By Soy Sophea
The Royal Government of Cambodia and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) have signed on four agreements. These understandings were created during an official visit to strengthen bilateral relations and commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic links between the two nations - 1958-2008.
Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen presided over the signing ceremony that was held December 3, in Phnom Penh.
The agreements promise effective exchanges and cooperation in the political arena, the economy and trade, cultural exchanges and a range of other bilateral activities, according to Cambodian Government Spokesman Khieu Kanharith, speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony.
China and Cambodia are the friendliest of neighbors, a relationship made stronger by the passage of time, according to Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information and Cambodian Government spokesman. These sentiments were a repeat of those expressed to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen by the leader of the Chinese delegation.
The Information Minister Kanharith said, “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Cambodia friendship has grown from strength to strength, adding China intends to increase their stake in the Cambodian Investment Industry by $1,000 million by 2010 or earlier”.
He quoted the Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying the Cambodian government attaches great importance to its friendly relations with China and will work with the Chinese side to expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields and strengthen coordination and support in international affairs.
The Prime Minister said that China's development will not only benefit itself, but also contribute to peace and development of the region and the world at large, said the Premier. He added that the Chinese delegation’s visit marks a conclusion to Chairman Jia's four-nation visit which has taken him to Jordan, Turkey and Laos.
Responding to the Cambodian Prime Minister, Jia said that China will work with Cambodia to promote bilateral good-neighborliness, friendship and reciprocal cooperation to a new stage. He made a three-point proposal for furthering bilateral cooperation.
The first is to expand economic and trade cooperation to bring mutual benefit. The two sides should make a joint effort if early realization of an annual bilateral trade volume of one billion U.S. dollars is to be reached by 2010. The Chinese side supports cooperation in its various forms between enterprises of both sides and hopes the Cambodian side will provide facilities for bilateral cooperation.The second is to strengthen cooperation in other fields such as culture, education, tourism and health, and expand exchanges between young people of the two countries.
The third is to enhance contacts between political parties of the two countries.Jia, who arrived in Cambodia on December 2 to make an official goodwill visit, said the invitation was made by the Cambodian Senate President Chea Sim. He said in the statement upon in his arrival that Sino-Cambodian friendship was based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and conforms to the aspirations and fundamental interests of the two peoples.He said that China's policy on the development of bilateral friendship, which is part of China's foreign policy, will not change. He also added that China appreciates Cambodia's adherence to the one-China policy.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Flat Construction Prices Unclear as Global Financial Crisis
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian construction company owners are concerned about their businesses as they observe the momentum that characterized the real estate market over the last two months calm down. Cambodian economists and private sector specialists suspect the slowdown is a symptom of worries over the global economic crisis.
Sung Bonna, CEO and President of Bonna Realty Group, said that the real estate situation and underperformance in the construction industry, especially in Phnom Penh was also caused in part by the as yet unresolved border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
Bonna, who is a well-known in real estate circles, considered that the slow down constitutes nothing less than a “Dying time for real estate”. He said that most of real estate agencies and brokers are now relaxing with tea and coffee.
The President also noted that the three-year real estate boom in Cambodia was stimulated to a large extent by Korean investors who sought to benefit from impressive figures generated by the sector. Given the global financial crisis, this flow of investment has reduced to a trickle, according to Bonna, as the impact of the financial crisis makes itself felt in Seoul.
“Before Cambodia’s national elections held in July and the onset of the crisis, land or houses could be sold easily at a handsome profit. Now however, it is impossible to sell land or property at the previous rates” the President said, speaking to the Cambodia Weekly by telephone.
Bonna continued that home sales had declined by 20 to 30 percent. He said that this situation was a result of Cambodia’s lack of confidence and worries about the uncertain future. Laboring under these feelings, there is little wonder Cambodians hesitate to lay out large sums of cash to buy houses or land.
“People are now thinking twice about buying land or flats because they are not sure about the real value, and we are unsure about market prices since they have been out of control,” He added that construction speculators could sell their assets and avoid trouble with the banks.
He also noted that on previous occasions, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance had issued regulations ordering Cambodia’s private banks to suspend their home loans.
In Channy, President and CEO of Acleda bank Plc told the Cambodia Weekly, November 18 that his bank has limited its loans for real estate purchases since the Ministry’s order came into force in July.
“We know that real estate investors will find these measures restrictive. But we have to place limits on the amount we can lend out of respect to the Cambodian National Bank,” he told the Cambodian Weekly by telephone.
The President said that currently, his bank offers a maximum of 30 percent of the total price in loans for real estate and development land. He said that this measure has been implemented to lessen the impact of the global financial crisis and restrict its spread in the Kingdom.
Channy said that housing and land prices have fallen after the National Bank of Cambodia issued a statement to all commercial banks in June this year, ordering them to rationalize land and home loan conditions. Henceforth, only 15 percent ($15 million) of the banking industry’s capital reserves are to be farmed out in loans.
He also said that approximately 12 percent of his clients who have borrowed money from ACLEDA Bank used this cash to buy land and houses. In speaking of these changes, Channy took a global view, “I think that the National Bank of Cambodia has created these principles because we have the example of the U.S. Housing market before us and we do not want to make the same mistakes as them.”
Chan Sophal, Senior Research Manager at the Cambodia Development Research Institute (CDRI) told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on November 18 that it was almost impossible to make predictions for or describe the state of the construction and real estate markets in Cambodia at present when the world faces another period of financial crisis.
Referring to the Cambodia and Thailand border conflict, he said that this was a minor detail compared to global concerns. He noted that the downwards trend in the real estate market was an international phenomenon as people across the developed world too were not so eager to put their hands in their pockets to buy houses.
He said that this was the case despite the fact that the price of oil has fallen from a high of 147 dollars per barrel in July 2008 to the current price of 54 dollars.
Speaking of his view of the future, he said that this situation will probably take years to work itself out of the system. However, it was not all doom and gloom, as the global decline in the price of oil would mean cheaper raw materials for the Cambodian construction industry.
According to Lim Veasna, a construction manager, the price of steel has dropped from US $1,100 to US $580 per tone and from US $1,000 to 400 for 10,000 bricks.
He said that construction of flats and apartments had now largely stopped as people were concerned about their ability to make profit out of land development and housing construction.
Seng Sereyroatha, an employee of a private bank in Phnom Penh, said that with the current situation, she has hesitated to buy a flat.
She said that she was afraid to speculate on house prices because she understood that the current economic situation was unsuited to making long term investments in housing. She said that she will wait for a couple of months to observe the outbreak of economic recovery.
Iem Sakmay, owner of Sakmey Civil Construction, said that although raw materials for construction are now much cheaper, the demand for housing has declined, as have the number of construction companies. He noted that the housing market in particular stood or fell on the strength of market demand.
The construction industry in Cambodia has expanded rapidly in recent years as the positive influence of political stability, improvements in economic performance and continuing assistance from the international community for infrastructure construction becomes increasingly evident.
This is according to the Annual Development Review 2007-08 of the Development Policy Research Institute. The Annual Development Review also showed that there are between 8,000 to 10,000 new flats built in Phnom Penh each year. The number of guesthouses and hotels is also increasing, particularly in Siem Reap to meet the increase in tourist activity. Cambodian economists wait with anxiety to see how much damage the global financial crisis will cause to these activities. //
Cambodian construction company owners are concerned about their businesses as they observe the momentum that characterized the real estate market over the last two months calm down. Cambodian economists and private sector specialists suspect the slowdown is a symptom of worries over the global economic crisis.
Sung Bonna, CEO and President of Bonna Realty Group, said that the real estate situation and underperformance in the construction industry, especially in Phnom Penh was also caused in part by the as yet unresolved border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
Bonna, who is a well-known in real estate circles, considered that the slow down constitutes nothing less than a “Dying time for real estate”. He said that most of real estate agencies and brokers are now relaxing with tea and coffee.
The President also noted that the three-year real estate boom in Cambodia was stimulated to a large extent by Korean investors who sought to benefit from impressive figures generated by the sector. Given the global financial crisis, this flow of investment has reduced to a trickle, according to Bonna, as the impact of the financial crisis makes itself felt in Seoul.
“Before Cambodia’s national elections held in July and the onset of the crisis, land or houses could be sold easily at a handsome profit. Now however, it is impossible to sell land or property at the previous rates” the President said, speaking to the Cambodia Weekly by telephone.
Bonna continued that home sales had declined by 20 to 30 percent. He said that this situation was a result of Cambodia’s lack of confidence and worries about the uncertain future. Laboring under these feelings, there is little wonder Cambodians hesitate to lay out large sums of cash to buy houses or land.
“People are now thinking twice about buying land or flats because they are not sure about the real value, and we are unsure about market prices since they have been out of control,” He added that construction speculators could sell their assets and avoid trouble with the banks.
He also noted that on previous occasions, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance had issued regulations ordering Cambodia’s private banks to suspend their home loans.
In Channy, President and CEO of Acleda bank Plc told the Cambodia Weekly, November 18 that his bank has limited its loans for real estate purchases since the Ministry’s order came into force in July.
“We know that real estate investors will find these measures restrictive. But we have to place limits on the amount we can lend out of respect to the Cambodian National Bank,” he told the Cambodian Weekly by telephone.
The President said that currently, his bank offers a maximum of 30 percent of the total price in loans for real estate and development land. He said that this measure has been implemented to lessen the impact of the global financial crisis and restrict its spread in the Kingdom.
Channy said that housing and land prices have fallen after the National Bank of Cambodia issued a statement to all commercial banks in June this year, ordering them to rationalize land and home loan conditions. Henceforth, only 15 percent ($15 million) of the banking industry’s capital reserves are to be farmed out in loans.
He also said that approximately 12 percent of his clients who have borrowed money from ACLEDA Bank used this cash to buy land and houses. In speaking of these changes, Channy took a global view, “I think that the National Bank of Cambodia has created these principles because we have the example of the U.S. Housing market before us and we do not want to make the same mistakes as them.”
Chan Sophal, Senior Research Manager at the Cambodia Development Research Institute (CDRI) told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on November 18 that it was almost impossible to make predictions for or describe the state of the construction and real estate markets in Cambodia at present when the world faces another period of financial crisis.
Referring to the Cambodia and Thailand border conflict, he said that this was a minor detail compared to global concerns. He noted that the downwards trend in the real estate market was an international phenomenon as people across the developed world too were not so eager to put their hands in their pockets to buy houses.
He said that this was the case despite the fact that the price of oil has fallen from a high of 147 dollars per barrel in July 2008 to the current price of 54 dollars.
Speaking of his view of the future, he said that this situation will probably take years to work itself out of the system. However, it was not all doom and gloom, as the global decline in the price of oil would mean cheaper raw materials for the Cambodian construction industry.
According to Lim Veasna, a construction manager, the price of steel has dropped from US $1,100 to US $580 per tone and from US $1,000 to 400 for 10,000 bricks.
He said that construction of flats and apartments had now largely stopped as people were concerned about their ability to make profit out of land development and housing construction.
Seng Sereyroatha, an employee of a private bank in Phnom Penh, said that with the current situation, she has hesitated to buy a flat.
She said that she was afraid to speculate on house prices because she understood that the current economic situation was unsuited to making long term investments in housing. She said that she will wait for a couple of months to observe the outbreak of economic recovery.
Iem Sakmay, owner of Sakmey Civil Construction, said that although raw materials for construction are now much cheaper, the demand for housing has declined, as have the number of construction companies. He noted that the housing market in particular stood or fell on the strength of market demand.
The construction industry in Cambodia has expanded rapidly in recent years as the positive influence of political stability, improvements in economic performance and continuing assistance from the international community for infrastructure construction becomes increasingly evident.
This is according to the Annual Development Review 2007-08 of the Development Policy Research Institute. The Annual Development Review also showed that there are between 8,000 to 10,000 new flats built in Phnom Penh each year. The number of guesthouses and hotels is also increasing, particularly in Siem Reap to meet the increase in tourist activity. Cambodian economists wait with anxiety to see how much damage the global financial crisis will cause to these activities. //
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Cambodia Introduces Public Financial Management Reform
By Soy Sophea
The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced the introduction of the Public Financial Management Reform Program- stage 2 (PFMRP) in honor of a pledge to enhance public budgeting. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Council of Development for Cambodia on December 3 in Phnom Penh.
The Prime Minister said that effective and efficient public financial management is necessary for national development and poverty alleviation, especially through ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the efficiency of public service delivery. This is the main objective of the Rectangular Strategy-Phase II and the National Strategic Development Plan.
The Premier told his ministries and agencies that failure to prepare action plans, monitor key indicators or take specified action would lead to the failure of the whole reform program.
“If we reform, 99 percent will continue to live. But if we do not reform 99 percent dies,” Hun Sen said.
The implementation of the “Public Financial Management Reform Program” has received added significance given the depth of the financial crisis, currently creating chaos on world markets. Cambodia, as a contributor to globalization cannot really escape from this kind of consequence, said Hun Sen.
He added, “We are bound to experience some negative impact out of this crisis; the question is, how much? However, we are clear that the improvement and strengthening of public financial management will help strengthen us in the face of these challenges and will help reduce negative effects of this crisis.”
Therefore, in such unfavorable conditions as this, the strengthening of public financial management is actually more important than at any other time.
“In these unfavorable circumstances, strengthening budget management is more important than ever,” he said. “The PFMRP is very important to support other key reforms of the Cambodian government.”
Effective and efficient public financial management is the necessary foundation to promote country development and poverty reduction for the people. The Royal Government of the 4th Legislature still continues to place “Public Financial Management Reform Program” as its first priority.
The Prime Minister suggested that the Ministry of Economy and Finance must continue to play core roles in leading and supporting this reform process in cooperation with all ministries/institutions within the framework of the EFPC and PFMSC.
All ministries/institutions must actively participate and take charge in preparing their own reform action plan. They must manage and implement their own reforms and lead the management of the implementation of their own reforms as efficiently and effectively as possible. Furthermore, they must continue to draw the links between public financial management reforms pillars and development pillars, along with various other reforms. This will create more cohesiveness, interconnectedness and consistency.
This linkage ensures the effectiveness of important reforms within the framework of the “Rectangular Strategy”, especially Public Administration Reform and the De-concentration and Decentralization Program. Preparing a civil administration, based on democratic development principles, which is closer to people, efficient, and transparent enough in providing public services is the highest priority of the Royal Government in the 4th Legislature.
In this regard, the Council for Administrative Reform must cooperate with the EFPC and PFMSC to enhance quality, efficiency and the loyalty of the whole public administration.
Therefore, it is very important that the Royal Government and all relevant Development Partners must learn from the experiences of the 1st stage of implementation of the Merit Based Pay Initiative (MBPI). So far, this has been carried out in the spirit of national development and continues to expand its extensive positive influence across other relevant ministries/institutions.
Aun Porn Moniroth, Secretary of State for Economy and Finance and Chairman of the Public Financial Management Reforms Steering Committee, said at the meeting that the PFMRP is one of the key elements within the core of the “Rectangular Strategy.
The Secretary of State said the long term vision of this reform program is to build an international standard for public financial management system by 2015, through implementing a long-term strategic plan consisting of four platforms—building budget credibility, improved financial accountability, budget-policy linkages and performance.
Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia echoed the Cambodian Prime Minster’s comment saying that the success of stage II will depend upon the extent to which the control of resources is delegated to line ministries and sub-national governments. He added that the new framework in both central and sub-national government will need to support de-concentrated and decentralized financial accountability, whilst maintaining aggregate central control of the budget.
“Development partners stand ready to support this review and capacity building process, both in terms of strengthening the government’s supply side capacity and with helping with demand side initiatives,” Fan said. “We will continue to harmonize our efforts around the government owned reform program.”
He said that the current financial crisis serves to remind all that external events provide a constant challenge to securing policy goals. He stated that building strong internal PFMRP arrangements will provide an effective way of mitigating the impact of the crisis on the economy and on the lives of the most vulnerable in Cambodia.
PFMRP-stage I was introduced on December 5, 2004.//
The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced the introduction of the Public Financial Management Reform Program- stage 2 (PFMRP) in honor of a pledge to enhance public budgeting. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Council of Development for Cambodia on December 3 in Phnom Penh.
The Prime Minister said that effective and efficient public financial management is necessary for national development and poverty alleviation, especially through ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the efficiency of public service delivery. This is the main objective of the Rectangular Strategy-Phase II and the National Strategic Development Plan.
The Premier told his ministries and agencies that failure to prepare action plans, monitor key indicators or take specified action would lead to the failure of the whole reform program.
“If we reform, 99 percent will continue to live. But if we do not reform 99 percent dies,” Hun Sen said.
The implementation of the “Public Financial Management Reform Program” has received added significance given the depth of the financial crisis, currently creating chaos on world markets. Cambodia, as a contributor to globalization cannot really escape from this kind of consequence, said Hun Sen.
He added, “We are bound to experience some negative impact out of this crisis; the question is, how much? However, we are clear that the improvement and strengthening of public financial management will help strengthen us in the face of these challenges and will help reduce negative effects of this crisis.”
Therefore, in such unfavorable conditions as this, the strengthening of public financial management is actually more important than at any other time.
“In these unfavorable circumstances, strengthening budget management is more important than ever,” he said. “The PFMRP is very important to support other key reforms of the Cambodian government.”
Effective and efficient public financial management is the necessary foundation to promote country development and poverty reduction for the people. The Royal Government of the 4th Legislature still continues to place “Public Financial Management Reform Program” as its first priority.
The Prime Minister suggested that the Ministry of Economy and Finance must continue to play core roles in leading and supporting this reform process in cooperation with all ministries/institutions within the framework of the EFPC and PFMSC.
All ministries/institutions must actively participate and take charge in preparing their own reform action plan. They must manage and implement their own reforms and lead the management of the implementation of their own reforms as efficiently and effectively as possible. Furthermore, they must continue to draw the links between public financial management reforms pillars and development pillars, along with various other reforms. This will create more cohesiveness, interconnectedness and consistency.
This linkage ensures the effectiveness of important reforms within the framework of the “Rectangular Strategy”, especially Public Administration Reform and the De-concentration and Decentralization Program. Preparing a civil administration, based on democratic development principles, which is closer to people, efficient, and transparent enough in providing public services is the highest priority of the Royal Government in the 4th Legislature.
In this regard, the Council for Administrative Reform must cooperate with the EFPC and PFMSC to enhance quality, efficiency and the loyalty of the whole public administration.
Therefore, it is very important that the Royal Government and all relevant Development Partners must learn from the experiences of the 1st stage of implementation of the Merit Based Pay Initiative (MBPI). So far, this has been carried out in the spirit of national development and continues to expand its extensive positive influence across other relevant ministries/institutions.
Aun Porn Moniroth, Secretary of State for Economy and Finance and Chairman of the Public Financial Management Reforms Steering Committee, said at the meeting that the PFMRP is one of the key elements within the core of the “Rectangular Strategy.
The Secretary of State said the long term vision of this reform program is to build an international standard for public financial management system by 2015, through implementing a long-term strategic plan consisting of four platforms—building budget credibility, improved financial accountability, budget-policy linkages and performance.
Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia echoed the Cambodian Prime Minster’s comment saying that the success of stage II will depend upon the extent to which the control of resources is delegated to line ministries and sub-national governments. He added that the new framework in both central and sub-national government will need to support de-concentrated and decentralized financial accountability, whilst maintaining aggregate central control of the budget.
“Development partners stand ready to support this review and capacity building process, both in terms of strengthening the government’s supply side capacity and with helping with demand side initiatives,” Fan said. “We will continue to harmonize our efforts around the government owned reform program.”
He said that the current financial crisis serves to remind all that external events provide a constant challenge to securing policy goals. He stated that building strong internal PFMRP arrangements will provide an effective way of mitigating the impact of the crisis on the economy and on the lives of the most vulnerable in Cambodia.
PFMRP-stage I was introduced on December 5, 2004.//
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Seek Aid for Triangular Development
By Soy Sophea
Meetings held last week between the leaders of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam were organized to seek foreign aid to help develop the common border shared by the three nations and to improve infrastructure and living conditions for the people who live there.
This is according to Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce, who was speaking to journalists at a press conference on November 28, at Phnom Penh International Airport, following his return from Vientian, Loas.
The Senior Minister shared information about the dialogue between three leaders, whose main purpose was to encourage close friends China, South Korea, and India in supporting regional development. He said that to date, Japan had pledged 20 million US dollars in support of the tripartite development initiative.
The commerce minister added that the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his counterparts Nguyen Tan Dung from Vietnam and Bouasone Bouphavanh from Loas have agreed to construct a business sector forum and propose that the first meeting be held at the next ASEAN summit.
“We want to increase the number of investors in the area by giving them incentives and solve any outstanding or incidental problems,” he quoted the three prime ministers as saying at the meeting on Triangular Border Development, held in Vientian, Laos from November 24-28.
The Senior Minister continued to say that in order to reach the development goal, the member countries have to work doubly hard to develop the infrastructure and human resources.
Both Laos and Vietnam expressed thanks to the Vietnamese government for its great assistance in the field of human resource development. They also agreed to encourage the exchange visits of youth leaders from the three countries and considered organizing youth meetings during the next summit.
However, a postponement of the December 13-18 ASEAN summit in Chiang Mai now seems increasingly likely due to the situation in Thailand, according to Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Long-running anti-government protests in Thailand have led to the closure of its two main airports, sent the Thai Cabinet into hiding and paralyzed its Parliament, leaving fellow ASEAN members increasingly concerned as the summit date approaches.
He noted that on Wednesday, after a summit of leaders from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam held in Laos, Lao Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, speaking for all three of the national leaders, sent a letter to ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan.
The letter asked him to consult with Thai and other ASEAN member states on whether the summit schedule should be maintained or postponed.While there is yet to be any official response from Thailand on the matter, Hor Namhong cited media reports that quoted Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat as saying his government would take its ASEAN partners' suggestions into consideration.
Meetings held last week between the leaders of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam were organized to seek foreign aid to help develop the common border shared by the three nations and to improve infrastructure and living conditions for the people who live there.
This is according to Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce, who was speaking to journalists at a press conference on November 28, at Phnom Penh International Airport, following his return from Vientian, Loas.
The Senior Minister shared information about the dialogue between three leaders, whose main purpose was to encourage close friends China, South Korea, and India in supporting regional development. He said that to date, Japan had pledged 20 million US dollars in support of the tripartite development initiative.
The commerce minister added that the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his counterparts Nguyen Tan Dung from Vietnam and Bouasone Bouphavanh from Loas have agreed to construct a business sector forum and propose that the first meeting be held at the next ASEAN summit.
“We want to increase the number of investors in the area by giving them incentives and solve any outstanding or incidental problems,” he quoted the three prime ministers as saying at the meeting on Triangular Border Development, held in Vientian, Laos from November 24-28.
The Senior Minister continued to say that in order to reach the development goal, the member countries have to work doubly hard to develop the infrastructure and human resources.
Both Laos and Vietnam expressed thanks to the Vietnamese government for its great assistance in the field of human resource development. They also agreed to encourage the exchange visits of youth leaders from the three countries and considered organizing youth meetings during the next summit.
However, a postponement of the December 13-18 ASEAN summit in Chiang Mai now seems increasingly likely due to the situation in Thailand, according to Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Long-running anti-government protests in Thailand have led to the closure of its two main airports, sent the Thai Cabinet into hiding and paralyzed its Parliament, leaving fellow ASEAN members increasingly concerned as the summit date approaches.
He noted that on Wednesday, after a summit of leaders from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam held in Laos, Lao Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, speaking for all three of the national leaders, sent a letter to ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan.
The letter asked him to consult with Thai and other ASEAN member states on whether the summit schedule should be maintained or postponed.While there is yet to be any official response from Thailand on the matter, Hor Namhong cited media reports that quoted Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat as saying his government would take its ASEAN partners' suggestions into consideration.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Cambodians Unite to Prevent HIV/AIDS
By Soy Sophea
The Cambodian health officials and Non-Governmental Organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to combat HIV/AIDS and to eliminate discrimination against sufferers of the disease in Cambodia.
Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), said that in recent years, Cambodia as a developing nation has suffered as the virus made its presence felt. She said that the as yet incurable disease has killed thousands of Cambodians and lead to greater hardships for communities and the nation as a whole.
“I have witnessed the hardships endured by the victims of HIV/AIDS for myself,” said First Lady Bun Rany, who spent World AIDS Day, December 1, visiting victims of the disease. These visits inspired her to rededicate future World AIDS Days to alleviating the suffering of victims and diluting the corrosive power of discrimination.
The President Bun Rany noted that this disease does not discriminate between rich and poor. It is always ready to exploit any opportunity afforded by the victim’s failure to protect against viral attack. She listed unprotected sexual activity and needle sharing as activities that promoted the spread of the disease.
“I would like to take this opportunity to send my message of support to all HIV/AIDS patients and I ask you not to give up hope in your lives. If you follow the guidelines set out by medical staff, you should be able to lead long and productive lives. Your families, communities and society as a whole will not abandon or keep you away from the opportunities the nation has to offer,” she said.
Nuth Sokhom, Chairman of National AIDS Authority (NAA), said during the World AIDS Day that AIDS is a disease without vaccine or cure and that sufferers could expect the disease to have a seriously negative impact, not just on themselves, but upon their family, their community and greater society. He noted that the onset of the virus had placed great strains on the nation’s human resources and ability to generate income.
Referring to the latest figures, he said that 33.2 million cases of HIV had been recorded across the globe, whilst the disease claimed 2.1 million lives in the previous year.
As for Cambodia, in 2007 there were 67,500 cases of HIV/AIDS. As these unfortunate people inevitably succumbed to the disease, they leave behind dependents that become a serious burden to society, according to Sokhom.
However, his assessment was not all doom and gloom. He pointed to Cambodia’s outstanding record in reducing the prevalence of the disease. Thanks to cooperation between the government, legislative bodies, religious groups and the general public, HIV infection rates had dropped from a high of 2 percent in 1998 to 0.9 percent in 2006. Out of 3,518 tests conducted over the course of November 28, 69 individuals returned HIV positive indications. This equates to a current prevalence rate of 1.9 %. The testing campaign was conducted in eight provinces throughout Cambodia and was expanded to cover the weekend. In total, the country expects over 30,000 HIV tests to be conducted during the campaign.
“We still have many things to do to change this issue from being a national tragedy to something that we can control and eventually eradicate. We must continue to translate the national strategic plan for a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS into action,” he said.
He continued that the integrated strategy sought input from a range of programs with contributions made through a decentralization process. With an assurance of full participation from all affected walks of life, project sustainability was assured.
Teng Kunthy, Secretary General of the National AIDS Authority (NAA), said that this year marks the World’s twentieth World AIDS Day and the sixteenth such event for Cambodia, first commemorated here in 1993. The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “STOP AIDS: KEEP THE PROMISE.”
“Every year, the NAA plays a coordinating role among development partners to organize campaigns to highlight the continuing relevance of the day. Our goal is to spread vital information to all levels, starting with the higher administrative levels of government, down to community level. We set ourselves a timescale of two weeks to spread the latest information about the disease to all levels of society,” he said in his statement.
Alice Levisay, Deputy Chair of the United Nations Theme Group on AIDS, said that Cambodia has led the way in reducing prevalence and achieving the Millennium Development Goal for AIDS. This has been achieved under the guidance of the National AIDS Authority, full commitment from development partners and the meaningful engagement of people living with HIV.
“Leadership at the highest levels and in communes and villages across the nation remains the key to Cambodia’s dynamic response to AIDS,” she said. “Together let’s ensure that we all have the knowledge, power and access to information that leads to full, meaningful and HIV free lives.”
She continued by saying that the people must continue to be empowered with special attention paid to educating adolescents and younger members of society. She also revealed that over 7,400 people across the world will be infected by HIV on the occasion of World AIDS Day 2008 and that of that figure, 1,000 victims will be children below 15 years old. Technically, the remainder will be counted as adults, but 45% of these could be described as adolescent or “young” by any other measure.
Kai Chanra, 17, is described as being HIV positive. Even though mitigation treatment and support programs are provided through various Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programs, the young still face many issues and problems.
Chanra, urged the Cambodian Red Cross President Bun Rany to continue her generous support for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. /
The Cambodian health officials and Non-Governmental Organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to combat HIV/AIDS and to eliminate discrimination against sufferers of the disease in Cambodia.
Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), said that in recent years, Cambodia as a developing nation has suffered as the virus made its presence felt. She said that the as yet incurable disease has killed thousands of Cambodians and lead to greater hardships for communities and the nation as a whole.
“I have witnessed the hardships endured by the victims of HIV/AIDS for myself,” said First Lady Bun Rany, who spent World AIDS Day, December 1, visiting victims of the disease. These visits inspired her to rededicate future World AIDS Days to alleviating the suffering of victims and diluting the corrosive power of discrimination.
The President Bun Rany noted that this disease does not discriminate between rich and poor. It is always ready to exploit any opportunity afforded by the victim’s failure to protect against viral attack. She listed unprotected sexual activity and needle sharing as activities that promoted the spread of the disease.
“I would like to take this opportunity to send my message of support to all HIV/AIDS patients and I ask you not to give up hope in your lives. If you follow the guidelines set out by medical staff, you should be able to lead long and productive lives. Your families, communities and society as a whole will not abandon or keep you away from the opportunities the nation has to offer,” she said.
Nuth Sokhom, Chairman of National AIDS Authority (NAA), said during the World AIDS Day that AIDS is a disease without vaccine or cure and that sufferers could expect the disease to have a seriously negative impact, not just on themselves, but upon their family, their community and greater society. He noted that the onset of the virus had placed great strains on the nation’s human resources and ability to generate income.
Referring to the latest figures, he said that 33.2 million cases of HIV had been recorded across the globe, whilst the disease claimed 2.1 million lives in the previous year.
As for Cambodia, in 2007 there were 67,500 cases of HIV/AIDS. As these unfortunate people inevitably succumbed to the disease, they leave behind dependents that become a serious burden to society, according to Sokhom.
However, his assessment was not all doom and gloom. He pointed to Cambodia’s outstanding record in reducing the prevalence of the disease. Thanks to cooperation between the government, legislative bodies, religious groups and the general public, HIV infection rates had dropped from a high of 2 percent in 1998 to 0.9 percent in 2006. Out of 3,518 tests conducted over the course of November 28, 69 individuals returned HIV positive indications. This equates to a current prevalence rate of 1.9 %. The testing campaign was conducted in eight provinces throughout Cambodia and was expanded to cover the weekend. In total, the country expects over 30,000 HIV tests to be conducted during the campaign.
“We still have many things to do to change this issue from being a national tragedy to something that we can control and eventually eradicate. We must continue to translate the national strategic plan for a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS into action,” he said.
He continued that the integrated strategy sought input from a range of programs with contributions made through a decentralization process. With an assurance of full participation from all affected walks of life, project sustainability was assured.
Teng Kunthy, Secretary General of the National AIDS Authority (NAA), said that this year marks the World’s twentieth World AIDS Day and the sixteenth such event for Cambodia, first commemorated here in 1993. The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “STOP AIDS: KEEP THE PROMISE.”
“Every year, the NAA plays a coordinating role among development partners to organize campaigns to highlight the continuing relevance of the day. Our goal is to spread vital information to all levels, starting with the higher administrative levels of government, down to community level. We set ourselves a timescale of two weeks to spread the latest information about the disease to all levels of society,” he said in his statement.
Alice Levisay, Deputy Chair of the United Nations Theme Group on AIDS, said that Cambodia has led the way in reducing prevalence and achieving the Millennium Development Goal for AIDS. This has been achieved under the guidance of the National AIDS Authority, full commitment from development partners and the meaningful engagement of people living with HIV.
“Leadership at the highest levels and in communes and villages across the nation remains the key to Cambodia’s dynamic response to AIDS,” she said. “Together let’s ensure that we all have the knowledge, power and access to information that leads to full, meaningful and HIV free lives.”
She continued by saying that the people must continue to be empowered with special attention paid to educating adolescents and younger members of society. She also revealed that over 7,400 people across the world will be infected by HIV on the occasion of World AIDS Day 2008 and that of that figure, 1,000 victims will be children below 15 years old. Technically, the remainder will be counted as adults, but 45% of these could be described as adolescent or “young” by any other measure.
Kai Chanra, 17, is described as being HIV positive. Even though mitigation treatment and support programs are provided through various Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programs, the young still face many issues and problems.
Chanra, urged the Cambodian Red Cross President Bun Rany to continue her generous support for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. /
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Government Urges Farmers to Stop Selling Rice at Low Prices
By Soy Sophea
The Royal Government of Cambodia has urged farmers not to hasten to sell their rice abroad because they are just about to harvest their produce at a time of plentiful supply and generally low rice prices.
Chan Sarun, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF), said that he was aware Cambodian farmers were anxious to export their rice to Vietnam and Thailand. He advised against this as it was impossible as yet to predict the market price so soon after the harvest and it was better to store the grains and wait for more concrete information as to prices.
Chan Sarun, speaking November 26 at a meeting held at the Ministry to assess the forthcoming harvest, urged provincial agricultural departments to collect information about Cambodian farmers and their rice sales to neighboring countries.
“We supply rice to cater for both domestic and international demand. But we will not sell to international buyers at a price lower than the market value,” he told the Cambodia Weekly during a personal interview on November 25. “Our plan is to increase rice production year after year and this will be all the easier when the commodity is sold at a price that reflects its true market value,” he said.
The Minister continued with a promise that current low prices are a result of a glut of rice following this season’s harvest and would not remain in place forever. He suggested that rice merchants should wait for higher prices to arrive early next year.
Despite the drought of July to September, Cambodian farmers can still produce approximately 6.553.171 tons, an average of 2.52 tons of produce per hectare. A dry 2008 resulted in a 0.62 percent decrease in production, compared to figures for 2007, when 6.727.127 tons of the staple were produced, according to Chan Sarun.
The Minister continued that the 6.55 million tons produced failed to meet the Agriculture Ministry’s goal of 7 million tons for the 2008 growing season. He added that the Ministry will review processes in order to increase production and meet the 7 million ton goal next year.
Oum Narith, Deputy Director of Planning and Statistics in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said that on average one person consumes 143 kilograms of rice per year. With a population approaching 14 million, total national consumption is 1,970,270 tons of rice.
Dr. Yang Saing Koma, President of the Cambodian Center for Study and Developmentin Agriculture (CEDAC), echoed the Minister’s comment by saying that this year’s harvest had decreased by approximately 0.62 percent on figures for 2007. He too agreed with measures taken to try and stem the flow of rice exports to neighboring countries.
Saing Koma said that a high yield depended on a sufficient supply of water. He conceded that this year’s decreased levels of rainfall had been responsible for the 2.52 ton per hectare yield; but he found comfort in the fact that these figures were not as bad as those for the harvest season in 2004, when only 1.98 tons per hectare were produced.
He pointed out that although there are many improved irrigation systems, there is still much to do in modifying the entire network of water channels. He further suggested that the government should take action to halt rice exports to Vietnam or Thailand so soon after the harvest season. He said it was better to wait for prices to stabilize once the rice glut had worked its way out of the international market.
According Ministry statistics released October 30, 2008, Banteay Mean Chey province produced 214,340 tons of rainy season rice, Battambong 245,127 tons, Kampong Cham 166,285 tons, Kampong Chhnang 105,222 tons, Kampong Speu 105,190 tons. The least productive province was Pailin with 2,750 tons.
Recently, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen noted his pleasure when the yield reached about 6 million tons of rice. Once this mark is passed, roughly 2 million tons of rice becomes available for export.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has urged farmers not to hasten to sell their rice abroad because they are just about to harvest their produce at a time of plentiful supply and generally low rice prices.
Chan Sarun, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF), said that he was aware Cambodian farmers were anxious to export their rice to Vietnam and Thailand. He advised against this as it was impossible as yet to predict the market price so soon after the harvest and it was better to store the grains and wait for more concrete information as to prices.
Chan Sarun, speaking November 26 at a meeting held at the Ministry to assess the forthcoming harvest, urged provincial agricultural departments to collect information about Cambodian farmers and their rice sales to neighboring countries.
“We supply rice to cater for both domestic and international demand. But we will not sell to international buyers at a price lower than the market value,” he told the Cambodia Weekly during a personal interview on November 25. “Our plan is to increase rice production year after year and this will be all the easier when the commodity is sold at a price that reflects its true market value,” he said.
The Minister continued with a promise that current low prices are a result of a glut of rice following this season’s harvest and would not remain in place forever. He suggested that rice merchants should wait for higher prices to arrive early next year.
Despite the drought of July to September, Cambodian farmers can still produce approximately 6.553.171 tons, an average of 2.52 tons of produce per hectare. A dry 2008 resulted in a 0.62 percent decrease in production, compared to figures for 2007, when 6.727.127 tons of the staple were produced, according to Chan Sarun.
The Minister continued that the 6.55 million tons produced failed to meet the Agriculture Ministry’s goal of 7 million tons for the 2008 growing season. He added that the Ministry will review processes in order to increase production and meet the 7 million ton goal next year.
Oum Narith, Deputy Director of Planning and Statistics in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said that on average one person consumes 143 kilograms of rice per year. With a population approaching 14 million, total national consumption is 1,970,270 tons of rice.
Dr. Yang Saing Koma, President of the Cambodian Center for Study and Developmentin Agriculture (CEDAC), echoed the Minister’s comment by saying that this year’s harvest had decreased by approximately 0.62 percent on figures for 2007. He too agreed with measures taken to try and stem the flow of rice exports to neighboring countries.
Saing Koma said that a high yield depended on a sufficient supply of water. He conceded that this year’s decreased levels of rainfall had been responsible for the 2.52 ton per hectare yield; but he found comfort in the fact that these figures were not as bad as those for the harvest season in 2004, when only 1.98 tons per hectare were produced.
He pointed out that although there are many improved irrigation systems, there is still much to do in modifying the entire network of water channels. He further suggested that the government should take action to halt rice exports to Vietnam or Thailand so soon after the harvest season. He said it was better to wait for prices to stabilize once the rice glut had worked its way out of the international market.
According Ministry statistics released October 30, 2008, Banteay Mean Chey province produced 214,340 tons of rainy season rice, Battambong 245,127 tons, Kampong Cham 166,285 tons, Kampong Chhnang 105,222 tons, Kampong Speu 105,190 tons. The least productive province was Pailin with 2,750 tons.
Recently, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen noted his pleasure when the yield reached about 6 million tons of rice. Once this mark is passed, roughly 2 million tons of rice becomes available for export.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Government Provides Passports Free of Charge to Workers
By Soy Sophea
Prime Minister Hun Sen, speaking at the 14th Government-Private Sector Forum, has agreed in principle to provide fee passports to all workers who have opted to work abroad.
The approval was in response to requests made by the 8th Working Group, Industrial Relations represented by Dr. Nang Sothy. He raised the issue of free passports in an earlier meeting of the Cambodia Council for Women. This organization is headed by the Honorary President, the Queen Mother Her Majesty Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and vice honorary president Bun Rany Hun Sen, the wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
“From today, the Royal Government of Cambodia will start to provide free passports to our laborers,” the Prime Minister said at the Forum. He added, “We need to help those members of our society who find it necessary to find jobs abroad. Therefore, I am ordering the Ministry of Interior to take immediate action to cancel passport fees for laborers.”
He added that currently the Cambodian Government pays 100 US dollars out of the 125 US dollars total for electronic-chip passports. He also demanded that all bureaucratic processing of passport applications be cleared within 20 days.
The Economy
During the forum, the Prime Minister also touched on the economy. He said that Cambodia's banking sector remained stable despite the global economic crisis, but plans to establish a national stock exchange could be delayed.The Prime Minister said that the state of the country's finance industry was "in a stable position which is not worrisome" because Cambodia "has not yet received a stock market.""If there is no stock market, there is no problem,” said the Premier. But he affirmed that he still aimed to set up a bourse once fears of a global recession had receded.
"When the wind dies down, we will try to establish the stock market. I only know that when the red arrow sign is down it means the stock is also down...something that I see all the time nowadays," he said.
Earlier this year, Cambodia signed an agreement with representatives from South Korea's stock exchange, the Korea Exchange, to establish a stock market in 2009. These plans were based on annual economic growth rates averaging 11 percent over the past three years. These impressive figures were the result of vibrant garment and tourism sectors.But the International Monetary Fund recently said Cambodia's economy was expected to flounder next year as the world crisis deepened. Cambodia still remains a largely cash-only economy and a high degree of mistrust keeps many people hoarding their money at home instead of using banks.
Keat Chhon, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance responded to the Premier’s speech by saying that the Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), which was launched in 1999 on the personal initiative of The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was an effective mechanism for finding solutions to challenges faced by the private sector as it went about its business.
“The G-PSF is considered to be an enlarged plenary cabinet meeting with the attendance of private sector representatives at discussions of government policies and initiatives related to private sector development,” he said at the Forum. He continued that, “Having been successful in the past 13 meetings, the G-PSG will continue to improve and strengthen the business and investment climate in Cambodia.”
The eight working groups at the Forum include the Export Processing and Trade Facility, Energy, Infrastructure and Transport, Agriculture and Agri-Industry, Tourism, Manufacturing and Small and Medium Enterprises, Law, Tax, and Good Governance, Banking and Financial Services, and Industrial Relations.
Prime Minister Hun Sen, speaking at the 14th Government-Private Sector Forum, has agreed in principle to provide fee passports to all workers who have opted to work abroad.
The approval was in response to requests made by the 8th Working Group, Industrial Relations represented by Dr. Nang Sothy. He raised the issue of free passports in an earlier meeting of the Cambodia Council for Women. This organization is headed by the Honorary President, the Queen Mother Her Majesty Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and vice honorary president Bun Rany Hun Sen, the wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
“From today, the Royal Government of Cambodia will start to provide free passports to our laborers,” the Prime Minister said at the Forum. He added, “We need to help those members of our society who find it necessary to find jobs abroad. Therefore, I am ordering the Ministry of Interior to take immediate action to cancel passport fees for laborers.”
He added that currently the Cambodian Government pays 100 US dollars out of the 125 US dollars total for electronic-chip passports. He also demanded that all bureaucratic processing of passport applications be cleared within 20 days.
The Economy
During the forum, the Prime Minister also touched on the economy. He said that Cambodia's banking sector remained stable despite the global economic crisis, but plans to establish a national stock exchange could be delayed.The Prime Minister said that the state of the country's finance industry was "in a stable position which is not worrisome" because Cambodia "has not yet received a stock market.""If there is no stock market, there is no problem,” said the Premier. But he affirmed that he still aimed to set up a bourse once fears of a global recession had receded.
"When the wind dies down, we will try to establish the stock market. I only know that when the red arrow sign is down it means the stock is also down...something that I see all the time nowadays," he said.
Earlier this year, Cambodia signed an agreement with representatives from South Korea's stock exchange, the Korea Exchange, to establish a stock market in 2009. These plans were based on annual economic growth rates averaging 11 percent over the past three years. These impressive figures were the result of vibrant garment and tourism sectors.But the International Monetary Fund recently said Cambodia's economy was expected to flounder next year as the world crisis deepened. Cambodia still remains a largely cash-only economy and a high degree of mistrust keeps many people hoarding their money at home instead of using banks.
Keat Chhon, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance responded to the Premier’s speech by saying that the Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), which was launched in 1999 on the personal initiative of The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was an effective mechanism for finding solutions to challenges faced by the private sector as it went about its business.
“The G-PSF is considered to be an enlarged plenary cabinet meeting with the attendance of private sector representatives at discussions of government policies and initiatives related to private sector development,” he said at the Forum. He continued that, “Having been successful in the past 13 meetings, the G-PSG will continue to improve and strengthen the business and investment climate in Cambodia.”
The eight working groups at the Forum include the Export Processing and Trade Facility, Energy, Infrastructure and Transport, Agriculture and Agri-Industry, Tourism, Manufacturing and Small and Medium Enterprises, Law, Tax, and Good Governance, Banking and Financial Services, and Industrial Relations.
Government Responds to Thai Aide d’ Memoir
By Soy Sophea
The Royal Government of Cambodia has summoned the Thai Ambassador Viraphand Vacharathit to respond to Thailand’s Aide d’ Memoir that accuses Cambodia of violations of Thai territory and sovereignty. The summons was made on November 20, by Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister spoke to reporters during a press conference at his office in Phnom Penh after the meeting with the Thai Ambassador Viraphand Vacharathit. He said that the complaints expressed in these documents contain insufficient evidence to support the claims.
He compared these complaints to the solid evidence and official documents that are internationally recognized that Cambodia uses to back up Her territorial claims. He noted that every move made by Cambodia during the standoff was made in light of this documentary evidence.
According to international maps created by France and Siam following a convention in 1904 and a treaty in 1907, Cambodia has the right to the disputed lands, Hor Namhong said, and added that the current tensions between Thailand and Cambodia had existed since July 15, 2008, a week after Preah Vihear temple was included in the World Heritage List.
The Deputy Prime Minister continued that the issues have been raised because Thailand objects to Cambodia’s efforts to bring the Hindu temple to the attention of World Heritage officials. He said Thailand has made allegations about plans to build a hotel on the Poi Pet border between the 48th and 49th boundary pillars. Tensions mounted with Cambodia’s Buddhist celebrations held at Keo Sikha Kirisvara pagoda. Thailand claims this territory for Herself.
The Deputy Prime Minister considered that the Thai claims were both disappointing an “laughable”. He said that Cambodia has drawn attention to the fact that Preah Vihear (Known to the Thais as “Phra Viharn”) is the original name for the temple and it is known as such by both UNESCO and the International Courts of Justice.
“I have told the Thai Ambassador that if Thailand wants to continue with its protests, they can do so having first understood the proper terms, the legal dimension and the extent of Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty. All concerned will be able to save valuable time if these complaints are presented in an appropriate manner,” he said.
He continued, “We want to create a peaceful deal to solve this matter. The Cambodian Government wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to exercising the utmost restraint and in negotiating and working closely with the Thai side to avoid any armed hostilities.”
However, Namhong assured reporters that Cambodia will not raise the matter at the ASEAN Summit which will take place in Chieng Mai, Thailand, scheduled for December 13_18. this is because Cambodia’s friends in the region and beyond have advised the nation to arrive at a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution with Thailand. He added that so far, there are no plans for unofficial meetings between Cambodian and Thai delegates during the ASEAN Summit.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has summoned the Thai Ambassador Viraphand Vacharathit to respond to Thailand’s Aide d’ Memoir that accuses Cambodia of violations of Thai territory and sovereignty. The summons was made on November 20, by Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister spoke to reporters during a press conference at his office in Phnom Penh after the meeting with the Thai Ambassador Viraphand Vacharathit. He said that the complaints expressed in these documents contain insufficient evidence to support the claims.
He compared these complaints to the solid evidence and official documents that are internationally recognized that Cambodia uses to back up Her territorial claims. He noted that every move made by Cambodia during the standoff was made in light of this documentary evidence.
According to international maps created by France and Siam following a convention in 1904 and a treaty in 1907, Cambodia has the right to the disputed lands, Hor Namhong said, and added that the current tensions between Thailand and Cambodia had existed since July 15, 2008, a week after Preah Vihear temple was included in the World Heritage List.
The Deputy Prime Minister continued that the issues have been raised because Thailand objects to Cambodia’s efforts to bring the Hindu temple to the attention of World Heritage officials. He said Thailand has made allegations about plans to build a hotel on the Poi Pet border between the 48th and 49th boundary pillars. Tensions mounted with Cambodia’s Buddhist celebrations held at Keo Sikha Kirisvara pagoda. Thailand claims this territory for Herself.
The Deputy Prime Minister considered that the Thai claims were both disappointing an “laughable”. He said that Cambodia has drawn attention to the fact that Preah Vihear (Known to the Thais as “Phra Viharn”) is the original name for the temple and it is known as such by both UNESCO and the International Courts of Justice.
“I have told the Thai Ambassador that if Thailand wants to continue with its protests, they can do so having first understood the proper terms, the legal dimension and the extent of Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty. All concerned will be able to save valuable time if these complaints are presented in an appropriate manner,” he said.
He continued, “We want to create a peaceful deal to solve this matter. The Cambodian Government wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to exercising the utmost restraint and in negotiating and working closely with the Thai side to avoid any armed hostilities.”
However, Namhong assured reporters that Cambodia will not raise the matter at the ASEAN Summit which will take place in Chieng Mai, Thailand, scheduled for December 13_18. this is because Cambodia’s friends in the region and beyond have advised the nation to arrive at a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution with Thailand. He added that so far, there are no plans for unofficial meetings between Cambodian and Thai delegates during the ASEAN Summit.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Cambodia Affirms No overlapping Areas at Preah Vihear border
By Soy Sophea
The Royal Government of Cambodian has underlined the fact that there is no overlap between Cambodian and Thai territory in the areas adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple. This statement is fully supported by international law and official maps that describe and classify the terrain as falling under the purview of Cambodian sovereignty. Thai counterarguments have resulted in a tense border standoff since mid-July.
“There are no overlapping areas at all along the 800 kilometer border with Thailand. We don’t recognize any overlapping areas,” Phay Siphan, the Cambodian Government spokesman and Secretary of State at the Council of Ministers said, during a round table discussion conducted by the Club of Cambodian Journalists on November 18.
The Secretary of State explained that the Thai military map claims overlapping areas amounting to 4.6 square kilometers, and this is used to support the Thai claim, according to Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Council of Ministers. This claim was judged to be one-sided and unjustifiable at a 2007 UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting.
Siphan hoped that his clarification would dispel confusion among some international reporters who have mistakenly reported that Cambodia and Thailand have overlapping border areas near the Preah Vihear temple.
Since the registration of Preah Vihear temple on UNESCO’s World Heritage List on July 7, Cambodian and Thai troops have been deployed along the border, with each side accusing the other of encroachment. A small-scale clash recently claimed several lives and caused superficial damage to the exterior of the ancient temple’s staircase.
The Secretary of State noted that the maps in Cambodia’s possession are internationally recognized and do not show any “white” or overlapping areas. Therefore, Cambodia will never accept any claims of shared territory.
Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat recently explained the Thai stance in a joint press conference following border discussions on November 12 at Siem Reap province. Thailand is happy to use the 1904 and 1907 international treaty between France and Siam as a road map to resolve the border conflict.
People in Tonle Sap Lake Gain Benefit from Sustainability Livelihood Program
By Soy Sophea
Cambodians living along the banks of the Tonle Sap River, and in floating communities that cluster along the surface, have been benefiting from natural resources. They have joined forces to preserve the wealth of biodiversity that surrounds them and are convinced that the lake and the river that feeds it need to be protected and passed on in good condition to the next generation, according to environmental experts.
Three million Cambodians are directly dependent upon the lake's resources. For instance, fish caught in the river provides up to 70 percent of their protein intake. Furthermore, UNESCO registered the Tonle Sap on the list of Biosphere Reserve in 1997, in view of its exceptional ecological, economic, social and cultural value.
Hour Lim Chhun, Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve Secretariat, said that his project, completed in August 2008 has done much to help them stabilize daily life. For instance, they have presented aquaculture as a viable alternative to fishing.
He also noted that sponsorship has been provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and that together with the Secretariat, they were all working towards a more sustainable future.
He added that a Self Help Group has been established to gather representatives from 15 to 30 local families who will serve as role models to demonstrate the advantages of an approach to life based on a cooperative approach to saving and exploiting micro credit mechanisms where necessary. He added that to date there are 22 Saving Groups established in 3 core areas.
These core areas include the Prek Toal Core Area, located in Koh Chiveang Commune, Aek Phnom District Battambang Province. This commune comprises 5 floating villages including Thvang, Kompong Prahoc, Anlong Taua, Prek Toal and Kbal Taol. Next, there is the Boeung Tonle Chhmar Core Area located in Peam Bang commune, Stoung District Kompong Thom Province. The floating villages are scattered to the North and South of Boeung Tonle Chhmar. Then there is the Stung Sen Core area, located in Phat Sanday Commune, Kompong Svay District Kompong Thom Province, with floating villages stretching all the way to the lake.
The Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake due to a unique hydrological phenomenon. Its area varies from 2,500 Km2 in the dry season to 12,000 km2 during the monsoon rains. The three core areas have been selected based on their pristine habitat, botanical diversity and importance for threatened water birds.
Yem Sothearith, Education and Extension Officer working with the Tonle Sap Environmental Management Project (TSEMP), said that people along the river have changed their approach to exploiting the potential of fish. He said that the communities have been liaising with are populated by well-informed people eager to contribute to the preservation of the lake’s natural resources.
He said that his 5-year project to educate people in the 5 provinces along the river will be complete by December, 2008 and that the result of his work had been a population that understood the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
He also referred to Prek Toal area, located on the north-western shore of the lake that shelters the largest remaining colonies of water birds in Southeast Asia. Thousands of pairs of pelicans, ibis, darters and storks, all of them species threatened with extinction, gather to nest in mixed species colonies in the flooded forests from November to May. He noted that this area was worth protecting for the money it could generate from ecotourism.
An Asian Development Bank loan of $10.9 million has been topped up by a government grant of $3.9 million, with a further $3.9 million provided by the Global Environment Facility. The financial package is rounded off with a loan of $623,000 from the UNDP’s Capacity Grant, according to Kim Chantha, ADB External Relation Coordinator.
Heng Dara, Coordinator at the Siem Reap-based Osmose organization said that since 1999, he has introduced a pilot scheme linking conservation and development in the Prek Toal area of the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Osmose is the first ecotourism provider in the area, and over 100 poor families benefit from socio-sanitary support and alternative income-generating activities.
He added that, “The site is the last breeding stronghold in Southeast Asia for large water birds that face serious threats in the form of massive egg and chick collection for local consumption.”
The project uses an original approach, integrating water-bird conservation, environmental education and ecotourism, with the equitable development of the local communities as an overall goal. He noted that after all the hard work, the future of the water-bird colonies looked much more secure, safe in the hands of over 1,000 children that have joined the environmental education program. He added, “The project is now recognized as a model by local and international peers. At this stage, Osmose is setting out to get a clearer picture of the impact of its activities.”
Sa Mon, Project Implementation officer of Osmose said that responsibility for ecotourism activities were in the hands of 15 families/beneficiaries selected from Peak Kantel area. They have been provided with a range of equipment (including paddle boats, cooking utensils and water filters) and personnel (including guides, facilitators and hospitality workers). In addition, the Osmose Floating Visitor Center has been refurbished with a new kitchen and a viewing deck on the roof.
“Ecotourism provides a good model for replication in other areas of the Tonle Sap River Basin,” Mon said.
Cambodians living along the banks of the Tonle Sap River, and in floating communities that cluster along the surface, have been benefiting from natural resources. They have joined forces to preserve the wealth of biodiversity that surrounds them and are convinced that the lake and the river that feeds it need to be protected and passed on in good condition to the next generation, according to environmental experts.
Three million Cambodians are directly dependent upon the lake's resources. For instance, fish caught in the river provides up to 70 percent of their protein intake. Furthermore, UNESCO registered the Tonle Sap on the list of Biosphere Reserve in 1997, in view of its exceptional ecological, economic, social and cultural value.
Hour Lim Chhun, Sustainable Livelihoods Specialist of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve Secretariat, said that his project, completed in August 2008 has done much to help them stabilize daily life. For instance, they have presented aquaculture as a viable alternative to fishing.
He also noted that sponsorship has been provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and that together with the Secretariat, they were all working towards a more sustainable future.
He added that a Self Help Group has been established to gather representatives from 15 to 30 local families who will serve as role models to demonstrate the advantages of an approach to life based on a cooperative approach to saving and exploiting micro credit mechanisms where necessary. He added that to date there are 22 Saving Groups established in 3 core areas.
These core areas include the Prek Toal Core Area, located in Koh Chiveang Commune, Aek Phnom District Battambang Province. This commune comprises 5 floating villages including Thvang, Kompong Prahoc, Anlong Taua, Prek Toal and Kbal Taol. Next, there is the Boeung Tonle Chhmar Core Area located in Peam Bang commune, Stoung District Kompong Thom Province. The floating villages are scattered to the North and South of Boeung Tonle Chhmar. Then there is the Stung Sen Core area, located in Phat Sanday Commune, Kompong Svay District Kompong Thom Province, with floating villages stretching all the way to the lake.
The Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake due to a unique hydrological phenomenon. Its area varies from 2,500 Km2 in the dry season to 12,000 km2 during the monsoon rains. The three core areas have been selected based on their pristine habitat, botanical diversity and importance for threatened water birds.
Yem Sothearith, Education and Extension Officer working with the Tonle Sap Environmental Management Project (TSEMP), said that people along the river have changed their approach to exploiting the potential of fish. He said that the communities have been liaising with are populated by well-informed people eager to contribute to the preservation of the lake’s natural resources.
He said that his 5-year project to educate people in the 5 provinces along the river will be complete by December, 2008 and that the result of his work had been a population that understood the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
He also referred to Prek Toal area, located on the north-western shore of the lake that shelters the largest remaining colonies of water birds in Southeast Asia. Thousands of pairs of pelicans, ibis, darters and storks, all of them species threatened with extinction, gather to nest in mixed species colonies in the flooded forests from November to May. He noted that this area was worth protecting for the money it could generate from ecotourism.
An Asian Development Bank loan of $10.9 million has been topped up by a government grant of $3.9 million, with a further $3.9 million provided by the Global Environment Facility. The financial package is rounded off with a loan of $623,000 from the UNDP’s Capacity Grant, according to Kim Chantha, ADB External Relation Coordinator.
Heng Dara, Coordinator at the Siem Reap-based Osmose organization said that since 1999, he has introduced a pilot scheme linking conservation and development in the Prek Toal area of the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Osmose is the first ecotourism provider in the area, and over 100 poor families benefit from socio-sanitary support and alternative income-generating activities.
He added that, “The site is the last breeding stronghold in Southeast Asia for large water birds that face serious threats in the form of massive egg and chick collection for local consumption.”
The project uses an original approach, integrating water-bird conservation, environmental education and ecotourism, with the equitable development of the local communities as an overall goal. He noted that after all the hard work, the future of the water-bird colonies looked much more secure, safe in the hands of over 1,000 children that have joined the environmental education program. He added, “The project is now recognized as a model by local and international peers. At this stage, Osmose is setting out to get a clearer picture of the impact of its activities.”
Sa Mon, Project Implementation officer of Osmose said that responsibility for ecotourism activities were in the hands of 15 families/beneficiaries selected from Peak Kantel area. They have been provided with a range of equipment (including paddle boats, cooking utensils and water filters) and personnel (including guides, facilitators and hospitality workers). In addition, the Osmose Floating Visitor Center has been refurbished with a new kitchen and a viewing deck on the roof.
“Ecotourism provides a good model for replication in other areas of the Tonle Sap River Basin,” Mon said.
Wood-Burning Stoves Remain Viable
By Soy Sophea
In these days of microwave ovens and fast food, wood-burning stove makers remain enthusiastic about their product as sales increase. In the current economic climate, a little wood-burning stove has a big reputation as it can reduce cooking expenses by up to 30 percent. The French organization GERES (Groupe Energies Renouvelables Environment et Solidarités) has been preaching the benefits of this type of stove in Cambodia since 1997.
Khouern Pom, 57, with over 20 years experience in making traditional stoves, said that his business increased after he attended GERES courses. There he learned how to make a viable little product even more efficient and now he is selling upwards of 1,000 units per month.
“I can make around ten million riel per month selling these stoves. This is a massive increase over the course of the decade,” the stove maker told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview.
Pom, whose product is well known the length and breadth of Battambang province, explained that his products are so popular because they save the owner money every time they are used; consuming up to 30 percent less energy than older stoves, they are much more cost effective than any of the alternatives. Better still, they do not produce as much CO2 as the older models.
“I am happy to see my countrymen buy these new stoves because each customer walks away from my shop with a guarantee of savings and overall value for money,” he said.
Yem Koeurn, the owner of three stove-making factories in Kampong Chhnang province, has increased production to around 4,000 to 5,000 stoves per month during this rainy season. He said during the dry season, he made about 6,000 stoves. He added that the rapid increase in sales was due to the widespread acceptance of lessons learned from GERES.
“I appreciate this business as there is never an idle moment in my two stove-making factories. The only problem is that demand is running far ahead of supply and we can’t make enough of the stoves to keep everybody happy,” he said.
The Cambodia Fuel-Wood Saving Project (CFSP) was started in 1997 out of the need for coordinated action to shape a wood-burning energy policy. The initial work focused on Kampong Chhnang province as researchers assessed the technological and socio-economic issues surrounding a wood-based energy policy.
“We have engaged in a wide range of research and training activities to reduce the consumption of wood in Cambodia and focused in particular on fuel efficiency to improve the performance of the charcoal manufacturing processes and effectiveness of the stoves that burn it,” according to Mao Ratha, Human Resource, Administration and Logistics Manager of GERES.
Ratha said that his team seeks collaboration with other organizations involved with wood energy issues to bring about coordinated action and a unified national wood energy policy.
He continued, “One of the aims of phase two of our four-year program is to talk to the heads of 150,000 households to encourage them to adopt these improved stoves. This program would lead to a total saving of 2,210,000 tones of wood and the creation of about 90 jobs over a ten year period.”
Sek Sambath, a stove user in Battambang province, said that he has used the improved stove for the last three years and is well qualified to describe its advantages, not the least of which is a 5,000 Riel saving on monthly cooking expenses. The 35-year-old said the new stoves cost less than the older models and urged all Cambodians living in rural areas to take advantage of the savings.
According to GERES research, a household that depends on sugar palm production consumes the most wood. Introducing significant improvements to the efficiency of the stoves will reduce the amount of wood energy used. Studies indicate that use of improved stoves can cut Cambodia’s consumption of charcoal by 40 percent, or about 23,000 tones per year. Given Cambodia’s reliance on wood energy, reducing the nation’s consumption of wood & charcoal will move the country nearer to sustainable use of its fuel wood resources.
During phase one of their work, GERES, working in conjunction with CFSP and CEDAC (Centre d’Etude et de Développment Agriole Cambodgien) drew together 18 other institutions interested in wood energy issues, forming the Wood Energy Network of Cambodia. Through this network CFSP representatives were able to train 58 ICS (Improved Cook-stove) technicians and over 100 extension workers. 18,000 improved cook-stoves were introduced to the target communities resulting in a saving of 37,500tones of firewood each year and a 53,000 ton reduction in CO2 emissions.
CFSP representatives have set up a laboratory in Phnom Penh where stove designs can be developed. Here the new models are tested to destruction and monitored to assess their consumption and CO2 emissions. This data enables the organization to design ovens that provide the greatest fuel efficiency. In addition, a basic field laboratory has been devised to enable the production centers to test their stoves. This is backed up by extensive field research to confirm the fact that there are happier, wealthier and healthier customers at the end of the supply chain.
Hoeung Chuntheang, GERES’s quality control Manager noted that CFSP has been very successful in promoting the improved cook-stoves, primarily through their work with domestic stove producers. He added that once the producers understand the benefits of the stoves and know how to manufacture them, it is an easy matter to distribute these stoves using existing commercial channels.
“The economic benefits to the end users, middlemen and the producers maintain the stove's popularity over the long term,” he said.
In these days of microwave ovens and fast food, wood-burning stove makers remain enthusiastic about their product as sales increase. In the current economic climate, a little wood-burning stove has a big reputation as it can reduce cooking expenses by up to 30 percent. The French organization GERES (Groupe Energies Renouvelables Environment et Solidarités) has been preaching the benefits of this type of stove in Cambodia since 1997.
Khouern Pom, 57, with over 20 years experience in making traditional stoves, said that his business increased after he attended GERES courses. There he learned how to make a viable little product even more efficient and now he is selling upwards of 1,000 units per month.
“I can make around ten million riel per month selling these stoves. This is a massive increase over the course of the decade,” the stove maker told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview.
Pom, whose product is well known the length and breadth of Battambang province, explained that his products are so popular because they save the owner money every time they are used; consuming up to 30 percent less energy than older stoves, they are much more cost effective than any of the alternatives. Better still, they do not produce as much CO2 as the older models.
“I am happy to see my countrymen buy these new stoves because each customer walks away from my shop with a guarantee of savings and overall value for money,” he said.
Yem Koeurn, the owner of three stove-making factories in Kampong Chhnang province, has increased production to around 4,000 to 5,000 stoves per month during this rainy season. He said during the dry season, he made about 6,000 stoves. He added that the rapid increase in sales was due to the widespread acceptance of lessons learned from GERES.
“I appreciate this business as there is never an idle moment in my two stove-making factories. The only problem is that demand is running far ahead of supply and we can’t make enough of the stoves to keep everybody happy,” he said.
The Cambodia Fuel-Wood Saving Project (CFSP) was started in 1997 out of the need for coordinated action to shape a wood-burning energy policy. The initial work focused on Kampong Chhnang province as researchers assessed the technological and socio-economic issues surrounding a wood-based energy policy.
“We have engaged in a wide range of research and training activities to reduce the consumption of wood in Cambodia and focused in particular on fuel efficiency to improve the performance of the charcoal manufacturing processes and effectiveness of the stoves that burn it,” according to Mao Ratha, Human Resource, Administration and Logistics Manager of GERES.
Ratha said that his team seeks collaboration with other organizations involved with wood energy issues to bring about coordinated action and a unified national wood energy policy.
He continued, “One of the aims of phase two of our four-year program is to talk to the heads of 150,000 households to encourage them to adopt these improved stoves. This program would lead to a total saving of 2,210,000 tones of wood and the creation of about 90 jobs over a ten year period.”
Sek Sambath, a stove user in Battambang province, said that he has used the improved stove for the last three years and is well qualified to describe its advantages, not the least of which is a 5,000 Riel saving on monthly cooking expenses. The 35-year-old said the new stoves cost less than the older models and urged all Cambodians living in rural areas to take advantage of the savings.
According to GERES research, a household that depends on sugar palm production consumes the most wood. Introducing significant improvements to the efficiency of the stoves will reduce the amount of wood energy used. Studies indicate that use of improved stoves can cut Cambodia’s consumption of charcoal by 40 percent, or about 23,000 tones per year. Given Cambodia’s reliance on wood energy, reducing the nation’s consumption of wood & charcoal will move the country nearer to sustainable use of its fuel wood resources.
During phase one of their work, GERES, working in conjunction with CFSP and CEDAC (Centre d’Etude et de Développment Agriole Cambodgien) drew together 18 other institutions interested in wood energy issues, forming the Wood Energy Network of Cambodia. Through this network CFSP representatives were able to train 58 ICS (Improved Cook-stove) technicians and over 100 extension workers. 18,000 improved cook-stoves were introduced to the target communities resulting in a saving of 37,500tones of firewood each year and a 53,000 ton reduction in CO2 emissions.
CFSP representatives have set up a laboratory in Phnom Penh where stove designs can be developed. Here the new models are tested to destruction and monitored to assess their consumption and CO2 emissions. This data enables the organization to design ovens that provide the greatest fuel efficiency. In addition, a basic field laboratory has been devised to enable the production centers to test their stoves. This is backed up by extensive field research to confirm the fact that there are happier, wealthier and healthier customers at the end of the supply chain.
Hoeung Chuntheang, GERES’s quality control Manager noted that CFSP has been very successful in promoting the improved cook-stoves, primarily through their work with domestic stove producers. He added that once the producers understand the benefits of the stoves and know how to manufacture them, it is an easy matter to distribute these stoves using existing commercial channels.
“The economic benefits to the end users, middlemen and the producers maintain the stove's popularity over the long term,” he said.
Cambodia-Thailand Improve in Border Talks
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian and Thai delegates have given a more positive assessment following talks to defuse tensions over the disputed border. The two countries have just finished three days of talks, with November 10-11set aside for Joint Border Committee business and the 12th set aside for foreign ministerial meetings. This upbeat assessment was delivered to a joint press conference following the ministerial border negotiations that took place in Siem Reap province.
Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told reporters after the latest meeting on November 12, that Cambodia and Thailand have reached a joint agreement in principle and both sides have pledged to withdraw their troops from the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda area.
The Deputy Prime Minister has described the talks as a "big practical step forward", and expressed his pleasure in understanding that the border issue could still raise the passions of the Cambodian populace. His Thai counterpart Sompong Amornwiwat said they had achieved approximately "96 percent" of what they had set out to achieve.
The Deputy Prime Minister continued “I am proud of our people as their spirit and the love they have shown to our country is without compare. Border resolutions such as these cannot be resolved overnight, nor can we expect to have everything entirely our own way. To illustrate the point, consider the historical border issues that still continue between Russia and China for example, or India and China, Vietnam and China, or Japan and Korea; these disputes have lasted for decades and are still not completely resolved.”
Furthermore, he informed reporters that after the latest meeting, “The Royal Government of Cambodia has its road map and will not start the process of resolution without first hammering out an appropriate strategy. We will also consider the continuation of good relations with our neighbors, as well as Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty.”
The first step has been taken, with Cambodia and Thailand pledging to begin to place markers along their common border and withdraw troops from around the disputed temple area. These preparatory moves came after a meeting of foreign ministers aimed at preventing further clashes after both sides exchanged gunfire last month.The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that obstacles remain in the way of a final amicable solution in settling the land dispute, a view upheld by his counterpart Sompong.
The two sides will begin marking out the border, which runs for nearly 800km, much of it heavily mined, and the two nations have also agreed to make the stretch upon which the temple stands their first priority, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. The two sides say they mark out sections of the contested area around the 11th Century Preah Vihear temple - the scene of last month's deadly clashes. These will reduce the risk of one side blundering into the territory of the other.
Var Kimhong, Chairman of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes in the Council of Ministers, who also attended the meeting, said that both sides have for the time being agreed to use all documents created by the Joint Border Committee (JBC) in 2006. These documents identify the 29 border markers or pillars that divide the two countries.
He added that time and research would be spent in getting a more precise fix on the marker locations; however, this could be difficult as time and years of civil war have conspired to hide these markers from view.
What is without doubt is the fact that the Thai delegates have accepted internationally recognized map, created between 1904 and 1907, according to Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat.
However, the Thai Foreign Minister says the accord is still subject to ratification by his country's Parliament. He said that the two sides will conduct another round of negotiations in January.
Cambodian and Thai delegates have given a more positive assessment following talks to defuse tensions over the disputed border. The two countries have just finished three days of talks, with November 10-11set aside for Joint Border Committee business and the 12th set aside for foreign ministerial meetings. This upbeat assessment was delivered to a joint press conference following the ministerial border negotiations that took place in Siem Reap province.
Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told reporters after the latest meeting on November 12, that Cambodia and Thailand have reached a joint agreement in principle and both sides have pledged to withdraw their troops from the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda area.
The Deputy Prime Minister has described the talks as a "big practical step forward", and expressed his pleasure in understanding that the border issue could still raise the passions of the Cambodian populace. His Thai counterpart Sompong Amornwiwat said they had achieved approximately "96 percent" of what they had set out to achieve.
The Deputy Prime Minister continued “I am proud of our people as their spirit and the love they have shown to our country is without compare. Border resolutions such as these cannot be resolved overnight, nor can we expect to have everything entirely our own way. To illustrate the point, consider the historical border issues that still continue between Russia and China for example, or India and China, Vietnam and China, or Japan and Korea; these disputes have lasted for decades and are still not completely resolved.”
Furthermore, he informed reporters that after the latest meeting, “The Royal Government of Cambodia has its road map and will not start the process of resolution without first hammering out an appropriate strategy. We will also consider the continuation of good relations with our neighbors, as well as Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty.”
The first step has been taken, with Cambodia and Thailand pledging to begin to place markers along their common border and withdraw troops from around the disputed temple area. These preparatory moves came after a meeting of foreign ministers aimed at preventing further clashes after both sides exchanged gunfire last month.The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that obstacles remain in the way of a final amicable solution in settling the land dispute, a view upheld by his counterpart Sompong.
The two sides will begin marking out the border, which runs for nearly 800km, much of it heavily mined, and the two nations have also agreed to make the stretch upon which the temple stands their first priority, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. The two sides say they mark out sections of the contested area around the 11th Century Preah Vihear temple - the scene of last month's deadly clashes. These will reduce the risk of one side blundering into the territory of the other.
Var Kimhong, Chairman of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes in the Council of Ministers, who also attended the meeting, said that both sides have for the time being agreed to use all documents created by the Joint Border Committee (JBC) in 2006. These documents identify the 29 border markers or pillars that divide the two countries.
He added that time and research would be spent in getting a more precise fix on the marker locations; however, this could be difficult as time and years of civil war have conspired to hide these markers from view.
What is without doubt is the fact that the Thai delegates have accepted internationally recognized map, created between 1904 and 1907, according to Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat.
However, the Thai Foreign Minister says the accord is still subject to ratification by his country's Parliament. He said that the two sides will conduct another round of negotiations in January.
Monday, November 24, 2008
NDI Trains Political Party Women for the Upcoming General Election
By Soy Sophea
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) on Wednesday last week launched its one-day seminar for women leaders from three political parties. The seminars were arranged
to enhance communication with voters during the campaign period for the upcoming 2008 national elections.
At the opening seminar held at the Cambodiana Hotel, Chit C. Asis, an NDI political trainer said training was aimed at strengthening participation by political parties by enhancing the skills of women party trainers in political campaign communication skills. She added that 36 women trainers from the Cambodia People’s Party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia, (Funcinpec), and the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) have been trained in campaign communication.
Ky Lum Ang, Funcinpec parliamentarian, said at the workshop that it would enable the three main political parties to broadcast better focused political messages. “Women are
the development partners for our society,” she said. “We have to educate them as much as we can, especially in the areas such as political theory and the democratic process.” In addition,
Ke Sovannroth, SRP parliamentarian, said that experience in elections was important for Cambodia’s democratic society.
“We have to have them trained to make sure they are strong enough to take part in forthcoming political campaign,” Sovannroth said.
Nin Saphon, from Cambodia People’s Party, said that the seminar was a good way to bring the different political organizations together where they were able to sit and learn together as one great Khmer family. Cambodia is scheduled to hold its forth national election in July 27, 2008.
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) on Wednesday last week launched its one-day seminar for women leaders from three political parties. The seminars were arranged
to enhance communication with voters during the campaign period for the upcoming 2008 national elections.
At the opening seminar held at the Cambodiana Hotel, Chit C. Asis, an NDI political trainer said training was aimed at strengthening participation by political parties by enhancing the skills of women party trainers in political campaign communication skills. She added that 36 women trainers from the Cambodia People’s Party, the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia, (Funcinpec), and the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) have been trained in campaign communication.
Ky Lum Ang, Funcinpec parliamentarian, said at the workshop that it would enable the three main political parties to broadcast better focused political messages. “Women are
the development partners for our society,” she said. “We have to educate them as much as we can, especially in the areas such as political theory and the democratic process.” In addition,
Ke Sovannroth, SRP parliamentarian, said that experience in elections was important for Cambodia’s democratic society.
“We have to have them trained to make sure they are strong enough to take part in forthcoming political campaign,” Sovannroth said.
Nin Saphon, from Cambodia People’s Party, said that the seminar was a good way to bring the different political organizations together where they were able to sit and learn together as one great Khmer family. Cambodia is scheduled to hold its forth national election in July 27, 2008.
Cambodia Still Has Agricultural Potential on Rice Crop
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia’s top government officials and food production NGO’s agree that Cambodia
has the ability to grow even more rice. They pointed that the rice yield of recent years did not represent the nation’s full potential as a producer of the staple crop.
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said early this month that Cambodia has great potential for agriculture. The Premier was speaking to the Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda during a helicopter trip to the Cambodian-Thai border last month. He pointed out the thousands of hectares of agricultural lands which currently lie fallow and require irrigation.
“If Cambodia can learn some lessons from Thai agricultural practices, the volume of Cambodia’s rice export will be higher than Thailand and Vietnam’s rice exports combined,” he stressed.
ODIA STILL HAS...’
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF) has predicted that for 2007-08 season, Cambodia will produce over six million tons of rice, similar to the 2006-07 season, when 6,264,123 tons of rice were produced. Of this, two million tons was
exported. However, the Premier explained that Vietnam has planted rice on every
available plot of land and is able to harvest three crops per year.
“They get three to four tons of rice crops per hectare of land compared to Cambodia’s
2.4 tons per hectare,” he said. “If we do the same as Thailand and Vietnam with double or triple the planting and yield, Cambodia will export more,” he added. “We can certainly
afford to do this as the population of Cambodia is smaller than the other two countries.”
The Premier’s optimism is shared by MoAFF Secretary of State for Agriculture Chan Tong Iv. The Secretary of State confirmed that now Cambodia gets just over 2 tons per hectare in one harvest per year. He confirmed that the “…Agriculture ministry wants to introduce double rice planting next year.”
However, he said that care would be taken to ensure that appropriate breeds of rice are sown in appropriate soil types at appropriate times of the year.
He went on to say, “We have three million hectares of rice paddy fields, but we plant rice on only on 2.2 million hectares. It will take time to achieve the Premier’s goal”.
Yang Saing Koma, President of the Cambodian Center for Study and Development
in Agriculture (CEDAC) said that if Cambodia did not follow the rice growing methods set out by Thailand and Vietnam, the nation will not reach its goal.
He recommended that the Cambodian government should have agricultural advisors at the grass roots level to advise farmers, manage irrigation systems and monitor production
output. He said it depends on the government’s ability to balance food security with export demands.
Through his experience with farmers, he suggested that there should be at least three agriculture advisors for each commune involved with agricultural production—today that means 1,000 out of a total of 1,621 communes throughout Cambodia. “If we can do that, we can reach our goals quickly and provide our neighbors with some real rice growing competition,” he said.
“We need to train farmers to grow as much as they can,” he said. “They work so hard but remain unaware of the technical and horticultural advancements made over recent years.
Water supply is another area that requires attention.”
These suggestions are likely to cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, CEDAC’s President agreed with the Premier in saying “We certainly have the potential
to create an agricultural boom, but we have to reform first”.
Cambodia’s top government officials and food production NGO’s agree that Cambodia
has the ability to grow even more rice. They pointed that the rice yield of recent years did not represent the nation’s full potential as a producer of the staple crop.
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said early this month that Cambodia has great potential for agriculture. The Premier was speaking to the Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda during a helicopter trip to the Cambodian-Thai border last month. He pointed out the thousands of hectares of agricultural lands which currently lie fallow and require irrigation.
“If Cambodia can learn some lessons from Thai agricultural practices, the volume of Cambodia’s rice export will be higher than Thailand and Vietnam’s rice exports combined,” he stressed.
ODIA STILL HAS...’
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF) has predicted that for 2007-08 season, Cambodia will produce over six million tons of rice, similar to the 2006-07 season, when 6,264,123 tons of rice were produced. Of this, two million tons was
exported. However, the Premier explained that Vietnam has planted rice on every
available plot of land and is able to harvest three crops per year.
“They get three to four tons of rice crops per hectare of land compared to Cambodia’s
2.4 tons per hectare,” he said. “If we do the same as Thailand and Vietnam with double or triple the planting and yield, Cambodia will export more,” he added. “We can certainly
afford to do this as the population of Cambodia is smaller than the other two countries.”
The Premier’s optimism is shared by MoAFF Secretary of State for Agriculture Chan Tong Iv. The Secretary of State confirmed that now Cambodia gets just over 2 tons per hectare in one harvest per year. He confirmed that the “…Agriculture ministry wants to introduce double rice planting next year.”
However, he said that care would be taken to ensure that appropriate breeds of rice are sown in appropriate soil types at appropriate times of the year.
He went on to say, “We have three million hectares of rice paddy fields, but we plant rice on only on 2.2 million hectares. It will take time to achieve the Premier’s goal”.
Yang Saing Koma, President of the Cambodian Center for Study and Development
in Agriculture (CEDAC) said that if Cambodia did not follow the rice growing methods set out by Thailand and Vietnam, the nation will not reach its goal.
He recommended that the Cambodian government should have agricultural advisors at the grass roots level to advise farmers, manage irrigation systems and monitor production
output. He said it depends on the government’s ability to balance food security with export demands.
Through his experience with farmers, he suggested that there should be at least three agriculture advisors for each commune involved with agricultural production—today that means 1,000 out of a total of 1,621 communes throughout Cambodia. “If we can do that, we can reach our goals quickly and provide our neighbors with some real rice growing competition,” he said.
“We need to train farmers to grow as much as they can,” he said. “They work so hard but remain unaware of the technical and horticultural advancements made over recent years.
Water supply is another area that requires attention.”
These suggestions are likely to cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, CEDAC’s President agreed with the Premier in saying “We certainly have the potential
to create an agricultural boom, but we have to reform first”.
Cambodia Keeps on Track to Cut off Ozone destroyer by 2010
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian environment experts are convinced that Cambodia will reach its goal of producing no chlorofluorocarbon halomethane, a greenhouse gas more commonly known
as CFC-12 by 2010.
Khieu Muth, secretary of state at the Ministry of Environment, said during a one-day seminar at Sunway Hotel in Phnom Penh on March 7 that Cambodia looked set fair to achieve its target to abolish CFC-12. An 85 percent reduction in the use of CFC-12 must be achieved by 2008, and by 2010 there should be no CFC-12 emitted in any part of the nation. This will bring Cambodia in line with the rest of the world, as according to the Minister “There is no other country currently using it.”
Muth said that between 2002 and 2004, 94 tones of CFC-12 were used in Cambodia, but since a three-year project costing US $ 890,000, funded by the United Nations for Development Program and the Global Environment Fund, this figure has fallen dramatically.
He confirmed that Cambodia had well thought-out contingency plans to ensure smoother implementation of the project. “We have achieved a 22.8 metric ton reduction in consumption of CFCs as a refrigerant, as a result of retrofitting 3,402 cars with ozone
friendly means of air conditioning. This measure alone will allow us to reach our 85 percent reduction goal for 2008—by March 2008, 3,155 cars had been changed their refrigerants.
Nearly 50 participants from relevant parts of the project including Cambodian government officers, customs officers and garage owners took part in the workshop.
Cambodia ratified the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol on June 27, 2001. The Vienna Convention was established to protect the ozone layer in 1985. Following this, the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was introduced in 1997 with the objective of reducing and finally phasing out the use of these substances.
Cambodian environment experts are convinced that Cambodia will reach its goal of producing no chlorofluorocarbon halomethane, a greenhouse gas more commonly known
as CFC-12 by 2010.
Khieu Muth, secretary of state at the Ministry of Environment, said during a one-day seminar at Sunway Hotel in Phnom Penh on March 7 that Cambodia looked set fair to achieve its target to abolish CFC-12. An 85 percent reduction in the use of CFC-12 must be achieved by 2008, and by 2010 there should be no CFC-12 emitted in any part of the nation. This will bring Cambodia in line with the rest of the world, as according to the Minister “There is no other country currently using it.”
Muth said that between 2002 and 2004, 94 tones of CFC-12 were used in Cambodia, but since a three-year project costing US $ 890,000, funded by the United Nations for Development Program and the Global Environment Fund, this figure has fallen dramatically.
He confirmed that Cambodia had well thought-out contingency plans to ensure smoother implementation of the project. “We have achieved a 22.8 metric ton reduction in consumption of CFCs as a refrigerant, as a result of retrofitting 3,402 cars with ozone
friendly means of air conditioning. This measure alone will allow us to reach our 85 percent reduction goal for 2008—by March 2008, 3,155 cars had been changed their refrigerants.
Nearly 50 participants from relevant parts of the project including Cambodian government officers, customs officers and garage owners took part in the workshop.
Cambodia ratified the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol on June 27, 2001. The Vienna Convention was established to protect the ozone layer in 1985. Following this, the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was introduced in 1997 with the objective of reducing and finally phasing out the use of these substances.
NGOs and Media Urge ECCC not to be Strict with Members of the Press
By Soy Sophea
Local and international NGO officers and media representatives have requested the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)’s Public Affairs Office to be more transparent and allow the public access to more information about ECCC processes
in relation to the five accused former Khmer Rouge leaders.
A talk was conducted by OSJI (Open Society Justice Initiative) in Phnom Penh on March 10 about the media’s role in the ECCC. This followed an argument between an ECCC Public Affairs Officer, Peter W. Foster and CTN (Cambodian Television Network)’s news anchor, Soy Sopheap.
According to Soy Sopheap, the argument came about after he pointed a video camera at
Duch, the former Toul Sleng S-21 prison chief during the Pol Pot regime.
The incident occurred when the accused was taken for re-enactments at Cheung Ek killing field. The participants urged the ECCC Public Affairs Office to explain and clarify the rules governing media involvement in the Court. This will help to avoid future disputes and ensure the media and NGOs do not violate the court’s internal rules. These internal rules have been the source of some controversy in the past and have lead to
tense moments at times in relationship between the press, NGOs and the ECCC.
CTN’s Soy Sopheap said that he had done nothing more than attempt to provide real information to the people about the progress of the Extraordinary Chambers. He was
acting on behalf of the victims and all Cambodians in general. He went on to say “What Cambodian people care about now is their land, not the Khmer Rouge trials. So why are you [the ECCC] so strict with us [the media]”
Ek Madra, a Cambodian journalist with 15 years experience, told the half-day discussion that journalists wanted to bring real facts about the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to light in order to inform Cambodians about the process of the court.
“Please don’t be so strict to journalists who work not only to inform the people of Cambodia but people across the world,” Madra said. “The ECCC officers say they would like local and international NGO officers and media representatives have requested the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)’s Public Affairs Office to be more transparent and allow the public access to more information about ECCC processes
in relation to the five accused former Khmer Rouge leaders.
Long Panhavuth, a Programme Officer for the Open Society Justice Initiative, said that the ECCC should behave in a positive way when dealing with the public, as it is considered to be symbolic of judicial reform in Cambodia and elsewhere.
An element of the ideal of impartial justice is transparency. Helen Jarvis, the ECCC’s Chief of Public Affairs, told the Cambodia Weekly a day after the conference that she welcomed the suggestion from the media regarding access to information from the court.
She added, “The ECCC is unlike most courts in Cambodia as it is a great deal more transparent than they are.”
Local and international NGO officers and media representatives have requested the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)’s Public Affairs Office to be more transparent and allow the public access to more information about ECCC processes
in relation to the five accused former Khmer Rouge leaders.
A talk was conducted by OSJI (Open Society Justice Initiative) in Phnom Penh on March 10 about the media’s role in the ECCC. This followed an argument between an ECCC Public Affairs Officer, Peter W. Foster and CTN (Cambodian Television Network)’s news anchor, Soy Sopheap.
According to Soy Sopheap, the argument came about after he pointed a video camera at
Duch, the former Toul Sleng S-21 prison chief during the Pol Pot regime.
The incident occurred when the accused was taken for re-enactments at Cheung Ek killing field. The participants urged the ECCC Public Affairs Office to explain and clarify the rules governing media involvement in the Court. This will help to avoid future disputes and ensure the media and NGOs do not violate the court’s internal rules. These internal rules have been the source of some controversy in the past and have lead to
tense moments at times in relationship between the press, NGOs and the ECCC.
CTN’s Soy Sopheap said that he had done nothing more than attempt to provide real information to the people about the progress of the Extraordinary Chambers. He was
acting on behalf of the victims and all Cambodians in general. He went on to say “What Cambodian people care about now is their land, not the Khmer Rouge trials. So why are you [the ECCC] so strict with us [the media]”
Ek Madra, a Cambodian journalist with 15 years experience, told the half-day discussion that journalists wanted to bring real facts about the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to light in order to inform Cambodians about the process of the court.
“Please don’t be so strict to journalists who work not only to inform the people of Cambodia but people across the world,” Madra said. “The ECCC officers say they would like local and international NGO officers and media representatives have requested the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)’s Public Affairs Office to be more transparent and allow the public access to more information about ECCC processes
in relation to the five accused former Khmer Rouge leaders.
Long Panhavuth, a Programme Officer for the Open Society Justice Initiative, said that the ECCC should behave in a positive way when dealing with the public, as it is considered to be symbolic of judicial reform in Cambodia and elsewhere.
An element of the ideal of impartial justice is transparency. Helen Jarvis, the ECCC’s Chief of Public Affairs, told the Cambodia Weekly a day after the conference that she welcomed the suggestion from the media regarding access to information from the court.
She added, “The ECCC is unlike most courts in Cambodia as it is a great deal more transparent than they are.”
Thai Premier Welcomes Cambodia's Preah Vihear Entering
By Soy Sophea
Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who paid a two-day official visit to Cambodia on March 3-4, has expressed his heartiest support for the Cambodian government’s efforts to enter Preah
Vihear temple into UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) list of world heritage sites.
The event to decide the matter will be held in June this year in Canada. The Thai Premier told his counterpart Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during an official dialog at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) that Thailand backed Cambodia’s plans for her only Preah Vihear but would not extend similar support in relation to a controversial border issue, according to the Cambodian Government’s Spokesman Khieu Kanharith.
Khieu Kanharith, who is also the Information Minister, told reporters at a press conference on March 3 that the Thai Premier Samak confirmed that his government backed Cambodia in entering the controversial temple to the world heritage list, explaining that according to the Thai Premier, “Thailand has no objections…”
Last year, the MoFAIC Minister Hor Namhong asked the Thai government for support for Cambodia’s re-submission of a proposal to enter Preah Vihear temple to UNESCO’s world heritage list this year. The Minister Hor Namhong said Phnom Penh was ready to declare that the procedure would not affect the border demarcation.
Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who paid a two-day official visit to Cambodia on March 3-4, has expressed his heartiest support for the Cambodian government’s efforts to enter Preah
Vihear temple into UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) list of world heritage sites.
The event to decide the matter will be held in June this year in Canada. The Thai Premier told his counterpart Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during an official dialog at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) that Thailand backed Cambodia’s plans for her only Preah Vihear but would not extend similar support in relation to a controversial border issue, according to the Cambodian Government’s Spokesman Khieu Kanharith.
Khieu Kanharith, who is also the Information Minister, told reporters at a press conference on March 3 that the Thai Premier Samak confirmed that his government backed Cambodia in entering the controversial temple to the world heritage list, explaining that according to the Thai Premier, “Thailand has no objections…”
Last year, the MoFAIC Minister Hor Namhong asked the Thai government for support for Cambodia’s re-submission of a proposal to enter Preah Vihear temple to UNESCO’s world heritage list this year. The Minister Hor Namhong said Phnom Penh was ready to declare that the procedure would not affect the border demarcation.
Language Centers in Flats nearby Bak Touk High School Still Popular
By Soy Sophea
Just about 50 meters from street 169, along the street next to the southern fence of the Bak Touk High School, many flats have the learning schedules for foreign languages pasted outside their doors. These flats have been leased to provide classes for foreign language study.
Leaning on a mirrored book closet in front of his English classroom, a middle aged man was chatting to his colleagues while he took a rest after teaching many hours of English.
Looking into his classroom, Lim Hong sighed and said that today not so many students came to study English in his class, but he said he always welcomes students from everywhere over the country.
Lim Hong is an English teacher who has leased a flat in the same location for over twenty years in which to teach English. Even though there are many English centers established near his classroom, he still has many students studying English in his class.
Hong, who specializes in English grammar and English newspaper texts said that students who came to study and practice English in his class were generally university students and employed people.
“Here students spend only 1,000 riel per hour for English study. It is cheaper compared to others,” he said. “They come to study English here in detail because their study at university does not go into the same depth.”
He boasted that, “Teachers at other English centers or universities are not as good as we are, because students pay a monthly fee. Teachers don’t care about the students after the money has been paid.” he added. “If we adopted the same attitude, we could not compete
with other English training centers.”
He said he was proud that he had taught thousands of students, some of them becoming English teachers. He added that students who studied English in his class would not get any recognized certificates, but they could speak, listen, read and write as well, if not better, than the ones who trained at other language centers recognized by the Ministry of Education, Youths and Sports.
However, he advised students that they had to study hard at home; otherwise their English would not improve even though they had learnt English in his class.
He said, “Here, they spend only one or two hours per day, which is insufficient if real improvement is to be made. Their time here must be augmented by study at home.”
Chuon Sopheak, 32, a student taking English classes nearby Bak Touk High School, said that he now spent his lunch break learning English. He pays 1,000 riel per hour for English classes translating newspapers from English to Khmer.
“I have studied here for nearly 10 years,” Sopheak said, “But I almost forgot it all because I work in a field which is not related to English language use and now I want to be reminded of it again.”
“It is a good place to study for me because teachers always take care of students and do explain in more detail,” he added.
Not only Sopheak, but also 16-year-old Seang Piseth a young man from Phnom Penh is interested in studying English over there. The thin, tall and pale student said that “Students studying here, study hard.” Pesith advised to his friends who attend other centers to study hard, otherwise their English would not improve. “It depends on students
themselves. If they do not study hard, they will achieve nothing.”
Besides English, Bak Touk also has other foreign language training centers dealing in Thai, Chinese, Japanese, French, Korean and many more. Its reputation as a language
training area began in 1992 during the UNTAC (United Nation Transitional Authority in Cambodia) period. So far, hundreds of thousands of students who are mostly poor and come from provinces have been trained in foreign languages there.
Thiv Nora, who used to study English from 1995 to 2000, said that it was a good place for either students or poorly paid working people to learn to improve their foreign languages. The 28-year-old working man realized that students who paid a lot of money
at expensive classes would achieve nothing if they didn’t study in their own time. He recommended patience and practice as a route to success.
Prak Soyean, who is a manager of the ASEAN Mixture School located near Bak Touk High School, also expressed positive thoughts about these schools and their ability to cater for a wide variety of learners and their needs.
Soyean, who monitors teachers at his schools, said that, “I cannot hope to challenge the other high visibility language centers, but I care about my students and always try to give them the best value for money.”
Just about 50 meters from street 169, along the street next to the southern fence of the Bak Touk High School, many flats have the learning schedules for foreign languages pasted outside their doors. These flats have been leased to provide classes for foreign language study.
Leaning on a mirrored book closet in front of his English classroom, a middle aged man was chatting to his colleagues while he took a rest after teaching many hours of English.
Looking into his classroom, Lim Hong sighed and said that today not so many students came to study English in his class, but he said he always welcomes students from everywhere over the country.
Lim Hong is an English teacher who has leased a flat in the same location for over twenty years in which to teach English. Even though there are many English centers established near his classroom, he still has many students studying English in his class.
Hong, who specializes in English grammar and English newspaper texts said that students who came to study and practice English in his class were generally university students and employed people.
“Here students spend only 1,000 riel per hour for English study. It is cheaper compared to others,” he said. “They come to study English here in detail because their study at university does not go into the same depth.”
He boasted that, “Teachers at other English centers or universities are not as good as we are, because students pay a monthly fee. Teachers don’t care about the students after the money has been paid.” he added. “If we adopted the same attitude, we could not compete
with other English training centers.”
He said he was proud that he had taught thousands of students, some of them becoming English teachers. He added that students who studied English in his class would not get any recognized certificates, but they could speak, listen, read and write as well, if not better, than the ones who trained at other language centers recognized by the Ministry of Education, Youths and Sports.
However, he advised students that they had to study hard at home; otherwise their English would not improve even though they had learnt English in his class.
He said, “Here, they spend only one or two hours per day, which is insufficient if real improvement is to be made. Their time here must be augmented by study at home.”
Chuon Sopheak, 32, a student taking English classes nearby Bak Touk High School, said that he now spent his lunch break learning English. He pays 1,000 riel per hour for English classes translating newspapers from English to Khmer.
“I have studied here for nearly 10 years,” Sopheak said, “But I almost forgot it all because I work in a field which is not related to English language use and now I want to be reminded of it again.”
“It is a good place to study for me because teachers always take care of students and do explain in more detail,” he added.
Not only Sopheak, but also 16-year-old Seang Piseth a young man from Phnom Penh is interested in studying English over there. The thin, tall and pale student said that “Students studying here, study hard.” Pesith advised to his friends who attend other centers to study hard, otherwise their English would not improve. “It depends on students
themselves. If they do not study hard, they will achieve nothing.”
Besides English, Bak Touk also has other foreign language training centers dealing in Thai, Chinese, Japanese, French, Korean and many more. Its reputation as a language
training area began in 1992 during the UNTAC (United Nation Transitional Authority in Cambodia) period. So far, hundreds of thousands of students who are mostly poor and come from provinces have been trained in foreign languages there.
Thiv Nora, who used to study English from 1995 to 2000, said that it was a good place for either students or poorly paid working people to learn to improve their foreign languages. The 28-year-old working man realized that students who paid a lot of money
at expensive classes would achieve nothing if they didn’t study in their own time. He recommended patience and practice as a route to success.
Prak Soyean, who is a manager of the ASEAN Mixture School located near Bak Touk High School, also expressed positive thoughts about these schools and their ability to cater for a wide variety of learners and their needs.
Soyean, who monitors teachers at his schools, said that, “I cannot hope to challenge the other high visibility language centers, but I care about my students and always try to give them the best value for money.”
Job Market Still Limited in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian officials, youth association officers and lecturers worry about Cambodia’s
future development if the younger generation continues to find work in services or industries in which they have little experience and no educational background.
The problem has been exercising minds in the highest ranks of government in Cambodia.
The Prime Minister Hun Sen advised students during a diploma distribution ceremony to students at the Phnom Penh Royal University on March 5 that in the free market, work was hard to find. “If students do not study hard, they will not get a decent job,” said the Prime Minister. “You [the students] have to be skilled and talented; otherwise you will experience trouble finding work.”
Chea Se, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, said the country would not develop smoothly if the students found jobs for which they had not been trained. He recognized that this trend dated back to the 1980s when he was young.
The Under Secretary of State for Education said, “I have been concerned about this for many years and yet the situation has remained the same. Our society will not develop along rational lines if our human resources are trained for one task, but performing another,” he added.
Mak Sarath, head of the Youth Council of Cambodia, agreed that there was no choice for Cambodian youth. He raised the example of medical students who were unable to find work in hospitals and consequently found employment as accountants or marketers/distributors.
Sarath said, “They [students] have no choice to work in the field that they have learnt.”
Commenting on this issue, a foreign English teacher, who asked not to be named, voiced concern for Cambodian students and their permanent employability when they found jobs away from their fields of study.
The teacher added that students in this category could only hope to command low wages.
The Under Secretary of State for Education Chea Se explained that this phenomenon was a result of the needs of students to support their families.
He pointed out that there are a limited number of subjects studied at universities that may guarantee immediate employment in a closely related field, such as engineering and education. However, other fields are not so relevant to Cambodia’s current job market needs, even though the student may study marketing, business, or accounting.
Under current conditions, only one in ten students is employed, said Mak Sarath, quoting a recent Youth Star of Cambodia report. And the job that one student got is in a different
fi eld of study.
Bun Reoun, who studies general English at diploma level, said that he had lost confidence since he found a job away from his study subject. He added that he had just dropped his third-year bachelor decree in management to work as a shoe designer
for a Pilipino factory in Phnom Penh.
He said he regretted that he chose to work away from his study subject, adding that there was no choice as he wanted money to maintain his study. However, he said everything
had changed, with no real job, no real money and no more study.
He said, “I am now unemployed. I need money to continue my study, so I do not mind whatever job I do.”
A 25-year-old Student Chan Sotra looked happier because he had managed to find a job related to his study background. Sotra, who holds a bachelor decree in tourism management, said that he was lucky to get a job related to his study background at the university.
He added that he had started working as a tour operator with a local tour company since he was a third-year college student. Sotra said, “I am very happy with my job and my study.”
He added that, “We should work with what we have studied. Even though we might get a lower salary in the beginning, we will get higher pay later on.”
He added that working within the study field is more enjoyable and has provided him with much experience. Working as tour operator, he has traveled extensively in the Asia
Pacific region, Thailand, Laos PDR, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States.
Cambodian officials, youth association officers and lecturers worry about Cambodia’s
future development if the younger generation continues to find work in services or industries in which they have little experience and no educational background.
The problem has been exercising minds in the highest ranks of government in Cambodia.
The Prime Minister Hun Sen advised students during a diploma distribution ceremony to students at the Phnom Penh Royal University on March 5 that in the free market, work was hard to find. “If students do not study hard, they will not get a decent job,” said the Prime Minister. “You [the students] have to be skilled and talented; otherwise you will experience trouble finding work.”
Chea Se, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, said the country would not develop smoothly if the students found jobs for which they had not been trained. He recognized that this trend dated back to the 1980s when he was young.
The Under Secretary of State for Education said, “I have been concerned about this for many years and yet the situation has remained the same. Our society will not develop along rational lines if our human resources are trained for one task, but performing another,” he added.
Mak Sarath, head of the Youth Council of Cambodia, agreed that there was no choice for Cambodian youth. He raised the example of medical students who were unable to find work in hospitals and consequently found employment as accountants or marketers/distributors.
Sarath said, “They [students] have no choice to work in the field that they have learnt.”
Commenting on this issue, a foreign English teacher, who asked not to be named, voiced concern for Cambodian students and their permanent employability when they found jobs away from their fields of study.
The teacher added that students in this category could only hope to command low wages.
The Under Secretary of State for Education Chea Se explained that this phenomenon was a result of the needs of students to support their families.
He pointed out that there are a limited number of subjects studied at universities that may guarantee immediate employment in a closely related field, such as engineering and education. However, other fields are not so relevant to Cambodia’s current job market needs, even though the student may study marketing, business, or accounting.
Under current conditions, only one in ten students is employed, said Mak Sarath, quoting a recent Youth Star of Cambodia report. And the job that one student got is in a different
fi eld of study.
Bun Reoun, who studies general English at diploma level, said that he had lost confidence since he found a job away from his study subject. He added that he had just dropped his third-year bachelor decree in management to work as a shoe designer
for a Pilipino factory in Phnom Penh.
He said he regretted that he chose to work away from his study subject, adding that there was no choice as he wanted money to maintain his study. However, he said everything
had changed, with no real job, no real money and no more study.
He said, “I am now unemployed. I need money to continue my study, so I do not mind whatever job I do.”
A 25-year-old Student Chan Sotra looked happier because he had managed to find a job related to his study background. Sotra, who holds a bachelor decree in tourism management, said that he was lucky to get a job related to his study background at the university.
He added that he had started working as a tour operator with a local tour company since he was a third-year college student. Sotra said, “I am very happy with my job and my study.”
He added that, “We should work with what we have studied. Even though we might get a lower salary in the beginning, we will get higher pay later on.”
He added that working within the study field is more enjoyable and has provided him with much experience. Working as tour operator, he has traveled extensively in the Asia
Pacific region, Thailand, Laos PDR, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States.
Information Minister Appeals to Print Media Owners to Help Their Resellers
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith on March 11, urged all presidents of media associations in the kingdom to find a workable method to help news vendors.
In a statement following discussions with news merchants, the Information Minister said that Hok Bunnath, Chairwoman of the Newspaper Resellers Association asked for his
intervention to encourage publishers to help news vendors make more profit. He added that the profit vendors earned was not much.
Pen Samithy, Editor-in-Chief of a Khmer language newspaper, said that his publication could not cut prices. According to him, news publishers are also facing difficulties as a result of inflation. He added that in his opinion, the solution lay in increasing the price of newsprint to around 1000 riel per copy. Beyond this advice, he was unable to help them.
Samithy, who is also the President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said that increasing the price meant that he could share profits with the vendors, but he could not say when the increase would be made.
“We need to talk to other newspaper owners to make sure we are all reading from the same page,” he said.
A 45-year-old Ty Sodany started her career selling newspapers and magazines in 1993. She said she could make about 100 riel per newspaper sold at 700 riel and 500 riel per copy from local magazine sales.
Sodany, whose newsstand is located next to Wat Lanka near the Independence Monument, added that, copy from local magazine sales. Sodany, whose newsstand is located next to Wat Lanka near the Independence Monument, added that, profit we make and the ever rising prices.” She was therefore eager to agree with Pen Samithy’s idea to increase the price of newsprint.
Soy Sopheap, another newspaper publisher agreed with the vendors. He suggested that the leading daily newspapers which get more income from advertisement should be the first to consider to the vendors’ welfare.
Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith on March 11, urged all presidents of media associations in the kingdom to find a workable method to help news vendors.
In a statement following discussions with news merchants, the Information Minister said that Hok Bunnath, Chairwoman of the Newspaper Resellers Association asked for his
intervention to encourage publishers to help news vendors make more profit. He added that the profit vendors earned was not much.
Pen Samithy, Editor-in-Chief of a Khmer language newspaper, said that his publication could not cut prices. According to him, news publishers are also facing difficulties as a result of inflation. He added that in his opinion, the solution lay in increasing the price of newsprint to around 1000 riel per copy. Beyond this advice, he was unable to help them.
Samithy, who is also the President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said that increasing the price meant that he could share profits with the vendors, but he could not say when the increase would be made.
“We need to talk to other newspaper owners to make sure we are all reading from the same page,” he said.
A 45-year-old Ty Sodany started her career selling newspapers and magazines in 1993. She said she could make about 100 riel per newspaper sold at 700 riel and 500 riel per copy from local magazine sales.
Sodany, whose newsstand is located next to Wat Lanka near the Independence Monument, added that, copy from local magazine sales. Sodany, whose newsstand is located next to Wat Lanka near the Independence Monument, added that, profit we make and the ever rising prices.” She was therefore eager to agree with Pen Samithy’s idea to increase the price of newsprint.
Soy Sopheap, another newspaper publisher agreed with the vendors. He suggested that the leading daily newspapers which get more income from advertisement should be the first to consider to the vendors’ welfare.
Hun Sen: Tourism Boom in Cambodia not Because of Exhibition
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on March 5 recommended that the Ministry of
Tourism not spend money on an exhibition abroad which would waste hundreds of thousands of US dollars.
Making his remarks at the closing of a two-day annual tourism assessment forum at the Chaktomuk Theatre in Phnom Penh last week, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that he had
rejected a Tourism Ministry proposal which recommended spending more than one hundred thousand $US to participate in a tourism exhibition in Italy over the next few months.
“I said “NO” to the useless expenditure over the exhibition as it wastes our money,” the Premier Hun Sen said. The Prime Minister recommended that the way to enhance tourism
was to organize warm hospitality for the arrivals, and to ensure that everything was priced reasonably.
“If you don’t have national security and safety, no one will visit your [country],” he said. “However, you also have to have warm and well-prepared hospitality.”
The prime minister also pointed out the importance of the visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports and other border checkpoints with the neighboring nations—Thailand, Vietnam and Laos PDR.
Moeun Son, who is a chairman with the Tourism Enterprise of Cambodia, agreed with Hun Sen’s recommendation. However, he also voiced concern over increasing prices, which are much greater than for other tourist traps in the region. He said it costs double to buy a package tour to Cambodia compared to Malaysia or Thailand.
“Cambodia’s tour package price is much too expensive,” he said. “Tourists spend a lot of money on airport taxes before their holiday has even begun.”
Moeun Son, who also runs his own tourism business, said that big investors in the tourism industry in Cambodia have been considering raising the price of airport taxes. “They do not so much care for Cambodia’s future tourism,” he added. “They want to earn a lot of money now without any concern for future visitors.”
The Cambodian Premier also appealed to all involved in the tourism business to spend less on promotions and pay more attention to their services and hospitality.
Son Vichet, a ticket sales officer for a local tour company, said that even though arrivals had increased by more than two million, his ticket sales remained at about 10 to 15 per day. He said that the government should control prices for tourism services if they wanted to develop a sustainable tourist industry in the kingdom. “The Government should involve itself in prices, especially airport tax and transportation fee charges,” he said.
According to Tourism Ministry statistics, Cambodia’s tourism industry continued to grow in 2007, with 2,015,128 international visitors—an 18.5 percent increase compared to the 2006 figure of 1,700,041. Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat arrivals increased with 1,120,586 visitors last year representing a 55.61 percent, while Phnom Penh and other destinations
saw 894,542 more visitors, a 44.39 percent increase over previous years.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on March 5 recommended that the Ministry of
Tourism not spend money on an exhibition abroad which would waste hundreds of thousands of US dollars.
Making his remarks at the closing of a two-day annual tourism assessment forum at the Chaktomuk Theatre in Phnom Penh last week, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that he had
rejected a Tourism Ministry proposal which recommended spending more than one hundred thousand $US to participate in a tourism exhibition in Italy over the next few months.
“I said “NO” to the useless expenditure over the exhibition as it wastes our money,” the Premier Hun Sen said. The Prime Minister recommended that the way to enhance tourism
was to organize warm hospitality for the arrivals, and to ensure that everything was priced reasonably.
“If you don’t have national security and safety, no one will visit your [country],” he said. “However, you also have to have warm and well-prepared hospitality.”
The prime minister also pointed out the importance of the visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports and other border checkpoints with the neighboring nations—Thailand, Vietnam and Laos PDR.
Moeun Son, who is a chairman with the Tourism Enterprise of Cambodia, agreed with Hun Sen’s recommendation. However, he also voiced concern over increasing prices, which are much greater than for other tourist traps in the region. He said it costs double to buy a package tour to Cambodia compared to Malaysia or Thailand.
“Cambodia’s tour package price is much too expensive,” he said. “Tourists spend a lot of money on airport taxes before their holiday has even begun.”
Moeun Son, who also runs his own tourism business, said that big investors in the tourism industry in Cambodia have been considering raising the price of airport taxes. “They do not so much care for Cambodia’s future tourism,” he added. “They want to earn a lot of money now without any concern for future visitors.”
The Cambodian Premier also appealed to all involved in the tourism business to spend less on promotions and pay more attention to their services and hospitality.
Son Vichet, a ticket sales officer for a local tour company, said that even though arrivals had increased by more than two million, his ticket sales remained at about 10 to 15 per day. He said that the government should control prices for tourism services if they wanted to develop a sustainable tourist industry in the kingdom. “The Government should involve itself in prices, especially airport tax and transportation fee charges,” he said.
According to Tourism Ministry statistics, Cambodia’s tourism industry continued to grow in 2007, with 2,015,128 international visitors—an 18.5 percent increase compared to the 2006 figure of 1,700,041. Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat arrivals increased with 1,120,586 visitors last year representing a 55.61 percent, while Phnom Penh and other destinations
saw 894,542 more visitors, a 44.39 percent increase over previous years.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Cambodian Economy Grows at 6.5 % in 2008: 4.75% predicted in 2009
BY SOY SOPHEA
The global slowdown will probably mean lower foreign investment in Cambodia and its economic growth is likely to slow to 6.5 percent this year and 4.8 percent in 2009, according to David G. Cowen, Deputy Division Chief of Asia and Pacific Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Cowen said garment exports and tourist arrivals are slowing, reflecting a rapid downturn in the economies of key trading partners, as well as illustrating the strain on Cambodia’s competitiveness. This is due in part to the strength of both the riel and U.S. dollar, operating in a situation of tighter global liquidity conditions.
“We see that the external conditions will continue to be very challenging. We are expecting foreign investment to be lower next year and that is one of the reasons we are forecasting a lower growth rate in the construction sector,” he said during a press conference at the end of a visit in Cambodia from October 23 to November 7.
Following several years of very strong performance, Cambodia’s economy faces a number of challenging headwinds, the IMF noted that after a robust start, growth momentum eased over the course of 2008, and more recently, the economy has began to experience adverse effects as the implications of global financial stress are felt.
“These factors are expected to lead to an easing in growth to 6.5 percent in Cambodia, slowing to 4.75 percent as 2009 progresses.” he said at the press conference on November 7, in Phnom Penh.
Cowen, who met with Cambodian economy officials, private sector delegates, donors, NGOs, and Labor unions, as well as the National Bank of Cambodia, said that Cambodia had attracted around $750 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2008 but the figure was likely to be 25 to 30 percent lower next year.
Garments brought in $3.8 billion last year and the country attracted 2.1 million tourists, helped by the return of relative political stability.
Hang Chuon Naron, Secretary General at the Ministry of Economic and Finance, said that the economic growth forecast in 2008 was produced by his ministry with all cooperation form the IMF.
“We have predicted economic growth would stand at 7 percent in early this year, but this figure has been revised down to 6.5 percent due to the global financial crisis. The Royal Government of Cambodia has accepted the forecast,” he told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone after IMF released the statement during the press conference on November 7.
The Secretary General continued to say that Cambodian economic growth for 2009 is expected to grow at 4.45 percent. However, he said that the next year’s economic forecast is merely a prediction. “Practically, it will either increase or decrease, depending on the performance of the big players in the global economy.”
However, Naron said that a reversal in these factors in the second half of 2008, led by lower oil prices, should result in a decline in headline inflation from a peak of about 26 percent in May to around 15.50 percent by year’s end. With domestic demand pressures projected to ease, inflation should continue trending downward next year.
Cowen added that the external current account deficit (including official transfers) is estimated to have widened significantly in 2008, to 12.25 percent of GDP, reflecting the impact of higher oil prices and strong imports fueled by domestic demand.
He continued to say that given strong inflows in the first half of 2008, gross international reserves rose to about $2.2 billion at end of September 2008. For 2009, the current account inflows account for around eight percent of GDP because the impact of lower oil prices slowing import demand more than offsets weaker garment exports and tourism.
However, the visiting mission also commended the authorities for maintaining a policy of steady budget implementation, particularly through the election period.
Fiscal policy discussions centered on the appropriate response to the projected slowdown in economic activity in Cambodia. The mission considered that, given weakening growth prospects and a projected reduction in inflation pressures, some countercyclical easing of fiscal policy would be warranted in 2009.
The National Bank of Cambodia responded appropriately by doubling the reserve requirement on foreign currency bank deposits to 16 percent in June. The mission emphasized that firm enforcement of prudential regulation would help to safeguard Cambodia’s banking system.
In its latest forecast for world economic growth, IMF sharply revised its growth projections downward, saying that “global activity is slowing quickly.”
“Prospects for global growth have deteriorated over the past month, as financial sector de-leveraging has continued and producer and consumer confidence have fallen,” according to an IMF World Economic Outlook report, published on November 6.
IMF also said that world growth is projected to slow from five percent in 2007 to 3.75 percent in 2008 and just over two percent in 2009, with the downturn led by the underperformance of advanced economies.
The global slowdown will probably mean lower foreign investment in Cambodia and its economic growth is likely to slow to 6.5 percent this year and 4.8 percent in 2009, according to David G. Cowen, Deputy Division Chief of Asia and Pacific Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Cowen said garment exports and tourist arrivals are slowing, reflecting a rapid downturn in the economies of key trading partners, as well as illustrating the strain on Cambodia’s competitiveness. This is due in part to the strength of both the riel and U.S. dollar, operating in a situation of tighter global liquidity conditions.
“We see that the external conditions will continue to be very challenging. We are expecting foreign investment to be lower next year and that is one of the reasons we are forecasting a lower growth rate in the construction sector,” he said during a press conference at the end of a visit in Cambodia from October 23 to November 7.
Following several years of very strong performance, Cambodia’s economy faces a number of challenging headwinds, the IMF noted that after a robust start, growth momentum eased over the course of 2008, and more recently, the economy has began to experience adverse effects as the implications of global financial stress are felt.
“These factors are expected to lead to an easing in growth to 6.5 percent in Cambodia, slowing to 4.75 percent as 2009 progresses.” he said at the press conference on November 7, in Phnom Penh.
Cowen, who met with Cambodian economy officials, private sector delegates, donors, NGOs, and Labor unions, as well as the National Bank of Cambodia, said that Cambodia had attracted around $750 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2008 but the figure was likely to be 25 to 30 percent lower next year.
Garments brought in $3.8 billion last year and the country attracted 2.1 million tourists, helped by the return of relative political stability.
Hang Chuon Naron, Secretary General at the Ministry of Economic and Finance, said that the economic growth forecast in 2008 was produced by his ministry with all cooperation form the IMF.
“We have predicted economic growth would stand at 7 percent in early this year, but this figure has been revised down to 6.5 percent due to the global financial crisis. The Royal Government of Cambodia has accepted the forecast,” he told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone after IMF released the statement during the press conference on November 7.
The Secretary General continued to say that Cambodian economic growth for 2009 is expected to grow at 4.45 percent. However, he said that the next year’s economic forecast is merely a prediction. “Practically, it will either increase or decrease, depending on the performance of the big players in the global economy.”
However, Naron said that a reversal in these factors in the second half of 2008, led by lower oil prices, should result in a decline in headline inflation from a peak of about 26 percent in May to around 15.50 percent by year’s end. With domestic demand pressures projected to ease, inflation should continue trending downward next year.
Cowen added that the external current account deficit (including official transfers) is estimated to have widened significantly in 2008, to 12.25 percent of GDP, reflecting the impact of higher oil prices and strong imports fueled by domestic demand.
He continued to say that given strong inflows in the first half of 2008, gross international reserves rose to about $2.2 billion at end of September 2008. For 2009, the current account inflows account for around eight percent of GDP because the impact of lower oil prices slowing import demand more than offsets weaker garment exports and tourism.
However, the visiting mission also commended the authorities for maintaining a policy of steady budget implementation, particularly through the election period.
Fiscal policy discussions centered on the appropriate response to the projected slowdown in economic activity in Cambodia. The mission considered that, given weakening growth prospects and a projected reduction in inflation pressures, some countercyclical easing of fiscal policy would be warranted in 2009.
The National Bank of Cambodia responded appropriately by doubling the reserve requirement on foreign currency bank deposits to 16 percent in June. The mission emphasized that firm enforcement of prudential regulation would help to safeguard Cambodia’s banking system.
In its latest forecast for world economic growth, IMF sharply revised its growth projections downward, saying that “global activity is slowing quickly.”
“Prospects for global growth have deteriorated over the past month, as financial sector de-leveraging has continued and producer and consumer confidence have fallen,” according to an IMF World Economic Outlook report, published on November 6.
IMF also said that world growth is projected to slow from five percent in 2007 to 3.75 percent in 2008 and just over two percent in 2009, with the downturn led by the underperformance of advanced economies.
Border Conflict Talks
Boy Sophea
The Cambodian and Thai Prime Ministers agreed during a meeting in Beijing October 24 that their nations will avoid any more armed clashes over a border dispute, according
to foreign ministers from both nations.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart Somchai Wongsawat discussed the issue during bilateral talks on the sidelines of a 43-nation Asian-European summit in China’s capital, Beijing.
“Both sides have to advise their troops not to have confrontations any longer,” Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat told reporters as he summarized agreements made between the two leaders.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, made similar remarks and described the atmosphere of the talks as “very good, very friendly.”
“We are moving rapidly along the right track, not only to solve the problem of the borders between our two countries but also to improve our neighborliness and cooperation,” Hor Namhong said.
He added, “What happened between us we have to solve peacefully and amicably, for the sake of the neighborliness that has characterized our relations in the past,” On Friday October 24, Thai military commanders insisted that talks with their Cambodian counterparts were easing border tensions after deadly clashes last week, but refused to back down from front line positions.
The senior military officials, whose talks began over a round of golf a day earlier, met to defuse the border dispute near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which erupted into a fire fight on October 15 that left one Thai and three Cambodian soldiers dead.
The Thai commanders, led by Lieutenant General Wiboonsak Neeparn, said there was a “friendly atmosphere” with the Cambodians but insisted Thailand’s soldiers would stand firm. “The Thai side strongly reiterates that the position of our troop deployments is clearly inside Thai territory,” said a statement from Thai commanders released as
the Friday meetings began.
The situation quickly escalated into a military confrontation, with up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops facing off for six weeks, although both sides in August agreed to reduce troop numbers in the main disputed area.
The Cambodian and Thai Prime Ministers agreed during a meeting in Beijing October 24 that their nations will avoid any more armed clashes over a border dispute, according
to foreign ministers from both nations.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart Somchai Wongsawat discussed the issue during bilateral talks on the sidelines of a 43-nation Asian-European summit in China’s capital, Beijing.
“Both sides have to advise their troops not to have confrontations any longer,” Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat told reporters as he summarized agreements made between the two leaders.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, made similar remarks and described the atmosphere of the talks as “very good, very friendly.”
“We are moving rapidly along the right track, not only to solve the problem of the borders between our two countries but also to improve our neighborliness and cooperation,” Hor Namhong said.
He added, “What happened between us we have to solve peacefully and amicably, for the sake of the neighborliness that has characterized our relations in the past,” On Friday October 24, Thai military commanders insisted that talks with their Cambodian counterparts were easing border tensions after deadly clashes last week, but refused to back down from front line positions.
The senior military officials, whose talks began over a round of golf a day earlier, met to defuse the border dispute near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which erupted into a fire fight on October 15 that left one Thai and three Cambodian soldiers dead.
The Thai commanders, led by Lieutenant General Wiboonsak Neeparn, said there was a “friendly atmosphere” with the Cambodians but insisted Thailand’s soldiers would stand firm. “The Thai side strongly reiterates that the position of our troop deployments is clearly inside Thai territory,” said a statement from Thai commanders released as
the Friday meetings began.
The situation quickly escalated into a military confrontation, with up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops facing off for six weeks, although both sides in August agreed to reduce troop numbers in the main disputed area.
CSC Provides Surgery Service for Children in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Dr. Jim Gollogly, Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), said his plan is to help Cambodian children for the next 20 years if the Cambodian Ministry of Health will extend a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cover the period. He noted that his centre is currently in the third mandate of a 5-year extension.
He said that his centre is located in Kien Kleang hospital, Russei Keo district of Phnom Penh. It is recognized as the peak organization in Cambodia providing a range of specialized rehabilitation surgical services, medical training and support directly to the people of Cambodia.
Dr. Gollogly said that CSC aims to improve the quality of life for Cambodian children in need by providing rehabilitative surgery and general rehabilitation programs. He added that a central role of this mission is a program to train local surgeons and health workers, focusing on the development of sustainable health services. He added that CSC provides a wide range of surgical services, encompassing facial reconstruction, orthopedic surgery, eye surgery, and plastic & burns surgery.
Dr. Gollogly’s concept is to help Cambodian people and he has been doing so ever since he first came here in 1992 on a mission with American Red Cross. He recalled that during the first mission in Cambodia he found a worrying situation wherein the basics of surgical procedures were largely forgotten.
He remembered the early cases where people were saved from living with the stigma of a disease that was, with the proper care and attention, completely curable. The establishment of his center here in Cambodia gave these people the opportunity to receive care and to resume life free from the blight society so readily imposes on those who carry a physical “blemish”.
“I was shocking to see Cambodian people in rural areas suffering from curable diseases,” he said. “I had to do something for them.”
According to a report available on the CSC website, around 500 million or 12% of the world's population suffer from some form of disability. Disabilities bring misery, reduce economic status, destroy social integration and cause untold suffering through stigmatization and marginalization from society.
In the last 30 years international agencies have made great efforts to assist with health-care in developing countries, focusing on the principles of 'primary health care'; e.g. sanitation, clean water, Maternal Child Health (MCH). However, surgery has been considerably under-emphasized as 'too sophisticated and expensive' for widespread impact.
Dr, Gollogly said that CSC's experience shows that safe, simple surgery is easy to organize, costs a reasonable average of $100 per operation, and is highly effective. The results of successful surgery are beneficial to the patient, gratifying to the surgeon and the technology, whilst perhaps not as advanced as the latest magnetic resonance imagers is practical and dependable.
The costs are sustainable by all developing countries and are similar to the costs for medical treatment of chronic disease. “Our donors are always pleased to sponsor us when the see the cost per operation reasonable and the outcome so successful.”
Dr. Jim added that salaries for employees are not too high and donors are always welcome to contribute to help keep the running expenses under control as it sets about the important business of treating up to 5,000 patients per year.
Kim Yinna, with eight years of nursing experience upon which to base the title Chief of Nursing at CSC, said his centre demonstrates the huge benefits to be gained in promoting simple, safe rehabilitation surgery to developing countries by organizing treatment and training programs. He added that CSC is one of very few organizations promoting this doctrine, and stands almost alone in turning the fine sentiments into practical healthcare for the poor.
“I am happy to be a member of this team as we all contribute to the welfare of our countrymen and women. I have the highest regard for Centers such as these who provide the gift of health freely to those who cannot afford to pay. We provide a full service and the last thing we want our young patients and their parents to worry about is food and accommodation during their hospital visits, so we are able to help them here too.
He continued, “Our work is inspired by the desire to help the less fortunate members of our community. This desire is not unique to the Khmer soul, but is rather a quality of human dignity. Therefore foreign doctors travel to visit us on a regular basis and we are there to provide a suitable environment for them to operate in.”
Emma Levy, Relations Officer at the Children’s Surgical Center, said that it provides general and eye surgery freely to everyone, with non-emergency priority given to those who would find it difficult to pay for treatment otherwise. She too spoke of the pleasure she experienced in this work.
Thong Phoeurng, 70, grand mother to a 20-year-old female patient who has been hospitalized in the centre for 5 months, said that she would have had no hope in finding a cure for her grandchild, had the center not provided free care and accommodation on a daily basis.
“I have stayed and looked after my grand child for 5 months without paying anything,” she said. Her grand child was a victim of a traffic accident in Kampong Chham province.
She said the shattered joints in her right leg were being rebuilt in a process known as anthroplasty and there are high hopes that the young lady will walk again as gracefully as any youth, with perhaps the faintest hint of a limp to show for her traumatic ordeal.
Moul Mon, 55, other patient of the centre, whose right leg was broken in a fall from a palm tree last year, said that he had recently had an operation on the bones. Previously, he held out little hope of ever being able to walk again; but having gratefully handed responsibility for his care over to the center, he was confident that he would be as hale and hearty as ever and was looking forward to climbing more palm trees with a little more care next time.
Dr. Jim Gollogly, Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), said his plan is to help Cambodian children for the next 20 years if the Cambodian Ministry of Health will extend a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cover the period. He noted that his centre is currently in the third mandate of a 5-year extension.
He said that his centre is located in Kien Kleang hospital, Russei Keo district of Phnom Penh. It is recognized as the peak organization in Cambodia providing a range of specialized rehabilitation surgical services, medical training and support directly to the people of Cambodia.
Dr. Gollogly said that CSC aims to improve the quality of life for Cambodian children in need by providing rehabilitative surgery and general rehabilitation programs. He added that a central role of this mission is a program to train local surgeons and health workers, focusing on the development of sustainable health services. He added that CSC provides a wide range of surgical services, encompassing facial reconstruction, orthopedic surgery, eye surgery, and plastic & burns surgery.
Dr. Gollogly’s concept is to help Cambodian people and he has been doing so ever since he first came here in 1992 on a mission with American Red Cross. He recalled that during the first mission in Cambodia he found a worrying situation wherein the basics of surgical procedures were largely forgotten.
He remembered the early cases where people were saved from living with the stigma of a disease that was, with the proper care and attention, completely curable. The establishment of his center here in Cambodia gave these people the opportunity to receive care and to resume life free from the blight society so readily imposes on those who carry a physical “blemish”.
“I was shocking to see Cambodian people in rural areas suffering from curable diseases,” he said. “I had to do something for them.”
According to a report available on the CSC website, around 500 million or 12% of the world's population suffer from some form of disability. Disabilities bring misery, reduce economic status, destroy social integration and cause untold suffering through stigmatization and marginalization from society.
In the last 30 years international agencies have made great efforts to assist with health-care in developing countries, focusing on the principles of 'primary health care'; e.g. sanitation, clean water, Maternal Child Health (MCH). However, surgery has been considerably under-emphasized as 'too sophisticated and expensive' for widespread impact.
Dr, Gollogly said that CSC's experience shows that safe, simple surgery is easy to organize, costs a reasonable average of $100 per operation, and is highly effective. The results of successful surgery are beneficial to the patient, gratifying to the surgeon and the technology, whilst perhaps not as advanced as the latest magnetic resonance imagers is practical and dependable.
The costs are sustainable by all developing countries and are similar to the costs for medical treatment of chronic disease. “Our donors are always pleased to sponsor us when the see the cost per operation reasonable and the outcome so successful.”
Dr. Jim added that salaries for employees are not too high and donors are always welcome to contribute to help keep the running expenses under control as it sets about the important business of treating up to 5,000 patients per year.
Kim Yinna, with eight years of nursing experience upon which to base the title Chief of Nursing at CSC, said his centre demonstrates the huge benefits to be gained in promoting simple, safe rehabilitation surgery to developing countries by organizing treatment and training programs. He added that CSC is one of very few organizations promoting this doctrine, and stands almost alone in turning the fine sentiments into practical healthcare for the poor.
“I am happy to be a member of this team as we all contribute to the welfare of our countrymen and women. I have the highest regard for Centers such as these who provide the gift of health freely to those who cannot afford to pay. We provide a full service and the last thing we want our young patients and their parents to worry about is food and accommodation during their hospital visits, so we are able to help them here too.
He continued, “Our work is inspired by the desire to help the less fortunate members of our community. This desire is not unique to the Khmer soul, but is rather a quality of human dignity. Therefore foreign doctors travel to visit us on a regular basis and we are there to provide a suitable environment for them to operate in.”
Emma Levy, Relations Officer at the Children’s Surgical Center, said that it provides general and eye surgery freely to everyone, with non-emergency priority given to those who would find it difficult to pay for treatment otherwise. She too spoke of the pleasure she experienced in this work.
Thong Phoeurng, 70, grand mother to a 20-year-old female patient who has been hospitalized in the centre for 5 months, said that she would have had no hope in finding a cure for her grandchild, had the center not provided free care and accommodation on a daily basis.
“I have stayed and looked after my grand child for 5 months without paying anything,” she said. Her grand child was a victim of a traffic accident in Kampong Chham province.
She said the shattered joints in her right leg were being rebuilt in a process known as anthroplasty and there are high hopes that the young lady will walk again as gracefully as any youth, with perhaps the faintest hint of a limp to show for her traumatic ordeal.
Moul Mon, 55, other patient of the centre, whose right leg was broken in a fall from a palm tree last year, said that he had recently had an operation on the bones. Previously, he held out little hope of ever being able to walk again; but having gratefully handed responsibility for his care over to the center, he was confident that he would be as hale and hearty as ever and was looking forward to climbing more palm trees with a little more care next time.
Hun Sen Promise Stronger Defense Following Thai Incursion
BY SOY SOPHEA
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen promised Friday to improve national defenses, as
his troops prepare to begin joint patrols with Thai soldiers over the disputed border. With these measures in place, a repeat of last week’s fatal clashes should be avoided.
The Prime Minister has made the pledge at a cabinet meeting that included a moment of silence for the three Cambodian soldiers who died this week after gunfights with Thai
troops on disputed land.
“Today our cabinet, with the pride we received from protecting our territory, will discuss draft laws to put the national defense sector on top,” the Premier said, without elaborating
on specific steps.
The Premier made his remarks because Thai and Cambodian soldiers faced off along the border, awaiting joint patrols which senior military officials agreed to in a Thursday meeting. The agreement was aimed at preventing a repeat of Wednesday’s clashes on disputed land near the Preah Vihear temple, a UN heritage site on Cambodian territory and the focus of months of tensions.
Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thais injured by gun and rocket fire, and a third Cambodian soldier died Thursday of smoke inhalation from repeatedly firing his rocket-launcher.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen promised Friday to improve national defenses, as
his troops prepare to begin joint patrols with Thai soldiers over the disputed border. With these measures in place, a repeat of last week’s fatal clashes should be avoided.
The Prime Minister has made the pledge at a cabinet meeting that included a moment of silence for the three Cambodian soldiers who died this week after gunfights with Thai
troops on disputed land.
“Today our cabinet, with the pride we received from protecting our territory, will discuss draft laws to put the national defense sector on top,” the Premier said, without elaborating
on specific steps.
The Premier made his remarks because Thai and Cambodian soldiers faced off along the border, awaiting joint patrols which senior military officials agreed to in a Thursday meeting. The agreement was aimed at preventing a repeat of Wednesday’s clashes on disputed land near the Preah Vihear temple, a UN heritage site on Cambodian territory and the focus of months of tensions.
Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thais injured by gun and rocket fire, and a third Cambodian soldier died Thursday of smoke inhalation from repeatedly firing his rocket-launcher.
Cambodia and Thailand Prepare for Border Talks on November 10-12
BY SOY SOPHEA AND REAKSMEY KONG KEA
The next round of border talks will be conducted over two days in Siem Reap province, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He said the meeting later in the week will hopefully produce a fruitful outcome as these are the intentions of the Cambodian delegates, headed by the optimistic Under Secretary of State and it is to be assumed, of his Thai counterparts.
The boundary negotiators from the both sides have fixed a two-day period for the meeting in Siem Reap, November 10 - 11 with a Foreign Ministerial meeting to be held on November 12 in Siem Reap in a bid to end a months-long military standoff, according to Koy Kuong.
Tea Ban, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of National Defense, said that he is now holding a meeting with all members of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes (NCRBD) at the Ministry of National Defense in Phnom Penh.
“The meeting has been called to discuss technical aspects and solutions in detail among NCRBD members, prior to leaving for Siem Reap and the Cambodia-Thai Border Talks,” he told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on November 7.
Shortly after a round of talks failed last month, troops from the two countries clashed in a border firefight on October 15 on disputed land near Cambodia's ancient Preah Vihear temple, at Veal Intry.
Cambodian Prime Ministers Hun Sen and his counterpart Somchai Wongsawat recently discussed the border issue and agreed in principle to a conceptual solution to the issue during bilateral talks that took place quietly on the sidelines of a 43-nation Asian-European submit in China’s capital, Beijing.
Two rounds of emergency talks after the October clashes made little progress, with both sides only agreeing not to fire on each other again, thus maintaining an uneasy truce.
The most recent tensions began in July when the 11th Century Preah Vihear was awarded United Nations World Heritage status, rekindling a long-running disagreement over ownership of the surrounding land.
The next round of border talks will be conducted over two days in Siem Reap province, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He said the meeting later in the week will hopefully produce a fruitful outcome as these are the intentions of the Cambodian delegates, headed by the optimistic Under Secretary of State and it is to be assumed, of his Thai counterparts.
The boundary negotiators from the both sides have fixed a two-day period for the meeting in Siem Reap, November 10 - 11 with a Foreign Ministerial meeting to be held on November 12 in Siem Reap in a bid to end a months-long military standoff, according to Koy Kuong.
Tea Ban, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of National Defense, said that he is now holding a meeting with all members of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes (NCRBD) at the Ministry of National Defense in Phnom Penh.
“The meeting has been called to discuss technical aspects and solutions in detail among NCRBD members, prior to leaving for Siem Reap and the Cambodia-Thai Border Talks,” he told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on November 7.
Shortly after a round of talks failed last month, troops from the two countries clashed in a border firefight on October 15 on disputed land near Cambodia's ancient Preah Vihear temple, at Veal Intry.
Cambodian Prime Ministers Hun Sen and his counterpart Somchai Wongsawat recently discussed the border issue and agreed in principle to a conceptual solution to the issue during bilateral talks that took place quietly on the sidelines of a 43-nation Asian-European submit in China’s capital, Beijing.
Two rounds of emergency talks after the October clashes made little progress, with both sides only agreeing not to fire on each other again, thus maintaining an uneasy truce.
The most recent tensions began in July when the 11th Century Preah Vihear was awarded United Nations World Heritage status, rekindling a long-running disagreement over ownership of the surrounding land.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
