Trade with EAEU surges 18% - BILATERAL trade between - Phnom Penh Post
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Friday, february 12, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3605 / 4000 RIEL
Trade with EAEU surges 18%
Hin Pisei cent year-on-year from $51.81 mil- Cambodia Chamber of Commerce According to Heng, the better part vide the Kingdom a valuable alterna-
lion in 2019, and imported $15.18 vice-president Lim Heng told The of the Kingdom’s exports to the bloc tive to the EU as a trade destination
B
ILATERAL trade between million, ballooning a colossal 193.57 Post on February 11 that the bloc’s comprised of agricultural products and countervail some of the disruptive
Cambodia and the Eurasian per cent from $5.17 million. vast population and thriving econo- and textiles, while imports consist- effects of the withdrawal of the ‘Every-
Economic Union (EAEU) Comprising five member states mies represent a vital target market ed of machinery, tractors and spare thing But Arms’ (EBA) trade scheme.
was worth $67.37 million – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, for the Kingdom’s goods. parts for agricultural machinery. On August 12, the European Com-
last year, marking an increase of 18.22 Kyrgyzstan and Russia – the EAEU “The pick-up in trade between Hong Vanak, director of the Royal mission (EC) officially withdrew 20
per cent compared to 2019’s $56.98 is home to 184.6 million people Cambodia and the EAEU is wel- Academy of Cambodia’s Internation- per cent of EBA from Cambodia. The
million, according to data from the and represents a combined gross come news, and comes as Cambo- al Economics Department, said the suspension affects one-fifth or €1 bil-
Ministry of Commerce. domestic product (GDP) of $4.778 dia ramps up production of high- trade numbers were a great deal amid lion ($1.2 billion) of the Kingdom’s
Of that, the Kingdom exported trillion, according to International quality merchandise for export to the gloom of the Covid-19 outbreak.
$52.19 million, inching up 0.73 per Monetary Fund estimates for 2020. international markets,” he said. He stressed that the bloc would pro- Continued – page 8
Vaccination drive
forges ahead, 339
get jab on first day
Mom Kunthear Calmette Hospital, Preah Ang
Duong Hospital, the Khmer-
CAMBODIA’S Covid-19 vac- Soviet Friendship Hospital
cination campaign kicked off and the National Paediatric
on February 10 with more than Hospital must also vaccinate
400 people registering at the all of their staff,” she said.
four hospital distribution sites Medical staff from Preah
in the capital and 300 actually Kossamak Hospital, the
receiving inoculations. National Maternal and Child
The Ministry of Health has Health Centre and the
urged medical workers to National Centre for Tubercu-
organise their work sched- losis and Leprosy Control must
ules so as to ensure that vac- schedule times to receive vac-
cinations proceed smoothly. cinations at the National Pae-
Ministry spokeswoman Or diatric Hospital in order to
Vandine said 425 people had avoid overcrowding.
registered for vaccination and The ministry has assigned
339 had received it.The remain- Calmette Hospital to provide
ing 86 were not vaccinated due vaccination for all officials from
to pre-existing health condi- the Senate, National Assembly
tions that might have caused and Council of Ministers.
health complications or other- Officials of the National Police
wise posed risks for them. and the Phnom Penh munici-
The ministry also reiterated pal police department may be
its encouragement for every- vaccinated at the Khmer-Sovi-
one in the priority groups to et Friendship Hospital.
register for the voluntary cam- Vandine said: “Covid-19
paign from February 11 onwards. vaccinations will continue
Vandine said dignitaries every working day from 8am
and all those in the priority to 5pm except for a lunch
groups who were not vacci- break from noon to 2pm.”
nated on February 10 could
go to the hospitals designat-
Those who have already
received their first vaccine Porky peak
ed by the ministry to receive dose should get the second A man cautiously lifts a whole-roasted suckling pig onto a weighing scale at a stall just outside of Phnom Penh’s Orussey Market. Sales of the roast
their vaccination. pork reach their annual peak during the Lunar New Year holiday. One seller told The Post that daily sales were 2.5 times as high as usual and that
“Medical professionals at Continued – page 2 one hog – typically weighing 5-7kg – costs 600,000 riel ($150). HONG MENEA
2 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 12, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com
National
P’Sihanouk province
roads done in March
Khouth Sophak Chakrya held on November 16, 2019,
in cooperation with six com-
PREAH SIHANOUK Provin- panies and two road construc-
cial Hall spokesman Kheang tion engineering units.
Phearom announced on Feb- The companies involved are
ruary 11 that the construc- Heng Sambath Co Ltd; SCE
tion of 34 roads throughout Standard Construction and
the province is scheduled Engineering Co Ltd; Pisnoka
to be finished in mid-March International Corporation;
and will be formally inaugu- KBH Construction Co LTD;
rated before the Khmer New VT Engineering Construction;
Year holiday in April. and Royal Mekong Construc-
He explained that all con- tion and Development.
crete had already been laid, The two government units
and the laying of asphalt was are the Samdech Techo Engi-
60 per cent complete. Instal- neering Corps of Siem Reap
lation of traffic lights and and the Ministry of National
road signs has been com- Defence’s Engineering Division
peted while the installation of No 178 for Roads and Bridges.
CCTV and painting of traffic The National Committee
lanes and other road mark- for Coastal Management
ings are about half finished. and Development was del-
“All crews are now accelerating egated responsibility for the
their pace and working around management of project op-
the clock to finish the remain- erations and is chaired by
ing tasks by March 15 in order Minister of Land Manage-
for their inauguration to be for- ment, Urban Planning and
River Terns are seen along the Mekong River earlier this month. WWF-CAMBODIA
mally held before the upcoming Construction Chea Sophara.
Khmer New Year,” he said. Sophara said that in order
River Terns population on Barring schedule changes,
the roads and other public
construction projects in the
province will be inaugurated on
for Preah Sihanouk province
to become an economic pillar
of the country with modern
commercial hubs that can at-
the rebound along Mekong
April 9 with Prime Minister Hun tract tourists and drive growth,
Sen presiding, Phearom said. the government had invested
The 34 roads under construc- an additional $100 million to
tion span 84km and are being build 11 more roads in Prey
constructed at a cost of $294 Nop and Stung Hav districts.
Mom Kunthear WWF-Cambodia press release. Cambodia and the region,” Asia. In Cambodia, their num- million. The groundbreaking Construction is about 30 per
Researchers observed the adding that concerted con- bers have declined by 80 per ceremony for the project was cent complete.
T
HE population of birds hunting for fish among servation efforts have re- cent over the past 20 years,
River Terns contin- rapids and roaming the natural versed the curve of species’ and the nationwide popula-
ues to rise, having sandbar habitat for mating. decline and brought hope for tion was estimated at just 54
doubled in the past WWF-Cambodia Biodiver- its recovery in Cambodia and to 62 individuals in 2018.
five years and spurring hopes sity Research and Monitor- the region. The primary threats to the
for the species’ conservation, ing manager Ean Sam Un “I would like to commend species include habitat dis-
according to initial findings described the River Terns the tireless efforts in pro- turbance by human activities,
by researchers from the World as medium-sized birds with tected area management, law nest flooding, hunting for their
Wildlife Fund (WWF-Cambo- forked tails, black caps and enforcement and community eggs and predation by domes-
dia) who have begun con- white bellies. He noted that engagement by the provin- tic cattle and other wildlife.
ducting annual bird surveys. they are more visible during cial and local government, Due to these concerns, the
A total of 68 close encoun- their breeding season which especially the provincial de- International Union for Con-
ters with River Terns, known started in January and con- partments of Environment servation of Nature recently
by their scientific name Sterna tinues until May. and Agriculture, Forestry and reclassified the bird, upgrad-
aurantia, were documented Sam Un added that re- Fisheries, all involved part- ing the seriousness of its sta-
along the Mekong landscape searchers were particularly ners and WWF-Cambodia, as tus from ‘Near Threatened’ to Road work in Preah Sihanouk province in December. Hong menea
between Kratie and Stung Treng excited with the current well as the participation from ‘Vulnerable’ on their Red List.
provinces and the Laos border count, which resulted from the local communities in the WWF-Cambodia noted that
during initial bird surveys – up
slightly from 64 last year and up
dramatically from only 31 ob-
just their initial surveys.
WWF-Cambodia country
director Seng Teak said: “This
habitat areas,” Teak said.
WWF-Cambodia noted that
River Terns are one of the rar-
last year, a total of 47 nests of
River Terns were guarded by
local communities along the
Tea Banh: vaccine is
served in 2016, according to a is such a rewarding news for est bird species in Southeast Mekong habitat.
both safe and effective
Continued from page 1 Banh testified that no one
who had received the vaccine
one at the same place as the first had experienced negative side-
between March 14 and 28. effects. Due to this, he had con-
“The ministry will continue tacted China’s Ministry of
to alert eligible members of Defence to discuss whether
the public who are in the 18-59 Cambodia could get the vac-
age group about receiving vac- cines donated from China.
cinations on a voluntary “This vaccine is high quality
basis,” Vandine said. and effective. No problems at
Minister of National Defence all,” he declared.
Tea Banh held a press confer- The government of China
ence on February 10 marking the announced last month that it
start of the vaccination campaign would donate one million dos-
at Preah Ket Mealea Hospital. es of the vaccine to Cambodia,
While public vaccinations are and a shipment containing the
just beginning, Banh admitted first 600,000 doses arrived in
that he and close family mem- the Kingdom on February 7.
bers, along with his staff, had Half of the doses from the
already taken the Sinopharm first shipment have been allo-
vaccine weeks ago. cated to the health ministry for
“To tell you the truth, I was inoculations of priority groups
already vaccinated. In ten among the public and govern-
days, it will be one month ment, while the other 300,000
since I received vaccination. doses are earmarked for the
Some of my family members defence ministry to vaccinate
were also vaccinated. the nation’s military forces.
“My son actually took the vac- As of February 11, Cambodia
cine before me. At the time, we had recorded a total 478 Cov-
had only a small quantity of the id-19 cases with 19 patients
vaccine in the country. After my still receiving ongoing treat-
son was vaccinated, nothing bad ment at. Remarkably, the King-
happened to him so he encour- dom has not suffered any
aged me to take it as well,” he said. fatalities from the virus.
THE PHNOM PENH POST february 12, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3
National
Judicial officers, WCS
CMAC breeds sniffer dogs tackle wildlife trade
Orm Bunthoeurn
Niem Chheng director Ken Serey Rotha said
T
HIS year, the Cambo- the Kingdom is a transhipping
dian Mine Action Cen- THE Ministry of Justice and country for the illegal wildlife
tre (CMAC) will breed the Wildlife Conservation trade though the destination
more than 100 dogs in Society (WCS-Cambodia) held countries for the contraband
order to train them to sniff out a workshop to share knowl- are typically wealthier ones,
mines in the Kingdom so that edge of legal procedures relat- primarily China.
the nation will no longer need ing to elephant tusk and rhino He said that to effectively
to rely on importing dogs for horn trafficking. The workshop follow CITES, court officials
this purpose from abroad. was held on February 9 with need to be knowledgeable
CMAC director Heng Ra- judges, prosecutors and wild- about these crimes and have
tana said that on February 9 life experts in attendance. insight into which procedures
a mine-sniffing dog had given The workshop served as a are most effective to stop
birth to 11 puppies at CMAC’s forum for participants to dis- them.
Technical Institute of Mine cuss their experiences com- “Another implication is that
Action (TIMA) in Kampong bating the black market ivory if these crimes are allowed to
Chhnang province. trade and methods for inves- happen in Cambodia because
“So far we have seven or tigating and solving cases of loosely enforced laws, it is
eight litters of puppies. Some related to transnational wild- basically an invitation for oth-
of the litters have six puppies, life crime, according to WCS- er criminals to come and oper-
some more than 10. We have Cambodia. ate here.
over 40 puppies born already Justice ministry secretary “But the direct impact of fail-
and there are still another of state Keng Somarith told ing to crack down on wildlife
seven or eight more litters on The Post on February 10 that crimes is a loss of dignity and
the way,” Ratana said. Cambodia is a signatory to respect from the international
Heng Ratana said CMAC The Cambodian Mine Action Centre plans to breed and train over 100 mine-sniffing dogs to eliminate reliance the Convention on Interna- community.
on foreign breeders and trainers. cmac
was proud of the breeding tional Trade in Endangered “That respect is hard to earn,
programme, which the cen- Dogs trained at CMAC are the capacity to create a breed- which is a source of pride for Species of Wild Fauna and but easy to lose. Our leaders
tre researched and designed already sought after and rec- ing programme following our us,” he said. Flora (CITES). have been working to build
independently without help ognised by the international research. We will be the sole According to Ratana, in de- As a CITES member, Cambo- Cambodia’s reputation as a
from abroad. community, with six dogs owners of this project and mining activities dogs can re- dia must strictly enforce reliable and responsible part-
A successful breeding pro- sold to buyers in Europe and we’re confident we’ll suceed. place humans to detect mines national laws against all illegal ner for many years,” he said.
gramme in Cambodia would two more to South Sudan al- So, we are very proud that we in order to minimise the risks wildlife trades and particu- Early last year, UK-based
mean the centre would no ready this year. will be breeding more than to deminers. larly against the trade of ele- anti-wildlife trade NGO Traffic
longer have to depend on im- “We have been trying to 100 dogs this year,” he said. He said the dogs are trained phant ivory and rhino horn, reported that Cambodia had
porting dogs from abroad, es- breed them for just three Ratana said that previously to sniff out explosive sub- Somarith said. seized 17,000kg of elephant
pecially Europe, he said. years now, and we now have CMAC had bred no more than stances whereas a human will “We invited our judges and ivory from 2009 to 2018,
five to 10 dogs per year. Now, use a metal detector to try to prosecutors to receive training including more than 3.2 tonnes
however, their organisational find the metal casing around from international experts of ivory imported from
capacity has increased to the the explosives because there is about the experiences and Mozambique.
point where they are ready to not any technology that can be practices of other countries of More recently, in December
breed dogs in larger numbers deployed easily in the field that cracking down on the illegal 2019, a total of 280 lion bones
because they now have a new will detect explosive materials. wildlife trade,” he said. were seized at Phnom Penh
younger generation of employ- “We are testing new tech- WCS-Cambodia country International Airport.
ees trained to handle canines. nology with Japan, Germany,
Ratana explains that the Italy, Austria, and Australia to
breeding of more than 100 dogs develop new tools for detect-
does not mean that all 100 dogs ing explosive substances. The
can be used for mine-sniffing tests have not been success-
duties. Typically only 30 to 40 ful so far though.
dogs at most out of 100 will “So, it remains difficult for
make the cut no matter who is humans to detect mines and
breeding or training them. explosives underground de-
“The selection process is spite all our science and tech-
quite tough – we need very nology whereas dogs are born
intelligent dogs. We’re able to with the necessary equipment
CMAC director Heng Ratana holds a sniffer dog’s puppy in Kampong pick the smart dogs out at a to do it right there in their nos-
Chhnang province. CMAC 70-90 per cent accuracy rate, es,” Ratana concluded.
Committee sheds light on torture
Niem Chheng this information. Even the Mondulkiri tance from international or UN’s bodies to
and Ratanakkiri leaders didn’t know help accelerate the drafting of the law.
THE National Committee Against Torture much about it. Just yesterday when I In early 2020, a high-profile case of tor-
(NACT) continues to do outreach work told them about it, they were surprised ture took place in Banteay Meanchey prov-
to raise awareness among sub-national by what I had to tell them,” he said. ince that resulted in the death of a detainee
officials about respect for human rights Though his mission was slowed down named Tuy Sros. Two Military Police officers
and the UN Convention against Torture by the Covid-19 pandemic, Sa An said were arrested and charged following the
as the draft law on the Establishment of that from 2020 up until today, he had incident. In January of this year, they were
a National Committee against Torture completed informational sessions in sev- sentenced by the Battambang Provincial
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading en provinces and is scheduled to conduct Court to four and seven years, respectively.
Treatment is being finalised. more in Kratie and Stung Treng prov- Am Sam Ath, deputy director for rights
Cambodia became a signatory to the inces on February 24 and then Banteay group Licadho, said that when Cambodia
UN convention in 1992. And in 2007, the Meanchey and Battambang on March 3. acceded to the UN Convention against
National Assembly enacted additional In May of last year, Ministry of Interior of- Torture in 1992, it effectively became a
protocols. These require the Kingdom ficials resumed discussion of the draft law law as is the case with all international
to introduce measures against torture on the Establishment of a National Com- treaties once a nation ratifies them.
including the establishment of an inde- mittee against Torture and Other Cruel, He said the current draft law should
pendent national body for that purpose. Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, follow- include more input from relevant stake-
NACT chairman Nuth Sa An was in Mon- ing a long delay dating back to 2013. holders, but he was pleased with the ef-
dulkiri and Ratanakkiri provinces on Feb- The draft law has now reached the inter- forts being made at educating and train-
ruary 10 to raise awareness about the obli- ministeral stage. Sa An said the bill consists ing local officials.
gation of sub-national authorities to refrain of 10 chapters and more than 30 articles, “It is important to provide education and
from using any form of torture on detainees. but it could be altered further during fu- training to sub-national officials about the
Sa An said he held the sessions with local ture inter-ministerial discussions. convention and exactly what treatment
authorities to make them aware of the rights He said the draft law reached Ministry falls into the category of torture.
of those who are in custody for any reason of Civil Service but Minister of Economy “And it was even more important that
in order to prevent any torture or other in- and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth had sug- action was taken in Banteay Meanchey
humane treatment from taking place. gested that the three ministries should against the Military Police officers who
“We have documents about human rights, first discuss it. tortured a detainee resulting in his death.
the [UN] Convention against Torture and Sa An said that when the bill becomes a Such legal enforcement should continue
the role of the committee to show to them. law, an independent national committee in order to prevent other officials from
“Some provincial officials don’t know will be formed. He had appealed for assis- following their bad example,” he said.
4 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 12, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com
National
Land investors
told to beware
of fraudsters
in Svay Rieng
Nov Sivutha should ask to examine the
documentation regarding the
T
HE Svay Rieng Pro- land in question and to bring
vincial Administra- it to the authorities to confirm
tion has issued a its validity if necessary.
statement warning Accurate and clear infor-
people to be cautious when mation can be obtained from
buying land in the province authorities such as the dis-
because there were some trict administration where
individuals and companies the land is located or the pro-
selling plots of land without a vincial Department of Land
proper licence. Management, Urban Plan-
The provincial hall warned ning and Construction.
that any purchases made The letter advised prospec-
from them may not be con- tive buyers to carefully exam-
sidered as valid in the future. ine and understand business-
It advised anyone purchasing related documents. These
land there to get as much de- include land development Land divided into plots for sale in Svay Rieng province. Facebook
tailed information as possible permits; business or devel-
before making any deals. opment licences; contracts in the province had increased company or trader must de- Heng Chivoan, the owner He said that in some cases
The announcement dated of any sort; and documents remarkably recently. velop 10 or 30 per cent of the of a land plot in Svay Rieng there are electricity poles but
February 8 stated that the that identify the location and According to Piseth, some- land, including basic infra- town, supported the provin- no power lines to connect to
volume of real estate trans- boundaries and the owner of times these developments do structure like utility systems, cial administration’s mes- unless relevant parties nego-
actions in the province had the real estate’s identification. not seem to be in accordance before selling plots. sage. However, he said people tiate with the utility company
shown remarkable growth in Deputy provincial governor with the law because there is “We just wanted to pro- won’t buy the land once they for a connection. The same is
recent years and some of the Hem Piseth told The Post on no basic infrastructure such tect our people. They should understand that the land is true of the water supply sys-
companies or traders involved February 10 that so far there as roads, electricity or water ask about the laws and learn being sold without permis- tem, he said.
did not have the necessary li- had been no cases of fraud re- connections, while the com- more information. We want sion under the law. “Authorities don’t seem to
cences or land development ported to the authorities and pany selling the land just to avoid anyone blaming Chivoan said that selling land want to work with the devel-
permits from the government. that the announcement was a leaves clients behind when authorities or the provincial plots in Svay Rieng province still opers even after we put in re-
It reminded people that precaution to prevent people the sale is over. administration. We want ev- has many challenges because quests to the provincial admin-
before deciding to buy a plot from being cheated in the fu- Piseth added that under eryone to do business fairly there were more expenditures istration. We don’t hear much
of land at any location, they ture because land speculation the recently enacted laws, the on both sides,” he said. than in other provinces. back from them,” he said.
Youth asked to make Feb 14
a day of service, not romance
Nov Sivutha measures to curb the spread of with students, parents and
Covid-19 while studying. especially media networks to
THE Ministry of Education, The letter advised the school try and ensure that no one has
Youth and Sport has issued a boards to closely liaise with any confusion about the mean-
letter to all schools – both pub- parents and communities in ing of February 14,” he said.
lic and private – instructing order to prevent any improper He said the ministry had
them to curb any irregular or immoral activities by stu- encouraged educational insti-
activities on their campuses dents and to educate them tutions to hold charitable
related to the February 14 Val- about the risks involved with events or social programmes
entine’s Day holiday in order inappropriate behaviour. wherever practical on February
to maintain compliance with Education ministry spokes- 14 for students to join instead.
all precautionary measures man Ros Soveacha told The “On February 14 over the last
and safety guidelines for the Post that the ministry always few years, instead of celebrating
prevention of Covid-19. issues instructions similar to a foreign holiday students at all
In a letter dated February 8, these to stop students’ involve- levels have come to learn as they
education minister Hang ment with inappropriate normally would and then also
Chuon Naron said teachers activities on or around Valen- participated in social activities
and administrators must tine’s Day each year. such as blood donation, charity
ensure their students’ “We have noticed that the work and Buddhist
strict obedience to majority of students mental health
the existing Cov- understand clearly that education.
i d - 1 9 - re l a t e d Valentine’s Day is not a
rules in addition traditional festival for
to preventing Cambodians, and we
any immoral have communicated
activity by stu-
dents inspired
by the nature
of the holiday.
He also urged
that the coun-
cils for chil-
dren and
youth in
schools initiate
information ses-
sions for stu-
dents using
“peer educa-
tors” who can A woman
talk to them celebrates
about the Valentine’s
Day in
importance of Phnom Penh.
maintaining safety Heng Chivoan
THE PHNOM PENH POST february 12, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com
Upgraded irrigation brings benefits
to farmers in Battambang and Pursat
T
he Japanese govern-
ment, using its Official
Development Assis-
tance (ODA), initiated a
three-year irrigation infrastruc-
ture rehabiliation project to the
west of Tonle Sap lake in 2019.
The project was undertaken
to replace ageing infrastruc-
ture built during the Khmer
Rouge regime (1975-1979) that
were not functioning properly
due to flaws in their design
and construction, while water
volumes were also affected by
unpredictable weather.
Such irrigation infrastruc-
ture is important in regulating
a consistent supply of water to
the areas surrounding the Tonle
Sap lake, which are known for
the cultivation of rice and re-
main a key lifeline for farming
communities.
The second phase of the re-
habilitation work targeting six
districts in three impoverished
provinces located to the west
of the ecologically rich fresh-
water lake began in February
2019, with the installation of
all key equipment completed in The improved Ream Kon irrigation system in Battambang province. supplied
June last year.
As the infrastructure was the local FWUC, said that be- water can be supplied to areas
upgraded, the Ministry of fore the irrigation system had experiencing shortages during
Water Resources and Meteorol- been upgraded, water could not dry season.
ogy took the lead in managing be stored, leading to serious Roads have been constructed
water resources in these areas shortages. by the irrigation channels to
by supporting the irrigation The improved infrastruc- improve transportation.
development projects and ture provides better drain- Six months after the re-
maintaining existing irrigation age during rainy season and habilitation of the irrigation
systems, as well as improving prevents flooding, while stored systems, farmers have almost
water management among doubled their paddy production
farmers. from the previous 1.5 tonnes.
”
The ministry is also Paddy cultivation can
responsible for providing now be carried out twice a
guidance on improving year compared to the single
agricultural production to planting done previously, with
raise the livelihoods of farmers After the completion farmers now optimistic of
in the areas around the of the irrigation being able to grow three crops
irrigation systems and their a year. Kran Samean, head of Leang Pung A Japanese-funded infrastructure project in Wat Chrey village in Pursat
communities. system, yields have “The irrigation system must village’s FWUC. province. supplied
Prum Kanthel – deputy risen to four to six be maintained by the villagers,
lished a FWUC to improve tion systems therefore have a
director of the Technical and we want to work together used by FWUC,” said Samean.
Services Centre for Irrigation tonnes per hectare to manage it properly. We Another area to benefit from management. duty to ensure they remain in
and Meteorology at the from the previous have formed a team among the Japanese project is Wat “After the completion of the
irrigation system, yields have
optimum condition.
Hay Bunthoeun, deputy
Ministry of Water Resources – villagers to upkeep the irriga- Chrey village in Pursat prov-
said the project will span three to four tonnes. tion system. ince, with an irrigation system risen to four to six tonnes per director of the Technical Ser-
three years. “I want to educate people on covering 1,227 hectares. hectare from the previous three vices Centre for Irrigation and
In the first and second Meas Sok / FWUC head the importance of taking care Leaders from 10 villages in to four tonnes. Meteorology at the Ministry of
years, villagers will be taught of it. This is the model to be two communes have estab- “We now can harvest paddy Water Resources – who is in
improved farming methods, three times a year and grow charge of the project – said the
while irrigation management vegetables as well,” said Meas irrigation system in Wat Chrey
techniques will be the main Sok, the FWUC head. village is Japanese designed.
focus in the third, added FWUCs plays a vital role in The vicinity around the
Kanthel, who is also the chief water management and in the irrigation system is also being
of Farmer Water User Com- maintenance of the irrigation developed to transform the
munities (FWUC) unit under systems. area into a local attraction.
CP-P11 CP-P23. They are also responsible The installation of street
The projects will help for supplying water to villagers lights, the building of benches
produce higher yields and during dry periods. and the planting of flowers are
lessen the need for the The Ministry of Water in progress to transform the
pumping of water. Resources is managing the ir- area, said Bunthoeun, who is
Farming communities in rigation systems at present, but also the chief of FWUC unit.
Leang Pung village in Battam- once the project is completed In both provinces, there are
bang province and Wat Chrey in March this year, local FWUC high hopes in the local com-
village in Pursat province are will be responsible for the munities, with the Japanese-
beginning to reap the benefits rehabilitated infrastructure. funded projects set to bring
of the Japanese government The FWUCs will need to huge improvements to people’s
assistance. consult with the ministry on livelihoods and environment.
The project in Leang repairing large-scale assets, With support of FWUCs,
Pung village covers 1,969 like water pumps, should they sustainable agricultural prac-
hectares, with irrigation break down, but daily mainte- tices and poverty reduction
systems in seven villages nance will be the responsibility can be achieved, contribut-
in three communes. of their members. ing to strong rural economic
Kran Samean, the chief of Everyone using the irriga- growth.
6 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 12, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com
SpecialReport
Report
The vaccine conundrum – Is Cambodia a
victim of vaccine nationalism?
The vaccination programme globally is beset by a shortage of supply via the COVAX Facility,
partly due to vaccine-hogging by advanced economies. It has caused a furore among
developing countries who are racing against time to inoculate their citizens
By Sangeetha Amarthalingam
A
t the time of writ-
ing, some 500 per-
sons comprising
high-ranking govern-
ment officials, medical staff
and journalists had received
the first phase of inoculation
by the Sinopharm vaccine, de-
veloped by state-owned China
National Biotech Group.
The figure is just a teaser
to Cambodia’s vision of vac-
cinating 10 million people
in time, which is about two-
thirds of the population.
The first batch of 600,000
doses arrived less than two
months after Prime Minister
Hun Sen’s decision to go with
vaccines from China, hav-
ing reneged from an initial
plan of acquiring only World
Health Organisation (WHO)-
approved vaccines.
Misquoted, as he alleged,
or not, Hun Sen’s resolution
was seemingly laced with
desperation as the number of
Covid-19 cases inched up late
last year, although there have
been no deaths.
To date, 478 cases have been
recorded, the latest surge driven
by the return of several thousand
panic-stricken Cambodian mi-
grant workers who flooded back
across the border from Thailand
after an eruption of Covid-19 The eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, Hun Manet agreed to Covid-19 immunisation to eliminate widespread scepticism over the Chinese vaccine. heng chivoan
cases there in December.
Despite its 79.3 per cent of the Advance Market Com- will then purchase these vac- the only WHO-approved vac- She felt that it might take a She said many of the poten-
efficacy, the Sinopharm vac- mitment (AMC), a financing cines with a goal to try and cine, thus far). few years before poorer coun- tial ones are patented, mean-
cine, whose science is com- instrument that offsets some initially provide doses for an And, this is subject to cave- tries can get their needed vac- ing that vaccination will take
posed of an inactivated ver- cost of the vaccines. average of 20 per cent of each ats such as requirements for cines for up to 80 per cent of time, even if production and
sion of Covid-19 that sets off With a seed capital of $2.4 country’s population, focus- negotiation and execution of the population. access is increased.
the immune system, comes billion as of December 18, ing on healthcare workers and additional agreements, con- “[Even] if production [is] “So, treatment will be needed.
through as the world battles a 2020, the AMC is part of the the most vulnerable groups. firmation of acceptance and ramped up, it will still take time. Generic medicines will therefore
war against vaccine national- Covid-19 Vaccines Global Ac- “Further doses will be made enforceability of product han- That is why the WHO is sug- be very important, too, more so
ism to ensure democratic ac- cess (COVAX) facility that is available based on financing, dling and AMC country readi- gesting that all frontliners and for countries that cannot have
cess to medicines. led by the WHO and Gavi, The country need, vulnerability ness, making the distribution vulnerable or high risk popula- vaccination,” she added.
One cannot be certain of Vaccine Alliance. and potential threat. [In ad- even more cumbersome. tions in the world be covered
Hun Sen’s change of heart, This year, AMC plans to dition] a buffer of doses will In the meantime, evaluation first rather than rich countries Repeatedly met impasse
but ruminations are that it raise an additional $6.8 billion be maintained for emergency is being carried out on Oxford- vaccinating all their own popu- These impending conse-
might be connected to block for research and development and humanitarian use,” Chee AstraZeneca’s vaccine which lation first,” she said. quences are what possessed
orders made by rich nations ($800 million), COVAX AMC told The Post via email. pledged an “indicative distribu- While that happens, it is South Africa and India to sub-
for Western vaccines created (about $4.6 billion) and deliv- Her Malaysia-based or- tion” of 240 million doses in the also important to enlarge the mit a proposal to the World
by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna ery support ($1.4 billion). ganisation works on develop- first and second quarters this basket of vaccine options. Trade Organisation (WTO)
Inc and AstraZeneca plc. While AMC leverages on ment, developing countries year. Although the Pfizer and Mod- last October to seek a waiver
This has resulted in an ap- upfront payments for or- and North-South affairs. That said, there is no certainty erna’s mRNA technologies are from certain provisions of
parent shortage of vaccines, ders via COVAX by 98 high- to the actual supply, as it is con- apparently not so complicated, the Trade-Related Aspects of
which according to interna- income economies, doses for ‘No guaranteed supply’ tingent upon factors including in that it might not be difficult Intellectual Property Rights
tional lawyer Chee Yoke Ling, poor countries, also procured But with an alleged hogging the granting of WHO EUL, sup- for companies to make them, Agreement (TRIPS).
is no surprise. through the facility, are settled of vaccines by richer nations, ply volume or operational con- they are unfortunately new and The proposal, adopted by
“Even countries who can by a separate financial mecha- the outlook is stark. straints and time taken to place would take time and invest- some 100WTO members,WHO
afford to buy may not get the nism, largely funded by official It even drew the ire of WHO purchase orders. ment to set up production. and civil society organisations,
volume they need if 75 to 80 development assistance (ODA). director-general Dr Tedros “The AstraZeneca advance “Here is where patents, as asked that provisions relating
per cent vaccination of the Having said that, the 92 Adhanom Ghebreyesus who purchase agreement that has each vaccine has many pat- to copyrights, industrial de-
population is the threshold countries accessing vaccines lamented that the world was been made public shows that ents [and] not just one, and signs, patents, and protection
for protection,” said Chee, di- are expected to share some on the “brink of a catastroph- they signed a ‘best reason- trade secrets relating to tech- of undisclosed information be
rector of Third World Network costs of the vaccines and de- ic moral failure” last year. able efforts’ agreement,”Chee nology know-how are barri- suspended temporarily.
(TWN), an independent non- livery, ranging between $1.60 For instance, the COVAX said, pointing out that what ers,” Chee bemoaned. It is unknown if Cambodia
profit global research and ad- and $2 per dose, a mirror of interim distribution forecast that means is that there is no As such, a waiver is impor- adopted the proposal.
vocacy organisation. the sum paid upfront by self- as of February 4, showed that guarantee of supply in accor- tant for medicines that treat Numerous efforts to seek
Thus, acquiring Western vac- financing participants (SFP). only 1.2 million doses of the dance to the expected volume the infected (therapeutic) comments from government
cines could be a tad onerous “Once a vaccine has been WHO emergency use listing and schedule. where more than 100 clini- spokesman Phay Siphan,
for the moment, even though approved by regulatory agen- (EUL)-approved Pfizer-BioN- “We suspect all the similar cal trials are going on to see Ministry of Health spokes-
Cambodia is among 92 low cies [and, or] prequalified by Tech is presently available for agreements are on this basis,” which existing medicines can woman Or Vandine, and Min-
and middle-income countries the WHO, the COVAX facility the first quarter this year. (It is she added. be used for Covid-19. istry of Economy and Finance
THE PHNOM PENH POST february 12, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7
SpecialReport
permanent secretary of state have been publicised as a
Vongsey Vissoth proved futile. donation to Cambodia. It is
As per 2021-01-20
Meanwhile, South Africa a sign of “deep relationship” Contracts: Som
WTO representative Mus- between the nations, said 2,270 included in the pr
deals that are alr
taqeem Da Gama, who was Chinese ambassador to Cam- 630
some are curren
quoted by TWN in a February bodia Wang Wentian. Terms are subjec
4 article, said the world was With the stress on manu- COVAX Available Supply, Cumulative, Mn doses, 20211 1,945 Candidate attrit
facing vaccine nationalism facturing scale as per rising 540 are still in clinical
do not achieve po
and artificial scarcity – two orders, it would appear logi- outcomes (safety
challenges that are preventing cal that Cambodia turned to Secured volumes from signed �greements2 1,620 regulatory appro
vaccines from being shared China, though it has been criti- 455 1,640 will not be procur
equitably among countries. cised from the outset for failing Volumes under �ctive negoti�tion
Regulatory appr
Da Gama also rued over the to disclose its full test results. 1,295
1,405 will depend on re
and timelines, inc
intellectual property monopo- Early this month, China vowed 365 individual batches
lies over technology and know- to provide 10 million doses to 1,080 1,165
Manufacturing:
how that relate to COVID-19, low and lower-middle income 295 manufacturing is
pleading that they be shared to countries via the facility, which 870
Manufacturing pr
930 influenced by mu
ramp up manufacturing. it joined in October, 2020. 225 Further turn influence vo
He also asked that vaccine China’s vaccine distribution Corresponding to supply
785 volumes
640 to become
supply and treatment of the to Cambodia is aside from �v�il�bility, regul�tory 160 �v�il�ble in
Delivery: Timing
640 on various factor
disease be diversified just so COVAX, flowing instead from �pprov�ls m�y c�use 2022, subject regulatory appro
del�ys to deliveries to funding
everyone everywhere can be its transportation and deal- 480
�v�il�bility
logistics, indemni
325 place, in-country
vaccinated in the shortest signing activities with devel- 325
235
timeframe. oping countries as part of its 145 235 Funding availabil
However, the call by the group global vaccine diplomacy. is shown; procure
145
will depend on CO
has repeatedly met an impasse Back home, Cambodia is AMC92 cost-sha
with advanced nations. armed with nearly $70 million J�n Feb M�r Apr M�y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec E�rly
funded doses, an
volumes of doses
Assuming the waiver is ap- Covid-19 spending money, 2022
proved, it blows open new donated by local tycoons and Allocation: These
reflect a prelimin
challenges, said UK-based friendly nations, to buy vaccines doses based on e
Fitch Solutions Inc pharma- - some 11 million of them. of available supp
1
Supply refers to volumes of vaccine available from the manufacturer. Timing of forecasts is based on anticipated release of doses from
ceutical and healthcare anal- Recently, Minister Vongsey and are to be tre
manufacturers. Volumes for expected single-dose regimen vaccine candidates doubled to ensure comparability across vaccine candidates.
Volumes have been rounded to the nearest 5M (except for those smaller than 5M), and so totals may not equal sum of segments. timing and volum
ysis head Beau Noafshar. said Cambodia had placed an 2
Signed agreements include legally-binding agreements, memoranda of understanding, and statements of intent.
Source: COVAX Global Supply Forecast by the WHO Alloc
“[They comprise] obtaining order with COVAX for seven
knowledge of production pro- million doses. A check with
cesses without patent-hold- the facility’s latest data, how- Pacific would include sig- which is “over and above” the “Some fees will be charged,” to stark shortages.
ers support as well as [a lack ever revealed an order of only nificant supply from Chinese quantity of doses supplied to the embassy said. “However, They noted that the dis-
of clarity over] how much the 1.3 million doses of AstraZen- vaccines that could help ease COVAX by Indian companies. consideration will be given to missal was largely due to the
global vaccine manufactur- eca vaccines, which COVAX shortages across the others. The embassy said the sup- Cambodia’s status as a Least perception that they were
ing capacity is already widely expects to distribute starting “Pricing could, however, be ply was cleared as an “urgent Developed Country while de- “inferior” to Pfizer-BioNTech,
being put to use in manufac- end of this month, barring an issue. The latest report of measure on a contract basis”. ciding the charges.” Moderna or AstraZeneca, and
turing vaccines in line with caveats. pricing of Sinopharm’s vaccine It was done because of the It is unclear when the pack- that this perception might
intellectual property law,” he Separately, Cambodia hopes suggests $30 per dose, higher special relationship between age would arrive as both par- have stemmed from the fact
told The Post via email. to acquire more from China than all so far except Moderna. the countries, although In- ties contemplate over the date. that China and Russia are au-
Having said that, he found and India, possibly by circum- “Overall, countries are like- dia also kept in view its own thoritarian states.
that the waiver, in theory, venting the WHO process. ly to adopt a mixed approach domestic requirements and ‘Evidence is accumulating’ “[But] evidence [has been]
would improve vaccine sup- When asked, Fitch Solu- using AstraZeneca vaccines large requests from partner In the midst, uncertainty accumulating for a while
ply as companies with vac- tions’ Noafshar agreed that- through COVAX where avail- countries for vaccines. seems to sum up the current that the vaccines from those
cine manufacturing capabili- countries that have adopted able [and] supplemented To be sure, there is a price situation in terms of addi- countries work well, too,” they
ties would be able to legally a ‘wait and see’ approach with doses from Sinopharm for the merchandise, which is tional Covid-19 doses and the said, citing interim results
side-step intellectual property will be faced with longer lead and others,” he said. being negotiated with Serum efficacy of Chinese vaccines. published by leading medical
protections and produce ap- times for delivery of vaccines Institute. For Fitch Solutions, the ef- journal The Lancet from late-
proved vaccines without the produced by Pfizer, Moderna ‘Some fees will be charged’ Based on Indian news re- ficacy of these vaccines based stage trials that show Russian
consent of the patent-holder. and AstraZeneca. In the meantime, negotia- ports, each dose costs about on test results including those vaccine Sputnik V had a 91.6
“[Although] we don’t see this “So, it makes sense that tions are ongoing with one of 200 Indian rupees ($2.75), developed by Sinovac Biotech per cent efficacy rate.
playing out, as multiple ma- countries, particularly those India’s largest pharmaceuti- which is by far cheaper than Ltd (50.7 per cent in Brazil) Chee and Prabhala also
jor economies [such as] the with good ties to China, will cal firms Serum Institute for other Covid-19 vaccines in the and Can Sino Biologics Inc highlighted that countries
US, EU, Japan, Switzerland instead opt for nearer term AstraZeneca doses or Cov- market. It is also in line with (65.7 per cent) is a major risk that vetted the vaccines, made
and Canada are blocking text- delivery of vaccines from ishield, the local name for the AstraZeneca’s declaration last to its outlook on Asia Pacific. informed decisions, based on
based negotiations of the waiv- Sinopharm which [have] vaccine in the country, the In- year “not to profit” from the So far, the financial infor- evidence about safety and ef-
er which are essential to its comparable efficacy to the dian Embassy said via a text vaccine in the pandemic. mation services firm is rely- ficacy released by the Chinese
progression,” Noafshar said. others,” he said. message to The Post. Going by a back-of-the-en- ing on the efficacy results and Russian manufacturers.
Mid December last year, This comes on the heels of velope calculation, Cambodia provided in the pharmaceuti- Much of evidence was also
‘Pricing could be an issue’ Fitch Solutions noted that Indian Prime Minister Naren- might end up with a bill ofabout cal companies’ press releases, published in peer-reviewed
For now, the Chinese vac- its three-speed view for vac- dra Modi’s promise to supply 40 million rupees ($550,000) for which Noafshar opined might scientific journals like The
cines that arrived on Sunday cine distribution across Asia- 100,000 doses of Covishield, two dosages per person. hold up in full results. Lancet and JAMA Network,
“[As of now] all the vaccines or after running independent
have been good at cutting the
trials of their own.
As per 2021-01-20 number of severe cases and “To assume otherwise is to
ultimately this is what matters
Contracts: Some of the supply
doubt the ability or integrity
2,270 most
included forprojections
in the our view,” he said.
are linked to of these governments, some of
deals that are already concluded and
485 which have health regulatory
China, Russia vaccines equal
some are currently being negotiated.
Terms are subject to change. systems on par with those in
COVAX Available Supply, Cumulative, Mn doses, 20211 footing the US or Europe,” they said.
1,945 Candidate attrition: Some candidates
485 are stillMoving on, the Cambodian
in clinical development. If they In addition, the writers al-
government
do not achieve positiveis undeterred
clinical trial by leged a preferred treatment
1,785 outcomes (safety and efficacy) and
Chinese vaccines, as lead-
regulatory approval, these volumes by the WHO in approving
AMC 1,620
445 ersbeincluding
will not Hun Sen’s kin
procured by COVAX. vaccines developed by largely
SFP and cabinet members volun-
Regulatory approval: Supply timing
advanced nations in a seem-
1,460
teeredonto
will depend be immunised.
regulatory success ingly faster mode but con-
1,295
and timelines,
Lauding including
thosereviews
whoof took the versely, pussyfooting those
355
individual batches (“batch release”).
1,175
vaccine, the premier asked the from developing nations such
1,080 Manufacturing: In many cases,
295
rest of the population not to as China or Russia. Unlike the
manufacturing is yet to reach full scale.
be fearful
Manufacturing about will
productivity thebevaccine’s former, vaccines from devel-
870 940
240 Further
brandby multiple
influenced or country of will
factors, which origin,
in oping nations, which could
turn influence volume and timing of supply.
785 volumes rather they should be worried be placed on equal footing
Corresponding to supply
�v�il�bility, regul�tory
640 to become about
Delivery: notofbeing
Timing deliveryvaccinated.
will depend as Western vaccines, are re-
175 630 �v�il�ble in on various factors, including local
�pprov�ls m�y c�use 2022, subject An appeal for people
regulatory approval, country readiness,
to sign up quired to undergo a prequali-
del�ys to deliveries
465
to funding for the
logistics, vaccination
indemnification programme
and liability in fication process. “In reality, it
�v�il�bility
325 place,
is in-country
underway, distribution
albeitetc. with a slow is an onerous and time con-
235 90
145 65 235
take-up,
Funding mostly
availability: attributed
Total potential supply to suming process.”
40
170 is shown; procurement
prevailing of these doses
scepticism. Considering the current
105 will depend on COVAX AMC fundraising,
AMC92 Perhaps,
cost-sharing TWN’s Chee could
beyond donor- predicament, Hun Sen might
J�n Feb M�r Apr M�y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec E�rly
allay
funded some
doses, and thedoubts.
final pricesInanda joint be making a judgement call
volumes of doses allocated to AMC92.
100% 100% 100% 100% 75% 74% 73% 72% 72% 72% 72% 2022 article with Indian public by going with Eastern vac-
healthThese
Allocation: activist Achal Prab-
supply forecasts cines, even as it plays into the
reflect a preliminary distribution of
% Secured volumes from signed �greements2 hala in The New York Times
doses based on each participant’s share
hands of his critics.
last Friday,
of available the
supply pro duo
rata wrote that
by demand Still, it has most likely helped
1
Supply refers to volumes of vaccine available from the manufacturer. Timing of forecasts is based on anticipated release of doses from
andChinese
are to be treated
andas indicative.
Russian Final vac- Cambodia steer clear of the
manufacturers. Volumes for expected single-dose regimen vaccine candidates doubled to ensure comparability across vaccine candidates.
Volumes have been rounded to the nearest 5M (except for those smaller than 5M), and so totals may not equal sum of segments. timing and volumes will be determined
2
Signed agreements include legally-binding agreements, memoranda of understanding, and statements of intent.
Source: COVAX Global Supply Forecast cines,
by the thoughMechanism.
WHO Allocation dismissed by crossfire of a raging war against
the West, might be the answer vaccine nationalism.
8 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 12, 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
4,078 1.2680 6.4582 104.69 4.0425 1.3246 29.88 0.7745 1.2131 1.3830
Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: February 11, 2021
Auction Trading Method (ATM)
No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low
1 ABC 17,020 17,060 17,060 17,020
2 GTI 3,340 3,200 3,340 3,200
3 PAS 13,660 13,660 13,660 13,660
4 PEPC 2,930 (SQ) - 2,930 2,930
5 PPAP 11,600 11,600 11,600 11,600
6 PPSP 1,540 1,520 1,550 1,510
7 PWSA 6,080 6,080 6,080 6,080
Vehicle import duty cuts proposed Cambodia
exploring
Thou Vireak
FTA with
M
INISTER of Economy and
EAEU bloc
Finance Aun Pornmon-
iroth has proposed an ad-
justment on vehicle im-
port duty, to be effective from March Continued from page 1
1, to revive the market and buttress the
logistics sector after customs clearance annual exports to the bloc.
revenue on vehicles fell by 40 per cent “The amount of trade will be
in 2020 from a year earlier. further unleashed once Covid-
In a February 1 letter addressed to 19 is over,”Vanak added. “Based
Prime Minister Hun Sen and signed by on the data, we can conclude
Pornmoniroth, the ministry contend- that the EAEU is a market that
ed that while the adjustment could has explored the possibility of
hive off 122.54 billion riel ($30.26 mil- buying products from Cam-
lion) in customs revenue, the move bodia – this is precisely what
would bolster demand for imports we want. [The numbers] also
beyond last year’s levels and partially indicate that Cambodia boasts
offset the perceived losses. goods that meet the EAEU’s re-
On February 4, the prime minister quirements.”
issued a consent letter to Pornmon- After signing the agreed min-
iroth regarding the adjustment, voic- utes on the conclusion of ne-
ing support for the transport sector gotiations over the Cambodia-
and environmental protection, and Korea Free Trade Agreement
hopes that the vehicle import market (CKFTA) via video link on Feb-
would be restored. ruary 3, commerce minister
The ministry said in its letter that the Pan Sorasak said the Kingdom is
import duty for “family cars” with cyl- Customs clearance revenue on vehicles fell by 40 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier. HENG CHIVOAN pushing for scoping studies on
inder capacity not exceeding 3,000cc similar deals with, among oth-
would be trimmed by 10 percentage a reduction in logistics costs. and logistics sectors. said, arguing that application to used ers, India, the UK and EAEU.
points – from 30 to 20 per cent and And dump trucks, cranes and other He said: “I am very happy that the cars would motivate the import of “We’ve met with a handful
from 60 per cent to 50 per cent where specialised vehicles will have import government has made the tariff pref- junkers into the Kingdom, which he of countries to envisage FTA
applicable. tax lowered from 40 to 30 per cent in erences, which will help reduce the stressed are less safe. [free trade agreement] nego-
For those with engines exceeding a bid to underpin physical infrastruc- cost of customs duties. I believe that Phnom Penh is thoroughly choked tiations. We’re willing to open
3,000cc in size, the rate will be slashed ture construction and logistics. all companies in the logistics sector by traffic congestion during rush hour, up the Cambodian market
by 15 percentage points – from 65 to The letter said a sharp decline in au- will increase imports of lorries to fill he said, calling for the tightening of and allow our people to ex-
50 per cent and from 70 to 55 per cent tomotive sector revenue and a slug- the shortage,” he said. traffic laws, improved management port products and balance
as the case may require. gish economic recovery during and Kong Ratanak, a traffic safety expert, of motorist behaviour and spruced- commercial priorities, in a bid
Purely electric family and passen- after Covid-19 are major concerns told The Post that the measure would up road infrastructure to stamp out to endeavour side-by-side and
ger cars will see import duty reduced and pose significant hurdles for cus- provide the people with more access to the problem. reap good results,” he said.
from 30 to 10 per cent, in a nod to en- toms revenue collection. cars, but suggested that it be exclusive Last year, the General Department Cambodia’s total interna-
vironment protection. Cambodia Logistics Association to new vehicles, which he said are built of Customs and Excise of Cambodia tional trade was valued at
Customs duty on semi-trailers and (CLA) president Sin Chanthy wel- to higher safety standards, save money collected $2.4196 billion in revenue, $35.81 billion last year, up
heavy lorries (over five tonnes) will be comed the move as a show of solidar- and help to protect the environment. down $795.5 million or 24.8 per cent 2.52 per cent from $34.92 bil-
cut from 40 to 25 per cent and 40 to 30 ity by the head of state and ministry “I encourage and support the reduc- compared to 2019. This was equivalent lion in 2019, according to data
per cent, respectively, to contribute to for the Covid-19-strained transport tion of import duties on new cars,” he to 83.5 per cent of the 2020 plan. from the ministry.
Oil states face $9T shortfall as demand falters: analysis
OIL and gas producing nations face income by one third, it found. there will be trade-offs,” he said. “Think- 20-40 per cent of government reve- with new technology.
up to nine trillion dollars in lost As renewable energy such as wind ing about fossil fuel producing coun- nues, while Russia, Mexico and Iran The analysis said that countries
income as the world accelerates the and solar becomes cheaper than fossil tries who are reliant on fossil fuel reve- were set to lose between 10-20 per could be helped to transition with
transition to renewable energy, sad- fuels, oil producing nations collectively nues to balance their budgets, they’re cent, the study said. funding for technical assistance, as
dling poorer but resource-rich nations risk a $13 trillion loss by 2040, compared going to have to face challenges.” The 2015 Paris climate deal enjoins well as regulatory and tax reform to
with higher risk of stranded assets, an with industry expectations. “It really is a matter of when, rather nations to work to limit temperature ease the shock of weaning their econ-
analysis showed on February 11. The report warned that govern- than if,” he added. rises to “well below” two degrees Cel- omies off of fossil fuels.
Over 400 million people live in the ments needed to act now to reduce The analysis found that seven sius above pre-industrial levels Pointing to social unrest caused by
worst affected countries, where dependence on oil and gas revenues countries, including Angola and through sweeping cuts in greenhouse government decisions to lower oil and
declining fossil fuel revenues could or face the risk of wasted capital and Azerbaijan, could lose at least 40 per gas emissions. gas subsidies – which increases the cost
see government income fall by at least obsolete infrastructure projects. cent of total government revenues by Under the framework ratified in for the consumer – Grant said states
20 per cent, leading to cuts in public Andrew Grant, head of climate, ener- 2040 if oil failed to hold its price at that accord, richer nations and busi- needed to improve their messaging.
services and greater unemployment, gy and industry at Carbon Tracker, said the Organisation of the Petroleum nesses are supposed to provide $100 “These things are always framed as an
according to an assessment by the recent net-zero announcements from Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) long- billion annually to countries most increase in price of a tax. But it’s not like
Carbon Tracker industry watchdog. global powerhouses such as China and term forecast levels of $60 a barrel. vulnerable to climate change. the money is disappearing, you can do
Half of those set to be impacted live Japan have added impetus to the shift Nigeria, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Half of that money is meant to help other things with it,” he said. “It’s about
in Nigeria, where a 70-per-cent drop away from highly polluting energy. Kuwait and Iraq were among 12 those states adapt to the heating making sure people are aware of the
in oil revenues would cut state “Clearly for certain places in the world nations that could lose between planet and to green their economies opportunities, not just the cost.” AFP
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