Cambodian Environment Minister: Participation Of All Stakeholders Necessary For Ocean Protection
Phnom Penh, July 24, 2024 --“Preserving and sustainably using the oceans and marine resources for sustainable development are the shared responsibility of all nations,” stressed H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Cambodian Minister of Environment while presiding over the opening ceremony of the first “Blue Talks” in Cambodia on Tuesday.Organised by the French Embassy in Phnom Penh in partnership with the French Agency for Development (AFD), the event was held in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk province in preparation for the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) to be held in Nice, France in June 2025.H.E. Eang Sophalleth also underscored the importance of protecting the marine environment and biodiversity, and welcomed the close cooperation from relevant partners to share knowledge and cooperation in maritime health care.Moreover, he mentioned about the ocean pollution due to plastic waste, and laid stress on Cambodia’s active contribution to reducing plastic waste, affirming that the Kingdom has reduced the plastic consumption by 74.1 percent in the past 11 months.The UN statistics show that by 2050, the plastic population will exceed the number of fishes in the ocean.According to French Embassy, the first “Blue Talks” in Cambodia aimed to mobilise all stakeholders to create favorable conditions for international negotiations and establish a network of stakeholders in Cambodia to develop new projects dedicated to the oceans. The ultimate objective is to raise the level of ambition and collectively increase the efforts to protect the oceans by June 2025.H.E. Jacques Pellet, Ambassador of France to Cambodia, H.E. Long Dimanche, Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk province, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Marcelli, AFD Regional Director for Southeast Asia, as well as representatives of different ministries, NGOs, EU Delegation to Cambodia, UN agencies and private sector also joined H.E. Minister of Environment in exchanging views on issues of blue economy, ecotourism, maritime trade and responsible agriculture.
Some 2.6 Million Foreign Tourists Visit Cambodia In H1
Phnom Penh, July 04, 2024 --Cambodia attracted some 2.6 million international tourists in the first six months of 2024, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same period last year, a Ministry of Tourism’s report showed.Thailand topped the chart among foreign arrivals to the Kingdom with 770,371, followed by Vietnam (528,252), China (326,003), it pointed out.Other countries ranked among the top ten tourism markets for Cambodia during the said period included Laos, the U.S., Korea, Indonesia, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan.H.E. Sok Soken, Minister of Tourism, has recently said that in 2024, China ranks third among countries with the largest number of tourists visiting Cambodia.“The growth of Chinese tourism is an important opportunity that not only promotes the development of Cambodian tourism, but also creates investment opportunities in various sectors,” he underlined.At the same time, added the report, some 740,000 Cambodians travelled abroad for tourism purpose, a year-on-year increase by 2.9 percent.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.Four of Cambodia's tourist destinations have been recently listed among the top 25 Asia's best tourist attractions in the latest award by Tripadvisor.Angkor Wat of Siem Reap took second place in the award, and Ta Prohm and Bayon Temples of the province made it to the 19th and 20th, respectively, while Phnom Penh's Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum obtained 22nd place.Besides ancient temples, the Kingdom has a 450-kilometre-long pristine coastline stretching across four southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong.
Cambodian PM To Pay An Official Visit To Singapore Tomorrow
Phnom Penh, June 17, 2024 —Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet will lead a high-level delegation to pay an official visit to Singapore from June 18-19, 2024, at the invitation of his Singaporean counterpart, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.Accompanying Samdech Thipadei will be Deputy Prime Minister H.E. SOK Chenda Sophea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, along with other ministers, key government officials, and representatives of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with H.E. Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, and the two leaders will exchange views on ways to deepen bilateral relations and expand multifaceted cooperation as the two countries will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.The two sides are expected to touch on regional and international issues of common interest and concern. The meeting will be followed by the signing of several cooperation documents and the official launch of the Financial Transparency Corridor Project.During the visit, Samdech Thipadei will also have separate courtesy calls with President of Singapore H.E. Tharman SHANMUGARATNAM and H.E. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.Additionally, Samdech Thipadei will attend and deliver a keynote address at the Cambodia-Singapore Business Forum, which will be joined by representatives from the government and other relevant key stakeholders.Following the forum, Samdech Thipadei will visit the Nanyang Polytechnic and its Centre of Innovation for Electronics & Internet of Things as well as the Keppel Infrastructure@Changi building.
Another Cruiser Brings Along Nearly 200 Foreign Tourists To Cambodia
Phnom Penh, June 05, 2024--Another cruiser "The World" with the flag of the Bahamas docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Preah Sihanouk province, on Jun. 4 for a four-day visit to Cambodia.The cruiser brings along 190 tourists (80 female) of 28 different nationalities and 289 crew members (47 female) of 35 different nationalities.It had departed from Thailand and is scheduled to leave for Vietnam in the evening of Jun. 7, according to an immigration police official.Most of the tourists are American and British, added the source.The tourists are touring natural resorts, beaches, and other tourist attractions in the coastal province.Some tourists had left for Siem Reap province to visit temples at the Angkor historical site.The tourist ship is 196.35 metres long and 29.80 metres wide, and this is its first time docking in the province.
Cambodian PM Heading For Laos For Two-Day Official Visit
Phnom Penh, March 25, 2024 --A high-level Cambodian delegation led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet is on the way to the Lao PDR for a two-day official visit, at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR.The delegation was seen off at Phnom Penh International Airport by deputy prime ministers, senior ministers and many other senior government officials as well as H.E. Buakeo Phumvongsay, Lao Ambassador to Cambodia.According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during the visit on Mar. 25-26, Samdech Thipadei will pay a courtesy call on H.E. Thongloun SISOULITH, President of the Lao PDR, and hold bilateral talks with his counterpart, Prime Minister Sonexay SIPHANDONE to discuss elevating bilateral cooperation across a wide range of fields. They will also exchange views on sub-regional, regional and international issues of common interest and concern. The meeting will be followed by the signing of several documents.Samdech Thipadei is scheduled to receive a courtesy call by H.E. Khambai DAMLAT, President of the Lao-Cambodian Friendship Association. He will also meet Cambodian Business Club members and Cambodian students.“The visit will further deepen bilateral cooperation under the spirit of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and the comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership between the two countries. At the same time, it will strengthen foundations for growth and prosperity for the benefit of the two peoples,” stressed the press release.
China Provides Grant Aid For Cambodia's Council Of Ministers
Phnom Penh, March 06, 2024 --The Government of China has provided a grant assistance of 53.2 million yuan (about US$7.2) for the renovation of the friendship building at the Office of the Council for Ministers.H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, and Ms. Zhong Jie, Economic and Trade Advisor to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cambodia, signed a memorandum of understanding on the grant assistance on Mar. 4.On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth expressed deep gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for the assistance.Cambodia and China have a long history of deep-rooted relations, laid and built by His Majesty the Late King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk with China’s top leadership and cherished by the Government of Cambodia, said the deputy prime minister.H.E. Vongsey Vissoth confirmed that the Royal Government of Cambodia, headed by Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, continues to expand the relationship between the two nations.
Over 310 Multi-National Tourists Visit Preah Sihanouk Coastal Province
Phnom Penh, February 19, 2024 --"Crystal Symphony" cruise ship with 313 tourists of 25 different nationalities on board, 154 of whom are women, has paid a day-long visit to Preah Sihanouk province.The 238.01-metre-long, 30.20-metre-wide cruise ship sailing under the flag of Bahamas docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Feb. 18.According to Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, most of the tourists are American (193) and British (24). 25 of the tourists continued their trip to Siem Reap cultural province to visit Angkor temples, while the rest visited cultural resorts, beaches and other tourist attractions in the Preah Sihanouk coastal province.Coming from Thailand, the cruise ship with 443 crewmembers of 49 different nationalities, of them 96 are women, departed Sihanoukville for Vietnam in the evening of the same day, said the same source.Since early this year, more and more vessels bringing along thousands of multinational tourists and crewmembers visited Cambodia via the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.
PM And First Lady Depart For Official Visit To Thailand
Phnom Penh, February 07, 2024—Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thiapadei Hun Manet and First Lady leave Phnom Penh international Airport this morning to pay a day-long official visit to Thailand, at the invitation of his Thai counterpart H.E. Srettha Thavisin.
Government Supports UNDP's Country Programme 2024-2028
Phnom Penh, February 02, 2024 --The Royal Government of Cambodia supports the country programme 2024-2028 of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).The support was highlighted by H.E. Chheang Yanara, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Mission and Second Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), in the First Regular Session 2024 of the Executive Board of UNDP at the UN's headquarters in New York, the U.S., on Jan. 31, according to a press release from the CDC.Addressing the function, H.E. Chheang Yanara highlighted the significance of cooperation between Cambodia and UNDP.The senior minister continued that the country programme is guided by Cambodia's sectoral development policy and priority sectors under the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation (UNSDC 2024–2028).The priorities are in line with the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I, especially the acceleration of inclusive growth, economic diversification, and human resource development.He thanked UNDP for its close cooperation and significant contribution to Cambodia's socio-economic development and looked forward to the rollout of the country programme.
Phnom Penh-Chongqing Flight to Start This Week
Phnom Penh, January 03, 2024 --Commercial flight service between Phnom Penh capital of Cambodia and Chongqing of China will be launched on Jan. 6.The good news was shared by Cambodia Airways.It will start with a round-trip direct flight from Phnom Penh to Chongqing.According to the airline, the flights will be operated twice a week, on Mondays and Saturdays.
Cambodia, Vietnam Agree to Launch Direct Flights between Siem Reap and Hanoi
Phnom Penh, December 12, 2023 --Cambodia and Vietnam have agreed to launch direct flights from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, to Siem Reap cultural province of Cambodia, which will contribute to boosting tourism and air transport between the two destinations.The agreement was made during the Cambodia-Vietnam Trade and Investment Promotion Forum 2023 held on Tuesday in Hanoi, under the presidency of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and H.E. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism.“The opening of direct flights will provide many benefits by attracting tourists from Vietnam and the flow of businessmen, investors, as well as facilitating transport and air freight,” the ministry said.A report from the Ministry of Tourism shows that in the first 10 months of this year, Cambodia welcomed 95,895 Vietnamese tourists, an increase of 68.90 percent compared to the same period in 2022.This year 2023 marks the 56th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Cambodia Collects US$3 Billion as Tax Income in Ten Months
Phnom Penh, November 16, 2023 --The General Department of Taxation (GDT) has collected US$3,06 billion as tax revenue in the first ten months of 2023.The figure was released on Nov. 15 in a monthly meeting chaired by H.E. Kong Vibol, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and GDT’s Director General.“The tax income collection in the ten-month period equals to 85.8 percent of the yearly budget plan,” H.E Kong Vibol said.In October alone, GDT generated some US$260 million from tax collection, he added, lauding the joint efforts of officials in collecting tax income efficiency.Modernisation has resulted in better rate of registration, improvement in taxpayer services and filing of tax returns in addition to the expansion of data storing facilities among other things, he said.The country has two institutions responsible for collecting taxes. One is the General Department of Taxation (GDT), which focuses on interior taxes such as income tax, salary tax, value added tax, and property tax, and the other is the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), which collects taxes on goods entering and leaving the country.
Cambodia, Malaysia Boost Bilateral Cooperation on Sustainable and Resilient Tourism
Phnom Penh, October 09, 2023 --Cambodia and Malaya have discussed opportunities for cooperation in strengthening sustainable and resilient tourism with an aim of boosting the mutual flow of visitors.The discussion took place here recently between H.E. Sok Soken, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, and H.E. Datuk Eldeen Husaini Hashim, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, pointed out a press release of the Ministry of Tourism issued this morning.On the occasion, H.E. Minister shared a new vision for the development of Cambodia tourism sector by highlighting the strategic initiative “BUILD + 3Ds”, with the aim of transforming Cambodia into a dynamic, competitive, sustainable and inclusive destination.H.E. Ambassador congratulated H.E. Minister for his recently appointment as the new Minister of Tourism and expressed his commitment to collaborate on the new vision. Both sides recalled the spirit of the meeting between Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and H.E. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia during his visit to Cambodia in March 2023, which both leaders agreed to promote the development of tourism in both countries.In this regard, H.E. Minister and H.E. Ambassador further discussed the preparation of an action plan under the “Two Countries, One Destination” campaign; in particular, considered developing and promoting the two countries to become a common destination to attract Muslim tourists under the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation in 2019.In order to implement the cooperation activities effectively, H.E. Ambassador invited H.E. Minister to visit Malaysia to exchange practical experiences with each other as well as strengthen friendship ties. Finally, both sides pledged to further enhance tourism cooperation and people to people exchange between the two countries.
Indonesia inaugurates high-speed rail with Chinese support
INDONESIA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo earlier this week presided over the inauguration of a new high-speed rail project worth $ 7.3 billion connecting Jakarta to the southeastern part of Bandung, Java. The high-speed rail project was jointly built by Indonesian and Chinese companies with a total length of 142 km and a maximum speed of 350 km per hour.The transport project is seen as a historic achievement under President Widodo's tenure and as part of China's "One Belt One Road" initiative, which has faced controversy since land grabbing construction was delayed due to the Kovid crisis and excessive budget requirements. According to a senior Indonesian official in charge of the railway project, all citizens will be able to try free travel on the high-speed rail line until mid-October.