By Soy Sophea
TheCambodian retired king father prince Norodom Sihanouk on Monday 9 January arrived home after 3 month of medical check in Beiníng, China, said Cambodia officials.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
World Bank Backs Increased Access to Telecommunications Services for Rural Poor
By Soy Sophea
The World Bank on January 8 announced its support of measures to increase telecommunication services for families in four of the poorer provinces of northern and northwestern Cambodia.
According to the World Bank press statement, the provinces include Banteay Meanchey, Otdar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Pursat. They will benefit from a US$2.6 million grantto increase access to telecommunications services assigned by the World Bank, which is acting as administrator for the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA), and the Royal Government of Cambodia.It added that up to 52,000 poor households or 260,000 Cambodians are expected to benefit from the scheme, through improved telecommunications network coverage and the installation of public access points where people will be able to make and receive telephone calls on a regular and reliable basis.
“Ensuring access to telecom services to all people in Cambodia and bridging the ‘digital divide’ is one of the priorities of this Government,” said Chin Bunsean, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia which will oversee implementation of the project. “It’s time that the people in rural areas are able to benefit from the same services, at the same quality and prices that the people in the cities have been enjoying for so many years.”
Despite improvements in telecommunications services and an increase in the number of telecommunications companies, rural access is still a challenge in Cambodia. The National Institute of Statistics estimates that only one in six rural households own a phone, compared to over 30 percent of urban households.
Rural and remote communes tend to be less commercially attractive to service providers because of higher operating costs and lower average revenues per user.
The GPOBA grant will provide a one-time capital subsidy for the provision of telephone services in locations that would otherwise be considered commercially unviable. Potential service providers will be selected competitively through an open bidding process. They will be free to use any technology, but must provide full network access and service at a quality and price similar to the rest of the network in Cambodia. The winning service provider will be thequalified bidder who offers the required services in the target areas for the lowest subsidy, and will sign a performance- or “output”-based contract with the Government. In line with the output-based approach, most of the GPOBA subsidy will be paid only after the services have been delivered and verified by an independent agent.
“By making telephone services available to poor households in remote rural villages, the GPOBA project will help to improve access to markets and economic opportunities in some of Cambodia’s poorest provinces,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia.
The GPOBA project will draw on funds from the Australian Agency for International
Development (AusAID) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
The World Bank on January 8 announced its support of measures to increase telecommunication services for families in four of the poorer provinces of northern and northwestern Cambodia.
According to the World Bank press statement, the provinces include Banteay Meanchey, Otdar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Pursat. They will benefit from a US$2.6 million grantto increase access to telecommunications services assigned by the World Bank, which is acting as administrator for the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA), and the Royal Government of Cambodia.It added that up to 52,000 poor households or 260,000 Cambodians are expected to benefit from the scheme, through improved telecommunications network coverage and the installation of public access points where people will be able to make and receive telephone calls on a regular and reliable basis.
“Ensuring access to telecom services to all people in Cambodia and bridging the ‘digital divide’ is one of the priorities of this Government,” said Chin Bunsean, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia which will oversee implementation of the project. “It’s time that the people in rural areas are able to benefit from the same services, at the same quality and prices that the people in the cities have been enjoying for so many years.”
Despite improvements in telecommunications services and an increase in the number of telecommunications companies, rural access is still a challenge in Cambodia. The National Institute of Statistics estimates that only one in six rural households own a phone, compared to over 30 percent of urban households.
Rural and remote communes tend to be less commercially attractive to service providers because of higher operating costs and lower average revenues per user.
The GPOBA grant will provide a one-time capital subsidy for the provision of telephone services in locations that would otherwise be considered commercially unviable. Potential service providers will be selected competitively through an open bidding process. They will be free to use any technology, but must provide full network access and service at a quality and price similar to the rest of the network in Cambodia. The winning service provider will be thequalified bidder who offers the required services in the target areas for the lowest subsidy, and will sign a performance- or “output”-based contract with the Government. In line with the output-based approach, most of the GPOBA subsidy will be paid only after the services have been delivered and verified by an independent agent.
“By making telephone services available to poor households in remote rural villages, the GPOBA project will help to improve access to markets and economic opportunities in some of Cambodia’s poorest provinces,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia.
The GPOBA project will draw on funds from the Australian Agency for International
Development (AusAID) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
CATA Wants to Bring New Travel Destination in Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Ho Vandy, 36, has a wealth of experience related to the tourism industry in Cambodia. These experiences lead him to be nominated President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA) in 2003. He will forfeit this position at the end of 2008.
“It was an amazing position with lots of responsibilities,” he said during an interview with the Cambodia Weekly December 24, at his office in Phnom Penh.
Pointing to the Cambodian tourism promotion banners, Vandy described himself as being lucky and looked back with affection on his years of service to the cause of Cambodian tourism.
The President said that Cambodia is rich in cultural materials and tourism facilities including thousands of ancient temples that are valued worldwide, for they represent some of the finest examples of such ancient architecture.
“The Angkor complex is just one reason why I expect Cambodia to become a top flight cultural and eco-tourist destination in the next five to ten years,” he told the Cambodia Weekly. Vandy, who has run World Express Tours & Travel Company since 1999, said that he would be of little value to his nation if he could not promote its tourist attractions.
He noted that Japan is the one of the strongest of the G7 economies and would play a key role in strengthening the tourist sector in Cambodia, within the wider context of other ASEAN nations. He noted that nation’s rich record in trading, investment and of course tourism. He believed that any investment from Japanese entrepreneurs in this sector would pay some very healthy returns.
In describing his job, he said that tourism provides a link that connects a wide range of professional and social activities including farming, fishing, transport services and souvenir manufacture and sale. They are all connected by the opportunities for development offered by a healthy tourist sector.
“What I want now is to encourage all Cambodian people to take part in both visible and invisible tourist activities to encourage visitors to the “Kingdom of Wonder,” he said. “As everyone knows, tourism is an industry which creates employment opportunities in all corners of the nation; that is why we want to encourage local communities to play their part in attracting tourists.”
Vandy said that based on world tourism figures described in a recent report published by the World Tourism Organization, there are 900 million regular tourists, flying the holiday routes to various destinations. 150 million of these are regular visitors to East Asia and the pacific region. In conjunction with current trends in world tourism, Cambodia welcomed over 2 million International Visitors in 2008, an increase of 20% compared to 2006.
“At the same time, there is a noticeable increase in domestic tourism. This comes as a result of mighty efforts on the behalf of the Royal Government. They have ensured security, stability and social order undertaken a program of infrastructure development. This includes improvements made to the national road system, bridge building and port and airport improvement works,” he said.
There are also efforts being made to strengthen the quality of services to keep abreast of accepted world standards adopted by the tourist sector. Cambodia being a country of 14 million people has much potential and a ready made market for internal tourism. The skilled and experienced officers of CATA are trying hard to develop the travel sector so that it excels in all aspects.
CATA has promised explore the possibility of new tourist destinations within Cambodia. The organization is making the most of information technology to make sure that as many world travelers as possible have access to information on the attractions of Cambodia.
Vandy also Co-Chairs the Tourism Working Group (Government & Private Sectors Forum) and is an Advisor to the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC). He holds qualifications in Management and postgraduate qualifications in Political Science. He is the proud father of two.
Ho Vandy, 36, has a wealth of experience related to the tourism industry in Cambodia. These experiences lead him to be nominated President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA) in 2003. He will forfeit this position at the end of 2008.
“It was an amazing position with lots of responsibilities,” he said during an interview with the Cambodia Weekly December 24, at his office in Phnom Penh.
Pointing to the Cambodian tourism promotion banners, Vandy described himself as being lucky and looked back with affection on his years of service to the cause of Cambodian tourism.
The President said that Cambodia is rich in cultural materials and tourism facilities including thousands of ancient temples that are valued worldwide, for they represent some of the finest examples of such ancient architecture.
“The Angkor complex is just one reason why I expect Cambodia to become a top flight cultural and eco-tourist destination in the next five to ten years,” he told the Cambodia Weekly. Vandy, who has run World Express Tours & Travel Company since 1999, said that he would be of little value to his nation if he could not promote its tourist attractions.
He noted that Japan is the one of the strongest of the G7 economies and would play a key role in strengthening the tourist sector in Cambodia, within the wider context of other ASEAN nations. He noted that nation’s rich record in trading, investment and of course tourism. He believed that any investment from Japanese entrepreneurs in this sector would pay some very healthy returns.
In describing his job, he said that tourism provides a link that connects a wide range of professional and social activities including farming, fishing, transport services and souvenir manufacture and sale. They are all connected by the opportunities for development offered by a healthy tourist sector.
“What I want now is to encourage all Cambodian people to take part in both visible and invisible tourist activities to encourage visitors to the “Kingdom of Wonder,” he said. “As everyone knows, tourism is an industry which creates employment opportunities in all corners of the nation; that is why we want to encourage local communities to play their part in attracting tourists.”
Vandy said that based on world tourism figures described in a recent report published by the World Tourism Organization, there are 900 million regular tourists, flying the holiday routes to various destinations. 150 million of these are regular visitors to East Asia and the pacific region. In conjunction with current trends in world tourism, Cambodia welcomed over 2 million International Visitors in 2008, an increase of 20% compared to 2006.
“At the same time, there is a noticeable increase in domestic tourism. This comes as a result of mighty efforts on the behalf of the Royal Government. They have ensured security, stability and social order undertaken a program of infrastructure development. This includes improvements made to the national road system, bridge building and port and airport improvement works,” he said.
There are also efforts being made to strengthen the quality of services to keep abreast of accepted world standards adopted by the tourist sector. Cambodia being a country of 14 million people has much potential and a ready made market for internal tourism. The skilled and experienced officers of CATA are trying hard to develop the travel sector so that it excels in all aspects.
CATA has promised explore the possibility of new tourist destinations within Cambodia. The organization is making the most of information technology to make sure that as many world travelers as possible have access to information on the attractions of Cambodia.
Vandy also Co-Chairs the Tourism Working Group (Government & Private Sectors Forum) and is an Advisor to the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC). He holds qualifications in Management and postgraduate qualifications in Political Science. He is the proud father of two.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Donors Pledge $ 951.5 Million for Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that his government has made improvement in the nation’s legal and judicial systems by focusing on the development of a sound legal framework and enhancing professional capacity, independence and neutrality of the judiciary. All of these moves are crucial for strengthening the rule of law.
The Premier made this announcement when speaking at the opening of the 2nd Cambodia Development Cooperation Forum (CDCF) on December 4. This forum took place at the Government Palace in Phnom Penh. He assured delegates that his government will push forward Anti-Corruption draft laws for approval as soon as possible.
“The government is well aware that Anti-Corruption Laws are indispensable legal instruments to fight corruption effectively,” the prime minister said. “The government is strongly committed to ensuring a rapid conclusion and adoption of this law. We have worked in close consultation with all concerned parties on the basis of considering fundamental laws that must be adopted first.”
The Premier, when referring to the 3rd Legislature, noted that a total of 140 laws were promulgated including three major codes—the Criminal Procedure Code, the Civil Procedure Code and the Civil Code. He added that however, the 2nd CDCF had been organized against the backdrop of deepening and widespread global financial crisis.
He continued that the financial crisis originating in the United States and spreading out to other developed countries demonstrated the impossibility of making accurate predictions about the world economy, as it had the habit of plunging itself into depression, as was the case with the Great Depression in 1930s.
“Nevertheless, since mid-2008, the Cambodian economy retains its vigor, despite astronomical hikes in the price of food and oil, albeit at a more sedate pace,” he said.
The Premier pointed out that the income per capita this year is around US $625, an increase of around 9.5 percent. This trend has continued since 1999. He added that wage levels have contributed to the increase in public and private investment, accounting for 22 percent of GDP annually, all of which results in annual economic growth of 9.5 percent.
International donor countries and agencies have pledged to give US $ 951.5 million in aid with grants and loans to the Royal Government of Cambodia in 2009 totaling US $689 million in 2008, which increased US $ 262.5 million.
Keat Chhon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, announced the news about international aid on December 5 after two days of discussion with the donor countries and agency partners, at the government palace.
“China contributed $257 million dollars, the EU [European Union] and EC [European Commission] contributed $214 million dollars while Japan contributed $113 million dollars,” he said. “Let me express my profound appreciation for these indications of support.”
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the Multi-Year Indicative Financing Framework process identified a total resource availability of $ 951.5 million, increasing to approximately 1 billion dollars once the existing commitments of some partners who were unable to participate in the this projections exercise are taken in account.
He gave the forum the unofficial title “the week of one thousand million dollars”. He explained that China gave Cambodia this huge amount of money because China is a neighboring country and a good friend to Cambodia. “China well understands Cambodia’s development situation and is always willing to help us reconstruct roads and bridges.”
The Deputy Prime Minister did not reveal other figures as he noted that some donor nations such as the US were undergoing a period of transition.
He said the aid will support all Cambodian government development programs including the government’s public financial policies, judiciary and military reform as described in the Rectangular Strategy-phase II for Growth, Employment, Equity and Efficiency.
Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia said during the meeting that he welcomed progress made towards finalizing the anti-corruption law.
“Such a law is clearly not a magic bullet: as in any country, implementation will throw up new challenges,” Fan said. “We also note that there are number of actions that the Government can take, even before the law is passed, that would help deter and deal with corrupt practices.”
However, he said passing the law would be an important signal, providing investors and development partners with the confidence to make more long-term commitments in Cambodia. “Strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of public finance and natural resource will help secure the scale and type of investments required to sustain growth through the global downtown and beyond.”///
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that his government has made improvement in the nation’s legal and judicial systems by focusing on the development of a sound legal framework and enhancing professional capacity, independence and neutrality of the judiciary. All of these moves are crucial for strengthening the rule of law.
The Premier made this announcement when speaking at the opening of the 2nd Cambodia Development Cooperation Forum (CDCF) on December 4. This forum took place at the Government Palace in Phnom Penh. He assured delegates that his government will push forward Anti-Corruption draft laws for approval as soon as possible.
“The government is well aware that Anti-Corruption Laws are indispensable legal instruments to fight corruption effectively,” the prime minister said. “The government is strongly committed to ensuring a rapid conclusion and adoption of this law. We have worked in close consultation with all concerned parties on the basis of considering fundamental laws that must be adopted first.”
The Premier, when referring to the 3rd Legislature, noted that a total of 140 laws were promulgated including three major codes—the Criminal Procedure Code, the Civil Procedure Code and the Civil Code. He added that however, the 2nd CDCF had been organized against the backdrop of deepening and widespread global financial crisis.
He continued that the financial crisis originating in the United States and spreading out to other developed countries demonstrated the impossibility of making accurate predictions about the world economy, as it had the habit of plunging itself into depression, as was the case with the Great Depression in 1930s.
“Nevertheless, since mid-2008, the Cambodian economy retains its vigor, despite astronomical hikes in the price of food and oil, albeit at a more sedate pace,” he said.
The Premier pointed out that the income per capita this year is around US $625, an increase of around 9.5 percent. This trend has continued since 1999. He added that wage levels have contributed to the increase in public and private investment, accounting for 22 percent of GDP annually, all of which results in annual economic growth of 9.5 percent.
International donor countries and agencies have pledged to give US $ 951.5 million in aid with grants and loans to the Royal Government of Cambodia in 2009 totaling US $689 million in 2008, which increased US $ 262.5 million.
Keat Chhon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, announced the news about international aid on December 5 after two days of discussion with the donor countries and agency partners, at the government palace.
“China contributed $257 million dollars, the EU [European Union] and EC [European Commission] contributed $214 million dollars while Japan contributed $113 million dollars,” he said. “Let me express my profound appreciation for these indications of support.”
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the Multi-Year Indicative Financing Framework process identified a total resource availability of $ 951.5 million, increasing to approximately 1 billion dollars once the existing commitments of some partners who were unable to participate in the this projections exercise are taken in account.
He gave the forum the unofficial title “the week of one thousand million dollars”. He explained that China gave Cambodia this huge amount of money because China is a neighboring country and a good friend to Cambodia. “China well understands Cambodia’s development situation and is always willing to help us reconstruct roads and bridges.”
The Deputy Prime Minister did not reveal other figures as he noted that some donor nations such as the US were undergoing a period of transition.
He said the aid will support all Cambodian government development programs including the government’s public financial policies, judiciary and military reform as described in the Rectangular Strategy-phase II for Growth, Employment, Equity and Efficiency.
Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia said during the meeting that he welcomed progress made towards finalizing the anti-corruption law.
“Such a law is clearly not a magic bullet: as in any country, implementation will throw up new challenges,” Fan said. “We also note that there are number of actions that the Government can take, even before the law is passed, that would help deter and deal with corrupt practices.”
However, he said passing the law would be an important signal, providing investors and development partners with the confidence to make more long-term commitments in Cambodia. “Strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of public finance and natural resource will help secure the scale and type of investments required to sustain growth through the global downtown and beyond.”///
Cambodia to Include Agriculture Program in Public Schools
By Soy Sophea
Speaking at the opening of a two-day national workshop, the Cambodian Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Chan Sarun said that he wants to see an agriculture program introduced to public schools.
The workshop was conducted by the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC). His comments were made to an audience of 200 young community leaders and fledgling agro-entrepreneurs.
The introduction will have the effect of drawing the attention of Cambodian students to farming. This sector of the economy currently employs 80 percent of the population and an injection of fresh talent, equipped with knowledge of the latest developments in the field will contribute to its vigor.
The Minister said that currently, Cambodian people are much more interested in the tourism sector, manufacturing and construction. He went on to say that these four areas – including agriculture - constitute the pillars of Cambodia’s economy.
The Agriculture Minister noted that the current global financial crisis appears to have sapped some of the energy from the tourism, manufacturing and construction sectors; but he applauded the agricultural sector which remained essentially vibrant and profitable, despite the worsening economic climate.
The Minister said that although the activity of three out of the four core sectors has declined, agriculture has not so far been swept away in the crisis and it needs qualified technicians today as much as it ever did to extend the best of the latest developments to the grass roots.
He did note however that there were signs of a demographic shift, with an increasing number of provincial agriculturalists perceiving the possibility of a better life in the cities.
“Students from the provinces attending universities are clearly unable to help their families back home on the farm,” he said. Furthermore, when they graduate, they are naturally more ambitious. Working as a lower ranking official will not satisfy them and they want to jump into employment in middle farm management positions. They would also like the financial security that such positions bring. Indeed, speaking metaphorically, why should our graduates wear slippers when they should be wearing shoes.”
The Minister said that he was very proud to be a part of CEDAC’s induction sessions for the Short Agricultural Training Courses for Rural Youth, reiterating his calls for their timely introduction to public schools by the Ministry of Education.
“Although there is as yet no specific agricultural program at public schools we should be able to teach our provincial pupils something about basic agricultural practices to help them be of even more use to their parents,” the Minister said. “For instance, if teachers can instruct students in the manufacture of natural fertilizers during school break times, the school gardens will flourish and the pupils will have some useful experience and skill to share with their community. But this type of common sense activity and willingness to share experience has disappeared in recent years.”
Yang Saing Koma, President of CEDAC, said that the main objective of the workshop was to strengthen the Young Community Leaders and Young Agro-Entrepreneurs, providing them with leadership skills tutorials and reviewing the program’s achievements over the past year.
Koma said the training courses for young leaders were introduced in 2006, to increase their management capacity and advertise opportunities for young community leaders. He added that the course also paved the way for the young students to take part in rural agricultural development and to become experts in their particular sectors.
CEDAC President Koma continued that policy direction in 2008 had been guided the need to provide the youth with a clear-eyed vision of the scope and opportunities offered by agriculture and the contributions it makes to rural development. He promised more of the same rational approach for 2009.
“Leadership in the rural arena has two objectives in mind; the first is excellence in agriculture, which goes hand-in-hand with the second of our objectives - community development,” he said.
Koma said that his Center plans within the next twelve months to involve as many as 1000 young Cambodians involved in exploring the many advantages of knowledge of agricultural practices. He added that in 2008 his center has trained 300 young rural workers who graduated from high schools in 17 different provinces in Cambodia. He said that this first batch of graduates from the training scheme would form a vanguard in efforts to ensure rural development.
Phim Sarim, a youth community leader from Takeo province, said that the course has provided him with practical lessons, directly applicable to the task of community development. On a personal level he spoke of the sense of self assurance he has discovered and hiss willingness to confront a challenging professional environment. He said that he would be carrying these lessons back to the provinces and sharing his findings with members of his community.
“Knowledge is the staple of life and it is also its seasoning,” he said. “We cannot hope to find prosperity without basing it on a body of practical know-how.”
Cambodia has produced 2.8 million tons of rice for export during this year’s harvest, an increase of approximately 0.8 million tons on the previous year, according to Minister Chan Sarun.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day national workshop, the Cambodian Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Chan Sarun said that he wants to see an agriculture program introduced to public schools.
The workshop was conducted by the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC). His comments were made to an audience of 200 young community leaders and fledgling agro-entrepreneurs.
The introduction will have the effect of drawing the attention of Cambodian students to farming. This sector of the economy currently employs 80 percent of the population and an injection of fresh talent, equipped with knowledge of the latest developments in the field will contribute to its vigor.
The Minister said that currently, Cambodian people are much more interested in the tourism sector, manufacturing and construction. He went on to say that these four areas – including agriculture - constitute the pillars of Cambodia’s economy.
The Agriculture Minister noted that the current global financial crisis appears to have sapped some of the energy from the tourism, manufacturing and construction sectors; but he applauded the agricultural sector which remained essentially vibrant and profitable, despite the worsening economic climate.
The Minister said that although the activity of three out of the four core sectors has declined, agriculture has not so far been swept away in the crisis and it needs qualified technicians today as much as it ever did to extend the best of the latest developments to the grass roots.
He did note however that there were signs of a demographic shift, with an increasing number of provincial agriculturalists perceiving the possibility of a better life in the cities.
“Students from the provinces attending universities are clearly unable to help their families back home on the farm,” he said. Furthermore, when they graduate, they are naturally more ambitious. Working as a lower ranking official will not satisfy them and they want to jump into employment in middle farm management positions. They would also like the financial security that such positions bring. Indeed, speaking metaphorically, why should our graduates wear slippers when they should be wearing shoes.”
The Minister said that he was very proud to be a part of CEDAC’s induction sessions for the Short Agricultural Training Courses for Rural Youth, reiterating his calls for their timely introduction to public schools by the Ministry of Education.
“Although there is as yet no specific agricultural program at public schools we should be able to teach our provincial pupils something about basic agricultural practices to help them be of even more use to their parents,” the Minister said. “For instance, if teachers can instruct students in the manufacture of natural fertilizers during school break times, the school gardens will flourish and the pupils will have some useful experience and skill to share with their community. But this type of common sense activity and willingness to share experience has disappeared in recent years.”
Yang Saing Koma, President of CEDAC, said that the main objective of the workshop was to strengthen the Young Community Leaders and Young Agro-Entrepreneurs, providing them with leadership skills tutorials and reviewing the program’s achievements over the past year.
Koma said the training courses for young leaders were introduced in 2006, to increase their management capacity and advertise opportunities for young community leaders. He added that the course also paved the way for the young students to take part in rural agricultural development and to become experts in their particular sectors.
CEDAC President Koma continued that policy direction in 2008 had been guided the need to provide the youth with a clear-eyed vision of the scope and opportunities offered by agriculture and the contributions it makes to rural development. He promised more of the same rational approach for 2009.
“Leadership in the rural arena has two objectives in mind; the first is excellence in agriculture, which goes hand-in-hand with the second of our objectives - community development,” he said.
Koma said that his Center plans within the next twelve months to involve as many as 1000 young Cambodians involved in exploring the many advantages of knowledge of agricultural practices. He added that in 2008 his center has trained 300 young rural workers who graduated from high schools in 17 different provinces in Cambodia. He said that this first batch of graduates from the training scheme would form a vanguard in efforts to ensure rural development.
Phim Sarim, a youth community leader from Takeo province, said that the course has provided him with practical lessons, directly applicable to the task of community development. On a personal level he spoke of the sense of self assurance he has discovered and hiss willingness to confront a challenging professional environment. He said that he would be carrying these lessons back to the provinces and sharing his findings with members of his community.
“Knowledge is the staple of life and it is also its seasoning,” he said. “We cannot hope to find prosperity without basing it on a body of practical know-how.”
Cambodia has produced 2.8 million tons of rice for export during this year’s harvest, an increase of approximately 0.8 million tons on the previous year, according to Minister Chan Sarun.
Cambodia Marks International Migrant Day
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian government and NGO officials, December 18, marked International Migrant’s Day. The theme for this years event concerns the protection and empowerment of migrant workers, especially women.
San Arun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, told a press conference at the ministry of Women’s Affairs that migration is a phenomenon involving global population movements and is not confined to Cambodia. She said that the Royal Government of Cambodia, working in conjunction with other governments in the region has tried to pave the way in sending workers abroad under legal and transparent agreements.
“The government’s objective is to develop policy, legislative reform and bilateral agreements in order to decrease expenditure and protect Cambodian migrant’s rights,” Arun said.
She said that since 1995 Cambodia has been considered a source of migrant workers in the region. Cambodia sends workers to Thailand (8,231), Malaysia (13,324) and the Republic of Korea (3,399). Gulf countries include Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
During International Migrants Day, the UN Secretary General said "The world's more than 200 million migrants are especially vulnerable to the financial downturn shaking the global economy. The crisis in markets has put them at greater risk of destitution, stigmatization, discrimination and abuse. Reports of layoffs and lower remittances only begin to tell the story of the human suffering that this crisis has wrought,"
His speech took into account the criminalization of irregular migrants, and the fact that this was an abuse of human rights.
Cambodian government and NGO officials, December 18, marked International Migrant’s Day. The theme for this years event concerns the protection and empowerment of migrant workers, especially women.
San Arun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, told a press conference at the ministry of Women’s Affairs that migration is a phenomenon involving global population movements and is not confined to Cambodia. She said that the Royal Government of Cambodia, working in conjunction with other governments in the region has tried to pave the way in sending workers abroad under legal and transparent agreements.
“The government’s objective is to develop policy, legislative reform and bilateral agreements in order to decrease expenditure and protect Cambodian migrant’s rights,” Arun said.
She said that since 1995 Cambodia has been considered a source of migrant workers in the region. Cambodia sends workers to Thailand (8,231), Malaysia (13,324) and the Republic of Korea (3,399). Gulf countries include Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
During International Migrants Day, the UN Secretary General said "The world's more than 200 million migrants are especially vulnerable to the financial downturn shaking the global economy. The crisis in markets has put them at greater risk of destitution, stigmatization, discrimination and abuse. Reports of layoffs and lower remittances only begin to tell the story of the human suffering that this crisis has wrought,"
His speech took into account the criminalization of irregular migrants, and the fact that this was an abuse of human rights.
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