BY SOY SOPHEA
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced pledges to provide more support for microfinance projects in Cambodia. This will help local institutions expand their business in remote areas. The pledge was made at a signing ceremony between IFC and Angkor Microfinance Kampuchea (AMK) on October 21 in Phnom Penh.
Given the global financial crisis, this news is of particular interest to Cambodia where more than one third of the population lives under the poverty line and where more than 80 percent of population resides in rural areas where unemployment remains a problem.
Lars Thunell, Executive Vice President and CEO of IFC, said that AMK is Cambodia’s largest microfinance institution. He said that with this agreement, the IFC would also be able to offer advice on new strategies and the development of new financial products and services.
“Microfinance institutions have an important role to play in Cambodia, and as various institutions merge together, this roll will become more important. AMK will help extend much-needed services to parts of the country where the need is at its greatest,” he said.
Thunell also said that the IFC has pledged to double its global support for microfinance to over $1.2 billion over the next three years.
Paul Luchetenburg, CEO of AMK, said that the reputation and experience of IFC will be of great support to AMK as it strives to meet the goal of making affordable finance available to as many poor families as possible in Cambodia.
“Cambodia’s registered microfinance institutions are cheaper and more reliable than unregulated money lenders and pawn brokers who charge very high interest rates. We are also accountable to the government and shareholders, ensuring high standards of service, governance, and transparency,” said Luchetenburg.
He added that to date, AMK has served more than 180,000 clients. Much of this service provision has been in remote and rural areas not covered by other MFIs. He said that next year his agency will offer the opportunity for customers to open savings accounts. These will help customers keep track of their hard earned cash, and provide access to cash to lend to other borrowers.
He added that microfinance can improve living standards and it gives micro borrowers the opportunity to use their greater earning potential to pay for better housing, transportation, and more years of schooling for their children.
Tal Nay Im, Director General of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), said the partnership reflects the commitment of both organizations to reach the deserving people in remote areas. She said that in just ten years, countless families have made the transition from donor dependence to independence. They have served more than 767,015 borrowers with loans amounting to 1,057 billion riel (about USD 257 million).
“We at NBC are very proud of our contribution to the success of Cambodian microfinance,” she said in her speech. “By developing the legal framework for micro finance, we have ensured that MFIs meet the highest accounting and reporting standards.”
The Director stated that with IFC assistance, her agency is developing regulations to allow the establishment of private credit bureaus. This will serve both the banking sector and MFIs enabling them to better assess the risk in lending. She promised that these private credit bureaus, which are expected to be operational for the stock market launches in late 2009, will give banks and MFIs comprehensive information on potential borrowers.
She added, “NBC will continue to enhance the regulatory environment to support a vibrant and diverse microfinance industry. This may include helping MFIs to substantially broaden product offerings so they can better meet the needs of their clientele. At the same time, a key concern of NBC will be ensuring sector sustainability, as we encourage MFIs to remain within the dictates of rational economies of scale.”
In Cambodia, the IFC has made direct investments as well as attracting international capital to the microfinance sector. A good example is IFC’s partnership with ACLEDA which has transformed itself from an NGO into one of the largest commercial banks in the country.
The IFC’s other contributions include providing advisory services and training through the Cambodia Institute of Banking and helping establish and support the Cambodian Microfinance Association. It is also working on important regulatory reform that will allow the sale of micro insurance.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
A Successful Business in Caving
BY SOY SOPHEA
There are many businesses open to the willing worker. However, the artisan must struggle if he wants to perfect his talents and abilities. 40-year-old sculptor, Dara (not his real name) has spent the last decade sharpening his skills and is now considered to be a consummate artist.
The fair-haired and fashionable bearded Dara began learning the tricks of the trade in the early 1990’s. By 1996, he was ready to start his own sculpting business, renting a small shop behind the Royal University of Fine Arts and the National Museum.
Sitting contentedly in a plastic chair, surrounded by the tools of the trade and the all pervasive dust, Dara is the king of all he surveys. His sense of wellbeing is automatically extended to the 60-year-old customer who enters his studio. She is interested in buying a 2-meter statue of the Buddha and she is evidently in the right place to buy such a sacred article.
Dara, an academic with a bachelor’s degree in Law as well as an artist, considers himself a lucky man. Not only is he preserving Cambodian culture and religion, he is doing so in a manner that produces an excellent livelihood.
“Why am I a lucky man in being able to preserve my nation’s culture and religion? He asked. “I feel lucky because I am able to use my talents in a way that enhances the spiritual understanding of others. All of my clients are Buddhist. They buy my carvings to place in pagodas, thus making the place and the experience more beautiful. That I also earn a comfortable living is a side issue, but I do appreciate my good fortune in finding such a purposeful business.”
Dara creates sculpture and he creates opportunities for others too. He employs 17 assistants and general workers; during busy times this number rises to 30 workers. Each one agrees that it takes time to create such a good reputation with Phnom Penh’s discerning clientele. However, Dara’s operation has a reputation for employing
hard workers whose products are always delivered on time and at a reasonable price.
Wearing a protective mask against the dust, Mon Samy, a carver at Dara’s shop is taking care to bring the shape of the Buddha out of the formless 2-meter block before him. Samy, 32, from Kratie province 300 Kilometers north of Phnom Penh, said that he had been learning the craft since his early twenties. He too had the smile of a man who is confi dent in his calling.
In the unlikely event of the trade drying up in Cambodia, there is always Thailand. Samy said that he was proud to find himself with the reputation of a respected artist in his hometown.
“With my earnings of at least $300 per month, I’m not too proud wear a mask or get my hands dusty. The money’s useful but the knowledge that I’m working for my countrymen
is equally valuable,” he said. “I love my job. I only have to spend very little in terms of patience and hard work and I have a tall stupa to show for my efforts.”
Nith Khem, 25, from Kampong Cham province and one of colleagues said that he really did not want to change his job despite the dust.
“The job makes me proud,” the former 8th grade student said. “If I change job, I will be a construction worker or motor taxi driver. I have five years’ experience in carving the
human form. It is this experience that earns me the $300 per month and I doubt I would earn as much in any other trade. I’m confident that I’m making the best use of my talents
here.”
Both workers said that the raw materials are brought from different provinces with different types of stone serving different purposes and fetching different prices. “The type of stone determines the cost of the final product,” he said.
Dara said that his shop sells a range of carvings in either wood or stone. He said prices were determined by the client’s needs. “Prices are dependent on the client’s specifications—the dimensions they require, the medium used and the budget they have,” he said. “If they let us know, we can provide them with what they want. The price can range from US $10 to thousands of dollars.”
Proeurng Chheang, dean at the Royal University of Fine Arts, said that the achievements of the latest generation of sculptors had been informed by and were comparable
to the works of their ancestors who built thousands of ancient temples throughout the Kingdom.
“I am proud to see the next generation at work and they are worthy successors to a venerable Cambodian tradition,” he said. “They are well prepared and they respect the traditional rules of form, rather than the dictates of commercialism. Thus they preserve our culture.”
He said that the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has drafted a description of these artistic values for anyone who is involved in work with the cultural heritage of Cambodia. //
There are many businesses open to the willing worker. However, the artisan must struggle if he wants to perfect his talents and abilities. 40-year-old sculptor, Dara (not his real name) has spent the last decade sharpening his skills and is now considered to be a consummate artist.
The fair-haired and fashionable bearded Dara began learning the tricks of the trade in the early 1990’s. By 1996, he was ready to start his own sculpting business, renting a small shop behind the Royal University of Fine Arts and the National Museum.
Sitting contentedly in a plastic chair, surrounded by the tools of the trade and the all pervasive dust, Dara is the king of all he surveys. His sense of wellbeing is automatically extended to the 60-year-old customer who enters his studio. She is interested in buying a 2-meter statue of the Buddha and she is evidently in the right place to buy such a sacred article.
Dara, an academic with a bachelor’s degree in Law as well as an artist, considers himself a lucky man. Not only is he preserving Cambodian culture and religion, he is doing so in a manner that produces an excellent livelihood.
“Why am I a lucky man in being able to preserve my nation’s culture and religion? He asked. “I feel lucky because I am able to use my talents in a way that enhances the spiritual understanding of others. All of my clients are Buddhist. They buy my carvings to place in pagodas, thus making the place and the experience more beautiful. That I also earn a comfortable living is a side issue, but I do appreciate my good fortune in finding such a purposeful business.”
Dara creates sculpture and he creates opportunities for others too. He employs 17 assistants and general workers; during busy times this number rises to 30 workers. Each one agrees that it takes time to create such a good reputation with Phnom Penh’s discerning clientele. However, Dara’s operation has a reputation for employing
hard workers whose products are always delivered on time and at a reasonable price.
Wearing a protective mask against the dust, Mon Samy, a carver at Dara’s shop is taking care to bring the shape of the Buddha out of the formless 2-meter block before him. Samy, 32, from Kratie province 300 Kilometers north of Phnom Penh, said that he had been learning the craft since his early twenties. He too had the smile of a man who is confi dent in his calling.
In the unlikely event of the trade drying up in Cambodia, there is always Thailand. Samy said that he was proud to find himself with the reputation of a respected artist in his hometown.
“With my earnings of at least $300 per month, I’m not too proud wear a mask or get my hands dusty. The money’s useful but the knowledge that I’m working for my countrymen
is equally valuable,” he said. “I love my job. I only have to spend very little in terms of patience and hard work and I have a tall stupa to show for my efforts.”
Nith Khem, 25, from Kampong Cham province and one of colleagues said that he really did not want to change his job despite the dust.
“The job makes me proud,” the former 8th grade student said. “If I change job, I will be a construction worker or motor taxi driver. I have five years’ experience in carving the
human form. It is this experience that earns me the $300 per month and I doubt I would earn as much in any other trade. I’m confident that I’m making the best use of my talents
here.”
Both workers said that the raw materials are brought from different provinces with different types of stone serving different purposes and fetching different prices. “The type of stone determines the cost of the final product,” he said.
Dara said that his shop sells a range of carvings in either wood or stone. He said prices were determined by the client’s needs. “Prices are dependent on the client’s specifications—the dimensions they require, the medium used and the budget they have,” he said. “If they let us know, we can provide them with what they want. The price can range from US $10 to thousands of dollars.”
Proeurng Chheang, dean at the Royal University of Fine Arts, said that the achievements of the latest generation of sculptors had been informed by and were comparable
to the works of their ancestors who built thousands of ancient temples throughout the Kingdom.
“I am proud to see the next generation at work and they are worthy successors to a venerable Cambodian tradition,” he said. “They are well prepared and they respect the traditional rules of form, rather than the dictates of commercialism. Thus they preserve our culture.”
He said that the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has drafted a description of these artistic values for anyone who is involved in work with the cultural heritage of Cambodia. //
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Microsoft Introduces Computer Security and Protection to Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Microsoft, the world’s largest software producer has introduced the highest level of computer security protection to the Kingdom of Cambodia to combat cyber-crime. The roll-out took place at a half-day seminar at the Intercontinental Hotel on September 19, 2008.
Bernard Alphonso, director of ASC, described a wide range of professional services and software packages such as security assessments, auditing software, anti-hacking firewalls, help with security policy design and development, security awareness training, protection against “social engineering” attacks and the “insider threat’.
Jacqueline Peterson-Jarvis, Microsoft’s Asia Pacific regional security and management marketing manager, and David Foo, a long term Microsoft employee presented the workshop on Forefront Security, Internet Security, Accelerated Servers and Management of Systems Center Data Protection.
Forefront Security is a family of business security products which helps provide greater protection and control over the security of your network infrastructure. Internet security and acceleration server is an integrated edge security gateway that helps protect IT environments from Internet-based threats while providing users with fast and secure remote access to application and data. Data protection manager is a member of the Microsoft System center family of management products, which are designed to help IT professionals manage their Windows Server infrastructure.
Chea Vicheth, an IT manager at a private company said that the show was crucial for Cambodian IT experts to get up-to-date knowledge on how to tackle cyber criminals. He said that, “It was a good experience and I met and networked with others concerned with Computer Security.”
Vicheth, with ten years experience in IT, acknowledged that computer security is vital if professional computers are to be kept free from Spyware, Keyloggers, and Trojans, all tools of the trade for the cyber-criminal.
Microsoft, the world’s largest software producer has introduced the highest level of computer security protection to the Kingdom of Cambodia to combat cyber-crime. The roll-out took place at a half-day seminar at the Intercontinental Hotel on September 19, 2008.
Bernard Alphonso, director of ASC, described a wide range of professional services and software packages such as security assessments, auditing software, anti-hacking firewalls, help with security policy design and development, security awareness training, protection against “social engineering” attacks and the “insider threat’.
Jacqueline Peterson-Jarvis, Microsoft’s Asia Pacific regional security and management marketing manager, and David Foo, a long term Microsoft employee presented the workshop on Forefront Security, Internet Security, Accelerated Servers and Management of Systems Center Data Protection.
Forefront Security is a family of business security products which helps provide greater protection and control over the security of your network infrastructure. Internet security and acceleration server is an integrated edge security gateway that helps protect IT environments from Internet-based threats while providing users with fast and secure remote access to application and data. Data protection manager is a member of the Microsoft System center family of management products, which are designed to help IT professionals manage their Windows Server infrastructure.
Chea Vicheth, an IT manager at a private company said that the show was crucial for Cambodian IT experts to get up-to-date knowledge on how to tackle cyber criminals. He said that, “It was a good experience and I met and networked with others concerned with Computer Security.”
Vicheth, with ten years experience in IT, acknowledged that computer security is vital if professional computers are to be kept free from Spyware, Keyloggers, and Trojans, all tools of the trade for the cyber-criminal.
Fast Food Increasingly Popular in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Each week thousands of people enjoy the fast food experience, according to managers in the trade. On any given weekday, up to 500 busy customers are attracted by the taste and convenience of fast food. On weekends, this figure rises to over 1,000 customers, according to Khieu Channa, marketing manager for a local fast food franchise.
Sitting with her friend at a fast food shop near the Independent Monument, Eai Moralene savors the taste of roasted chicken. Blissfully unaware of her surroundings, the 22-year-old can look back on nearly half a lifetime of sharing fast food with friends and family.
Almost every weekend, Eai Maralene can be found enjoying herself and forgetting about the tensions of the past week at a fast food outlet. She says she is curious to discover all the different western flavors available at the big brand name shops which have sprung up over recent months and years in Phnom Penh. Ms Maralene is indeed a fast food fanatic.
She said, “I always enjoy trying out the latest shops as soon as they open. I can spend at least $10 per week on fast food.”
Maralene, an employee with a private company earns less than $200 per month and she realizes that compared to workaday Khmer food – the “staff of life” - fast food does not provide such good value for money; she is however prepared to pay a little extra for the experience as well as the sustenance. She said, “The food tastes great and I like the self service aspect a lot.”
It is a habit she shares with the rest of her family, who like nothing better than spending a lazy weekend enjoying the taste and the relaxing experience.
Cheng Samnang, Moralene’s friend, is another fast food connoisseur. The 25-year-old drew the distinction between a well balanced daily diet with all the major food groups covered and the idea of fast food as a tasty snack or treat.
Samnang said, “I bring my family here for entertainment as much as anything else. These shops are attractively decorated, the service is reasonable and the prices are not crippling.”
Marketing Manager Khieu Channa said each one of his customers spends on average US $2.5 dollars per sitting. His company is going from strength to strength—not surprising given the range of tasty treats on offer, including roasted chicken, salad, hamburgers, pizza, soft drinks and tea and coffee.
Channa, who has two years marketing management to call on, added that the fast food trend is accepted as compatible with the direction of Cambodian cultural development. To illustrate the point, his company alone has three barbeque restaurants, four pizza parlors and eight tea and coffee shops.
Channa is proud of his company, a local enterprise established in 2002, and its ability to compete with internationally-recognized brands.
“We have increased the number of shops since 2002 and we will open a new outlet in downtown Siem Reap this year,” Channa said. “It will have the same commitment to serve customers in the international manner as all our other outlets; and as the number of satisfied customers continues to increase, our company has set its sights on Sihanoukville and Battambang province.”
However he said that to make a success of a new fast food operation would require at least US $200,000. Furthermore, the market will inevitably reach the point of saturation, especially with the number of heavyweight brands such as Lucky Burger and KFC willing to make a go of the Cambodian market.
A staff member of a pizza company in Phnom Penh noted the pleasure the nation takes in trying out new flavors in novel dining environments. With little cultural experience of nutrition shaped and tasting like a pizza or a hotdog, Cambodians are naturally curious to find out what all the fuss is about.
26-year-old Sorn Vicheth, a resident of Phnom Penh, also spoke of his liking for western style fast food shops. He appreciated the fact that though some citizens may not be able to afford to eat as much fast food as they would like, the price was not so extortionate as to rule it out entirely. “It tastes great and the price makes it a reasonable way to give myself a treat for a job well done.”
Vicheth said that he started to eat and enjoy pizzas and hamburgers back in 2000. He recalled High School days when money was not inexhaustible and the possession of a girlfriend was a matter of supreme importance and joy. These sentiments were all the more memorable as these days marked his first experience with fast food.
Each week thousands of people enjoy the fast food experience, according to managers in the trade. On any given weekday, up to 500 busy customers are attracted by the taste and convenience of fast food. On weekends, this figure rises to over 1,000 customers, according to Khieu Channa, marketing manager for a local fast food franchise.
Sitting with her friend at a fast food shop near the Independent Monument, Eai Moralene savors the taste of roasted chicken. Blissfully unaware of her surroundings, the 22-year-old can look back on nearly half a lifetime of sharing fast food with friends and family.
Almost every weekend, Eai Maralene can be found enjoying herself and forgetting about the tensions of the past week at a fast food outlet. She says she is curious to discover all the different western flavors available at the big brand name shops which have sprung up over recent months and years in Phnom Penh. Ms Maralene is indeed a fast food fanatic.
She said, “I always enjoy trying out the latest shops as soon as they open. I can spend at least $10 per week on fast food.”
Maralene, an employee with a private company earns less than $200 per month and she realizes that compared to workaday Khmer food – the “staff of life” - fast food does not provide such good value for money; she is however prepared to pay a little extra for the experience as well as the sustenance. She said, “The food tastes great and I like the self service aspect a lot.”
It is a habit she shares with the rest of her family, who like nothing better than spending a lazy weekend enjoying the taste and the relaxing experience.
Cheng Samnang, Moralene’s friend, is another fast food connoisseur. The 25-year-old drew the distinction between a well balanced daily diet with all the major food groups covered and the idea of fast food as a tasty snack or treat.
Samnang said, “I bring my family here for entertainment as much as anything else. These shops are attractively decorated, the service is reasonable and the prices are not crippling.”
Marketing Manager Khieu Channa said each one of his customers spends on average US $2.5 dollars per sitting. His company is going from strength to strength—not surprising given the range of tasty treats on offer, including roasted chicken, salad, hamburgers, pizza, soft drinks and tea and coffee.
Channa, who has two years marketing management to call on, added that the fast food trend is accepted as compatible with the direction of Cambodian cultural development. To illustrate the point, his company alone has three barbeque restaurants, four pizza parlors and eight tea and coffee shops.
Channa is proud of his company, a local enterprise established in 2002, and its ability to compete with internationally-recognized brands.
“We have increased the number of shops since 2002 and we will open a new outlet in downtown Siem Reap this year,” Channa said. “It will have the same commitment to serve customers in the international manner as all our other outlets; and as the number of satisfied customers continues to increase, our company has set its sights on Sihanoukville and Battambang province.”
However he said that to make a success of a new fast food operation would require at least US $200,000. Furthermore, the market will inevitably reach the point of saturation, especially with the number of heavyweight brands such as Lucky Burger and KFC willing to make a go of the Cambodian market.
A staff member of a pizza company in Phnom Penh noted the pleasure the nation takes in trying out new flavors in novel dining environments. With little cultural experience of nutrition shaped and tasting like a pizza or a hotdog, Cambodians are naturally curious to find out what all the fuss is about.
26-year-old Sorn Vicheth, a resident of Phnom Penh, also spoke of his liking for western style fast food shops. He appreciated the fact that though some citizens may not be able to afford to eat as much fast food as they would like, the price was not so extortionate as to rule it out entirely. “It tastes great and the price makes it a reasonable way to give myself a treat for a job well done.”
Vicheth said that he started to eat and enjoy pizzas and hamburgers back in 2000. He recalled High School days when money was not inexhaustible and the possession of a girlfriend was a matter of supreme importance and joy. These sentiments were all the more memorable as these days marked his first experience with fast food.
U.S. Provides $ 24 Million to boost Cambodia’s Economic Growth
By Soy Sophea
Visiting U.S deputy secretary of state John D. Negroponte and USAID director to Cambodia Erin Soto and Sok An, Cambodian deputy prime minister have inked a four-year bilateral agreement funding $24 million to support Cambodia properties in economic growth.
The signing ceremony was held at the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation on August 16, 2008.
The total amount of the project is $26 million; of that amount Cambodia contributed $2 million. Funds will be used to expand USAID’s highly successful Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) program, which seek to improve the productivity of rural enterprises by connecting and strengthening all levels of an industry supply chain. It will expand this value chain work and add two new areas of focus: strengthening the voice of the private sector and strengthening the public sector’s capacity to improve the business-enabling environment.
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also thanked the U.S.’s assistant to Cambodia’s economic growth. He noticed the relationship between the two nations has been improved.
The Prime Minister who met the U.S. deputy secretary of state told reporters after the signing ceremony that the two leaders had found out other possibility cooperation between the two countries.
John D. Negroponte, also said that the U.S and the Cambodian government explored the way to deepen bilateral relationship.
“My trip here is an opportunity to emphasize our commitment to strong engagement in Asia, he said. “The United State and Cambodia have a good and growing relationship.”
*U.S Funds ECCC $1, 8 Million
The U.S deputy secretary of state announced on August 16 that his state decided to provide money to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal after a long observation to the progress of the court.
“I hope that we will contribute in future, definitely it is our plan and we have include in our proposal in the budget for future years of that continues contributions to be made to the court,” he said.
He explained that the reasons why the U.S is late to fund the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) because the U.S was in a reservation. the progress of the ECCC’s progress to meet international standard
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the U.S donation is a good step at this stage, referring to the pregnant elephant and its son delivered is also big enough.
Reach Sambath, ECCC’s public affair officer told the Cambodia Weekly on August 16 that the court welcome the U.S’s fund to the UN side in the court although the donation is late.
“The U.S fund is a good signal for starting point, and we hope that other countries will follow,” he said. “We welcome any donors’ assistant from any individual countries.”
Former S-21 prison survivor Van Nath, welcomed the donation from the U.S. However, he doubted the amount would make the ECCC’s financial crisis get work smooth when he realized that $ 56,3 million, which is a big money for 3-year plan for the court was not enough.
“My hope went out after the planned budget of out account,” he said. “Time has gone, now I am 62 years old, so I am not so sure when I can see the justice offered.”
Visiting U.S deputy secretary of state John D. Negroponte and USAID director to Cambodia Erin Soto and Sok An, Cambodian deputy prime minister have inked a four-year bilateral agreement funding $24 million to support Cambodia properties in economic growth.
The signing ceremony was held at the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation on August 16, 2008.
The total amount of the project is $26 million; of that amount Cambodia contributed $2 million. Funds will be used to expand USAID’s highly successful Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) program, which seek to improve the productivity of rural enterprises by connecting and strengthening all levels of an industry supply chain. It will expand this value chain work and add two new areas of focus: strengthening the voice of the private sector and strengthening the public sector’s capacity to improve the business-enabling environment.
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also thanked the U.S.’s assistant to Cambodia’s economic growth. He noticed the relationship between the two nations has been improved.
The Prime Minister who met the U.S. deputy secretary of state told reporters after the signing ceremony that the two leaders had found out other possibility cooperation between the two countries.
John D. Negroponte, also said that the U.S and the Cambodian government explored the way to deepen bilateral relationship.
“My trip here is an opportunity to emphasize our commitment to strong engagement in Asia, he said. “The United State and Cambodia have a good and growing relationship.”
*U.S Funds ECCC $1, 8 Million
The U.S deputy secretary of state announced on August 16 that his state decided to provide money to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal after a long observation to the progress of the court.
“I hope that we will contribute in future, definitely it is our plan and we have include in our proposal in the budget for future years of that continues contributions to be made to the court,” he said.
He explained that the reasons why the U.S is late to fund the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) because the U.S was in a reservation. the progress of the ECCC’s progress to meet international standard
The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the U.S donation is a good step at this stage, referring to the pregnant elephant and its son delivered is also big enough.
Reach Sambath, ECCC’s public affair officer told the Cambodia Weekly on August 16 that the court welcome the U.S’s fund to the UN side in the court although the donation is late.
“The U.S fund is a good signal for starting point, and we hope that other countries will follow,” he said. “We welcome any donors’ assistant from any individual countries.”
Former S-21 prison survivor Van Nath, welcomed the donation from the U.S. However, he doubted the amount would make the ECCC’s financial crisis get work smooth when he realized that $ 56,3 million, which is a big money for 3-year plan for the court was not enough.
“My hope went out after the planned budget of out account,” he said. “Time has gone, now I am 62 years old, so I am not so sure when I can see the justice offered.”
Cambodian Tourism Planes to welcome 5 million arrivals by 2015
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian tourism officials said that ministry has set it plane to hospitalize 5 million arrivals by 2015 to visit kingdom. The Cambodian government has also begun planning a broader tourism plan to both keep foreigners in Cambodia longer, and develop some of the country's more impoverished areas, said Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism.
The minister told a seminar on August 28, 2008 that according to 2007 Ministry of Tourism statistic; more than 2 million international tourists visited Cambodia. His ministry estimates that there will be 2.5 million foreign tourists visiting Cambodia in 2008 and is planning on annual increases in this number from this point on.
Cambodian Ministry of Tourism statistics showed that nearly 1.1 million foreigners, including 67,502 from neighboring Thailand, entered Cambodia in the first six months of 2008.
Tourism Minister Thong Khon has said that although tourist arrivals have risen 13 percent from the same period last year he expects a significant drop in Thai arrivals this year owing to the border situation between two nations and the political standoff in Thailand.
More than half of the country’s international visitors flocked to Cambodia's famed Angkor temples in northwestern Siem Reap province, the ministry said.
Ho Vandy, President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, told the Cambodia Weekly that he believed that the expectation of the arrivals would become true if the government compromise its facilities, build infrastructure and service
The President of the association noticed that Phnom Penh City has made great progress along the path towards development in the last half-decade.
He said, “I am able to see how the process of development has provided incremental improvement year after year. The roads have been improved to accommodate increased traffic and our electricity supply is much better than it used to be. Perhaps the most important improvement in my opinion has been in levels of security in the city.”
“With this commitment to continued development, progress and beautification, I hope that Phnom Penh will become increasingly attractive to international guests,” he said.
The World Heritage-listed ruins have been a vital key in reviving Cambodia's tourism sector since 2003, when a regional SARS panic and anti-Thai riots in the country's capital Phnom Penh made visitor figures plummet.
The tourism sector remains one of the few sources of foreign exchange for Cambodia, were millions still live in poverty.
In order to increase the number of international tourists and create work for Cambodian nationals, the Phnom Penh Municipality plans to develop the city’s infrastructure and create fresh new destinations to delight international tourists of the future.
Kep Chuktema, Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that his office had big ambitions in developing the city, making it more attractive to international visitors and providing more employment opportunities for the people of the city and beyond.
“According to our Master Plan, we still have areas that can be improved and renovated, all of it contributing to the development of our city and the wider nation,” he said. “As far as I can tell, Phnom Penh will be subject to these developments for the next 5-10 years.”
Speaking by telephone to the Cambodia Weekly, the Governor said the main challenges facing the Municipality would be overcome during the fourth mandate of the Royal Cambodian Government. These activities will include rehabilitation work, environmental protection and traffic calming innovations.
He said, “In the future, we plan to beautify many more gardens, make roads safer for all users, make night markets brighter and introduce new entertainment outlets to the city.”
“The eventual goal of these infrastructure renovations and developments will be a greater number of foreign visitors, as well as expanded employment opportunities for Cambodians,” he added.
Chuktema added that recently, in order to attract tourists and promote progress in Phnom Penh, the Municipality had been paying attention to infrastructure development in Phnom Penh, with the introduction of improved roads, traffic lights and signs, gardens, supermarkets and tourist destinations.
He said that Phnom Penh’s Municipality had also planned to set up hi-definition wide screen television screens in six locations throughout Phnom Penh to promote Cambodian
business ventures and development. He added that to date, four of these huge screens had been installed in strategic locations around the city, broadcasting information about Phnom Penh business activities, developments and the nation’s un-miss able tourist attraction sites.
He also described the City’s efforts to establish a night market, situated at the Olympic Stadium along Preah Sihanouk Boulevard in Phnom Penh. Not content with this admirable development, he also spoke of future plans for a further night market in Sangkat Tuol Tumpong, Chamcar Morn district.
Chhay Khoeun, Kep Tourism Provincial Department, told the Cambodia Weekly that his office also improve its hospitality in order to achieve the ministry’s set. He said that his provinces started to create tourism communities among its 12 islands.
He said that each year his office plans to establish on local community of the islands in order to make local people taking part in the activities especially to up grade hospitality and environment for tourists.
“We want our people to join us to get benefit from tourism industry,” he said. “Without them we can not achieve our plan.”
However, he said that in order to increase the number of tourists, which in 2007 there were 150,000 tourists visited, his office will launch its website in October to show the world what Kep has and expect to get 200,000 in 2009.//
Cambodian tourism officials said that ministry has set it plane to hospitalize 5 million arrivals by 2015 to visit kingdom. The Cambodian government has also begun planning a broader tourism plan to both keep foreigners in Cambodia longer, and develop some of the country's more impoverished areas, said Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism.
The minister told a seminar on August 28, 2008 that according to 2007 Ministry of Tourism statistic; more than 2 million international tourists visited Cambodia. His ministry estimates that there will be 2.5 million foreign tourists visiting Cambodia in 2008 and is planning on annual increases in this number from this point on.
Cambodian Ministry of Tourism statistics showed that nearly 1.1 million foreigners, including 67,502 from neighboring Thailand, entered Cambodia in the first six months of 2008.
Tourism Minister Thong Khon has said that although tourist arrivals have risen 13 percent from the same period last year he expects a significant drop in Thai arrivals this year owing to the border situation between two nations and the political standoff in Thailand.
More than half of the country’s international visitors flocked to Cambodia's famed Angkor temples in northwestern Siem Reap province, the ministry said.
Ho Vandy, President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, told the Cambodia Weekly that he believed that the expectation of the arrivals would become true if the government compromise its facilities, build infrastructure and service
The President of the association noticed that Phnom Penh City has made great progress along the path towards development in the last half-decade.
He said, “I am able to see how the process of development has provided incremental improvement year after year. The roads have been improved to accommodate increased traffic and our electricity supply is much better than it used to be. Perhaps the most important improvement in my opinion has been in levels of security in the city.”
“With this commitment to continued development, progress and beautification, I hope that Phnom Penh will become increasingly attractive to international guests,” he said.
The World Heritage-listed ruins have been a vital key in reviving Cambodia's tourism sector since 2003, when a regional SARS panic and anti-Thai riots in the country's capital Phnom Penh made visitor figures plummet.
The tourism sector remains one of the few sources of foreign exchange for Cambodia, were millions still live in poverty.
In order to increase the number of international tourists and create work for Cambodian nationals, the Phnom Penh Municipality plans to develop the city’s infrastructure and create fresh new destinations to delight international tourists of the future.
Kep Chuktema, Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that his office had big ambitions in developing the city, making it more attractive to international visitors and providing more employment opportunities for the people of the city and beyond.
“According to our Master Plan, we still have areas that can be improved and renovated, all of it contributing to the development of our city and the wider nation,” he said. “As far as I can tell, Phnom Penh will be subject to these developments for the next 5-10 years.”
Speaking by telephone to the Cambodia Weekly, the Governor said the main challenges facing the Municipality would be overcome during the fourth mandate of the Royal Cambodian Government. These activities will include rehabilitation work, environmental protection and traffic calming innovations.
He said, “In the future, we plan to beautify many more gardens, make roads safer for all users, make night markets brighter and introduce new entertainment outlets to the city.”
“The eventual goal of these infrastructure renovations and developments will be a greater number of foreign visitors, as well as expanded employment opportunities for Cambodians,” he added.
Chuktema added that recently, in order to attract tourists and promote progress in Phnom Penh, the Municipality had been paying attention to infrastructure development in Phnom Penh, with the introduction of improved roads, traffic lights and signs, gardens, supermarkets and tourist destinations.
He said that Phnom Penh’s Municipality had also planned to set up hi-definition wide screen television screens in six locations throughout Phnom Penh to promote Cambodian
business ventures and development. He added that to date, four of these huge screens had been installed in strategic locations around the city, broadcasting information about Phnom Penh business activities, developments and the nation’s un-miss able tourist attraction sites.
He also described the City’s efforts to establish a night market, situated at the Olympic Stadium along Preah Sihanouk Boulevard in Phnom Penh. Not content with this admirable development, he also spoke of future plans for a further night market in Sangkat Tuol Tumpong, Chamcar Morn district.
Chhay Khoeun, Kep Tourism Provincial Department, told the Cambodia Weekly that his office also improve its hospitality in order to achieve the ministry’s set. He said that his provinces started to create tourism communities among its 12 islands.
He said that each year his office plans to establish on local community of the islands in order to make local people taking part in the activities especially to up grade hospitality and environment for tourists.
“We want our people to join us to get benefit from tourism industry,” he said. “Without them we can not achieve our plan.”
However, he said that in order to increase the number of tourists, which in 2007 there were 150,000 tourists visited, his office will launch its website in October to show the world what Kep has and expect to get 200,000 in 2009.//
Bon Pchum Ben in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Bon Pchum Ben is a Buddhist religious ceremony dedicated to the spirits of the dead. Theravada Buddhists began observing Bon Pchum Ben September 15 following the full moon and as is the custom will continue to partake in Bon Pchum Ben activities for 15 days.
At 4 a.m. each morning during Bon Pchum Ben at the 4,125 Buddhist temples throughout the nation, a group of four or five monks begin chanting about the root causes of sinful actions that causes the praets to go to hell. Rich and the poor alike perform this religious cultural ritual without fail each year in Cambodia by taking money and offerings to the temples where the ashes of their ancestors are located or other temples of their choosing.
Offerings of food, medicine, saffron robes, kerosene and money are also presented to monks during this time. They are dedicated to dead ancestors and considered a means to cleanse one’s karma of negative verbal, mental and physical actions that were committed intentionally or unintentionally during the past year, according to Venerable Chan Sopheap of Mohamontrey pagoda.
He said that another important part of the Bon Pchum Ben ceremony is the baay-ben ritual, which must take place before dawn, usually from 3:30-5 a.m. All devoted Buddhists—parents, children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren—gather in darkness at a temple to toss baay-ben (fresh rice balls) for the praets. This ritual is always done prior to sunrise because praets are naked and too ashamed to wander in the sunlight. The praets visit seven different temples to receive baay-ben.
He said that the spirits of loved ones who never committed any misdeeds during their human life, do we perform the Bon Pchum Ben for them as well? The answer is yes! Our offerings to them will bring them good luck no matter where they now live.
It was the first time for Chea Sreysopheak, 19, to take part in bay-ben ceremony this year at Onnalom pagoda. Walking slowly unordered queue with hundred of people, and with tray of sticky rice, Sereypheak placed baay-ben on reserved bowls next to the surround wall of the pagoda.
She said she enjoyed doing so. “I’ve never practiced, I feel good to my death relatives.”
Sreypheak, came to the pagoda with her aunts and other her relatives. She said that from this stage she will come and join again next year.
Chea Kimneang, layman at Onnaloam pagoda, said that all Buddhists believe that after our death, we are reborn according to our karma. Those who behave poorly and commit negative acts such as those mentioned above will definitely serve time in one of 18 hells depending on the severity of their misdeeds.
He said that those spirits receive a brief reprieve during Bon Pchum Ben and are released from hell to seek offerings of food, clothing, medicine and shelter from loved ones at seven different temples.
During Bon Pchum Ben, the spirits who are known in Khmer as praet are “naked, cold and so hungry. They bitterly lament recent past life crimes while calling out the names of their loved ones—parents, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and even friends— urging them to give them those basic needs,” explains Venerable Ung Boun Seen of Langkar Temple.
“So, any of us who do not do these offerings to our dead parents or relatives who are those praets are considered ungrateful individuals who will be cursed by those praets.”
Bon Pchum Ben is a Buddhist religious ceremony dedicated to the spirits of the dead. Theravada Buddhists began observing Bon Pchum Ben September 15 following the full moon and as is the custom will continue to partake in Bon Pchum Ben activities for 15 days.
At 4 a.m. each morning during Bon Pchum Ben at the 4,125 Buddhist temples throughout the nation, a group of four or five monks begin chanting about the root causes of sinful actions that causes the praets to go to hell. Rich and the poor alike perform this religious cultural ritual without fail each year in Cambodia by taking money and offerings to the temples where the ashes of their ancestors are located or other temples of their choosing.
Offerings of food, medicine, saffron robes, kerosene and money are also presented to monks during this time. They are dedicated to dead ancestors and considered a means to cleanse one’s karma of negative verbal, mental and physical actions that were committed intentionally or unintentionally during the past year, according to Venerable Chan Sopheap of Mohamontrey pagoda.
He said that another important part of the Bon Pchum Ben ceremony is the baay-ben ritual, which must take place before dawn, usually from 3:30-5 a.m. All devoted Buddhists—parents, children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren—gather in darkness at a temple to toss baay-ben (fresh rice balls) for the praets. This ritual is always done prior to sunrise because praets are naked and too ashamed to wander in the sunlight. The praets visit seven different temples to receive baay-ben.
He said that the spirits of loved ones who never committed any misdeeds during their human life, do we perform the Bon Pchum Ben for them as well? The answer is yes! Our offerings to them will bring them good luck no matter where they now live.
It was the first time for Chea Sreysopheak, 19, to take part in bay-ben ceremony this year at Onnalom pagoda. Walking slowly unordered queue with hundred of people, and with tray of sticky rice, Sereypheak placed baay-ben on reserved bowls next to the surround wall of the pagoda.
She said she enjoyed doing so. “I’ve never practiced, I feel good to my death relatives.”
Sreypheak, came to the pagoda with her aunts and other her relatives. She said that from this stage she will come and join again next year.
Chea Kimneang, layman at Onnaloam pagoda, said that all Buddhists believe that after our death, we are reborn according to our karma. Those who behave poorly and commit negative acts such as those mentioned above will definitely serve time in one of 18 hells depending on the severity of their misdeeds.
He said that those spirits receive a brief reprieve during Bon Pchum Ben and are released from hell to seek offerings of food, clothing, medicine and shelter from loved ones at seven different temples.
During Bon Pchum Ben, the spirits who are known in Khmer as praet are “naked, cold and so hungry. They bitterly lament recent past life crimes while calling out the names of their loved ones—parents, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and even friends— urging them to give them those basic needs,” explains Venerable Ung Boun Seen of Langkar Temple.
“So, any of us who do not do these offerings to our dead parents or relatives who are those praets are considered ungrateful individuals who will be cursed by those praets.”
Fashion Designer Cooperates with HIV positive in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
An internationally-renowned fashion designer Bibi Rusell, the UNDP and the Modern Dress Sewing Factory (MDSF), an all-female business subsidiary of the Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Cambodia launched a new international designer label entitled “Bibi for WE”.
Under this brand, MDSF will produce and market a range of bags designed by Bibi Russell, synonymous with leading international designer-labels and fashion-houses in the 1970s and 1980s. The products will be contemporary in style and utility while representing the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia, according to Bibi.
“If you join hands with women living with HIV/AIDS, they can create magic with their fingers,” said Bibi. Pham Srim, business manager of MDSF, said, “We don’t want sympathy, but support to live a life of respect and dignity. The project will help members of our group stand on their own feet, earn a living and remain unfazed by the egos that would trespass against us.”
She added that since MDSF began operations in 2006, there has been a marked improvement in the attitude of people towards women living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
An internationally-renowned fashion designer Bibi Rusell, the UNDP and the Modern Dress Sewing Factory (MDSF), an all-female business subsidiary of the Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Cambodia launched a new international designer label entitled “Bibi for WE”.
Under this brand, MDSF will produce and market a range of bags designed by Bibi Russell, synonymous with leading international designer-labels and fashion-houses in the 1970s and 1980s. The products will be contemporary in style and utility while representing the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia, according to Bibi.
“If you join hands with women living with HIV/AIDS, they can create magic with their fingers,” said Bibi. Pham Srim, business manager of MDSF, said, “We don’t want sympathy, but support to live a life of respect and dignity. The project will help members of our group stand on their own feet, earn a living and remain unfazed by the egos that would trespass against us.”
She added that since MDSF began operations in 2006, there has been a marked improvement in the attitude of people towards women living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Cambodia's Clothing Industry Prepared to Meet Competition on World Markets
By Soy Sophea
A top Cambodian government official has expressed his belief that the nation’s textile industry will retain a competitive hold on the global clothing market. Cambodia is ready for competition in world marketplaces alongside Chinese clothing manufacturers, following the United States’ decision to allow the import of Chinese textiles. The U.S. trade barriers will be dismantled by December this year, according to Cham Prasith, minister of commerce.
Speaking early last month, the Minister said his confidence was based on the ability of Cambodia's manufacturers and their potential in competing with China, Vietnam, Pakistan and India. He described the attention paid to ensuring a safe and productive working environment and the respect paid to worker’s rights. The combination of these two commercial policies will lead to Cambodia's production of better clothing products for the world’s markets.
“We have spent the last five or six years in preparation for the moment when our textile industry must face competition,” he said. “A vital part of that has been the conversion of health, safety and trade policies into safe and profitable working conditions on the factory floor. We want all manufacturers in Cambodia to respect the rights of the laborer.”
However, the Minister said that Cambodia has made repeated requests to the U.S to reduce its import duties on Cambodian products to ensure a more equitable U.S. marketplace for the products of Cambodian industry.
Cham Prasith predicted that Cambodian exports to the U.S. would continue to increase, though at a slightly lower percentage rate than in previous financial years. “I don’t predict any catastrophic collapse in the flow of Cambodian exports to the U.S.,” he said. “In previous years we have enjoyed increases of between 15 to 20 percent. However, in 2008, the rate of increase may slow down, with modest increases of 7, perhaps 8 percent. The increase is not as meteoric as it was before, but it is an increase nevertheless.”
The Minister added that from January to July, 2008, Cambodian exports brought in 2.4 billion U.S dollars while in 2007 the export market created a total of 4 billion U.S dollars. He said that two thirds of Cambodia’s goods for export were sold in U.S. markets.
A report, available for download at the Better Factories Cambodia website stated that there is as yet no sign of factories or buyers leaving Cambodia. However, to attract more investment in the face of increasing competition, Cambodia will need to increase productivity and improve industrial relations.
Some labor union leaders also suggested that the goal of competing in the world market would not succeed without solutions being found to problems such as high food prices, rising electricity bills, transportation costs and so on.
Rong Chhon, president of Cambodia’s Worker’s Union, said that until these problems were addressed, Cambodia's textile industry would experience difficulties when competing with giant countries like China. He too targeted food prices, energy costs and transportation as factors counting against the development of a truly competitive industry.
A top Cambodian government official has expressed his belief that the nation’s textile industry will retain a competitive hold on the global clothing market. Cambodia is ready for competition in world marketplaces alongside Chinese clothing manufacturers, following the United States’ decision to allow the import of Chinese textiles. The U.S. trade barriers will be dismantled by December this year, according to Cham Prasith, minister of commerce.
Speaking early last month, the Minister said his confidence was based on the ability of Cambodia's manufacturers and their potential in competing with China, Vietnam, Pakistan and India. He described the attention paid to ensuring a safe and productive working environment and the respect paid to worker’s rights. The combination of these two commercial policies will lead to Cambodia's production of better clothing products for the world’s markets.
“We have spent the last five or six years in preparation for the moment when our textile industry must face competition,” he said. “A vital part of that has been the conversion of health, safety and trade policies into safe and profitable working conditions on the factory floor. We want all manufacturers in Cambodia to respect the rights of the laborer.”
However, the Minister said that Cambodia has made repeated requests to the U.S to reduce its import duties on Cambodian products to ensure a more equitable U.S. marketplace for the products of Cambodian industry.
Cham Prasith predicted that Cambodian exports to the U.S. would continue to increase, though at a slightly lower percentage rate than in previous financial years. “I don’t predict any catastrophic collapse in the flow of Cambodian exports to the U.S.,” he said. “In previous years we have enjoyed increases of between 15 to 20 percent. However, in 2008, the rate of increase may slow down, with modest increases of 7, perhaps 8 percent. The increase is not as meteoric as it was before, but it is an increase nevertheless.”
The Minister added that from January to July, 2008, Cambodian exports brought in 2.4 billion U.S dollars while in 2007 the export market created a total of 4 billion U.S dollars. He said that two thirds of Cambodia’s goods for export were sold in U.S. markets.
A report, available for download at the Better Factories Cambodia website stated that there is as yet no sign of factories or buyers leaving Cambodia. However, to attract more investment in the face of increasing competition, Cambodia will need to increase productivity and improve industrial relations.
Some labor union leaders also suggested that the goal of competing in the world market would not succeed without solutions being found to problems such as high food prices, rising electricity bills, transportation costs and so on.
Rong Chhon, president of Cambodia’s Worker’s Union, said that until these problems were addressed, Cambodia's textile industry would experience difficulties when competing with giant countries like China. He too targeted food prices, energy costs and transportation as factors counting against the development of a truly competitive industry.
A Great Multisectoral Response to HIV/AIDS in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Nearly one thousand HIV/AIDS activists, policy makers, have gathered at the 3rd national conference on “A greater Multisectoral Response to HIV/AIDS: Towards Universal Access to in Cambodia,” aiming to celebrate and to see the progress of their HIV/AIDS responses.
The conference was to reaffirm our goals and to continue to dedicate ourselves to meet, to learn, to share and to agree on what to do next in order to further reduce the thousand of men, women and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The three-day national conference started from 10th-12th September 2008 at Chaktomuk National Conference Theater. The conference co-organized by the National AIDS Authority and Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance (KHANA).
Teng Kunthy, secretary general of National AIDS Authority, said that the theme of the 3rd National AIDS Conference was titled “Great Multisectoral response to HIV/AIDS: Toward Universal Access in Cambodia,” because the organizers felt that this theme represents the collective national committee to further address and overcome the challenges we face with HIV and AIDS.
Sok An, deputy prime minister and minister of Council of Ministers, said that the national conference was so crucial and to remind policy makers and the government to take action to help HIV/AIDS victims and especially to reduce number of prevalence of HIV/AIDS affection.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the effort of the Cambodian government was to reduce HIV/AIDS and to enhance well-respected HIV/AIDS victims throughout the country.
Erin Soto, mission director of USAID to Cambodia, said that as countries struggles to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS, Cambodia deserves praise for achieving success.
She said that the Royal Government of Cambodia, working closely with the donor community, civil society and NGOs, implemented the 100 percent Condom Use Program, which is saving lives.
The Mission Director said 29,000 Cambodian people who living with HIV/AIDS are now taking ARV.
“I confidence that Cambodian government will continue to show leadership on this issue,” she said. “The next step is for the government to ensure the sustainability of its HIV/AIDS programs through increased budget allocation.”
Tony Lisle, UNAIDS country coordinator to Cambodia, said that Cambodia has achieved its Millennium Development Goal for AIDS, adding that adult prevalence has declined from a high of 2 percent in 1998 to 0.9 percent in 2006.
He said, “This is no small achievement; a result of a combination of many factors, not the least, exemplary leadership, compassion and a national response that has courageously “done the right thing, the right way.”
Tony said that in the long run the best way to stop people dying from AIDS is to reduce new infection in the first place.
“If we’re going to sustain and build on the gains we’ve made- if we’re to get anywhere near Universal Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, Cambodia will need to continue to incremental increase in vestments in AIDS,” Tony said. “Let’s not forget that AIDS need to be addressed both as an immediate crisis and also as long-term (30-40) event, that why Cambodia’s response must continue to be passionate and above all, smart.”
According to National Strategic Plan for Illicit Drug Use Related HIV/AIDS 2008-2010 stated that currently, there no government operated needle/ syringe program and only 2 NGO services offering needle/ syringe programming in Cambodia, under authorization of the Secretary-General of the National Authority for Combating Drug (NACD). Both are location in Phnom Penh, and have limited staff and financial capacity. They currently reach a small percentage of the estimated Injecting Drug Users (IDU) population (approximately 20 percent) of IDU are reached.
The report added that outreach and education to drug users is limited: it is available only in 10 provinces and most of this outreach targets street children or sex worker. “Services which target DU and IDU for harm reduction, outreach and HIV prevention education are limited.”
Suos Sina, representative of sex workers, expressed the sex workers concerns over the hardship of daily life when the police recently cracked down sex workers and arrested them. She said that such measure would be negative affect to 100 percent Condom Use Program.
She called on the sponsorship of relevant institutions to keep continue help those HIV/AIDS victims especially to fight against job and social discriminations.
Nearly one thousand HIV/AIDS activists, policy makers, have gathered at the 3rd national conference on “A greater Multisectoral Response to HIV/AIDS: Towards Universal Access to in Cambodia,” aiming to celebrate and to see the progress of their HIV/AIDS responses.
The conference was to reaffirm our goals and to continue to dedicate ourselves to meet, to learn, to share and to agree on what to do next in order to further reduce the thousand of men, women and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The three-day national conference started from 10th-12th September 2008 at Chaktomuk National Conference Theater. The conference co-organized by the National AIDS Authority and Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance (KHANA).
Teng Kunthy, secretary general of National AIDS Authority, said that the theme of the 3rd National AIDS Conference was titled “Great Multisectoral response to HIV/AIDS: Toward Universal Access in Cambodia,” because the organizers felt that this theme represents the collective national committee to further address and overcome the challenges we face with HIV and AIDS.
Sok An, deputy prime minister and minister of Council of Ministers, said that the national conference was so crucial and to remind policy makers and the government to take action to help HIV/AIDS victims and especially to reduce number of prevalence of HIV/AIDS affection.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the effort of the Cambodian government was to reduce HIV/AIDS and to enhance well-respected HIV/AIDS victims throughout the country.
Erin Soto, mission director of USAID to Cambodia, said that as countries struggles to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS, Cambodia deserves praise for achieving success.
She said that the Royal Government of Cambodia, working closely with the donor community, civil society and NGOs, implemented the 100 percent Condom Use Program, which is saving lives.
The Mission Director said 29,000 Cambodian people who living with HIV/AIDS are now taking ARV.
“I confidence that Cambodian government will continue to show leadership on this issue,” she said. “The next step is for the government to ensure the sustainability of its HIV/AIDS programs through increased budget allocation.”
Tony Lisle, UNAIDS country coordinator to Cambodia, said that Cambodia has achieved its Millennium Development Goal for AIDS, adding that adult prevalence has declined from a high of 2 percent in 1998 to 0.9 percent in 2006.
He said, “This is no small achievement; a result of a combination of many factors, not the least, exemplary leadership, compassion and a national response that has courageously “done the right thing, the right way.”
Tony said that in the long run the best way to stop people dying from AIDS is to reduce new infection in the first place.
“If we’re going to sustain and build on the gains we’ve made- if we’re to get anywhere near Universal Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, Cambodia will need to continue to incremental increase in vestments in AIDS,” Tony said. “Let’s not forget that AIDS need to be addressed both as an immediate crisis and also as long-term (30-40) event, that why Cambodia’s response must continue to be passionate and above all, smart.”
According to National Strategic Plan for Illicit Drug Use Related HIV/AIDS 2008-2010 stated that currently, there no government operated needle/ syringe program and only 2 NGO services offering needle/ syringe programming in Cambodia, under authorization of the Secretary-General of the National Authority for Combating Drug (NACD). Both are location in Phnom Penh, and have limited staff and financial capacity. They currently reach a small percentage of the estimated Injecting Drug Users (IDU) population (approximately 20 percent) of IDU are reached.
The report added that outreach and education to drug users is limited: it is available only in 10 provinces and most of this outreach targets street children or sex worker. “Services which target DU and IDU for harm reduction, outreach and HIV prevention education are limited.”
Suos Sina, representative of sex workers, expressed the sex workers concerns over the hardship of daily life when the police recently cracked down sex workers and arrested them. She said that such measure would be negative affect to 100 percent Condom Use Program.
She called on the sponsorship of relevant institutions to keep continue help those HIV/AIDS victims especially to fight against job and social discriminations.
A 29 km Rural Road in Pailin under Construction
By Soy Sophea
Pailin Governor Y Chhien and Australian Ambassador Magaret Adamson opened a 29-kilometre rural road which will improve the livelihoods, health and education prospects for 26 remote villages to the north of Pailin town in north-west Cambodia. The opening ceremony was conducted on September 2, 2008.
According to a press release issued by the Australian Embassy September 2, Margaret Adamson said, “This road demonstrates the importance of small-scale infrastructure to the lives of rural people. It will reduce transport times, improve access for farmers to markets and improve access for over 7,000 people to nine primary schools, two secondary schools, two health centres and nine pagodas.” As part of the local contribution, Pailin Municipality will build bridges along this road in late 2008.
A Maintenance Committee has also been established and traffic control posts installed to improve the longevity of the road. The press release added that the road rehabilitation cost approximately US $600,000 and was part of a USD 4.7 million Australian Government-funded Integrated Rural Development and Disaster Mitigation Project, implemented by CARE.
Pailin Governor Y Chhien and Australian Ambassador Magaret Adamson opened a 29-kilometre rural road which will improve the livelihoods, health and education prospects for 26 remote villages to the north of Pailin town in north-west Cambodia. The opening ceremony was conducted on September 2, 2008.
According to a press release issued by the Australian Embassy September 2, Margaret Adamson said, “This road demonstrates the importance of small-scale infrastructure to the lives of rural people. It will reduce transport times, improve access for farmers to markets and improve access for over 7,000 people to nine primary schools, two secondary schools, two health centres and nine pagodas.” As part of the local contribution, Pailin Municipality will build bridges along this road in late 2008.
A Maintenance Committee has also been established and traffic control posts installed to improve the longevity of the road. The press release added that the road rehabilitation cost approximately US $600,000 and was part of a USD 4.7 million Australian Government-funded Integrated Rural Development and Disaster Mitigation Project, implemented by CARE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
