More Long-Term Thinking These Days: Economist

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer

Washington, D.C Friday, 24 September 2010
 
via CAAI
 

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Local and foreign tourists shop for jewelry and goods at central market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

“In the year 2010, there is a great impression that long-term investment is the most important need for the economy, as well as local people.”

Cambodia may still be facing some challenges from the global financial crisis, but it has recently shown some good trends, especially in long-term investment, a leading economist said Thursday.

“In the year 2010, there is a great impression that long-term investment is the most important need for the economy, as well as local people,” said Kang Chandararoth, president of the Cambodia Institute for Development Study, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

That would include investment in mining, power and infrastructure, he said.

Thinking has shifted away from a recent attitude of short-term investment and quick money, he said.

Cambodia’s main earners continue to be tourism, construction, agriculture and manufacturing. Earlier this year, the IMF predicted a 5 percent economic growth rate for 2010.

Kang Chandararoth advised farmers to not only cultivate for subsistence, but to consider the needs of the marketplace.