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AKP/01 Cambodian King Installed in Academy of Inscriptions
and Literature of France Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP -- His Majesty King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni has become member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Literature of France for his role in saving the arts, songs, ancient dances, historical and archeological researches and Khmer patrimonies. Elected on July 6, 2008, the Cambodian King was installed to the French Academy of Inscriptions and Literature on Feb. 12, 2010 while he was visiting Paris, France. The French Academy of Inscriptions and Literature mobilizes scholars and senior researchers of French nationals and foreign nationals and publishes the works of researches on the humanity around the world. --AKP (By Ravuth M.) ------------------- AKP/02 Cambodian Prime Minister Presides Over the
2010 Cambodia Outlook Conference Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen presided over the 2010 Cambodia Outlook Conference held at Phnom Penh Hotel on Mar. 17. The conference, co-organized by a partnership of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) and ANZ Royal Bank, ranged over a topic “Returning to a High Growth Economy – Policy Priorities and Action for Growth and Sustainable Development.” Also present at the event were government officials, private sectors, civil societies and representatives of development communities in Cambodia. The success in the future development of Cambodia and the share of prosperity are depended on the intelligence, the commitment, the industriousness and Cambodian people’s perspective to take opportunities and overcome the challenges faced, said H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, permanent vice chairman of the Supreme Council for National Economy, secretary general at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and president of CDRI board. He stressed that the global crisis left the challenging issues behind for the policy makers and the participants of the forum will be given an opportunity for discussing an objective of the new policy and setting the growth strategy toward the high economic growth and the sustainability of Cambodia. On the occasion, Premier Samdech Techo Hun Sen said although the world’s economy is recovering, we have faced daunting challenges to find new markets beyond the U.S. and European ones and compete for funding in terms of ODA, FDI and other sources to finance our growth and development. The economic structure has changed from an economy that mostly relied on garments and tourism into a more diversifying broad-based economy with improved domestic and regional linkages. Thus the key issue for us now is how to improve our ‘competitiveness’. “In deed, at the current stage of development, the assistance from our official development partners either in ‘preferential trade treatment’ or ‘development cooperation financing’ remain very crucial to the development of the Cambodian economy, and we are making our best efforts to use those resources effectively and efficiently to create a strong foundation for growth and poverty reduction among our people. We are also aware that, if we are going to be thoughtless, hasty and lacking of ownership, we cannot rely on ‘preferential treatment’ and such assistance to get rid of poverty,” he said, stressing “nobody gives us money to become rich, if we have no ideas on how to live on our own’.” The prime minister also made a brief recap on the impact of the global economic downturn on Cambodia, saying that the overall economic performance is not too bad, as recent preliminary estimates suggested GDP growth in 2009 would remain positive, supported by good performance in agriculture and service sectors at 5.4% and 2.3% respectively, offsetting the decline in other sectors such as industry at -9.4% especially the garment sector which dropped by -9%. All sub sectors of services have shown growth, except the real estate business which declined by -2.5%, said Samdech Techo Hun Sen, underlining that the tourism industry was hit by the crisis, with growth slowed down to 1.8% for the hotel and restaurant sub-sector. Investment (FDI) suffered some decline to around US$500 million in 2009, but it is still significant to support the Cambodian economy, he added. He continued that growth is expected to recover in 2010, at a projected 5% rate. Inflation has declined sharply, mainly due to lower food and fuel prices, while the exchange rate has been kept stable on par with the U.S. dollars. Gross official reserves increased from US$2.1 billion to US$2.3 billion covering 4 months of imports. Based on these latest indicators, we can say with confidence that the Royal Government, like others in Asia, has already led the Cambodian economy out of the difficult period of the crisis, while in such difficult circumstances, we managed to strictly maintain financial and macroeconomic stability as well as stability in society and the livelihoods of our Cambodian people, he said. After that, the Cambodian premier visited the photos exhibition on the activities of and outlook on Cambodia from 2007 to the present and its objectives in the future. The exhibition also showed the strong commitments made by the royal government to turning a high growth economy through the top priority over domains given by the royal government for being implemented. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/03 PM Receives Newly-appointed Chinese
Ambassador Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP -- Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen received here on Mar. 17 newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Mr. Pan Guangxue. In the meeting, the Chinese diplomat conveyed best wishes from the Chinese premier to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Ieng Sophalet assistant to the Cambodian prime minister, told reporters upon the meeting. Mr. Pan Guangxue pledged to do his utmost to further consolidate and expand the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. On the occasion, the Chinese ambassador invited Samdech Techo Hun Sen to pay an official visit in his country this year. For his part, the Cambodian premier warmly welcomed the diplomatic mission of Mr. Pan in Cambodia. He further recommended the Chinese Embassy to cooperate with the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to find an appropriate time for his visit in China. The newly-appointed Chinese ambassador to Cambodia presented on Mar. 15 his credentials to acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim. --AKP (By CHEA Vannak) ------------------- AKP/04 Meeting to Launch the “Social Safety Net in
Cambodia” Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP -- A meeting to launch the “Social Safety Net in Cambodia” was held here on Mar. 17 in the presence of Senior Minister H.E. Yim Chhay Ly, chairman of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development and Rehabilitation. The meeting was conducted by the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development and Rehabilitation and development partners. The royal government paid attention to the social development by turning the country with bare hand to the one with progress to rural infrastructure, public facilities and human resources, said Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Kep Chutema. The public facilities management under the implementation of the multiform reform program is part of a policy of the rectangular strategy of the royal government to reach the objectives of the national development plan and the poverty reduction, said Senior Minister H.E. Yim Chhay Ly. He noticed that the reform of decentralization and deconcentration should go with the development of the social safety system and is also the transfer of the power at the national into the one at the local level, that is, it is aimed to deepen the democracy of the rural community through the development of self-reliance in the localities. The local authorities should involve directly in the resolution of the rural community’s issues, he stressed. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/05 Chinese Vice Premier Arrives in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP -- Chinese Vice Premier H.E. Hui Liangyu arrived here yesterday, beginning his three-day official visit in the Kingdom. The visit is made at the invitation of Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers H.E. Sok An. The Chinese vice premier was welcomed at Phnom Penh International Airport by Cambodian senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and of the Office of the Council of Ministers as well as Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Mr. Pan Guangxue. While in Cambodia, H.E. Hui Liangyu will hold talks with H.E. Sok An and Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. Both sides will sign some cooperation documents. --AKP (By SOKMOM Nimul) ------------------- AKP/06 Cambodia Beer Brewery Starts the
Construction Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP --
A groundbreaking ceremony of Cambodia Beer Brewery construction was held in the southern outskirts of Phnom Penh on Mar. 17 in the presence of Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Ms. Men Sam An. When completed, the brewery can produce preliminarily one million hectoliters to two million hectoliters per year, according to Leang Khun, general director of Cambodian Brewery Co., Ltd. In her speech, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Ms. Men Sam An said the development of Cambodia Brewery Co., Ltd. is an attraction for foreign investors who wish to place their investments in Cambodia. She hoped that Cambodian Brewery Co., Ltd. will play a crucial role in the development of industry and trading, and can produce beer of higher standard to meet the demand for local and foreign customers. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/07 Cambodia Picks Up Coastal Area As Climate
Change Adaptation Model Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP -- Cambodia’s coastal area is selected as a model for a climate change adaptation program, Senior Minister and Minister of Environment H.E. Mok Mareth said on Tuesday at a national forum on climate change. The climate change adaptation program will be implemented in the coastal area region where approximately 1 million people live and house of thousands of biodiversity and natural resources, H.E. Mok Mareth said. In another event, a debate session on climate change with the topic “Cambodia and The Copenhagen Accord” was hosted on Mar. 15 by the Royal University of Phnom Penh under the support of UK Embassy. The debate has been organized in three leading universities in Cambodia. The first forum was hosted by the Royal University of Phnom Penh, followed by the University of Cambodia and the Royal University of Law and Economics Science. --AKP (By KHAN Sophirom) ------------------- AKP/08 Foreign Exchange Rates in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 18, 2010 AKP
-- The
following are the foreign exchange rates against the Riel (Cambodian
Currency) released by the National Bank on Mar. 18.
--AKP |
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AKP/01 Cambodian Foreign Minister Meets New Chinese
Ambassador Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP -- Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hor Namhong, minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation met here on Mar. 16 with new Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Pan Guang Xue. Cambodian foreign minister said Cambodia and China had the good relationship between the two countries for a long time, adding that the cooperation was made in all fields. He was satisfied with a lowest-interest loan given by the Chinese government for infrastructure construction in Cambodia and also with Chinese investment in hydro-electricity, saying that electricity is a foundation for the development of the country. The minister said Cambodia welcomed Chinese investors who wished to invest in other fields in Cambodia. In his diplomatic mission in Cambodia, the new Chinese ambassador hoped that he will get a good cooperation with the Cambodian government institutions, mainly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He said China will invite the top Cambodian delegation led by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen to participate in the opening of Shanghai exposition to be held on April 30. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/02 Education Minister Meets President of JHP
Organization of Japan Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP -- H.E. Im Sethy, minister of Education, Youth, and Sports met here on Mar. 15 with Ms. Osanai Mieko, president of the Japan Team of Young Human Power (JHP) and Mr. Imagawa Yukio, ex-Japanese ambassador to Cambodia.
JHP has provided construction projects to education in Cambodia from 1993 to 2010, with which 244 school buildings, 182 toilets, 80 children’s swings and 78 wells have been built, said the president of JHP. She said JHP can achieve its construction projects in the provinces in Cambodia, mainly school construction, due to the cooperation between JHP and the royal government, notably the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. In reply, the minister thanked JHP for its assistance in constructing school buildings in the provinces to train the human resources in the country. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/03 Information Minister Awards Medals to
Provincial Information Officials Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP -- Information Minister H.E Khieu Kanharith awarded medals to provincial information officials of Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Pailin, while visiting Battambang province on Mar. 16. The medal-awarding ceremony was also attended by Information officials and provincial governor of Battambang. Reports presented by provincial information officials at the ceremony deal with the work achieved by each of provincial information departments in media and audio visual, the improvement in the quality of the dissemination and the role in giving the information to the listeners according to a slogan “Odd, Rapid, Reliable, Anywhere, Any Time”. The media is treated as an important role in contributing to promoting democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of press, according to the reports delivered by the provincial information officials. In his address, Information minister praised the information officials of the four provinces for their efforts made in media and audio visual. He said the medals were given to those who performed their duties in information and those who are nearly retied after their tasks were performed in the past. The minister encouraged the provincial information officials to improve their competence and their own knowledge aimed to make the provincial departments operate more efficiently. He also urged them to grab all the information happening in their own provinces to enable the provincial authorities to take actions immediately. He insisted on each of provincial information departments paying attention to upgrading media and audio visual aimed to provide information, education and entertainment to the local people. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/04 Cambodia-Korea Assembly Friendship Group
Leaves for North Korea Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP -- A delegation of the Cambodia-Korea Assembly Friendship Group left here on Monday for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for a nine-day official visit. This visit is aimed to learn more about each other and to strengthen the ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries established since 1964, Som Chen, head of the delegation told reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport before his departure. According to the schedule, during its stay in North Korea from Mar. 15 to 23, the Cambodian delegation will have a working session with the Korea-Cambodia Assembly Friendship Group and meet with Korean economic officials. It will also pay courtesy visit to Choe Thae Bok, chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK. Moreover, the Cambodian delegation will visit President Kim Il Sung's homeland, the National Assembly of North Korea, the National Library and other important sites in the country. --AKP (By LIM Nary) ------------------- AKP/05 Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam Jointly Hold Trade
Fair in Rattanakiri Province Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP -- A trade fair of the CLV (Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam) Development Triangle kicked off on Mar. 13 in the Cambodian northeastern province of Rattanakiri. The three-day trade fair is aimed at strengthening the solidarity, sharing experiences and exchanging necessary goods between the three neighboring countries. Addressing the opening ceremony, Cambodian Commerce Minister H.E. Cham Prasidh said the fair is an initiative to promote trade and investment activities in order to boost the economic development in the CLV Development Triangle. As many as 13 provinces – four Cambodian, four Lao and five Vietnamese provinces – participated in the trade fair. --AKP (By OU Sokha) ------------------- AKP/06 Bermuda Tourist Ship Calls at
Preah Sihanouk Province Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP -- A
Bermuda tourist ship carrying some 1,890 multinational tourists called at
Preah Sihanouk province’s autonomous seaport on Mar. 16. The majority of the tourists are British, official of the ship movement department Se No told AKP. The 245-meter long and 36.8 meter wide ship, named Arcadia, has traveled across Vietnam and Cambodia before proceeding to Thailand. --AKP (By SOKMOM Nimul) ------------------- AKP/07 200 Players Join the 2010 Pétanque
Championship Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP -- The 2010 Pétanque Championship kicked off here on Mar. 16 at the National Olympic Stadium. As many as 198 players from 24 associations and clubs are participating in the six-day tournament.
In 2009, some 300 players of pétanque from 25 associations and clubs joined the competition. --AKP (By Théng) ------------------- AKP/08 Foreign Exchange Rates in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 17, 2010 AKP
-- The
following are the foreign exchange rates against the Riel (Cambodian
Currency) released by the National Bank on Mar. 17.
--AKP |
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AKP/01 New Chinese Ambassador Presents Credentials
to Cambodian Acting Head of State Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- New Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Pan Guang Xue presented his credentials to acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim here on Mar. 15 at the beginning of his diplomatic mission in Cambodia. The Cambodian acting Head of State appreciated the Chinese government for sending its diplomat to enhance the relationship and cooperation between the two countries. Samdech Chea Sim profoundly thanked the communist party, the government and people of China, for taking part in a process of seeking peace in Cambodia and continuing their assistance to the national development in the country. He reaffirmed that Cambodia stuck firmly to the “One-China policy”. For his part, the Chinese ambassador thanked Cambodia for a principle of “One-China policy”, making the relation and cooperation between the two nations further boosted for the benefit of the two nations’ peoples. The Chinese diplomat also pledged to do his utmost to strengthen and promote the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. --AKP (By THOU Peou) --------------- AKP/02 Cambodian National Assembly President Meets
S. Korean Parliamentary Delegation Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin met here on Mar. 12 H.E. Cho Jin Hyeong, chairman of the commission for Public Administration and Security of S. Korean parliament. The Cambodian national assembly president welcomed the visit by S. Korean parliamentary delegation to Cambodia, through which he said the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, mainly the two legislative bodies, would be developed and strengthened. He also expressed thanks to the parliament, the government and the people of S. Korea for their assistance to the national development in Cambodia. He told the S. Korean parliamentary delegation leader of Cambodian National Assembly’s role in approving draft laws, monitoring the implementation of the laws, receiving the complaints and solving the problems as requested by the complainants. The S. Korean delegation leader conveyed the best regards to the Cambodian national assembly president from the S. Korean parliament president, who was delighted with the development of the relationship and cooperation between the two nations following an official visit by S. Korean president to Cambodia. He also hailed an anti-corruption law adopted recently by the Cambodian National Assembly. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ---------------- AKP/03 Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen yesterday called on the armed forces deployed at the border with Thailand not to route while the internal situation in Thailand is in chaos. Cambodia will not take advantage of the internal problem to cause the border tension, and all Cambodian forces along the border with Thailand must make a good contact with the Thai military side, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said at a graduation ceremony at the National Institute of Education on Mar. 15. The Cambodian premier further appealed to the Cambodian workers working in Thailand not to join the protests in Thailand as it is Thailand’s internal issue. Samdech Techo Hun Sen also rejected the rumors on the presence of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Cambodia. Cambodia wishes not to hide his presence, but always make public broadcasts of his presence in the country, he stressed. --AKP (By KHAN Sophirom) ------------------- AKP/04 PM Urges School Institutions to Continue
Cooperation with Education Ministry Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has stressed the importance of human resource development and the cooperation between all school institutions in order to increase the quality of education. Addressing a graduation ceremony of Phnom Penh International University held here on Monday at the National Institute of Education, the Cambodian premier highly praised the university, saying that its achievement has resulted from the close cooperation between the university and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia and other concerned institutions. Samdech Techo Hun Sen also called on all educational institutions, both public and private, to pay attention to the enhancement of education quality. “I strongly believe that education is the key way for the development of each individual and for the national development,” he said. --AKP (By OU Sokha) ------------------- AKP/05 Japan To Grant Over US$31 million to
Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- The Japanese Government will provide up to the amount of ¥2,859,000,000, approximately US$31,800,000, in grant for the implementation of four development projects in Cambodia. The Exchange of Notes on the extension of the grant aid will be signed here on Mar. 18 by Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Masafumi Kuroki, said a press release of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday. According to the press release, of the total amount, ¥239 million will be used for the Construction of Neak Loeung Bridge (detailed design), ¥720 million for the Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System, ¥1,000 million for the Improvement of Capabilities to Cope with Natural Disasters Caused by Climate Change, and the rest (¥900 million) for the Forest Preservation Programme. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia will preside over the signing ceremony, it added. --AKP ------------------- AKP/06 Japan: Cambodia Is on the Right Track Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- Japan has said that Cambodia is on its right track in building and development process, Cambodian Lawmaker H.E. Chheang Von, head of the delegation of Cambodian-Japanese Assembly Friendship Group, told reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport on Mar. 13 upon his return from a one-week official visit to Japan. During its stay in Japan, the Cambodian delegation has met with Japanese Diet president, lawmakers from ruling and opposition parties, JICA, Japanese Chamber of Commerce, deputy foreign minister as well as Japanese-Cambodian Assembly Friendship Group, said H.E. Chheang Von. --AKP (By CHEA Vannak) ------------------- AKP/07 Information Ministry Ties Alliance with
Battalions No911 and 807 Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- The Ministry of Information, the Foreign Trade Bank, and the OMC Company have tied alliance with battalions No911 and 807 of the National Police. The official ceremony was held on Mar. 15 in Poipet of Banteay Meanchey province under the presidency of Information Minister H.E. Khieu Kanharith with provincial deputy governor, provincial deputy commander of gendarmerie, etc. in attendance. This alliance is made according to the recommendation of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. On the occasion, H.E. Khieu Kanharith and the OMC Company gave donation to both battalions. --AKP (By LIM Nary) ------------------- AKP/08 Bermuda
Tourist Ship Docks at Preah Sihanouk Province Phnom Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- A tourist ship carrying 2,627
multinational tourists called at Preah Sihanouk province’s autonomous seaport
on Mar. 12. Of the tourists, 1,073 are Australians, 612 Americans, 317 British, 247 Germans and other nationals. The 288-meter long ship, named Diamond Princess, has traveled across Vietnam and Cambodia before proceeding to Thailand. --AKP (By CHAN Soratha) ------------------- AKP/09 Foreign Exchange Rates in Cambodia Phnom
Penh, March 16, 2010 AKP -- The following are the foreign exchange
rates against the Riel (Cambodian Currency) released by the National Bank on
Mar. 16.
--AKP |
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AKP/01 Cambodia, Laos Sign Bilateral Security Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP -- Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Mar. 11 signed a bilateral agreement on security collaboration between the two countries. The agreement was signed by Cambodian Deputy Minister and Interior Minister H.E. Sar Kheng and Lao Public Security Minister H.E. Thongbanh Sengaphone. The bilateral agreement will enable development and security of the peoples along the border areas between Cambodia and Laos. The two sides exchanged legal implementation information and mechanisms for further cooperation among the two countries’ border provinces. During his five-day visit (Mar. 10-14) to Cambodia, the Lao delegation has paid a courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. --AKP (By MOM Chan Dara Soleil) ------------------- AKP/02 France to Help Build Cambodia’s First National Center for Chemical Analysis Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP -- The National Center for Science Research of the Republic of France will help build a center for chemical analysis in Cambodia. The plan was made known here on Mar. 11 following the meeting between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers H.E. Sok An and Madame Marie-Florence GRENIER-LOUSTALOT, Director of the National Center for Science Research and delegate for Côte d' Azur of France.
Madame GRENIER-LOUSTALOT said the upcoming center is scheduled to be constructed in the next one or two years. She also affirmed that her Research Center will send Specialized Professors to help train the Cambodian officials in the field of laboratory for the Ministries of Industry, Mine and Energy; Commerce; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Environment; Clean Water, especially Food sectors, according to a news article posted on the website of the Council of Ministers. For his part, H.E. Sok An welcomed the project with great satisfaction, and decided to provide one hectare of land located in the Royal Academy of Cambodia for the construction of this National Center for Chemical Analysis. The deputy prime minister promised to the delegation that he would set up the Memorandum of Understanding among the concerned ministries in order that the heads or deputy-heads of those concerned ministries’ laboratories to coordinate with the first National Laboratory at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, the article said. Furthermore, Cambodia has been working to build network with the François Mitterrand E-Library in Paris, and Cambodia is making request to the French Embassy in Cambodia to help cover the cost of the network building. In this regard, Madame GRENIER-LOUSTALOT would also like Cambodia to build network with the French Scientific Research Center for Chemistry. --AKP ------------------- AKP/03 US$-10 Million Education Project Officially
launched Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP -- The U.S. Embassy officially launched here on Mar. 11 a US$10-million education project, in the presence of Education Minister Im Sethy and U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Mrs. Carol A. Rodley. The five-year project is designed to improve the quality and interests of the basic education and to increase the access to schooling of the underprivileged children, including minorities, girls and the very poor, said a news release of the U.S. Embassy on Friday. Some 120,000 students in primary and lower-secondary schools in Kampong Cham, Kratie and Siem Reap provinces will benefit from the project, which will be implemented by the World Education Organization with the close collaboration with the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. --AKP (By Théng) ------------------- AKP/04 EU Parliamentarians To Visit Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP -- A delegation of the European Parliament for the relations with the Southeast Asian countries and the ASEAN will pay an official visit to Cambodia from Mar. 18 to 20. The nine-member delegation will meet with high-ranking government officials, lawmakers and representatives of the civil society and private sector, said a news release of the EU office here. The visit is aimed at learning about the recent political and economic evolution in the Kingdom, particularly the impacts of the global financial and economic crisis, the human rights situation, and the cooperation and trade relations between the EU and Cambodia, the release said. --AKP (By OU Sokha) ------------------- AKP/05 U.S. To Help Train Cambodia’s Peacekeeping
Forces Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP -- Visiting U.S. high-ranking military officer Gen. William
Crowe has accepted a request by Cambodia’s National Center for Peacekeeping
Forces and ERW Clearance (NPMEC) to train Cambodian forces on peacekeeping
mission. The request was made by Gen. Sem Sovanny, general
director of the NPMEC, during a visit to the Oudong military training school
on Mar. 11 by Gen. William Crowe who is in charge of South Asia and ASEAN
affairs office under the U.S. Department of Defense. The visit to Cambodia is made according to the advice by
leaders of the U.S. Department of Defense after a meeting in Washington between
a Cambodian military delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
National Defense Gen. Tea Banh and the U.S. Secretary of Defense Gen. Robert
Gate, said Gen. William Crowe. The U.S. Secretary of Defense fully supported the
activities of mine-clearance by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and
stressed that the mine-clearance mission is not only for Asia, but for the
whole world, he said. Visiting to several activities of mine-marking in the
artificial minefields along with the slide show of the past mine-clearance
activities made by the RCAF in Sudan and the RCAF joining the Global Peace
Operations Initiative (GPOI) held in many countries such as in Mongolia,
Bangladesh, Indonesia …, Gen. William Crowe highly valued the RCAF’s potentiality
and remarkable achievements. He said he will attend the GPOI-2010, which is due to be
held in Cambodia in July this year, as a member of the UN high-ranking
delegation. --AKP (By Noeu) -------------------
AKP/06 Oxford University Press Sets Up Exclusive
Market in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP -- A world-known Oxford University Press has formed a partnership with Cambodia-based United Knowledge Company for an exclusive distribution of English teaching and learning materials in Cambodia. The partnership agreement was officially signed on Mar. 11 between the executive director of the United Knowledge Company Meng Heang and the Oxford University Press representative Peter Marshall. Founded since 1586, the Oxford University Press is a leading academic printing body based in the United Kingdom. “It is not only because of United Knowledge’s incomparable resource and experience,” said Mr. Peter Marshall, “but its strong commitment to serve potential human resource in Cambodia, which is similar to that of Oxford University Press.” Having trained approximately 5,000 English teachers in Cambodia, the United Knowledge vowed to provide better service and reasonable price for its English teaching and learning materials in the country’s market. The United Knowledge’s executive director also made known his plan to enhance the cooperation with the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. --AKP (By MOM Chan Dara Soleil) ------------------- AKP/07 More Japanese Support to CMAC’s Activities Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP -- The Japanese Government has provided a total of US$676,537 to Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) for the Project for Supporting Humanitarian Mine Clearance in three northeastern provinces. The grant contract was signed here last Friday between CMAC Director General Heng Ratana and Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Kuroki Masafumi, at the Embassy of Japan. The project is aimed to clear minefields in the provinces of Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom and Oddar Meanchey for a one-year period, said Heng Ratana, adding that as many as 2,000 families will benefit from this project. CMAC will deploy its 2 mobile platoons, 2 brush cutter teams, 2 base-line survey teams, a short leash mine detection dog team, an explosive ordnance disposal team and 4 community-based mine risk reduction staffs, said a press release of the Japanese Embassy. From 1992 to January 2010, CMAC has cleared some 265 square kilometers and destroyed over 1.9 millions of mines and UXO, Heng Ratana pointed out. In his speech, the Japanese ambassador Kuroki Masafumi recognized the recent efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia in reducing significantly the number of casualties, stressing that the Japanese Government has put particular importance on assisting demining activities in Cambodia. Since 1998, Japan has extended more than US$82 million to support CMAC’s demining activities. --AKP (By SOKMOM Nimul) ------------------- AKP/09 Foreign Exchange Rates in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 15, 2010 AKP
-- The following are the foreign
exchange rates against the Riel (Cambodian Currency) released by the National
Bank on Mar. 15.
--AKP |
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AKP/01 Cambodia, Laos Boost Cooperation on Religion Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- Cambodian Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim received here on Mar. 10 a delegation of Lao Front for National Construction headed by its Vice President H.E. Thong Yeutho. In the meeting, Samdech Chea Sim warmly welcomed the Lao delegation and he is convinced that the visit will further tighten the friendship and cooperation between both countries, Samdech Chea Sim’s chief of protocol Mrs. Peng Kunthea Borei told reporters upon the meeting. During the five-day visit to Cambodia since Mar. 9, H.E. Thong Yeutho has inked a MoU on cooperation on religion with H.E. Min Khin, minister of Cults and Religion, under the presidency of Deputy Prime Minister Mrs. Men Sam An. --AKP (By CHEA Vannak) ------------------- AKP/02 PM Hun Sen Receives JETRO President Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- Samdech
Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of
Cambodia, received in Phnom Penh Wednesday Yasuo Hayashi, chairman of the Japan External
Trade Organization (JETRO)
in Cambodia. Yasuo
Hayashi said that his delegation’s visit was scheduled to attend the
inauguration of JETRO office in Cambodia, and that JETRO is a Japanese government-related
organization that promotes mutually beneficial trade and investment relations
between Japan and other
countries around the globe. He further said that
at present JETRO has 72 offices in 55 countries and JETRO office in Cambodia
is intended to promote Japanese investments in Cambodia and external trade
between the two countries. Through JETRO office
in Cambodia, he underlined, Japan will help train the industrial sector in
Cambodia for export orientation and the trade-related information from
Cambodia will be informed to investors in Japan. For his part, Prime
Minister Samdech Hun Sen said that was a good start, and JETRO would
contribute to the national development of Cambodia through its country office
by promoting Cambodia-Japan cooperation in bringing Japanese investors to
Cambodia in processing products for exports to Japan and other countries. Earlier on the same
day, JETRO office was officially opened in Phnom Penh with the participation
of Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce; Sun Chanthol,
Senior Minister and Permanent Deputy President of the Council for the
Development of Cambodia; Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Kuroki Masafumi;
Sadamori Keisuke, Deputy Director-General of Japan Trade Policy; and Nakahara
Kenichi, president of Japan’s Trade Association in Cambodia. Yasuo
Hayashi said JETRO office in Phnom Penh would provide trade facilitation
including information on trade and investment environment; assistance to
trade consideration with Cambodia, and advice and research; and finding the
solutions. Commerce
Minister Cham Prasidh thanked JETRO for opening its office in Phnom Penh. He
said it was a good time for Japanese investors to conduct businesses in
Cambodia, where there are, in addition to peace, security and stability,
plenty of natural resources for investment. Regarding the private investment ranking in Cambodia, Chinese firms have taken the lead, and the second are South Korean, whereas the Japanese ones are ranked number 10. --AKP (By Ravuth M.) ------------------- AKP/03 PM Welcomes Agricultural and Investment
Cooperation Initiative with Sudan Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- Sudan is seeking cooperation on agriculture and investment with Cambodia. The investment and agricultural cooperation initiative between Cambodia and Sudan was raised by H.E. Ali Ahmed Karti Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the Sudanese President, during a meeting here yesterday with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. During the meeting, H.E. Ali expressed thanks to the government of Cambodia over Cambodian humanitarian mission in Sudan, Ieng Sophalet, assistant to the Cambodian premier, told reporters upon the meeting. For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Cambodian peacekeeping contingent in Sudan is only for humanitarian mission, so the Sudanese people should regard them as their own people. Earlier on Mar. 10, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also met with H.E. Thongbanh Sengaphone, minister of Public Security of Laos. The Ministry of Public Security of Laos and the Ministry of Interior of Cambodia have agreed to further boost the cooperation. --AKP (By KHAN Sophirom) ------------------- AKP/04 Cambodia Rejects UN Country Team’s Comment
on Adoption Process of Anti-Corruption Law Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia has rejected the UN Country Team’s
comment on the adoption process of the Anti-Corruption Law. The full statement dated today
reads as follows: “Through the media, the ‘UN
Country Team’ commented on the adoption process of the Cambodian
Anti-Corruption Law as though it was lecturing the Royal Government of
Cambodia on what to do about this Law. This has given rise to question as to what purpose the United Nations had
sent this UN Country Team to Cambodia. This Team has apparently exceeded the
limit of their mandate. In any case, the Royal Government of Cambodia cannot accept lessons given
by a few individuals comprising this Team. As in the case of other democratic
countries around the globe, the Royal Government Cambodia came to power by
the will of the majority of the Cambodian people through free and fair
elections. Like any democratic country, the Royal Government of Cambodia
governs the country on the basis of laws passed by the parliament, Royal
Decrees and other Directives etc. Again, as in the case of other democratic countries, guiding principles of
the state and drafts of laws are put under the scrutiny of
the parliament through general debates and democratic vote, in which the
opposition parties have full rights to oppose and
seek amendments. But ultimately it all depends on the majority vote of the
parliament, which is normal in any democratic country. No democratic country would be required to delay parliamentary debates on
a draft law in order to allow time for further scrutiny by the opposition
parties or the civil societies. It is utterly unacceptable for the so-called
‘UN Country Team’ to demand publicly through the media such a move by the
Royal Government of Cambodia. It should be reminded that before the final draft of the Cambodian
Anti-Corruption Law was completed, an extensive
process of consultation and many changes on the draft had been made with the
participation and close cooperation of various national institutions and
international organizations such as the UNDP, USAID, DANIDA and JICA. The Royal
Government of Cambodia had also sent delegations to learn from the experience
of anti-corruption institutions of various countries, including Singapore,
Hong Kong and Malaysia. In August 2005, a seminar participated by
Cambodian government institutions and a number of non-governmental
organizations was conducted in order to collect more inputs and
recommendations for improving this draft law. When the process to adopt the Anti-Corruption Law was pending in order to fine-tune
it with the Criminal Code which was yet to be passed, the opposition and some
misguided organizations accused the Royal Government Cambodia of dragging its
feet over the law. Ironically, when the parliamentary debate and adoption
process was in motion, the same parties and organizations demanded more delay
for scrutiny. Anyhow, the debate and adoption of the law in the National
Assembly proceeded and completed 11 March, after an intensive debate. This so-called ‘UN Country Team’ should not act out of its mandate, in
flagrantly interfering in the internal affairs of a UN member State.
Furthermore, it should refrain from acting as if it were the spokesperson of
the opposition parties.” --AKP ------------------- AKP/05 Anti-Corruption Draft Law Approved Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- The National Assembly on Mar. 11 adopted unanimously the anti-corruption draft law, after one day and a half of debates. All the 82 lawmakers present voted for the nine-chapter with 57-article draft law. Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers and government’s representative to defend the draft, believed that the anti-corruption law will become an important “sharp tool” for combating corruption in the country. --AKP (By SOKMOM Nimul) ------------------- AKP/06 Meeting to Review Cambodia’s Trading Policy
in WTO Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- The first-ever meeting to review Cambodia’s trading policy in the World Trade Organization (WTO) was held here on Mar. 9 in the presence of Senior Minister H.E. Cham Prasidh, minister of Commerce. After recalling a process of Cambodia’s application for a member of WTO, the minister attached an importance to the implementation of Cambodia’s trading policy in WTO, saying that the organization asked Cambodia to prepare for questions in response to WTO meeting due to be held in November 2011. The minister said the review mechanism only takes place in promoting the transparency, and the understanding of the trading policy and the WTO-member countries’ implementation, as well as assessing the impact of the trading policy on the world trading system. The participants from the relevant institutions made some comments and also prepared questions for the Geneva-base secretariat of WTO. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/07 Seminar to Boost Quality and Broadcasting of
Cambodia National Radio Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- A seminar on strengthening a partnership between Cambodia National Radio, and provincial and municipal information departments was held here on Mar. 11 in the presence of Secretary of State H.E. Thach Phen of Information. The seminar, co-organized by the Cambodia National Radio, World Bank, Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), is aimed to boost the quality and the broadcasting of Cambodia National Radio. Secretary of State H.E. Thach Phen said the seminar will draw more experiences to promote the broadcast at the same time the human resources were given the training and experiences, along with modern equipments, and comfortable working environment. H.E. Tan Yan, general director of Cambodia National Radio made some remarks concerning the relations with working network in the provincial and municipal information departments, the activity of broadcasting program, good governance, chat show program and news. He also asked for good cooperation with relevant technical parts to make the institution possible to get more success. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/08 Annual Meeting in Kampong Speu Province Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP -- Kampong Speu province held an annual meeting on Mar. 9 to review all achievements gained in 2009 and set a working plan to be carried out in 2010 in the presence of Secretary of State Ms. Chou Bun Eng of Interior. Reports presented by the provincial authorities to the meeting deals with rice cropping, intensive rice farming, rice exporting, security, public order and the decrease of offences in the province. The secretary of state appreciated the provincial authorities together with the provincial people for their efforts in the national development in the province. She also insisted on continuing to safeguard territorial integrity in accord with the royal government’s policy for the national development based on the principle of decentralization and de-concentration under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/09 Foreign Exchange Rates in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 12, 2010 AKP
-- The following are the foreign
exchange rates against the Riel (Cambodian Currency) released by the National
Bank on Mar. 12.
--AKP |
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AKP/01 Cambodian Premier Presides Over the
Launching of Penal Code Phnom Penh, March 11, 2010 AKP -- Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen presided over the launching of the penal code at the Intercontinental Hotel in Phnom Penh on Mar. 10. The event was attended by government officials and foreign ambassadors to Cambodia. The implementation of the penal code is a proof that the legal framework was formed according to the judicial and legal reform of the royal government under the leadership of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and also to the royal government’s commitment to the international community, said Justice Minister H.E. Ang Vong Vadhana at the launching ceremony. The penal code has been approved by the National Assembly and the Senate, with the majority of votes in favor. French Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Jean-François Desmazières hailed the launching of the penal code as a step forward for and the Cambodian royal government’s commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, to forming the important legal system. He also said that the penal code is important and necessary to give education and dissemination to law-enforcement officers and Cambodian citizen to ensure the effectiveness of the law implementation. --AKP (By THOU Peou) ------------------- AKP/02 ASEAN Secretary-General: I Was Quoted Out of
Context Phnom Penh, March 11, 2010 AKP -- ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan has sent letters to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, clarifying his recent statements over the Cambodian military exercise in early March. “I deeply regret that the issue has caused much misunderstanding and discomfort, particularly when I was quoted totally out of context with regard to my statements,” he said in both letters dated Mar. 9. “The question directed at me was of a general nature, and my responses were with specific reference to the prevailing situation along the Cambodian-Thai border which I have expressed on many occasions before to all ASEAN Foreign Ministers and to the ASEAN Leaders,” he said. “My concerns on the border situation have indeed been publicly expressed on numerous occasions, and are very much a routine response to media enquires as in this case. No other media, foreign and Thai, reported on my statements.” Surin Pitsuwan also said he look forward to meeting Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the 16th ASEAN Summit in April to further clarify the situation. --AKP ------------------- AKP/03 Japan’s JETRO Opens Its Office in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 11, 2010 AKP -- The new trade office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) officially opened here on Mar. 10, under the presidency of Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce H.E. Cham Prasidh. Yasuo Hayashi, Chairman and CEO of JETRO, said at the opening ceremony that JETRO will boost the trade activities and the trade investment between both countries through providing services. In reply, H.E. Cham Prasidh warmly welcomed the new trade office here, saying that through this, the trade sector will be further developed in the Kingdom. JETRO is a Japanese government-related organization established in 1958 for the main purpose of trade and investment promotion and economic cooperation. It has 38 offices in Japan including the Tokyo headquarters and another 72 overseas offices in 55 countries including in Phnom Penh. --AKP (By LIM Nary) ------------------- AKP/04 American Expert Trains Cambodian Tax
Officers Phnom Penh, March 11, 2010 AKP -- An American expert has provided training for Cambodian tax officers on tax strategy plan, the Taxation General Department said. A week-long (Mar. 9-15) training was attended by 31 Cambodian tax officers. The training is aimed to upgrade the capacity building of the tax officers. --AKP (By KHAN Sophirom) ------------------- AKP/05 Foreign Exchange Rates in Cambodia Phnom Penh, March 11, 2010 AKP
-- The following are the foreign
exchange rates against the Riel (Cambodian Currency) released by the National
Bank on Mar. 11.
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