The Phnom Penh Post News in Brief

via CAAI News Media

EU launches food support programme

Friday, 26 February 2010 15:00 Khouth Sophakchakrya

European Union officials on Thursday celebrated the launch of the US$25 million EU “Food Facility” in Cambodia, a fund to support agriculture and combat rising food prices in developing countries. During the meeting in Phnom Penh, Rafael Dochao Moreno, Charge d’ Affaires of the EU Delegation to Cambodia, said the fund will be made up of €11 million (about US$15.4 million) to assist existing projects within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and a further package of €6.9 million (about $10 million) towards other projects in the agricultural sector.

EU's $10m for farming

Friday, 26 February 2010 15:00 Steve Finch

THE European Union (EU) announced Thursday it had awarded an additional €6.9 million (US$10 million) as part of a €17.9 million package to improve agricultural production among the poor in rural Cambodia. An EU statement said the money would go to three NGOs – Gret, ZOA and Helen Keller International – and Germany’s development agency GTZ on projects that include improving access to irrigation, rice banks and rice seed stores.

Call for Indonesia flights

Friday, 26 February 2010 15:00 Cheang Sokha and Chun Sophal

PRIME Minister Hun Sen Thursday called for direct flights between Cambodia and Indonesia to promote tourism. Prime Minister’s Spokesman Eang Sophalleth said after a Phnom Penh meeting between the premier and Indonesia’s House of Regional Representatives Deputy Director Laode Ida that Hun Sen called for flights “as soon as possible”. Tith Chantha, director general at the Ministry of Tourism, said technical teams from both countries are finalising the process, with flights between Siem Reap and Borobudur on Java expected from April.