NBC: 4% economic growth in 2021 - THE National Bank of Cambo-Phnom Penh Post
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Friday, january 1, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3575 / 4000 RIEL
NBC: 4% economic growth in 2021
May Kunmakara Inflation is expected to remain be- growth recovery in Cambodia’s eco- is very important to strengthen the The advent of oil production will
low three per cent, a “manageable nomic partners and the strengthen- growth base of domestic activity.” provide the Kingdom another source
T
HE National Bank of Cambo- low” which the NBC is optimistic ing of the local economic base. According to the NBC, agriculture of funds for the national budget and
dia (NBC) on December 31 it can ensure through a “stable ex- “In this context, further strength- will remain a vital and high-poten- the future development of priority
forecast that the Kingdom’s change rate” and an “increased main- ening of domestic economic activity tial sector that could absorb some sectors, it added.
economic growth will return tenance of international reserves”. will support and reduce the impact of the economic fallout stemming World Bank country manager for
to four per cent growth this year if The NBC said: “International fi- on Cambodia’s economic growth from the crisis, such as unemploy- Cambodia Inguna Dobraja in mid-
Covid-19 vaccines can successfully nancial institutions have forecast due to the external downturn. ment or support for the poor. December said challenges remain for
curtail the spread in the first half. that Cambodia’s economic growth “Therefore, the continued imple- Accelerating the diversification of the Kingdom and Covid-19 has cre-
The central bank’s forecast published rate could reach four-to-6.8 per cent mentation of government policies to the economic base and the imple- ated a need to scale up job creation
in its Macroeconomic and Banking [in 2021]. promote the development of small mentation of industrial develop- and stem the unemployment tide.
Progress 2020 Report matches the “However, these forecasts depend and medium-sized enterprises, the ment strategies will help Cambo- She said: “Significant uncertainty
forecast made by the Washington, DC- primarily on the effectiveness of the promotion of innovation and the dia’s economy recover faster from
based World Bank in December. [Covid-19] vaccines, the speed of use of new technologies in all areas the pandemic, it said. Continued – page 7
Blessings for New Year
from gov’t, opposition,
envoys to the Kingdom
Niem Chheng happiness and prosperity for all
people and reminding them to
GOVERNMENT leaders, oppo- stay vigilant about Covid-19.
sition figures and diplomatic “Please continue to pay
representatives to Cambodia attention to the prevention of
issued statements marking the Covid-19 by washing your
end of 2020 and identifying hands frequently with soap,
challenges to face and achieve- gel or alcohol sanitiser, wear-
ments to fulfil in 2021. ing masks and maintaining
National Assembly president social distancing. Follow the
Heng Samrin said in his instructions of the Ministry of
remarks that the whole world, Health. I wish our brothers
including Cambodia, had been and sisters a safe journey
hit hard by the crisis caused by whether they are travelling
the Covid-19 pandemic, which near or far over the holiday
has been particularly bad for weekend,” he wrote.
the world economy. But Cam- The prime minister also cele-
bodia had the crisis under brated Cambodia’s entry into the
control due to strong leader- ranks of oil producing nations.
ship and a spirit of coopera- “Covid-19 has caused disrup-
tion between all of relevant tion, but it could not stop our
institutions, friends and devel- efforts to produce oil. Although
opment partners. we cannot fully enjoy the start
Samrin thanked various of 2021 in the same manner as
ministries and authorities as previous years due to Covid-19,
well as all of Cambodia’s vol- we should still be thankful for
unteers for making physical, the huge gift the nation has
spiritual and financial contri- received – the first drops of oil
butions to the government produced in our country.
effort in fighting Covid-19. “I would like to express my
Their contribution had, to sincere gratitude to all of my
some extent, alleviated the compatriots for their active
impacts of the crisis on Cam- cooperation and support of the
bodia’s economy, he said.
Prime Minister Hun Sen
government while we continue
the process of building our Ride out the new year
released a New Year’s message Cyclists pedal past New Year decorations at the nearly 700-year-old symbolic monastic Wat Phnom temple in Daun Pehn district’s Wat Phnom
on his Facebook page wishing Continued – page 3 commune in Phnom Penh. HEAN RANGSEY
2 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com
National
Justice ministry: 89 per cent Cambodia has more than
8.8 million registered voters
court case backlog cleared Nov Sivutha
THE National Election Com-
mittee (NEC) posted the formal
ciety organisations, embassies
and general consulates in Cam-
bodia to inform them of these
problems,” he said.
Voun Dara results of an audit checking the NEC deputy secretary-general
names of registered voters this Som Sorida said the LDP had a
J
ust 222 days after the year that showed more than 8.8 right to express its views regard-
launch of a campaign to million names on the voting list – ing the accuracy of the voter list
address the court case an increase of more than 200,000 but they needed to do so respon-
backlog throughout the voters compared to last year. sibly and not in a manner that
Kingdom, the Ministry of The League for Democracy incites division in the country.
Justice has cleared 35,100, Party (LDP) objected to the He further said the LDP’s allega-
or 89 per cent, out of a to- NEC’s findings and questioned tions of irregularities in the voter
tal of 39,152 cases that were their validity, alleging that the list were completely unsubstantiated.
pending. process of registering voters had “The LDP is asking the NEC to
This has helped ease prison taken place without transpar- disenfranchise voters based on
overcrowding by allowing the ency, accuracy or fairness. their accusations alone. They
release of 26,100 inmates due The day before the formal vot- want us to burden Cambodi-
to the ongoing campaign. ing list was posted, LDP spokesman ans who have already met the
In a press release, the E Sangleng claimed that his party required conditions for regis-
ministry said the municipal had identified more than 3,000 tration. If the NEC were to take
and provincial court pros- cases of irregularities in communes action based solely on the opin-
ecutors across the coun- across the country, including the ions of an individual or a group,
try had cleared the 35,100 registration of people who had no it would be a serious mistake
criminal cases in the phase residential addresses listed. and unacceptable,” he said.
of prosecution, investiga- He also said the party had Sam Sokuntheamy, the execu-
tion and trial. deployed 1,128 observers and tive director of the Neutral and
During the campaign, the 3,561 reserve observers in order Impartial Committee for Free
municipal and provincial to keep an eye on the process of and Fair Elections in Cambo-
Justice minister Koeut Rith launched a campaign on May 18 last year that has helped clear 89 per cent of
courts had also addressed court case backlog in Cambodia. justice ministry checking the names on the list dia (NICFEC) also spoke at the
more than 36,500 new crim- and registering the names of press conference, saying his or-
inal cases last year. courts had declared success announced the start of the “We see that the proceed- voters across the country. ganisation could not vouch for
The ministry said that and wrapped up the cam- campaign on May 18 last year ings at municipal and provin- The LDP had more observers the accuracy of the LDP’s report
among the 26,100 inmates paign. Only nine courts have after identifying 39,152 crimi- cial courts after the launch of than any other party or institution because no NICFEC representa-
set to go free 11,200 have yet to do so, but we expect nal cases pending at munici- the campaign are expedited, this year, according to Sangleng. tives were present as observers.
already been released, 5,600 that they will also declare pal and provincial courts. with much effort put in to He added that the LDP had filed “I would like to state that we
have not been freed yet, 3,000 their success soon,” he said. He introduced four ap- address the backlog. complaints with the NEC and the aren’t in a position to verify the
are free from detention, and Malin said the campaign proaches for all working “We don’t monitor all [cas- Constitutional Council of Cambo- accuracy of this report and would
the remaining 6,300 have is scheduled to conclude on groups to focus on: speed, ac- es] but through some cases dia (CCC) asking that the names have liked to have had our own
been sent to drug rehabilita- May 17, 2021. curacy, fairness and probity. that lawyers from our or- of people who have no residential observers present, but from what
tion centres instead of being “Given the progress in ad- Licadho deputy director ganisation observed, we saw address in any commune be de- I’m hearing today it sounds like the
charged. dressing the backlog, we ex- Am Sam Ath noted that the that the courts had issued a leted, but they had been ignored. [LDP] has evidence and witnesses.
Justice ministry spokes- pect that the other nine courts campaign has helped ex- series of summons. The party has also compiled a But this is a complicated issue and
man Chin Malin said the will also declare success and pedite court proceedings, “Persons who request 1,800-page report highlighting we would like to see an indepen-
campaign had achieved re- wrap up the campaign [be- reducing case backlog and our help in their cases were the irregularities. dent investigation of these claims
markable results. fore schedule],” he said. easing prison overcrowding summoned to courts one by “The report will be made pub- from someone outside the LDP to
“Within these 222 days, 15 Justice minister Koeut Rith as a result. one,” he said. lic and presented to all civil so- verify them,” he said.
WCS Cambodia finds five 3K new nurses to help fight Covid-19
nests of frog-headed turtle Niem Chheng
Mom Kunthear already found five of them. We
never expected to find so many PRIME Minister Hun Sen has allowed
THE Wildlife Conservation Soci- like this. We hope we keep find- the Ministry of Health to recruit 3,000
ety’s (WCS Cambodia) Nest Pro- ing more nests until the middle nurses and include them in the state
tection Team, in collaboration of next year,” he said. employment framework in 2021 to
with the Fisheries Administra- For the 2019-2020 breeding strengthen the Kingdom’s fight against
tion, have found five nests of the season, the WCS Cambodia’s Covid-19.
critically endangered Cantor’s Gi- Nest Protection Team found 49 Hun Sen confirmed this on December
ant Softshell Turtle (also known frog-headed turtle nests with 29 during his national address to announce
as frog-headed turtle) during the more than 1,700 eggs in total, the end of the November 28 community
2020 breeding season on a beach but only 845 of the eggs hatched event – a reference to the first confirmed
along the Mekong River in Kratie because of the hot weather. case of Covid-19 local transmission.
province’s Sambor district. Som Sitha, the Koh Kong and He said the decision was made after a
WCS Cambodia’s Mekong Mekong River Conservation discussion with health minister Mam
Regional Coordinator Nhuon Project Manager for WCS Cam- Bun Heng about the number of nurses
Chanty told The Post that the bodia, told The Post that his or- needed during a recent phone call,
The health ministry will recruit 3,000 nurses to help fight Covid-19. CDC
first nest they discovered had 32 ganisation will continue to coop- when Bun Heng said the ministry need-
eggs, but within a week the team erate with local communities by ed up to 5,000. “As planned, we will increase [the recruit- munity as assigned. Besides this volunteer
had found four more nests. hiring people from the area to act The medical staff will strengthen its capac- ment] from 1,300 to 3,000 to support the job, he is currently employed with the
“If we total the number of eggs as protectors of the turtles and to ity before being deployed to target areas. health sector. Among the 3,000, we mostly Mondulkiri provincial health department
in the five nests we found, there help educate other people in the “So, please be informed that [an addi- focus on nurses working in the health sector, and a clinic in the province.
were more than 150 eggs. We will community about the conserva- tional] 3,000 people are integrated into but there may also be some [other] neces- “I’m not afraid ... The most important
collect these frog-headed turtle tion of frog-headed turtles. the state framework for 2021. If there is sary professionals in that field,” he said. thing is for us to protect ourselves. In the
eggs and put them in a safe place “Last [season] we had a lot of still a shortage, we will think more care- Bunna added that three ministries – beginning, when the ministry announced
for them to hatch,” he said. community involvement and fully and arrange the deployment health, civil service, and economy and [the opportunity] for voluntary work, I
The frog-headed turtle breed- we hope that this year there will accordingly to address the issue. finance – are jointly executing the stepped in immediately. I see that we
ing season runs from November be even more cooperation with “But I would like to say that the recruitment work. The selection will be need to have self-protection and self-
to May. The nest protection pro- the frog-headed turtles conser- requirement for this selection is only for carried out by the health ministry, while confidence. I volunteered right away as I
gramme for the species is funded vation teams,” he said. those who dare to fight with Covid-19. the civil service ministry will be involved want to serve our compatriots,” he said.
by the EU under the “Wildlife Sitha said local residents are “Of course, no one has the skills to in monitoring the government’s policies Sothearoth said he had received a lot
Crime Partnership” Margaret A aware of the plight of the frog- fight against Covid-19 [because] it is a and procedures for recruitment. of training from the health ministry on
Cargill and US Agency for Inter- headed turtle and that they sup- new occurrence ... But the question is, Hun Sen first recommended the inclu- self-protection and safety. He will take
national Development (USAID) port conservation work by tell- do they dare or are they willing to enter sion of volunteer doctors and nurses for an exam to enter the state framework
Greening Prey Lang (USAID-GPL). ing the WCS teams where nests the battlefield?” he said. Covid-19 fight into the state framework once the health ministry announces the
Chanty said his team was are located or alerting them to In November, the Ministry of Civil on December 15. recruitment.
happy to have found the nests problems in the area. Service announced the recruitment of Teav Sothearoth, who holds a bach- “I have prepared the documents so
and eggs so early in the season According toWCS Cambodia, the more than 6,000 civil servants into var- elor’s degree in nursing from a univer- that when the ministry announces the
because most years the number nest protection teams in the com- ious ministries, of which 1,300 will be sity in the Thai capital Bangkok, is selection exam, I will submit it imme-
of total nests they find between munity have succeeded in protect recruited for the health ministry. The among those who have volunteered to diately. For me, if I pass, I would join the
November and May is very few. these first five nests from destruc- number will now be increased to 3,000 fight against Covid-19. fight against Covid-19 as assigned. I will
“At this time last year we had tion but there are five months to following the prime minister’s recom- Since April, Sothearoth had gone to col- not hesitate, but the most important
only found one frog-headed go in the breeding season and they mendation, according to civil service lect samples for Covid-19 tests at the air- thing is whether we pass the exam or
turtle nest, but this year we’ve must remain vigilant. ministry spokesman Youk Bunna. port, Olympic Stadium and in the com- not,” he said.
THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3
National
Alert on borders as new Covid cases rise
Mom Kunthear protective measures recommended
by Prime Minister Hun Sen to prevent
P
RIME Minister Hun Sen con- the transmission of Covid-19, which
firmed late on December 31 remain the same regardless of the
that six more Cambodian virus mutating.
migrant workers from Thai- “[Follow] the health ministry’s
land have tested positive for Covid- ‘three do’s and three don’ts’ instruc-
19, bringing the total to eight in just tions, stay on your guard and [devel-
two days between December 30-31. op] healthy living habits,” she said.
Hun Sen said that based on infor- Vandine said the authorities must
mation he had received from the continue to strictly monitor all inter-
Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC), national border crossings into Cambo-
the number of positive cases might dia and require anyone entering the
increase in the coming days. country to quarantine for 14 days with-
“In such a circumstance, we have to out exceptions and monitoring by the
work with Thailand to manage the authorities to ensure compliance.
situation. Meanwhile, I instruct all bor- As of December 31, Cambodia had
der forces to exercise the strictest con- recorded a total of 372 Covid-19 cas-
trol over all international checkpoints es, with 361 recoveries.
and corridors to prevent people from At the same time, the government
entering the country without inspec- has allowed the reopening of busi-
tion, having their samples taken [for nesses such as fitness clubs and exer-
testing] and quarantine,” he said. cise gyms and the resumption of
The prime minister also ordered all football matches, and other sporting
members of the Royal Cambodian competitions including national
Armed Forces (RCAF) and all forces team matches.
with transportation means to take Officials say the purpose [in allow-
workers home to stop doing so until ing these restrictions] to be eased is
further notice. Instead, he said return- Pailin provincial governor Ban Sreymom (right) at an illegal border crossing used by migrant workers from Thailand. supplied to improve the health and training
ing migrant workers must be quaran- of Cambodia’s athletes in prepara-
tined in provinces along the borders He added that during the dry season and guard the illegal [border crossing instructed all authorities in provin- tion for events such as the 31st SEA
to prevent community transmission. workers could cross the border through points] 24 hours a day to prevent work- cial town, districts, communes and Games to be held in Vietnam in 2021
Pailin provincial deputy governor dry streambeds, but the authorities ers from entering our province without villages to pay attention to workers and the 32nd SEA Game to be host-
Thou Phea told The Post that a Cam- have deployed military and police forc- being quarantined,” he said. who have returned to our province. ed by Cambodia in 2023.
bodian worker infected with Covid- es and two deputy governors to the Preah Vihear provincial health “He has also strengthened the Minister of Education, Youth and
19 had been residing in the province border region to resolve this issue. department director Kong Lo told The [patrolling] of Cambodian-Lao bor- Sports Hang Chuon Naron also
after returning from Thailand via the Phea said the authorities continue Post that from December 20 to 31, der areas to monitor workers who can requested that athletes continue to fol-
Lem International Checkpoint in to monitor Cambodian workers about 60 Cambodian workers had trav- cross the Mekong River and Lapov low the health ministry’s instructions
Battambang province returning from Thailand to ensure elled from Thailand into the province River,” Lo said. on Covid-19 safety measures, such as
“From December 20 to 31, around 68 they are quarantined and cared for and have been placed in quarantine Health ministry spokeswoman Or hand-washing with soap or alcohol,
Cambodian workers crossed from properly and also given additional centres in six districts and one town. Vandine said that observing public wearing masks, personal safety dis-
Thailand into Pailin province [legally], funds to help their families. He said their test samples were ana- health measures are the most impor- tances of 1.5m, exercising and regu-
but what we are more concerned about “Provincial governor Ban Sreymom lysed at the IPC and the National tant thing anyone can do as an indi- larly disinfecting and sanitising sports
are the workers who [may have been] has assigned a joint force, a patrol force Institute of Public Health. vidual. facilities to ensure they do not become
smuggled in illegally,” said Phea. and all relevant authorities to monitor “The provincial governor has “It is necessary for us to follow the places of Covid-19 transmission.
Officials at all levels praised for
contributions amid difficult time
Continued from page 1 bodia to continue to fulfil their “Remember to never make
duties with self-confidence and others suffer because of your
economy and society,” he said. pride in order to build great ambitions. Please share your
Minister of National Defence achievements and bring new mercy for the sake of the hap-
Tea Banh said he has seen victories for the nation and the piness of us all. Happiness for
great achievements accom- people in 2021,” Sar Kheng wrote. you, your family, your nation
plished in 2020 by the Royal Minister of Education, Youth and the world,” Sokha said.
Cambodian Armed Forces and Sport Hang Chuon Naron UN Resident Coordinator in
(RCAF) through their devotion said he highly valued the efforts Cambodia Pauline Tamesis
and efforts to overcome all of education officials and teach- also released a video message
obstacles. He saluted them for ers for adhering to the highest saying the past year has been
their dedication to the protec- standards of professionalism in difficult for the whole world,
tion of the country and secu- their conduct throughout 2020. Cambodia included.
rity in support of peace, polit- He said they had jointly “Although Cambodia has
ical stability, and the implemented the reform pro- been spared from the health
prosperity of the people. grammes and education strat- crisis we see in many countries
“The RCAF has effectively car- egies of the government effec- of the world, we have not
ried out their international tively and efficiently, especially escaped the disastrous conse-
duties such as humanitarian regarding the prevention of quences of the Covid-19 pan-
efforts and our peacekeeping Covid-19. demic on the lives, livelihoods
missions with the UN, to
advance the cause of interna- As we usher in the New Year,
tional cooperation and friend-
ship between nations. All of this we must keep our focus on
is a testament to the honour of saving lives and stopping the
the RCAF and something that
all of Cambodia should take transmission of the virus
pride in,” the minister said.
Minister of Interior Sar Kheng Kem Sokha, former leader of and future prospects of vul-
expressed his appreciation for the Supreme Court-dissolved nerable Cambodians.
the efforts undertaken by the Cambodia National Rescue She expressed her apprecia-
National Police, civil servants Party (CNRP), also released his tion for the UN Country team,
and prison officials at all levels New Year’s message on Decem- especially World Health Organ-
in fulfilling their duties while ber 31, praying that 2021 isation officials in Cambodia
responsibly and honestly serv- would bring national recon- for their assistance to the gov-
ing the nation and the people. ciliation, solidarity, peace, sta- ernment in the response to the
Maintaining peace, stability bility and prosperity to the pandemic.
and security serves social and Cambodian people. “As we usher in the New Year,
economic development and it “This will enable us all to build we must keep our focus on sav-
is a direct result of their con- a bright future with prosperity ing lives and stopping the trans-
tributions and work all over and unity to protect the inde- mission of the virus, mitigating
the country, he said. pendence, sovereignty, territo- the socio-economic impact of
“I would also like to appeal to rial integrity and development the pandemic and building
the National Police, civil servants, of Cambodia with sustainabil- back better by standing up for
and prison officials serving Cam- ity and with honour,” he said. human rights,” she said.
4 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com
National
Prum Pheak
The Post’s recap of 2020: A
port on February 13 after six
countries had denied it over
T
HE past year has fears of Covid-19 infection.
been an eventful one The Holland America Line
in Cambodia, charac- Company ship was carrying
terised – and marred – over 2,000 passengers from
by crises like the global Covid- 41 countries.
19 pandemic and severe local Prime Minister Hun Sen
flooding, and here, at the start stated that allowing the ship
of the new year, The Post looks to dock in an emergency was
back on a dozen key issues a humanitarian matter that
that shaped our 2020. required Cambodia to act and
rescue the vessel in a spirit of
Seven-storey building col- community and free from
lapses: discrimination. Among the
The collapse of a seven- passengers, there were 651
storey guesthouse under con- Americans, 171 Canadians,
struction in Kep province on 127 British and 91 Dutch.
January 3 killed 36 people, After the ship docked, rep-
including 14 women and six resentatives of governments
children, and injured 23 oth- and institutions and around
ers. The collapse was attribut- the world, including US Presi-
ed to the foreman’s disregard dent Donald Trump and World
for reinforcing the concrete Health Organisation (WHO)
with rebar and removing scaf- Secretary-General Tedros Ad-
folding too early. hanom Ghebreyesus, hailed
The building’s owners, mas- Cambodia’s courage and ex-
ter builder Euk Saron and his pressed gratitude for the gov-
wife Chhiv Sothy, were ar- ernment’s assistance.
rested and referred to court for
prosecution. The government Covid-19 is detected in
provided $10,000 to workers Cambodia and containment
who sustained minor injuries begins:
and to $20,000 each to those On January 27, Cambodia re-
with major injuries. Families corded its first confirmed case
Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that allowing the MS Westerdam cruise ship to dock in an emergency was a humanitarian matter that required
who suffered a fatality received of Covid-19. By December Cambodia to act and rescue the vessel in a spirit of community and free of discrimination. SPM
$50,000 and a 10 million riel 31, there had been 372 cases
($2,500) funeral stipend. Fami- identified, most of which were line instruction. ventative measures. A public figured the likelihood of actu- were an ever-present danger.
lies who lost breadwinners imported. Remarkably, none When economic and social service announcement can be ally enacting such a decree Campaign addresses the
were given even more. of the patients have died from activities were gradually al- heard prior to connecting tele- was only 0.01 per cent. backlog of court cases:
their infections. lowed to resume, school chil- phone calls which states: “We Justice minister Koeut Rith
Trial begins for Kem Sokha: To address the problem, dren and business patrons are united to combat Covid-19 Traffic enforcement increases: launched an initiative on May
The Phnom Penh mu- the prime minister chaired were expected to abide by a according to the guidance of The Road Traffic Law was 18 to address a backlog of
nicipal court began hearing the inter-ministerial ad hoc slew of guidelines instruct- the health ministry.” amended on May 1, signifi- court cases and prison over-
the case of Kem Sokha, the Committee to Combat Covid- ing members of the public to As a result of containment cantly raising fines for mov- crowding around the country.
former president of the Su- 19, comprised five deputy wear face masks, wash hands efforts by the government, ing violations while more He affirmed that all measures
preme Court-dissolved Cam- chairmen – the ministers of with disinfectants and main- compliance by the public and than 3,000 police officers have implemented by the ministry
bodia National Rescue Party the interior, defence, finance, tain physical separation. treatment of Covid-19 pa- been deployed on main roads would strictly adhere to exist-
(CNRP), on January 15, more health and Council of Min- KTVs, theatres, restaurants, tients by healthcare facilities, across the country to monitor ing legal procedures in order
than two years after he was isters – and 27 more officials barbershops, beauty parlours Cambodia’s response to the traffic, inspect vehicles and to uphold principles of jus-
arrested in September, 2017 from relevant ministries and and public transport imple- pandemic has been ranked drivers and issue citations ac- tice and accuracy. He stressed
for conspiring with a foreign institutions. mented higher standards of as the most effective in the cording to Sub-Decree 39 in that corruption must not be
power under Article 443 of The committee has imple- hygiene as well as checking world for controlling and response to an alarming up- allowed to compromise the
the Criminal Code. mented many measures in- the health of guests with elec- minimising its impact. tick in traffic accidents. integrity of the legal system.
Hearings were held two cluding cancelling holidays tronic thermometers. Imposition of the fines has The minister also welcomed
days per week until the trial and major ceremonies, clos- Additionally, migrant work- State of emergency law is come under criticism from participation from civil so-
was indefinitely suspended in ing the national borders to ers returning from abroad drafted: drivers and others requesting ciety organisations in moni-
mid-March on account of the tourists, suspending visits to and other passengers arriving President of the Senate Say that the stricter law enforce- toring legal proceedings. As
outbreak of Covid-19. Sokha prison inmates and prohibit- to Cambodia were subject to Chhum signed a Royal Code ment be delayed on account a result of the campaign, by
faces up to 30 years in prison ing large public gatherings. health inspections and quar- on April 29 preparing for the of financial hardships faced December 25, nearly 89 per
if found guilty. Businesses such as gyms, antine of up to 14 days before imposition of a declaration of by the public in light of the cent – or 35,100 out of 39,152
casinos, pubs and dance clubs being allowed to continue on a national state of emergency. Covid-19 problem. pending criminal cases – had
Cambodia allows Westerdam were temporarily ordered to to their intended destinations. The Constitutional Council National Police chief Neth Sa- been addressed.
to dock: cease operations. Likewise, Hun Sen and the Ministry of of Cambodia (CCC) had an- voeun claimed, however, that
The government allowed schools and child care facili- Health frequently reminded nounced two days earlier that the single aim of strengthening Former Tuol Sleng prison
the MS Westerdam cruise ship ties were closed, and students the public to be very cautious such a law would be legal un- the law and its enforcement chief dies:
to dock at Preah Sihanouk began taking courses via on- and remain diligent in pre- der article 22 of the constitu- was to reduce the accidents While serving a life sen-
tion. and damage to the property. tence handed down by the
Consisting of five chapters He said that the fines would Supreme Court at the Ex-
and 12 articles, the law was serve as a lesson for drivers. traordinary Chambers in the
proposed by Minister of Justice Institute for Road Safety Courts of Cambodia (ECCC),
Koeut Rith and initially ap- acting director Kong Ratanak Kaing Guek Eav, the former
proved on April 10 by the Na- said the measures had pro- Tuol Sleng prison chief better
tional Assembly before passing duced positive results. More known as Duch, died on Sep-
a final review on April 17. motorists had renewed their tember 2 at the age of 77 in
Government officials were driver’s licences, had their the Khmer-Soviet Friendship
quick to stipulate that the vehicles safety-inspected and Hospital after a long illness.
law had been prepared as cautiously abided by the Road Following his death, his
a tool to combat the Covid- Traffic Law. body was cremated at the
19 crisis in the event that According to a report from Chak Angre Krom pagoda in
the situation in the country the National Road Safety Phnom Penh in the presence
deteriorated to a point that Committee (NRSC), traffic of a small number of relatives.
its use would be deemed to accidents decreased by 23 per Duch was arrested in 1999 and
have become necessary. cent over the first 10 months sentenced to 35 years in pris-
Throughout the ensuing of last year compared to the on in 2010 by the lower court
pandemic, however, an official year before, resulting in 779 at the ECCC for crimes against
state of emergency by royal fewer incidents, dropping humanity and serious viola-
decree has yet to be declared, from 3,453 in 2019 to 2,674. tions of the Geneva Conven-
even as many other countries Interior minister and NRSC tions of 1949 concerning the
enforced similar laws. chairman Sar Kheng urged deaths of at least 12,272 vic-
Addressing concerns about police to arrest drivers re- tims at the Tuol Sleng prison.
the prospect of excessive law sponsible for hit-and-run Unsatisfied with the ruling,
enforcement, the prime min- accidents and bring them to he appealed against it, and
ister noted that based on his justice. He also called on driv- in 2012, the Supreme Court
The collapse of a seven-storey guesthouse under construction in Kep province on January 3 killed 36 people, more than 40 years of experi- ers and passengers to remain at the ECCC sentenced him
including 14 women and six children, and injured 23 others. HENG CHIVOAN ence governing the nation, he careful as traffic accidents to life in prison. He served
THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5
National
tumultuous road of a year
the sentence in the Kandal Hungarian Minister of For- ment, members of the public
provincial prison from 2013 eign Affairs and Trade Peter responded enthusiastically
until his death. Szijjarto visited Cambodia on and began making private
November 3, having initially donations for the cause. By
Floods cover the countryside: tested negative for the virus December 28, a fund estab-
Cambodia experienced upon his entry, then testing lished by the government
rain-induced floods in mid- positive for it the next day had received more than $55
October, flooding the capital when entering Thailand. million.
and 19 provinces across the As a result, senior Cambo- On December 17, an inter-
country. A report on October dian officials who had been in ministerial meeting by video
24 by the National Commit- contact with Szijjarto, includ- conference with major aid
tee for Disaster Management ing Hun Sen, and a total of organisations and partner
said that the natural disaster 1,802 people were instructed nations discussed plans for
had affected 136,442 families to quarantine themselves for procurement of the vaccines
representing 545,768 people. 14 days. A total of four peo- and implementing a vaccina-
In total, 43 drowning ple, including a member of tion programme.
deaths were reported while the National Assembly, tested The government an-
925 schools, 305 pago- positive for the infection. nounced a goal to inoculate
das, 270,007ha of rice and In a separate event on No- at least 10 million people
88,779ha of other crops, as vember 28, Cambodia saw its against Covid-19 and poten-
well as 2,301km of national first cases of local transmission tially as many as 13 million
and provincial roads, had of Covid-19 within the com- people which would require
been affected by the floods. munity. The wife of director- 26 million doses for a two-
The prime minister deployed general of prisons Chhem Sa- step vaccination.
all means at his disposal to vuth and five family members Following the ‘November 28 community’ event, the prime minister and health officials urged all people who The COVAX Facility would
had been in direct or indirect contact to be tested and quarantined. INTERIOR MINISTRY
mitigate the damage, describ- tested positive for Covid-19, provide vaccines for 20 per cent
ing the floods as the worst to sparking a massive and urgent – were quarantined for 14 days. by the pandemic, totalling prompting a warning from of the country’s population,
hit the country during his ten- effort to conduct contact-trac- Of the total, 41 tested positive. $169.38 million. Subsidies the prime minister of strict amounting to three to four mil-
ure in government. He offered ing and testing of people who The Ministry of Labour, were made to families holding measures to be taken against lion people. The government
condolences to families who might have been exposed. Youth and Sport again in- Poor ID cards with each fam- people who attempted to de- declared it would assume re-
had lost members and over- The prime minister and structed schools to close and ily receiving at least 120,000 fraud the system. The Minis- sponsibility for vaccinating the
saw the distribution of relief health officials urged all people later announced that grade riel (almost $30). try of Planning subsequently rest of the people by seeking aid
donations to victims. who had been in direct or indi- 12 national examination can- Because the Covid-19 crisis identified 14,400 incidences from development partners.
rect contact to be tested and didates would pass automati- had yet to subside, Hun Sen of irregularities. First to receive the vaccine
November 3 event and quarantined. He also called on cally without sitting the exam. announced on December 15 will be doctors and front-line
November 28 community people not to blame each other that the government would is- Covid-19 vaccine purchases: health officials as well as teach-
transmission: but to cooperate for the sake Cash support is given to the sue a fourth round of payments Hun Sen announced on De- ers, members of the armed
Although Cambodia had of society and averting wider poor affected by Covid-19: set to continue into January, cember 8 that the government forces and prison officials, fol-
brought the Covid-19 pan- spread of the virus. From June 25 to December February and March for which planned to buy Covid-19 vac- lowed by judges, attorneys and
demic under control through In the weeks following the 24, the national government a reserve of $200 million had cines for distribution to the na- court officers and other gov-
October, the next month saw outbreak, 18,829 people – in- provided a series of cash pay- been made available. tion’s people free of charge, pri- ernment officials whose work
two major events spark new cluding the interior minister ments to 681,999 poor and Distributing the funds was oritising people at high-risk. necessitates interacting with
outbreaks. and many subordinate officials vulnerable families affected delegated to local authorities, Following the announce- members of the public.
6 THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com
Business
USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD
4,072 1.2750 6.5414 103.13 4.0225 1.3224 29.98 0.7702 1.2290 1.3659
Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: December 31, 2020
Auction Trading Method (ATM)
No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low
1 ABC 17,100 17,160 17,160 17,100
2 GTI 3,200 - 3,200 3,200
3 PAS 14,200 14,160 14,200 14,000
4 PEPC 2,900 2,900 2,900 2,900
5 PPAP 11,700 11,700 11,700 11,500
6 PPSP 1,180 1,150 1,180 1,150
7 PWSA 6,100 6,100 6,100 6,100
CRF to launch ‘Malys Angkor’ Indonesia, LG in $9.8B
deal for first integrated
brand of fragrant rice exports EV battery industry INDONESIA has sealed a deal – mining holding MIND.ID,
Thou Vireak “I think rice exports will con- worth $9.8 billion with South oil and gas giant Pertamina,
tinue to be stable or grow as de- Korea’s LG Energy Solution to electricity giant PLN and met-
T
HE Cambodia Rice mand in the agricultural sector develop the world’s first in- al miner PT Aneka Tambang
Federation (CRF) will . . . remains high. As long as we tegrated electric vehicle (EV) (Antam) – to build the integrat-
launch the “Malys maintain a balance in quality, battery industry, Indonesia’s ed battery plant, Bahlil said.
Angkor” brand in quantity and competitive pric- investment chief said on De- He said the investment
mid-2021 and require all rice es, we will maintain this export cember 30. would support the planned
millers and exporters to at- growth,” Lak said. The memorandum of un- end-to-end domestic supply
tach its label to their products Saran recalled that 2020 derstanding (MoU) was signed chain for EV batteries from
bound for China and the EU, had been the most difficult by Investment Coordinating nickel mining to battery recy-
its president Song Saran said year for the rice sector, due to Board (BKPM) head Bahlil La- cling, adding that the govern-
on December 30. the effects of the EU’s tariffs hadalia and LG Energy Solu- ment was also encouraging lo-
He said the Kingdom ex- on Cambodian milled-rice tion representatives in Seoul cal companies to get involved.
ported around 700,000 exports, the Covid-19 crisis, on December 18 with South Indonesia possesses almost
tonnes of milled rice in 2020, the droughts and the floods, Korean Minister of Trade, In- a quarter of the global reserves
80 per cent of which was the and the shipping crisis in the dustry and Energy Sung Yun- of nickel, a key metal for elec-
in-vogue fragrant rice. last quarter of the year. mo witnessing the signing. tric vehicles, and is seeking to
The CRF also plans to export But, he said, Cambodia is still The deal is the result of a se- use that advantage to build a
the Sen Kra’op 01 rice cultivar a proud milled-rice exporter, ries of negotiations that started domestic battery industry with
for the first time, he said. which supplies and ensures with a meeting between Presi- support from low power prices
Sen Kra’op 01 is a high- food security to countries in dent Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and and low-cost manufacturing.
quality and delectable variant the region and beyond. his South Korean counterpart To that end, the government
of rice that was developed in He added that even under Moon Jae-in in Busan, South banned all nickel ore exports
The CRF will launch the ‘Malys Angkor’ brand of fragrant rice in
2018 by the Cambodian Agri- mid-2021. HONG MENEA these difficult circumstances, Korea in November 2019. last year and plans to ban all
cultural Research and Devel- Cambodia had still been able to The MoU includes strategic in- metal ore exports starting June
opment Institute (CARDI) in that import milled rice from millers owners and exporters export more than $470 million vestment projects in the EV bat- 2023, thereby forcing miners to
collaboration with the Austra- Cambodia and our partners.” must comply with the stan- worth of milled rice in 2020. tery cell industry that integrates process the ore domestically.
lian government through the Mekong Oryza Trading Co dards and norms to promote Cambodia exports most the mining, smelting, refining, The investment by LG Ener-
Cambodia-Australia Agricul- Ltd CEO Hun Lak told The recognition of “Malys Ang- of its milled rice, buoyed by and precursor and cathode in- gy Solution will be the latest in
tural Value Chain programme Post that “Malys Angkor” is in kor” in the world market.” rising consumer recognition dustries, according to a BKPM a series made by South Korean
(CAVAC). the same grouping of Cambo- At the same time, he said, in markets such as mainland statement on December 30. companies, including Hyun-
Saran said: “We will contin- dian luxury milled rice that is the CRF and exporters are China, Hong Kong, Gabon Bahlil told reporters in a vir- dai Motor, which plans to set
ue to work to boost our high exported to the global market. busy promoting the export of and Australia. tual press briefing on Decem- up an electric car factory.
quality milled rice exports. He said: “We have already Sen Kra’op 01. He confirmed “Cambodia’s milled rice has ber 30: “This investment will Indonesia’s EV batteries will
We look forward to continu- registered the fragrant rice that this type of milled rice been growing in the right direc- make Indonesia the first coun- not only cater to the EV indus-
ing to work to improve the ‘Malys Angkor’ with the Min- is recognised by the Ministry tion and will reach the official try in the world that is integrat- try but also to the energy stor-
livelihoods of those in the istry of Commerce and the of Agriculture, Forestry and export of one million tonnes ing the electric battery industry age industry, both of which are
Cambodian rice industry. World [Trade] Organisation, Fisheries as a bona-fide fra- through sustainable production [supply chain], from mining to expected to grow exponen-
“We truly thank all our part- so in 2021 we want to export grant rice variety with high and will provide socio-econom- electric car lithium batteries. tially over the decade as major
ners and I send the most cor- rice officially using the ‘Malys yields that is not seasonal and ic benefits to communities in all “This is the biggest investment economies double-down on
dial blessings to the countries Angkor’ brand and the rice which farmers like to grow. value chains,” Saran said. since the [1998] Reform Era and green energy commitments.
will serve as an opportunity for Indonesian Mining Associa-
Indonesia to recover from the tion (IMA) executive director
coronavirus pandemic.” Djoko Widajanto told The Ja-
ACLEDA Bank unveils new logo Indonesia’s pursuit to boost
local EV production and the
EV battery industry reflects
Jokowi’s ambition for “mas-
karta Post: “We are hoping that
LG’s investment will be a break-
through for SOEs to connect
local businesses with the EV
Thou Vireak the use of the latest technolo- Strelitzia genus, which bear a ACLEDA Bank, which has been sive downstreaming”, which battery supply chain because
gies to make them more mod- striking resemblance to the logo. actively providing banking aims to turn the country from otherwise, we will need time
ACLEDA Bank Plc, the first ern, more secure and easier for Channy said white repre- services for more than 29 a commodity-driven econo- to develop both the technology
commercial bank to be listed our community of customers sents righteousness, transpar- years,” Channy said. my into an industrial one. At and human resources.”
on the Cambodia Securities – public or private – from all ency, honesty and integrity; ACLEDA Bank has four sub- the same time, massive for- Indonesian Chamber of Com-
Exchange (CSX), on Decem- backgrounds, and maintain gold stands for value and qual- sidiaries – ACLEDA Securities eign investment in the sector merce and Industry (Kadin)
ber 31 officially launched its the highest quality in the bank- ity; while blue signifies unity, Plc, ACLEDA Institute of Busi- is expected to help boost the deputy chairman Johnny Dar-
new logo after nearly 30 years ing and financial sector.” stability and wellbeing. ness, ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd and country’s economic recovery. mawan told the Post on De-
of operation. The new logo will preserve The combination of the three ACLEDA Microfinance Institu- The government ordered cember 30: “The government
Speaking at the launch cer- the symbol, identity and mean- colours presents the seeds and tion Myanmar and has a repre- in October its biggest state- must allow these companies
emony, president and CEO In ing that the bank has built over resources for sustainable sentative office in Myanmar. owned enterprises (SOEs) to to use locally manufactured
Channy said the change was the past 29 years, he said. growth and development in the As of September 30, ACLEDA establish a battery holding materials to produce the bat-
in line with the bank’s strategic In the middle of a blue circle financial sector, he said. Bank’s total assets stood at company that will develop an teries in a bid to further sup-
mission perspective and glo- lies a “pakshi-svarga” or “bird “I would also like to express 26.10 trillion riel ($6.5 billion), end-to-end domestic supply port local businesses.
bal fintech development. of paradise” in gold and white, my gratitude to the customers, total loan portfolio grew to chain for EV batteries. “If the government wants
He said: “I officially launch which he said denotes the sus- and the general public from all 16.99 trillion riel, deposits Under the MoU, LG Energy Indonesia to become a major
the new ACLEDA Bank logo tainable strengths and pros- milieus, in the public and pri- reached 18.56 trillion riel, while Solution, a subsidiary of LG player in the EV industry, then
with our existing digital infra- perity of the bank. vate sectors, especially the the number of digital ACLEDA Group, will collaborate with the country must be able to
structure and will continue to “Bird of paradise” is also a National Bank of Cambodia Unity Instant service subscrib- South Korea’s Hyundai Motor produce its own batteries.” THE
develop our services through common name for flowers of the with its continuing support of ers hit 1.62 million. as well as the appointed SOEs JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
THE PHNOM PENH POST january 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7
Business
An outlook into 2021 economy US impose
new tariffs
on France,
BUSINESS
other types of adjustments to port to the Chinese market and
their business model, includ- beyond. However, the CCFTA
ing adoption of digital tech- alone may be insufficient to
Germany
INSIDER nologies to facilitate a less
contact-intense environment
for employees and customers.
boost Cambodia’s trade and
economic performance.
THE US on December 30 an-
The year 2020 was an economi- As is highlighted in the Coun- What steps does the World nounced that it will impose
cally tense year with every coun- try Economic Update’s Spe- Bank recommend the govern- additional tariffs on French
try in the region and around the cial Focus, firms’ use of digital ment to take to reap in the fruit and German products as part
world – including Cambodia – platforms to conduct business from regional and FTA deals? of a long-running dispute over
striving to combat the spread of practices increased in response It is essential to facilitate an subsidies for aircraft manu-
Covid-19, which not only poses to Covid-19 in Cambodia. expansion of domestic and facturers Airbus and Boeing.
a global health risk, but also The World Bank remains foreign investment arising The tariffs are on “aircraft
threatens a serious impact on committed to supporting the largely from recent bilateral manufacturing parts from
global economic growth. Royal Government of Cam- and regional FTAs. France and Germany, cer-
Cambodia’s economy will bodia in its transformation to In this regard, introduc- tain non-sparkling wine from
contract two per cent in 2020 a digital economy – a policy ing competitive investment France and Germany, and
before swiftly recovering to four agenda that is more impor- laws and incentive schemes is certain cognac and other
per cent growth this year, the tant now than ever. particularly important. In the grape brandies from France
World Bank projects, citing ef- medium term, nurturing in- and Germany,” which will be
fective government measures You briefly touched on the tegration of Cambodia’s agro- added to the list of products
that respond to the specific needs RCEP and CCFTA. How will processing and manufacturing taxed since 2019, according
of the most affected sectors – in- these and the nine other FTAs value chains into regional value to a statement from the US
cluding tourism, garments and in the pipeline offset the impact chains will also be needed. Trade Representative (USTR).
textiles, and construction. of the EU’s recent withdrawal Improving connectivity, It said the move was in retal-
These figures are similar to of Cambodia from its ‘Every- upgrading skilled labour and iation to tariffs imposed by the
the government’s projections
World Bank senior economist for Cambodia Ly Sodeth. SUPPLIED
thing But Arms’ arrangement reducing energy costs will are EU which it considers unfair.
of a 1.9 per cent contraction and better equip the Kingdom among other key steps. The decision is the lat-
for 2020 before a return to 3.5 Private consumption is travel goods, footwear, bi- to achieve medium- and long- est twist in the 16-year trade
per cent growth this year. partly underpinned by gov- cycles, electrical parts, and term economic stability? How else does the King- battle over aircraft subsidies
The government has been ernment fiscal direct support, vehicle parts and accessories The partial withdrawal of the dom and Cambodians stand that turned increasingly sour
pulling out all the stops to amounting to 2.8 per cent fell by 2.5 per cent during the EU’s “Everything But Arms” to benefit from similar FTA under the protectionist in-
boost local production capac- of gross domestic product first nine months of 2020. trade preferential treatment deals down the line? stincts of US President Don-
ity for export and sign free trade (GDP). While the contraction Due to travel restrictions became effective on August Trade agreements between ald Trump, and comes despite
agreements (FTA) in hopes of re- in goods and services exports and lockdowns, Cambodia’s 12, 2020, affecting approxi- countries that lower trade bar- hopes for a trade truce follow-
inforcing trade and investment is relatively large, due mainly tourism and hospitality sec- mately 20 per cent of Cambo- riers on imported goods pro- ing Joe Biden’s election.
relations with countries in the to the sharp decline in the tor has experienced a severe dia’s exports to the EU. vide welfare gains to consum- The EU was authorised last
region and around the globe. tourism sector, it is expected downturn, with international Cambodia manufacturing ers – from increases in variety, year by the World Trade Or-
The Post’s May Kunmakara, to recover this year. arrivals falling by 74.1 per exports are adjusting. Exports access to better-quality prod- ganisation (WTO) to levy ad-
sat down with World Bank se- Import contraction has cent year-on-year during the of garments, travel goods, ucts, and lower prices. ditional customs duties on
nior economist for Cambodia been moderate as consump- first nine months of 2020. footwear and bicycle prod- The CCFTA is expected to US products.
Ly Sodeth to discuss the King- tion has held up, thanks large- This has only been partly ucts to the US market rose to attract FDI inflows to Cam- But Washington believes
dom’s 2020 economic perfor- ly to the relatively large gov- offset by a return of domestic $2.7 billion, expanding at 7.6 bodia. Sectors such as agri- it has been penalised by the
mance and what we can ex- ernment intervention. The tourism. Public investment per cent year-on-year in the culture, agroprocessing and method of calculation chosen,
pect this year. recent signing of the Cambo- programme initiatives intro- first nine months of 2020. manufacturing are well posi- which, according to the Trump
dia-China Free Trade Agree- duced by the Cambodian au- The US market is the larg- tioned to export to the Chi- administration, has led to an
What were the key consid- ment (CCFTA) and Regional thorities to build physical in- est, accounting for 36 per cent nese market and beyond. excessive amount of customs
erations in the World Bank’s Comprehensive Economic frastructure in the provincial of Cambodia’s total exports of Cambodia’s comparative duties levied on US products.
projection? Partnership (RCEP) will help towns of Sihanoukville and garment, travel goods, foot- advantages may include The USTR statement said:
With the easing of social dis- further promote domestic in- Siem Reap will improve the wear, and bicycle products. its underutilised labour “In implementing its tariffs …
tancing measures, Cambodia’s vestment and regional trade. connectivity and underpin Trade agreements between force and relatively low la- the EU used trade data from a
domestic economic activity tourism sector development. countries that lower trade bour costs, generating gains period in which trade volumes
has been gradually returning to What’s the current outlook for barriers on imported goods through specialisation and had been drastically reduced
normalcy. Domestic demand, the Kingdom’s garment and With Covid-19 catalysing a rise provide welfare gains to con- economies of scale. due to the horrific effects on
including domestic travel and tourism sectors after nearly a in e-businesses and a govern- sumers from increases in va- This will potentially help the global economy from the
tourism, is picking up. year of the Covid-19 pandemic ment-backed transformation riety, access to better-quality Cambodia expand beyond the Covid-19 virus.
We haven’t seen significant upending life as we know it? in today’s growing digital econ- products, and lower prices, established pattern of pro- “The result of this choice was
adverse impacts so far of the The immediate future of omy, does the World Bank see thus creating trade. duction heavily dependent on that Europe imposed tariffs on
pandemic on the banking garment exports, which ac- itself getting involved? The CCFTA is expected to at- garment and footwear, while substantially more products
sector or on the balance of count for two-thirds of man- How well firms cope with tract foreign direct investment promoting a more diversified than would have been cov-
payments, while market con- ufacturing exports, remains the adverse shocks of the (FDI) inflows to Cambodia. economic structure. ered if it had utilised a normal
fidence has been gradually uncertain. Cambodia’s ex- global Covid-19 pandemic Sectors such as agriculture, period. Although the United
restored as the outbreak is ports of manufactured prod- will, among other factors, de- agro-processing, and manufac- This interview has been edited States explained to the EU the
largely under control. ucts which include garments, pend on their ability to make turing are well positioned to ex- for length and clarity. distortive effect of its selected
time period, the EU refused to
change its approach.
“[As a result, the US] is forced
Preparing Cambodia for return to growth to change its reference period
to the same period used by the
European Union.”
The US also deplored an EU
Continued from page 1 He said: “The government pandemic and ensure a return “strong Covid-19 vaccine in- nerabilities arising from the decision to exclude the UK from
is very pro-active in its re- to growth in 2021, the World frastructure, as well as closely prolonged construction and its calculations, which it argued
remains to Cambodia’s growth sponse to the impact caused Bank recommends in its re- monitoring economic vul- property boom”. unfairly increased the tariffs.
outlook. The most important by Covid-19, dealing with it port that Cambodia pursue a The feud over European air-
policy goal must be to urgent- in an immediate way. This number of key measures. craft manufacturer Airbus and
ly regain jobs lost and sus- builds confident among in- The Kingdom must boost its US competitor Boeing is the
pended due to the pandemic. vestors as evident in the still- “pro-poor and growth-en- longest and most complicated
“Looking ahead, it is essen- robust investment and busi- hancing public investment ever handled by the WTO.
tial that domestic and foreign ness climate. including cash-for-work proj- The aviation feud predates
investments are encouraged “Other barriers imped- ects” and promote “labour- Trump, but Washington quick-
to take advantage of recent ing investment and business intensive sectors to generate ly embraced the opportunity
bilateral and regional free growth have been swiftly jobs by taking advantage of to impose $7.5 billion in tariffs
trade agreements. handled by the government, the quick recovery of domes- against Europeans after also
“This would be possible leading its trajectory along an tic demand for consumer being cleared to do so by the
through prompt introduction improved path.” goods”, the World Bank said. WTO in 2019.
of a competitive investment Cambodia’s economy is It must also provide “op- Washington imposed puni-
law and incentive schemes, to- projected to return to four portunities to facilitate an ex- tive tariffs of 25 per cent on
gether with moves to improve per cent growth in 2021, the pansion of domestic and for- iconic EU products such as
the ease of doing business.” World Bank said, citing an eign investment arising from wine, cheese and olive oil and
Ministry of Economy and Fi- improvement in economic recent bilateral and regional put a 15 per cent tariff on Air-
nance spokesman Meas Sok- activities and the effective free trade agreements, includ- bus planes in March.
sensan recently told The Post implementation of the gov- ing the Cambodia-China Free In retaliation, the EU has
that government intervention ernment’s intervention mea- Trade Agreement and Region- been imposing customs du-
efforts have helped stabilise sures to keep the economy al Comprehensive Economic ties on $4 billion of US ex-
the economy to maintain sat- afloat amid Covid-19. Partnership”, it added. The Kingdom’s economy is projected to return to four per cent growth ports since the beginning of
isfactory progress. To quickly recover from the It also recommended a this year. YOUSOS APDOULRASHIM November. AFP
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