digital Cooperation with Japanese Senior Official
Phnom Penh, January 18, 2024 --Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet held a talk yesterday in Davos, Switzerland with H.E. Kono Taro, Minister of Digital Transformation of Japan, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024.In the meeting, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet lauded the Cambodia-Japan relationship, and thanked the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Cambodia, from the peace-seeking process to the current progress in all areas.The Premier also recalled his visit to Japan in December 2023 on the occasion the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, during which seven cooperation documents, some of which are related to digital technology development cooperation, were signed between Cambodia and Japan.Samdech Thipadei added that the Royal Government of Cambodia has given priority to digital technology, which is an important component of promoting new sources of economic growth, as well as achieving the vision of turning Cambodia into a high-income economy by 2050.For his part, H.E. Kono Taro appreciated the progress of cooperation between Cambodia and Japan, especially in the areas of digital, trade and other priority sectors.In the digital age, data is very important, added the Japanese minister, pointing out that the Government of Japan has developed an OECD Data Initiative that covers a wide range of areas and can be used for policy development effectively and improvement of the people’s living standard.
Phnom Penh Listed among the Best Trending Destinations in the World 2024
Phnom Penh, January 12, 2024 --The Phnom Penh capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia was ranked 9th among the 25 Best Trending Destinations in the World 2024 by Tripadvisor.Tokyo of Japan was crowned No. 1, followed by Seoul of the Republic of Korea and Halong Bay of Vietnam.Besides Phnom Penh and Halong Bay, other ASEAN destinations on the list include Palawan Island of the Philippines, Sapa of Vietnam, Pattaya of Thailand, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia which got No. 4, 5, 7, 10, respectively.Bogota of Colombia and Alajela of Coasta Rica claimed 6th and 8th, respectively of the top ten spots.Situated at the confluence of three great rivers, the ‘four arms’ of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac, form right in front of the Royal Palace. Once hailed, the ’Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh is fast regaining its lustre having developed to become Cambodia’s economic, commercial, cultural and tourist centre.The city offers several cultural and historical attractions including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. There are also a wide variety of services including five-star hotels and budget guest houses, fine international dining, sidewalk noodle shops, neighbourhood pubs, international discos and more.
Cambodia Reiterates Its Stance on External Relations
PPhnom Penh, January 15, 2024 --The 7th-mandate Royal Government of Cambodia remains committed to respecting sovereignty, independence and common national interests in its relations with France and other European countries.The stance was re-emphasised by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet when he and his spouse were holding in Paris in the evening of Jan. 14 (Paris time) a get-together with their compatriots residing, working and studying in Europe.Samdech Thipadei said the invitation extended to him by the French President to pay a visit to France shows that France values the diplomatic, political and economic relations between the two countries.The invitation is clearly for the benefits of both countries’ relations, the Cambodian Premier underlined, adding that the Royal Government of Cambodia plans to work with France and related partners to attract more investment to Cambodia for the nation’s and people’s interests.
A Tourist Ship Docks at Sihanoukville's Port
Phnom Penh, January 12, 2024 --A tourist ship from Bahamas named "Sea Bourn Encore" docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (SAP) in Preah Sihanouk province on Jan. 11 for a one-day visit to the province.According to an immigration police official at the SAP's International Gate, the ship brings along 552 multi-national tourists, 278 of whom are women, of 30 nationalities, and 425 crewmembers, 108 of whom are female, of 50 nationalities.Of the tourists, 227 are American, 94 are British, 56 are Australian, and there are other nationalities, said the official.Coming from Thailand, the vessel which is 210.5 metres long, 28 metres wide, and 6 metres deep, departed the port in Preah Sihanouk province for Vietnam at night on the same day.This is the first tourist ship docked at SAP this year.
Cambodia, Pakistan to Boost Parliamentary Cooperation
Phnom Penh, January 11, 2024 --The National Assemblies (NA) of Cambodia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have vowed to boost bilateral cooperation, especially through a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding.The commitment was made in a meeting between Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the Cambodian NA, and H.E. Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Cambodia, at the NA Palace in Phnom Penh on Jan. 10.The Pakistani Ambassador was positive that the agreement to be inked in the near future will further strengthen the cooperation between the two parliaments in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.Samdech Khuon Sudary noted that the two parliaments have continued to support each other on various platforms, including the APA, IPU, APPF, ASEP, and AIPA.She also asked Pakistan to explore the possibility of expanding investment and trade in Cambodia, such as agro-food Halal, and promoting the establishment of direct flights between the two countries.
Cambodian Premier Receives Courtesy Visit from Singaporean Diplomat
Phnom Penh, January 10, 2024—Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet (R, Pic. 1), Prime Minister of Cambodia, holds talks with H.E. Ms. Teo Lay Cheng, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh this afternoon.
Cambodia Earns US$4.3 Billion in Revenue from Agricultural Exports in 2023
Phnom Penh, January 08, 2023 --Cambodia exported 8.4 million tonnes of agricultural products last year, earning around US$4.3 billion in revenue, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ report showed on Monday.The agricultural exports inched down by nearly 2 percent in quantity compared to a year before, it pointed out.The main products Cambodia exported included rice, bananas, mangoes, cassava, cashew nuts, corn, palm oil, pepper and tobacco.Exports of milled rice and paddy rice earned US$567 million and US$939 million, respectively, read the report. The non-rice agricultural exports were valued at US$2.8 billion.This indicates that the agricultural sector plays an important role in supporting the socio-economic development of Cambodia, and is more resilient than other sectors, stated the ministry.“The overall situation of agricultural exports in 2023 remains good, with the increase by 3 percent of rice export despite regional conflicts, war crisis, economic crisis, climate change and bans of food exports,” the ministry said.China, Vietnam and Thailand are the major importers of Cambodia’s agricultural items.