via CAAI News Media
Italy Wants To Increase Tourism with Cambodia
Monday, 18 January 2010 12:02 Ek Madra
Dr. Sok An welcomed an initiative raised by Michelangelo Pipan who wanted to bring the two countries’ art performance which is part of the efforts to attract more tourists.
Pipan told Dr. Sok An Deputy Prime Minister that “Italy wants to get involve in the activities related to the work of Angkor.”
He also informed His Excellency Dr. Sok An last week that “we should organize a trip for tourist investors to visit Cambodia because such the event could attract more Italian tourists to Cambodia.”
Dr. Sok An agreed with that initiative and asked the two countries to work together more on how to allure more Italian tourists and investors to visit as well as to invest in Cambodia.
Pipan said he was working on a plan to get Italian artists to perform at Angkor complex which is expected to take place in August this year. And Cambodia could also organize, on that occasion, its traditional art performance there.
Dr. Sok An also highlighted the rich culture of more than 600 years old of the two countries.
He also told the Ambassador on Wednesday that “our two countries have had very long and outstanding civilization. Cambodia’s culture emanated from Angkorian Empire and Italy’s culture from Roman empire.”
Dr. Sok An, who is also minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, said the planned art performances of the two nations also show cultural links between the empires of Angkor-Roman, which leads to improve relations in culture, tourism and economy.
He also told the Ambassador there are six Italian restaurants in Phnom Penh, two in Siem Reap and one in Kampongsom province. Italian tourists ranked 20th. But Excellency Pipan said “I want to see Italian tourist ranks 10th, not 20th in the future.”
Cambodia has been received more 2 million tourists last year and is expected to increase by 15 per year.
Cambodia’s Hard Year is over, 2010 Signals the Dawn of Many Prosperous Years to Come
Monday, 18 January 2010 10:40 DAP-NEWS/ Ek Madra
The dark cloud which had hanged over Cambodia during the global downturn since mid-2008 seems to disappear and Cambodia has seen many signs of economic recovery in the region and the spill over effects will bring opportunities for a new take off in Cambodian economy. There are optimistic indications that Cambodia’s economy bounces back in the coming years.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided new outlook that the emerging East Asian economies will grow higher than earlier expected 6.5 percent to 6.8 percent in 2010. The Bank also said last year’s Asian growth was 4.2 percent instead of 3.6 percent as earlier forecasted. So, this could be good news for Cambodia, meaning that foreign investors from the region which look for long-term investments could flow billions of dollars into Cambodia where the country has become an investment destination on the region’s radar screen since Cambodia is well known to be enjoying political and social stability, thanks to the wise leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia. Slowly but surely, Cambodia achieved many fundamental reforms in public administration, public finance, and judiciary, thus promoting the rules of law, responsibility and accountability. The Anti-Corruption draft law has been adopted last month by the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers for adoption and already presented to the National Assembly in order to further enhance the confidence of the national and international investors and a commercial court will be institutionalized to meet the challenge of the modern day economy.
Another plus for Cambodia is the continued support of China both politically and financially. Last month China approved US$1.2 billion in grant aid and loans for Cambodia to develop infrastructures. For sure, the country’s infrastructure improvement will attract more investors—especially Chinese investors themselves who have been leading in Cambodia’s foreign direct investment in recent years.
Already, Vietnamese business is interested in new investments of billions of dollars in Cambodia as reported in December. The two nations, Cambodia and Vietnam inked to bring about US$6 billion of Vietnam’s investment to Cambodia in the area of power generation, food processing, fertilizer production, rubber plantation and health care. It is worth noticing that the two-way trades between Cambodia and Vietnam have increased significantly in recent years, reaching US$1.7 billion in 2008, up 40 percent compared to 2007.
Another factor that we should also be optimistic is the inward investment of South Korea, whose value was recorded US$1.21 billion in the period 2007- 2009. And Korean loans were US$220 million (2001-2009) and concession loans for 2008- 2011 were recorded US$120 million for five projects.
No one needs to be a rocket scientist to figure it out that foreign investments and infrastructure development contribute to the growth of the national economy, and for the case of Cambodia, tourism, garment export, rice production, banking, and construction are the major areas that drive the national economy.
Taking into account the statistics given by tourism ministry, foreign tourist arrival in Cambodia increased 2 percent in 2009, with a total number of 2,160,000 tourists—which is a sign of recovery in tourism industry. Angkor area, just for the last few months has made the news in many well known magazines in Europe, including National Geographic, Geo, Atlas and others, and National Geographic, for instance, is published in French, English, German and Russian. The richness of Cambodia in cultural heritages, recognized as a “Cultural Empire” will attract cultural tourists all over the world in even greater number. The Temple of Preah Vihear, another world heritage after Angkor area, will become a great tourist attraction in the near future. More eco-compatible tourist destinations are expanded in the southwest, the north and northeast. In this regard, it can be said that tourism sector continues to play a vital role in contributing to the country’s growth given the tourist arrival is expected to increase 15 percent a year.
Another strong sector is agriculture especially in rice production. Cambodia has been successful with rice production in the last decade and this prospect remains unchanged. The kingdom produced 7.286 million tonnes of rice for 2009/2010 of which the country saw another surplus of rice of 3.1 million tonnes available for export.
While tourism and agriculture are the backbone of the Cambodian economy, foreign investments will contribute to the development and growth in other areas, such as garment industry, banking and construction.
Finally, the establishment of the China-ASEAN free trade area (FTA) on January 1, 2010, under which most goods traded between China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attach zero or little tariff, will promote the development of trade and economic cooperation of the region and benefit greatly countries and the people.
The world's largest free-trade area (FTA) came into force since January, 2010, an initiative that gives a shot in the arm for global trade troubled by rising protectionism.
Consequently, Cambodia would greatly benefit from the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.
Cambodia is therefore optimistic about the prospect of growth of the economy of Cambodia. Obviously 2009 was a low growth year, but the beginning of 2010 signals the dawn of many prosperous years to come.
Asia Pacific Parliament Forum in Singapore to Talk Cooperation
Monday, 18 January 2010 02:38 DAP-NEWS
An Asia Pacific Parliament Forum in Singapore will discuss politics, economic issues and security cooperation, a press release from the Cambodian National Assembly obtained on Saturday said.
The Cambodian delegation will be led by National Assembly president Heng Samrin and the meeting will be held 17-21 January in Singapore.
The main topic will focus on ASEAN cooperation, safety on the Korean pen-insula, Middle East issues and counter terrorism, the press release said, adding that climax exchange, renewable energy, youth cooperation, the economic crisis, globalization, trade and protection issues, and economic cooperation in the Asia pacific region will also be addressed.
The forum will hopefully determine the future direction of the Asia Pacific Parliament Forum (APPF), the release said.
No Fears over Opposition Alliance: CPP
Monday, 18 January 2010 02:37 DAP-NEWS
Plans for an alliance of the two opposition parties in Cambodia pose few worries for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), a CPP lawmaker said on Friday.
January 15, 2010, was the one year anniversary of the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) and Human Rights Party (HRP) agreement to merge to better compete in future elections. So far there has been little evidence of any merger.
On January 15, 2009, Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha signed a joint agreement to found a new political movement named the Political Movement of Democracy for Change.
Cheang Von, CPP lawmaker, said that the CPP still boasts strong local support ”so we are not anxious about the alliance.”
“We are not worried at all as CPP officials are strong at local bases and CPP officials jointly cooperate, helping solve local citizens’ matters lead by the three top leaders of CPP,” Cheang Von told DAP News Cambodia.
Chear Poch, an SRP Lawmaker, said the party is still hopeful that it can win the next election, especially given other recent underdog victories, such as in Japan.
Cheang Von, however, was unworried. “All democratic figures are gradually jointly handing in the upcoming time which we will not break as we need more periods to prepare some mechanisms, leading to better,” he added.
HRP Lawmaker Yem Ponhrith said that the opposition is upping its game. “At the moment, many other democratic figures are joining us to build a strong democracy,” he added, expressing optimism for a win in the next election.
Cheang Von poured scorn on such claims, saying the CPP will only garner more support in the next vote due to their attention to social and economic issues under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Diarrhea Threat in Dry Season: MoH
Monday, 18 January 2010 02:37 DAP-NEWS
The Health Minister announced on Friday that the dry season poses increased risks of diarrhea, especially communities in remote areas.
In A release from the Ministry of Health, Mam Bunheng said that “A lack of hygiene, which includes no WC, poor cleaning, little food protection and flies, causes many diseases, especially diarrhea.”
The disease always occurred during the dry season, the release said.
Vigorous cleaning, toilet usage, food safety and eliminating flies will help reduce risks, the release added.
Those suffering diarrhea should be given pure water only, the release stressed.
A Kampong Speu provincial resident identified only as Sothea, 35, told DAP News Cambodia that her son was sick for two days with diarrhea.
She claimed that about 20 percent of her commune had problems in the last week.
The MoH release also said that all Cambodians should seeks nearby commune hospitals in severe cases.
Suthep’s Remarks Groundless: Koy Kuong
Monday, 18 January 2010 02:35 DAP-NEWS
Cambodian Foreign Ministry Spoke- sman Koy Kuong on Friday rejected recent remarks of Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban alleging that Thai Fugitive Former Thaksin Sina- watra’s proposed third visit to Cambodia is part of Thaksin’s plan to use Cambodia as a political base against the Bangkok government. Koy Kuong called the claims groundless.
Thaksin’s plan to visit Cambodia is solely for commanding the planned mass anti-government protest by the red-shirts, Thai Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post on Friday.
“Thaksin’s trip to Phnom Penh is not surprising. It is known that Thaksin has joined hands with Hun Sen to use Cambodia as his political command base as it is nearer than his Dubai base,” Suthep said.
Koy Koung said such groundless claims are unacceptable.
“This statement was an allegation which is not suitable for a leader with proper consideration,” he said. “His Excellency Thaksin’s arrival in Cambodia twice did not cause any troubles and he just fulfilled his duty as an advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the [Cambodian] government.”
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong said on Thursday that Thaksin would make a third visit to Cambodia this month since being named a government advisor.
However, Koy Kuong said Thaksin’s arrival date and the duration of his stay remained unclear.
The pro-Thaksin United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) announced on Thursday that it would hold “last battle” rally next month before the Supreme Court hands down its ruling on the Thaksin assets seizure case.
UDD leader and Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Promphan said on Thursday that it would be a decisive demonstration and if UDD failed to bring about the fall of the Abihisit government, there would be no second chance for the red-shirts.
Thai leaders have increasingly blamed Cambodian leaders for local political instability, especially after Thaksin’s appointment as a Cambodian government advisor.
Thailand has yet to assign an ambassador to Cambodia following the recall of their previous ambassador on November 4, 2009. There are no signs that Thai leaders are ready to appoint a new ambassador.
Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia at the beginning of November last year after fury at the appointment of Thaksin on November 4, 2009.
After Thailand recalled its ambassador, Cambodia did as the same.
The argument has quickly descended into a blame game, with Thai leaders blasting Cambodian leaders for interfering in Thai internal affairs by appointing Thaksin.
ASEAN Agrees to Create Dispute Resolution Mechanism
Monday, 18 January 2010 02:34 DAP-NEWS
The ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Vietnam agreed in principle to establish a mechanism to deal with disputes in the group, a press release from meeting said.
Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem said the protocol would make concrete Article 25 of the ASEAN Charter, which aims to build a mechanism to solve conflicts within ASEAN, the press release said.
Three ASEAN ministerial meetings, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, the third ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting and the Special ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting, concluded in the central city of Da Nang on January 14, the press release from the ASEAN Foreign Minister” Retreat Meeting said.
These were the first ministerial meetings of ASEAN presided by Vietnam as the ASEAN Chairman in 2010. At a two-day meeting in the central city of Danang, foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have approved a draft principle for a Protocol mechanism to solve disputes, it said, adding that that the third APSC Council meeting reviewed latest developments in the council’s sectoral bodies in efforts to build a political-security pillar and agreed on the need to further enhance information sharing and coordination among the APSC sector bodies and stakeholders.
The Special ACC Meeting adopted the draft Terms of Reference on the High-level Task Force on ASEAN Connectivity and agreed that the Task Force would start their work in late January or early February this year.
At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, the Ministers exchanged views on directions for ASEAN cooperation in 2010 with two major clusters of issues: ASEAN Community Building and ASEAN’s External Relations.
Foreign ministers stressed the need to give priority to ASEAN connectivity in a wide range of areas from infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology, mobility of people, to facilitation of trade, thus further enhancing linkages with external partners, especially in East Asia, as appropriate.
The ministers discussed measures to boost ASEAN’s partnerships with dialogue partners, including the holding of various ASEAN summits with dialogue partners such as the regular Summits with China, Japan, South Korea, India, and a second summit between ASEAN and Russia, as well as a second summit between ASEAN and the US.
The ministers also agreed on the accreditation to ASEAN from a number of countries, namely Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Pakistan and Morocco.
During the meeting, the ministers listened to the ASEAN Secretary-General’s report on efforts to help Myanmar overcome the consequences of storm Nargis. They agreed on the need for ASEAN to continue cooperation in coping with climate change, following the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change.
In view of the massive earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, the ministers expressed ASEAN’s sympathy and condolences to the government and people of Haiti. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, as the Chair of the ASEAN, sent a letter to his Haitian counterpart later in the day.
Through the meetings, the ASEAN Ministers exchanged views on ASEAN’s priorities in 2010 and expressed a high consensus on the theme of ASEAN in 2010: “Towards an ASEAN Community: from Vision to Action.”
Accordingly, ASEAN’s cooperation in 2010 will focus on boosting regional solidarity and connectivity, effectively implementing the Charter and Roadmap to build the ASEAN Community, broadening and deepening relations with partners, enhancing cooperation to cope with climate change, natural disasters and diseases as well as raising the position and role of the bloc.
Street Walkers Detained
Forces led by the vice district governor of Toul Kork district in Phnom Penh detained 22 Cambo- dian street walkers in the area, to local authorities said on Friday.
At 22:30 pm authorities cracked down sex workers walking the streets, Vice District Governor Saing Sopheak Vicheth told DAP News Cambodia.
“We detained 22 Cambodian female sex workers,” he said.
Seven suspects were arrested on Road 273 in Boeung Kak I, another 5 nabbed in Teok Laak I, and a further 10 on Monireth Bvld, he added.
All girls were detained and sent to social organizations to be reeducated.
Some Toul Kork residents expressed satisfaction at seeing the sex workers detained, claiming they lowered the tone of the area and were implicated in drugs trafficking.
Monday, 18 January 2010 02:34 DAP-NEWS
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