PAD struggles to ward off mid-life crisis

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Published: 14/03/2011

Newspaper section: News

A political mid-life crisis has come too soon for the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Odd behaviour stemming from a fear about ageing normally shows up in middle age.

Typical symptoms include getting depressed when things don't go your way; and failing to accomplish a task which was once easy.

These symptoms seem to fit well with what is happening to the PAD and its hardcore yellow shirt followers.

The PAD was once a formidable pressure group, having toppled governments and chased prime ministers out of office, including its nemesis Thaksin Shinawatra.

But as it marked its fifth anniversary on Feb 8, the movement is a pale shadow of its old self.

It's not too cruel to say that principal leaders such as Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang are struggling to make themselves heard from the group's stage at Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

The Cambodian card they're playing has failed to rattle the government, even after months of trying.

The PAD's calls on the government to rip up the 2000 memorandum of understanding on land border demarcation signed with Phnom Penh has yet to excite the group's supporters or the public at large.

National sovereignty is supposedly at stake, but the group has yet to strike the right chord with voters so that we really care what is happening at the border, or in meeting rooms where border demarcation lines are decided.

The yellow shirt group felt frustrated when their allies, Veera Somkhwamkid and Ratree Pipatanapaiboon of the Thai Patriots Network, who are serving jail time in Cambodia for spying, chose to apply for a royal pardon favoured by the government, rather than the PAD-preferred option of carrying on with their court fight.

Now the only way left for the PAD is how to exit this rally in a way which leaves supporters with a sense that they won.

That is an essential matter now, as the psychological reward from having scored a big hit will draw them back next time the PAD has found a pet cause.

They want to go back home with a sense of pride, a belief that they were part of the historic mission to protect Thai territory for future generations.

The poor response to the Cambodian issue, which the PAD has played up for months, is the group's second big disappointment after the unimpressive debut of its political party spin-off, the New Politics Party.

The NPP was shocked in by-elections last December when voters in Bangkok opted for the Democrats, even though the capital is also a strong base of the yellow shirts.

The defeat is a bad sign given that a general election will be held within months.

The PAD hoped the rally against the governments of Thailand and Cambodia over the border stand-off would have improved its traction with voters.

What's worse than their failing to excite voter interest is that the PAD leaders have failed to keep their composure and apparently are making more enemies than friends as the rally goes on.

They have attacked anybody who refuses to bend to their demands.

That will isolate them politically after the election, assuming some NPP candidates are elected to parliament.

That's something for the future; the more pressing concern is the present.

The PAD urgently needs medical advice to pull itself out of its premature political mid-life crisis.

It needs to cast aside its crisis of confidence and shape itself up to fight the forthcoming poll.

The yellow shirt leaders cannot make a U-turn on the NPP as it needs heads in parliament to fulfil its political agenda, where it will have to take on parties which are experienced in political trench warfare.

The PAD's best-known faces, Mr Sondhi and Maj Gen Chamlong, have decided to leave the election fighting to a younger generation of leaders.

They are sitting out the the poll from the ringside, rather than making themselves available as candidates.

That could be another mistake, if the younger ones aren't yet well known enough to voters, even after months of campaigning from the PAD stage.

The PAD will have to take careful stock of itself before the election.

The PAD was once a political force to be reckoned with.

If only for that reason alone, nobody wants to see the PAD's mid-life crisis getting worse and turning out to be full-fledged political suicide.

Over 5,100 sets of volunteers’ remains repatriated from Cambodia

http://english.vovnews.vn/

via CAAI

14/03/2011

Over 5,100 sets of remains of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts have been repatriated from Cambodia during the 2001-2011 period.

The figure was released at a meeting in Phnom Penh on March 12 to review 10 years of the search for remains of fallen Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts who laid down their lives during the war in Cambodia.

During the 10-year period, search teams have completed a large volume of work thanks to their active cooperation and coordination with Cambodian localities under an agreement signed between the Vietnamese and Cambodian governments on August 28, 2000.

Vietnam’s Military Zone 9 said it is in charge of searching for the remains of some 8,500 fallen Vietnamese soldiers in 10 Cambodian provinces. In 2011, the zone will continue the work, especially in such provinces as Kandal, Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Cham.

Between 2012 and 2015, the zone’s search teams will search and gather remains of Vietnamese martyrs in all remaining areas.

Vietnamese doctors give sight to poor Cambodian patients

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/

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Monday ,Mar 14,2011

At the invitation of Men Sam An, Standing Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, the Sponsoring Association for Poor Patients (SAPP) in Ho Chi Minh City sent doctors to perform eye surgeries on poor people.

A poor Cambodian woman after eye surgery (Photo: SGGP)

Vietnamese eye surgeons performed operations on disadvantaged residents in the Cambodian districts of Prey Veng, Kongpongthom and Longpongcham with financial assistance of Long Thanh Golf Club.

SAPP’s Chairman Tran Thanh Long told the mission group to perform surgeries and help save the sights of people.

The mission group received a warm welcome from Men Sam An, her delegation and the local people at the border crossing of Dinh Ba in district Tan Hong of the Mekong delta province of Dong Thap.

The local government had given prior information to residents about the eye camp and many had come from distant parts to avail of the facility. After the operation they returned to tell their neighbors how Vietnamese medics had helped their blindness and even gave them VND50, 000 cash as transport fee.

After three days, the mission moved camp to Kongpongcham district where the doctors performed surgeries for four days instead of two days as scheduled. Kongpongthom residents hailed the Vietnamese doctors, complimenting them on their golden healing touch.

Of the 3,000 people registered for eye surgery, 1,714 patients were operated upon but the remaining were not able to, because of prolonged blindness or having been born blind or being too old to be operated upon.

At the farewell meeting, Men Sam An thanked the mission, saying that she would convey to Prime Minister Hunsen and Deputy Minister whose fatherland was Kongpongcham and Prey Veng, about the successful trip made by the Vietnamese doctors to help needy eye patients.

By Nguyen Tuong Loc - Translated by Uyen Phuong

Festival addresses Cambodian repression

http://www.browndailyherald.com/

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Published: Monday, March 14, 2011

In Cambodia, all news is good news. Or at least, all news broadcast in the media is good news. The lack of freedom of the press in Cambodia, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries is the topic of this year's week-long International Freedom-to-Write Literary Festival.

The annual festival, started and run by the Program in Literary Arts and International Writers Project, begins on Monday at 4 p.m. in Smith-Buonanno 106 with readings by Vietnamese author Linh Dinh and American playwright David Rabe.

"Every year, we have a fellow running some kind of (International Writers Project) literary festival about the art, culture and politics of that country or region," said Robert Coover, visiting professor of literary arts. "We choose our fellow on basis of need, of threat against him. Sometimes they are in exile," he said.

The festival provides an opportunity to celebrate the fellow and also to "become more knowledgeable about the literature and culture of that nation," as well as the problems of the nation, said Gale Nelson MA'88, assistant director of the literary arts program.

The focus on Cambodia and neighboring countries was sparked by this year's visiting fellow Tararith Kho.

Hundreds of writers either apply or are nominated for the fellowship every year, but Kho's many impressive nominations — by groups like Poets, Essayists, Novelists, an international literary and human rights organization — solidified his selection.

He stood out for his "energy and enthusiasm for literature and human rights," Nelson said.

Kho was born to a family of rice farmers and was the "only one of his siblings who got out of that and got educated," Coover said. Kho has been very involved in helping others in Cambodia do the same, especially women who are trapped by tradition and unable to get an education, Coover added.

"Freedom of speech is difficult to find in Cambodia," Kho said. "I promoted people to write about contemporary issues."

Kho said the media in Cambodia is controlled by the country's high-ranking members of society.

"Televisions, newspapers, magazines are all under the government," he said. As a result everyone only hears the same "good" news, he added.

Kho's reading on Tuesday will be about the state of the media in Cambodia and how it has created a "cage" for writers.

His efforts to "get the entrapped rice farmer people out of their circumstances" was seen as a threat in Cambodia, Coover said, and on occasion, Kho had to flee to the Thai border. Now if he returns to Cambodia, he will likely be arrested.

Though Kho's family is here in the United States right now as well, he may have to return to Cambodia when his visa runs out. Kho said he did not want to talk badly about his country, but he wants life to change for the people of Cambodia.

"Writers are simple, not fighters. We have no weapons," Kho said.

The festival does not focus on Cambodia alone but also explores neighboring countries, especially Vietnam.

"Cambodia and Vietnam have this really tangled history," Coover said. During the Vietnam War, the United States targeted both countries, and both countries also targeted each other, he said. After the end of the war, Vietnam invaded Cambodia.

The goal of this year's festival is to "provide greater insight into the real nature" of Cambodian and Vietnamese relations, Coover added.

A panel Thursday will explore these relations by bringing together Vietnamese and Cambodian writers and American veterans of the war.

Other speakers for this festival were chosen based on their connections to Cambodia and neighboring countries, Nelson said. Coover said the speakers that were selected are "fellow workers in the field of protecting human rights and expression."

The hope is that this festival will promote "greater awareness" of the situation in Cambodia, he added.

Kho said he hopes to help other writers who are receiving threats in response to their work. "Democracy is a human right," Kho said. "If I know myself how to fight for human rights, I want to do it."

"Cambodian people did not know how to find people's help," he said, because they have no media and no network for contacting people from other countries. They are "living in a cage," he said, and can never open their eyes to see another world.

Kho said that he hopes the festival will generate American support for Cambodia. "Americans must fight for Cambodia to have a new generation," he said.

Massive earthquake in Japan harms its economy, aid abroad: Cambodia PM

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March 14, 2011 

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday the massive earthquake in Japan on March 11 will not only damage Japanese economy, but also will affect Japanese assistance overseas.

"The destruction by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan were the worst and caused hugely losses both human lives and properties," he made the remarks during a graduation ceremony for students at the Royal University of Law and Economics.

"The natural disaster will impact both Japanese economy and Japan's internationally obligatory implementation abroad including Cambodia."

The premier said that tomorrow (Tuesday), Masafumi Kuroki, ambassador of Japan will still sign up to provide a grant aid package of 94 million U.S. dollars to Cambodia for flood protection, water distribution system, and demining activities.

He confirmed that so far, there is no report on Cambodian students were killed or injured in the massive earthquake in Japan.

A total of 1,598 people have been killed and 1,720 others are still missing by 8:00 a.m. (2300 GMT) Monday in Japan following Friday's catastrophic earthquake 9.0 magnitudes on the Richter scale and ensuing enormous tsunami, said the National Police Agency.

Source: Xinhua

Cambodia ready to join ASEAN-proposed meetings on border conflict with Thailand: PM

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March 14, 2011

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday Cambodia is already prepared itself for the ASEAN- proposed meetings on March 24 on Cambodia-Thailand border conflict near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

"Cambodia has already prepared to depart for Cambodia-Thai General Border Committee and Joint Border Committee on Demarcation for Land Boundary in Bogor, Indonesia on March 24-25 under the presence of ASEAN chair," he said during a graduation ceremony for students at the Royal University of Law and Economics. "Now we are waiting Thai side's confirmation of participation."

Hun Sen repeated that ASEAN chair has to join in the opening ceremony of the meetings, and after Cambodia and Thailand discuss, the two sides have to report to ASEAN chair about the results.

"And if any agreement needs to be signed between Cambodia and Thailand during the meetings, Cambodia will ask the third party (ASEAN chair) to sign together," he said.

Cambodia's General Border Committee will be lead by Defense Minister Tea Banh and the Joint Border Committee will be lead by Var Kimhong, the president of it.

Meanwhile, the premier said that so far, the tension between Cambodian and Thai troops over the border dispute is rather calm and troops from the two sides even played volleyballs together over the weekend.

"However, it's still fragile, I hope that both sides will continue to exercise their most restraints," he said.

The premier announced that Cambodia will no longer allow Thai troops to come to worship at Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda next to Preah Vihear temple.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the Temple of Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia; however, the row over the 4.6-square-km territory around the temple has never been resolved.

Conflict occurred just a week after Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, since then both sides have built up military forces along the border, and periodic clashes happened, resulted in deaths of troops on both sides.

The latest clashes on Feb. 4-7, unleashed a barrage of artillery shells on both sides of the border, had killed and wounded many soldiers and citizens of both sides, and caused tens of thousands of the two countries' villagers nearby the disputed areas fleeing for safe shelters.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Source: Xinhua

Cows to go to Cambodia under University of Utah economics class project

http://www.therepublic.com/

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Posted: March 13, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY — A University of Utah economics professor is hoping a class project will help some Cambodians rise out of poverty and teach his students a life lesson.

Members of Wade Roberts' international economics class are trying to raise $10,000 to buy cows for Cambodians as part of a lesson on microcredit, the Deseret News of Salt Lake City reported.

Under the project, the Cambodians will milk the cows, use them for work and then use the income to pay off the loans.

"We have some very dedicated students who have educated themselves on microcredit, its potential, the impact it can have on lives," Roberts said.

Students said they chose Cambodia because the dollar will buy much more there. Each cow costs $250, which includes shots, feed and shelter.

Some students plan to travel to Cambodia in June as part of the project.

"When we've discussed poverty and social ills in economics classes, a lot of times the theory doesn't fit with what we see outside," student Jake Frischknecht said. "And it's easy to throw up our hands and say, 'great abstract theory, but we're really not going to do anything about it.' But this micro financing is a fantastic proven tool."

Roberts called it a bold endeavor that will pay off for both the Cambodians and his students.

"I'm passionate about it because I've been there and I know it works and I love having the kids see that spark and see that they actually become part of the solution," he said. "With microcredit, there's a responsibility and accountability that comes back and shows that, yes, this works."

The students are partnering with the nonprofit organization YouthLinc in Utah, and have two fundraisers in April and a Facebook page for donations.

I'm no troublemaker, says Kasit

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Published: 14/03/2011

Newspaper section: News

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya insists he has not been a "troublemaker" for Thailand's neighbouring countries during his two-year tenure.

Mr Kasit spoke to four selected reporters yesterday before the censure debate which starts tomorrow and runs for four days.

Mr Kasit is one of 10 ministers to be grilled by the Puea Thai Party over a range of allegations.

The corner he will fight covers his handling of the Thai-Cambodian border disputes.

Mr Kasit insisted that neither he nor the government had instigated conflict with any neighbouring countries.

Instead, he said since he took up the position, he has helped promote a wide range of cooperative efforts. including trade, tourism and investment.

"There is no evidence that I or the government have created problems," he said.

"There has only been accusations both from inside and outside parliament without acknowledging [the positive things] we have done over the past two years."

Mr Kasit said he only knew of three allegations made against him since he took up the ministerial position, and insisted all three were baseless.

The first allegation was that he used the word "tramp" in reference to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in October 2008 when he spoke on the People's Alliance for Democracy's stage during its protest against the People Power Party-led government

The alleged remark came at a time when the Cambodian premier was demanding the Thai army withdraw troops from Preah Vihear temple, which is disputed by both countries.

Mr Kasit said the second allegation stemmed from the meaning of his words being distorted.

He said he once praised Hun Sen as having the heart of a lion but reporters who disliked him misinterpreted the phrase and only quoted Mr Kasit calling Hun Sen a "gangster".

He said he apologised to Hun Sen but the opposition party nevertheless intends to grill him in parliament about the matter.

The third claim was that he had hit someone in Russia, which Mr Kasit denounced as a plain lie.

"If I had done that, I could not have become ambassador," he said.

Mr Kasit said the tense relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been a problem since before the current administration took power, but he said this government had tried the best of any to solve it.

He said during a visit to Phnom Penh soon after taking his ministerial post, he "told Hun Sen that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and I had no conflict of interest and we tried to build up the relationship [between the two countries]".

He said the government and the Foreign Affairs Ministry did not know exactly what had happened in the past with Cambodia but he could clarify all current positions to parliament during the censure debate.

Mr Kasit believed he has been frequently criticised because his personality did not sit well with the opposition, and not because of his ministerial role.

"My face might look aggressive but I have never lied to the media or tried to please anybody just to get a vote," he said. He admitted he sometimes might have made "a slip of the tongue", but he put this down to him simply being an ordinary person prone to making occasional mistakes just like any other.

"What I fear most is that the public won't know the facts [behind the allegations] because this society has been distorted," Mr Kasit said.

"I thought I would play by the rules and I never thought I would become a political target."

Art review: 'Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia' at the J. Paul Getty Museum

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March 13, 2011

At the J. Paul Getty Museum, "Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia" is a very small show on a very large subject. For a viewer, its primary achievement is to make you want to see more.

The Khmer Empire was born in 802, when a Hindu monarch, Jayavarman II, declared himself a god and established his seat of power in Angkor in the northern reaches of what is today Cambodia. The city grew to be immense, among the largest cities in the world, with a sphere of influence that encompassed a large chunk of modern-day Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The empire lasted more than 600 years -- nearly until the birth of Columbus.

Say the word Khmer today, however, and visions of horrific crimes against humanity perpetrated in the 1970s civil war by the brutal Communist leader Pol Pot still linger. "Gods of Angkor" evokes an entirely different world.

Among the show's most impressive works is a 12th-century "Crowned Buddha," with upper arms held close to the ramrod-straight torso, forearms raised forward from the body and open palms held up. Even to the uninitiated, this formal, highly ritualized pose presents a thoroughly unprotected gesture that demonstrably offers peace.

Nearly 3 feet tall, the cast-bronze sculpture is less ornate than a Chinese counterpart might be. Still, the exquisite ornamentation sets the figure apart from an everyday human being. Erect and symmetrical, its head, throat and waist encircled with elaborately modeled jewelry, the serenely smiling Buddha speaks of dignity, eternity and unostentatious majesty. A human form assumes an otherworldly presence.

Khmer sculpture registers as an obviously complex subject -- produced over half a millennium, influenced by powerful crosscurrents from India and China and responding to compelling varieties of Hindu, Buddhist and secular forces. Also complex is the treacherous process of lost-wax casting in bronze. The technically arduous method can result in sleek objects with a spirit very different, and often more elegant and stately, than the carved sandstone Khmer sculpture that is more commonly encountered.

Typical, however, and evident in the majority of the show's sculptures, is the straight, columnar modeling of the figures' legs. Feet face forward and are separated in a firm stance that conveys stability more than rigidity. It's unusual for a divine Khmer sculpture to stand in a posture that reveals the slightest sense of ordinary bodily relaxation.

Any one of the many technical demands of bronze casting is unlikely to explain this standard design. Instead, it draws a subtle distinction between a mundane person, who would not be memorialized in expensive bronze, and a deity who warrants such noble and enduring treatment. It's almost as if the formality of the deity's posture creates a portal to another dimension.

Also imposing are two very different sculptures that find their considerable strength and charm in close observation of nature -- specifically the animal kingdom. One is Nandin, the decorated bull that serves as Shiva's primary vehicle and the gatekeeper of his temple. The other is Ganesha, Shiva's elephant-headed son. Perhaps because both animals are already differentiated from a person, each is endowed with a more relaxed naturalism.

The Getty show was organized by the Smithsonian Institution's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, where it had its debut last spring. (Former Getty Museum Director Michael Brand, a specialist in Southeast Asian art, helped initiate the exhibition.) One drawback of its installation here is that most of the objects are in cases or on pedestals that stand against the walls. The sculptures are typically frontal, in keeping with their ritual function; but you can't get behind the "Crowned Buddha," for instance, to see the modeling in the back. That's a shame.

The show was also significantly trimmed from its Washington debut. Mostly works from the prehistoric and pre-Angkor period were cut. Twenty-six of the show's original 36 bronzes are at the Getty.

The sculptures and decorative objects were loaned from the incomparable holdings of the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, signaling something of a return from the dark and insular days of the Khmer Rouge a generation ago. If it inspires a desire to see more Cambodian bronzes of the Angkor period (802-1431), two nearby options are at hand.

The most impressive collection is at Pasadena's Norton Simon Museum, where nine Cambodian bronzes are among more than two dozen Angkor period and pre-Angkor objects. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has six small decorative bronzes in its collection, including jewelry and a finial. For comparison, both museums also house impressive Cambodian sandstone carvings.

Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia, J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, (310) 440-7300, through Aug. 14. Closed Monday. www.getty.edu

Massive earthquake in Japan harms its economy, aid abroad: Cambodia PM

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Monday, 14 March 2011 05:02 administrator

PHNOM PENH, March 14 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday the massive earthquake in Japan on March 11 will not only damage Japanese economy, but also will affect Japanese assistance overseas.

"The destruction by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan were the worst and caused hugely losses both human lives and properties, " he made the remarks during a graduation ceremony for students at the Royal University of Law and Economics.

"The natural disaster will impact both Japanese economy and Japan's internationally obligatory implementation abroad including Cambodia."

The premier said that tomorrow (Tuesday), Masafumi Kuroki, ambassador of Japan will still sign up to provide a grant aid package of 94 million U.S. dollars to Cambodia for flood protection, water distribution system, and demining activities.

He confirmed that so far, there is no report on Cambodian students were killed or injured in the massive earthquake in Japan.

A total of 1,598 people have been killed and 1,720 others are still missing by 8:00 a.m. (2300 GMT) Monday in Japan following Friday's catastrophic earthquake 9.0 magnitudes on the Richter scale and ensuing enormous tsunami, said the National Police Agency.(Xinhua/sp).

AKP - The Agence Kampuchea Press

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PM Hun Sen Welcomes MOU between Cambodian and South Korean Environment Institutions

Phnom Penh, March 14, 2011 AKP – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has welcomed the signing of MOU between Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and South Korean’s Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), saying that the country concentrated its hope on South Korea to assist in increasing the greenness.

Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen was speaking while receiving South Korean President’s Special Envoy and GGGI’s Chairman Mr. Han Seung-soo in Phnom Penh last Friday.

He said that Cambodia was developing and despite the fact that the development was progressing with Cambodia’s own greenness, it had to be cautious as the greenness would reduce and would be replaced by dryness.

He informed the South Korean envoy that Cambodia had divided the areas into the projected zones, development zones and reforested zones to expand the natural areas and reforestation.

Speaking of the challenging issues, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said that 95 percent of Cambodian people use firewood to cook food and to produce palm sugar. He added that the loggings were banned by the Royal Government of Cambodia since 1998 and the remaining loggings are just for local consumption.

For his part, Mr. Han Seung-soo said that South Korea is much interested in growing the green resources and GGGI, which was established two years ago, would like to share the experiences in green growth with Cambodia.

Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen thanked the South Korean President for having extended to him the warm regards. –AKP

Article in Khmer by CHEY Phum Pul

Article in English by Ravuth M.

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Cambodia To Host Gems and Jewelry Exhibition in June

Phnom Penh, March 14, 2011 AKP – Cambodia is going to host the third Gems and Jewelry Exhibition in June, an official of the Ministry of Commerce said.

The exhibition is scheduled to take place from June 16 to 19 at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center, Phnom Penh, he indicated.

Local jewelry and gem traders as well as those from Israel, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand will be invited to join the four-day exhibition, he said.

The first Gems and Jewelry Exhibition was held in 2009 and in 2010, the second exhibition attracted 49 local companies and foreign businessmen from seven countries.

Gems and jewelry are one of the major potentials for the country’s development. In Cambodia, precious stones are mostly found in the provinces of Pailin, Takeo, Ratanakiri and Kampong Thom, etc. –AKP

By KHAN Sophirom

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The International Drawing Competition on “Gender Equality” Launched

Phnom Penh, March 14, 2011 AKP – The 2011 Gender Equality Drawing Competition for Children was launched here on Mar. 11 at Preah Sisowath high school in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the International Women’s Day.

The launching ceremony was attended by Chargé d’affaires of the EU delegation to Cambodia Mr. Rafael Dochao Moreno and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports H.E. Pit Chamnan.

The director of Phnom Penh Education Department, the president of Mith Samlanh Organization (Friends), representatives from 60 schools in Phnom Penh and more than 100 students from Preah Sisowath high school and Daun Penh primary school were also present at the event.

With a top prize of 1,000 euros (about US$1,300), the competition, jointly organized by EU and Mith Samlanh Organization, is held this year under the theme “girls and boys, together can make the world a better place”, according to Mr. Rafael Dochao Moreno.

For his part, H.E. Pit Chamnan expressed his support to the competition, stressing that drawing is very important in building people’s intelligence and knowledge.

In 2010, over 1,800 Cambodian children participated in the competition with other 50,000 children aged from 8 to 10 from 61 countries. A Cambodian boy, 8, from Anuwath primary school in Siem Reap province was among other 14 children from different regions of the world who won the competition.

The International Drawing Competition on gender equality has been run by the European Commission since 2007 with great success. The competition aims to mobilize and raise the awareness of both children and adults around the issue of gender equality. –AKP

By LIM Nary

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Cambodian Tourism Delegation Leaves for Russia and Switzerland

Phnom Penh, March 14, 2011 AKP – To build up tourism network and seek high-level partners for Cambodian capacity building, Cambodian Tourism Minister H.E. Thong Khon on Mar. 11 led a delegation to Russia and Switzerland.

In the first country, Russia, the Cambodian delegation will sign the 2012-2014 joint action work plan on tourism cooperation with the Russian counterpart. In addition to mutual tourism promotion and experience sharing, the action work plan is supposed to re-enable direct flight from Russia to Cambodia, Mr.Tith Chantha, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism told reporters at Phnom Penh International Airport before the departure of the delegation.

In Switzerland, he added, the Cambodian delegation will sign a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of Switzerland-supported cooking training center in Cambodia. Switzerland has been very famous internationally for its cooking skill and other services related to hotel and tourism.

As said by Mr. Tith Chantha, the international mission of the Cambodian tourism delegation contributes to preparing the capacity and quality of Cambodian tourism sector to welcome visitors projected to rise to 2.7 million in 2011, 3.1 million in 2012 and 7 million in 2020.

The delegation led by H.E. Thong Khon will return home on Mar. 17, 2011. –AKP

By MOM Chan Dara Soleil

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A Means to Better Women’s and Children’s Health

Phnom Penh, March 14, 2011 AKP – A health centre, located in Svay Chek commune of Angkor Thom district, Siem Reap province, was inaugurated last Friday by Plan International Cambodia in the presence of H.E. Mao Vuthy, Personal Advisor to National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin and Vice Governor of Siem Reap province.

Funded by the GSK (GlaxoSmithKline Pte Ltd), the approximately US$100,000 worth Svay Chek health centre was constructed under the partnership among Plan International Cambodia, Siem Reap Operational District (OD), Siem Reap Provincial Health Department and respective community people in complete conformation with the National Health Centre Architectural Design Standard.

It cost the residents of Svay Chek commune, Angkor Thom district of Siem Reap province with an average of 30,000 riels [7.5$] and 3 hours to refer a sick family member to the most attainable treatment before the existence of this local health center.

Remarkably, the deprivation of health service attributes tremendously to the high rate of maternal and child mortality rate in Cambodia and Svay Chek commune is no exception.

According to Provincial Profile 2010, Siem Reap-wide, there were 151 mother deaths per 100,000 mothers having childbirth, 8 among 1,000 children died between 0 to 1 month old and 178 children died before their fifth birthday. In Angkor Thom district alone, 4 mothers and 10 children died in 0 to 1 month after the delivery and 14 children died before their fifth birthday.

“Children mostly suffer from preventable diseases like acute respiratory infection (ARI), diarrhea and dengue fever that stifle their quality enjoyment of their education and socialization and that worsen their family economy which is already low,” said Plan Cambodia’s Siem Reap Programme Unit Manager Pich Sophary, adding that the newly constructed health center is expected to benefit more than 5,575 population (2,887 females) in which 2,749 or 49 percent are children (1,411 or more than 50 percent of them are girls).

The participatory approach will tap the health centre’s lasting quality health care service provision – a means that well responds to the commitment of Cambodian First Lady, Lok Chumteav Bun Rany Hun Sen, in her new title given by the United Nations as National Champion for the United Nations Secretary General’s Joint Plan of Action for Women’s and Children’s Health.

Svay Chek health centre is the second one of its kind supported by Plan International Cambodia. The first one is the June-2009 opened Prey health centre in Srei Snam district. It earned national recognition by the Ministry of Health as the first top among 60 health centres Siem Reap-wide for its user-friendly facilities, round-the-clock service and good moral staff.

Improving grassroots community health and practices is one of many programme interventions of Plan International Cambodia in its effort to end child poverty – an approach believed to effectively address the country’s poverty and build stronger next generations. –AKP

By MOM Chan Dara Soleil

______

Workshop to Promote Community Fish Breeding Held

Phnom Penh, March 14, 2011 AKP – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in collaboration with the European Union Food Security Programme organized here last Friday a consultative workshop to promote fish hatchery development and community-pond fish breeding at the Ministry’s Agricultural Department.

Officially opened by Mr. Srun Lim Song, Deputy Director General of Fisheries Administration, the one-day workshop is expected to enable the compilation of a fish breeding guide book that will consequently increase community food supplies.

According to Mr. Pav Ratana, Communication Officer of EU Food Security Programme, the workshop is part of the European Union Programme to boost Cambodia’s agricultural sector, especially in response to the world’s tendency of increasing food price.

The two-year programme that will end within few months, he added, has invested US$15 million in physical infrastructure like building water waterway as well as other irrigation facilities. Some of the amount also goes to service provision, like providing fingerlings, rice and vegetable seeds and capacity building to households and concerned authorities.

The programme is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to rehabilitate and dig totally 86 community ponds to breed fish in nine provinces across Cambodia.

The fish breeding guide book produced by the workshop will thereby ensure the sustainability of fish breeding practice in both the existing and expanded community. –AKP

By MOM Chan Dara Soleil

Four face court for child porn offences

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:02 Mom Kunthear

A United States citizen and three others will today face court after they were arrested in Daun Penh district on Friday for producing pornographic videos and images of an 11-year-old girl.

Samleang Seila, country director for child protection NGO Action Pour Les Enfants, said yesterday that APLE had worked with local police and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Police to arrest the US national, his girlfriend, the victim’s older sister and a friend of the victim’s older sister.

“[The US national] destroyed some video tapes ... and [police] believe that those video tapes were of the suspect having sex with children,” said Samleang Seila, adding that ICE informed APLE of the US citizen’s presence in Cambodia late last year.

The victim said in an APLE statement that she had been lured to the guesthouse twice before, and was raped by the US national at least three times.

APLE stated that police found toy handcuffs, rope and a toy gun at the guesthouse as well as CDs, broken video tapes, a camera and methamphetamines.

Daun Penh district police chief Hun Sothy yesterday declined to comment.

Drug suspects moved

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:02 May Titthara

Poipet police said they will send 22 people suspected of drug use to the Banteay Meanchey provincial police office today after they were arrested on February 12.

Um Sophal, Popiet town police chief, said yesterday that his officers cooperated with provincial police officers and raided a house in Poipet district’s Kbal Spean village.

He added that during the raid police confiscated drug paraphernalia, adding that the suspects had been connected to numerous robberies as well.

Chan Kosal, deputy provincial police chief, said yesterday that he had not yet received the 22 suspects held in Poipet for drug testing, but they will either face charges or be sent to a drug rehabilitation facility.

Changing the climate paradigm

Photo by: Sovan Philong

Han Seung-soo, chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute, speaks to The Post in Phnom Penh on Friday.

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:02 Uong Ratana

The Ministry of Environment and the Global Green Growth Institute, a Korean-based think tank that assists developing countries in sustainable growth, signed a memorandum of understanding last Thursday, setting the stage for environmentally-conscious projects in the Kingdom.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Environment Mok Mareth and the GGGI’s Chairman Han Seung-soo, a former prime minister in South Korea between 2008 and 2009. Cambodia will become the fourth country to work with GGGI, joining Brazil, Ethiopia and Indonesia. Han Seung-soo spoke with The Post last Friday about GGGI and its future plans in Cambodia.

Could you tell me a little more about the agreement signed on Thursday?

The crisis of climate change has a paradigm growth that is quantity-oriented – heavy fuel-dependent growth. We have to change our growth paradigm from traditional to new: quality-oriented, low-carbon green growth. And Korea is the first country that has been implementing this policy in their government.

We’d like to share this information with other countries, particularly ... developing countries. Developed countries have a capacity – finance and technology – but developing countries don’t have a capacity to absorb these new ideas. And the Cambodian government has been very positive with working with us.

That’s why I’m here. We have not yet identified the project. We would like to work with Cambodia on these issues that affect them most – they may be Mekong River issues as well as forestry [issues]. I am leaving two of my staff here, and we’ll be working with the Ministry of Environment to look for any way we can further cooperate in the future.

When you spoke with the Minister of Environment, as well as Prime Minister Hun Sen, did they mention any specific environmental challenges or areas that they wanted help in?

Prime Minister Hun Sen fully knew the problems of climate change that humanity is facing. He was very well-versed, not just as a problem of Cambodia, but as a global issue of climate change.

He mentioned, for example, forestry. People, almost 85 percent here, use trees to burn in order to cook in the countryside. You have to protect the forests in order to contain carbon dioxide.

According to a study by [the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change], about 15 to 20 percent of carbon dioxide is contained in forests. So if you cut trees, then you release carbon dioxide and increase heat. And also water is very important, because those living along the Mekong River are very poor people that are susceptible to floods.

To what extent do you think developed countries are responsible for or guilty of the effects of climate change?

Developed countries, particularly those that benefited from the industrial revolution, are responsible. In terms of green house gas accumulation, Cambodia is very miniscule. For example, major carbon emissions come from about 10 countries. China produces 20 percent of total emissions; the United States, about 20 percent [also].

Those countries that benefited greatly from the Industrial Revolution ... they’ve made a lot of emissions. Two-thirds of the temperature increase of the past 10,000 years was due to the Industrial Revolution. But each nation has to have a response to this situation. All countries are involved. We are bound to produce a lot of emissions.

So at this juncture, the ... former developing countries, the emerging economies and developing countries all have to contribute to ameliorating the issues for the future of humanity.

The Cambodian economy is growing at a quick pace. How does a country like Cambodia continue to grow without damaging its environment?

That’s exactly what we have to deal with. In the quantitative-growth paradigm, when you grow, you’re bound to have an impact on the environment.

In Korea, during the last 30 to 40 years, all the growth proponents argued we had to be “first”, “fast”, “now” and then deal with the environment later. Whereas there are environmentalists that think we should go for slow growth, but it should protect our environment.

What you are trying to do is find a [compromise] between growth and sustainability.

Finally, what do you hope to accomplish in Cambodia?

Well, we have a very good relationship between Korea and Cambodia. And I think that we would like to see Cambodia prosper. We have a little over US$300 million in trade with Cambodia, but we have direct investments of $3 billion in Cambodia. So we are, I think, the largest investor in Cambodia and I’m glad that Koreans are coming out to Cambodia to invest.

Korea has been growing very fast during the last 40 years. We were once very poor, like Cambodia, but we managed to overcome it. We’d like to see Cambodia repeat what we’ve done, but not through the wrong way.

I’m interested in helping many countries, but you have to have a good response from them. Cambodia has been very positive; they’ve been very forthright contacting us.

For example, the government said they wanted to do what Korea did in [developing legislation on] a new low-carbon framework. They are very willing, and we are willing to work with them.

Interview by Matt Lundy

Prey Lang scepticism aired at forum

Photo by: Thomas Miller

A villager expresses her concern about a land concession that has been granted in Prey Lang forest during a forum in Tbong Toek village, in Kampong Thom province’s Sandan district, on Friday.

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:02 Thomas Miller

Villagers vented while the government defended its approval of an economic land concession in Prey Lang forest during a public forum in Kampong Thom province’s Sandan district over the weekend.

Officials from five political parties joined roughly 300 villagers from four provinces in Tbong Toek village in Meanrith commune on Friday.

Residents say the 6,044-hectare economic land concession to Vietnamese-owned CRCK Rubber Development Co, Ltd is a threat to their livelihoods and to one of Cambodia’s largest forests.

Ros San, a resident of Popok village in Sandan district, called forcefully for the government to protect the forest, drawing loud applause from many villagers in attendance.

“Many forests have been cut but we still have one – Prey Lang – so we must protect it,” he said.

Chhay, a villager from Preah Vihear province, said people depend on the forest, especially the trees for collecting resin.

“The company clears their trees,” he said. “All people request the government to protect the forest and keep it for all people. People depend on the land and forest, so where can they go, how can they survive?”

People living near the 200,000-hectare forest, which has not been designated as a protected area, have the right to harvest non-timber products such as resin, small wood and other materials for making furniture and hammocks.

Chut Wutty, director of the Natural Resource Protection Group, said resin-bearing trees are “like the farm for poor people” living in the area.

Chut Wutty said residents are concerned that this concession will be the beginning of the end for Prey Lang. “When one [company] starts and gets successful, they get more,” he said.

Government officials have said the area is state-owned land, giving them the right to lease it as they see fit.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries signed a contract granting CRCK a 70-year lease on the plot of land in May last year, following approval from Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Council of Ministers in September 2009, according to documents obtained yesterday by The Post.

The company began operations sometime last month, Chut Wutty said.

Sim Vanna, Sandan district governor, said the concession would bring development to the area, and urged the villagers to work for CRCK.

“Before the company comes, it is quiet, there is no market. Now, there is a big market,” he said. “If you have no skills, the company can teach you.”

Uth Sam An, deputy Kampong Thom provincial governor, said the desires for conservation and development were both worthy of support, but said traditional methods of harvesting in the forest were unsustainable because of population growth.

Government officials suggested local residents submit a complaint, though Seng Sokheng, representative for the Community Peace-building Network, said they have submitted several over the past three years requesting the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to stop granting economic land concessions in Prey Lang.

A number of villagers expressed scepticism and wanted to view CRCK and the concession area, which the government said was “degraded forest”, for themselves.

About 20 military police and police blocked the entrance to CRCK grounds, saying they were concerned about a protest, mirroring events late last month when residents were denied access.

Uong Moly, Sandan district police inspector, said the road was private and that police had a duty to protect the company.

Following negotiations with NGOs and journalists, the police allowed one van of journalists to view the corrugated metal fence surrounding the company grounds.

The entrance to the concession area was also guarded by a handful of military police and police, who denied access.

One officer, Chan Moeun, said CRCK paid him 10,000 riels (about US$2.50) per day.

Dense foliage could be viewed from the gate, and about a hundred large, recently-cut logs lined the dirt road approaching the 6,044-hectare concession.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY MAY TITTHARA

Opposition lawmaker announces resignation

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:01 Meas Sokchea

Mao Monyvann, a Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian representing Kampong Cham province, said yesterday that he was resigning his post, as the opposition party evaluates a reshuffle of constituencies aimed at shoring up support ahead of the 2013 national elections.

The reshuffle was announced earlier this year and will see party members who stood as candidates in the 2008 elections replace some current parliamentarians.

Mao Monyvann said his decision to resign was motivated by personal reasons and a promise he made to his supporters that he would leave his post if he failed to increase support for the party in other provinces.

“Before the [last] election, I said in front of my supporters that if seats in some provinces do not increase, we must give those seats to other colleagues,” he said.

Mao Monyvann had been set to move to Takeo province in the reshuffle. He will be replaced by Kuoy Bunroeun, currently an SRP lawmaker in Takeo.

SRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the resignation was purely a personal matter and not the result of party pressure.

Police Blotter: 14 Mar 2011

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:00 Sen David

Suspect arrested over string of violent crimes

Chamkamon district police arrested a 27-year-old man on Sunday, accused of committing several violent robberies in Phnom Penh. Police said that many victims had filed complaints alleging the suspect and his accomplice had stolen mobile phones and motorcycles at gunpoint since 2007. Some victims were shot to death when they shouted for help or attempted to fight back. Police sent the suspect to Phnom Penh Municipal Court and are searching for his accomplice who is on the run.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Arrest made over Kampot house robbery

A 32-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of committing a robbery three years ago in Kampot province’s Kampong Trach district. According to police, the man looted the house of a neighbour in 2008 and apprehended the suspect when he returned home on Wednesday, and sent him to provincial court for further investigation although the suspect denied the allegations.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Karaoke hacker on the run in Svay Chek

POLICE are searching for a 28-year-old man accused of hacking a 29-year-old man with a cleaver on Thursday night in Banteay Meanchey’s Svay Chek district. Police said the victim and the suspect sang karaoke with each other at the same parlour when an argument broke out. The suspect then attacked the victim with a cleaver in the head outside the parlour and escaped. The victim, who was unconscious, was sent to a local health centre by his relatives.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Jilted lover detained over rape attempt

A 38-YEAR-OLD farmer was arrested on Tuesday in Takeo province’s Prey Kabas district after a 34-year-old woman accused him of attempted rape. Police said the suspect restrained the woman in a forest while she was washing alone behind her home, but she shouted for help and the suspect escaped from the scene. The woman later withdrew her complaint after being paid compensation, while neighbours claim the two previously had a relationship together.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Violent husband taken into custody after attack

KHSACH KANDAL district police in Kandal province sent a 32-year-old man to court accused of domestic violence several times while intoxicated. Police said he was educated and signed preventative contracts many times, but never followed up on his promise. On Tuesday, he returned home drunk and injured his 31-year-old wife who was sleeping in a hammock. The woman’s mother and brother intervened in the abuse and turned him over to police.

KOH SANTEPHEAP

Riel deal for new bourse

A money changer displays 500 riel notes in Phnom Penh on Friday. Reuters

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:01 Soeun Say and Jeremy Mullins

CAMBODIA’S stock exchange will require listings in riel but will initially allow dual currency settlements, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia.

“The issuing of securities shall be completed in riel and the quotation of securities in the [Cambodia Securities Exchange] shall be conducted in riel,” it said in a statement issued late last week.

Settlements between buyers and sellers, however, will be allowed in both dollars and riel during the first three years of the bourse’s operation, it said.

Government policy is to promote usage of the domestic currency in order to facilitate economic development, said SECC Director General Ming Bankosal. The dual options for settlements reflected the widespread use of the dollar, he said.

“We will use the riel, but we also recognise [there is interest in] widely using US dollars in the Cambodian securities markets,” he said yesterday.

The Cambodian economy is currently highly dollarised. The National Bank of Cambodia has estimated the greenback accounts for more than 90 percent of currency in circulation, but has also stated it is committed to dedollarisation.

Private sector officials said yesterday they were supportive of the decision.

ACLEDA Bank CEO and President In Channy said yesterday that initially allowing bourse settlement in either dollars or riel would invite more participation in the exchange, which is due to launch this July.

Banks currently more deposits than outstanding loans, meaning there was excess liquidity available which could be invested in securities, he said. “The stock exchange does allow small investors the great opportunity of owning a portion of … a large corporation,” he said.

Leopard Capital Managing Partner Scott Lewis said most countries – including neighbouring Laos – successfully used local currencies for listings. “The government has a clear policy to encourage use of the riel and I think it’s appropriate to list the stocks in riel,” he said yesterday.

Although there could be concerns over currency risk, the government does keep the riel in a fairly tight band against the United States dollar, he said. He also hoped companies would continue to be allowed to disclose financial results and complete accounting in dollars.

Leopard has two interests in the Cambodian exchange – it has a few companies in its portfolio that may list, and could also pursue opportunities to buy shares in some of the first companies to list.

Scott Lewis also stressed that it was important that companies were ready to float and the regulatory framework was in place for the exchange to succeed.

“If that takes six months or it takes three years, I’m indifferent. I’d rather have them do it right, and more time allows more companies to become mature and become listing candidates,” he said. “So I don’t think there’s any rush.”

CSX riel listings make sense in the long term

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:01 Steve Finch

THE decision to use riels on the forthcoming stock exchange may alienate some foreign investors, at least at the start, but in the longer term opting against dollar listings was the right decision.

If Cambodia is to dedollarise an economy in which 90 percent of money supply is in foreign currency then running the stock exchange in riels from the outset means avoiding a painful process of converting from the greenback to local currency listings later.

In the longer term, the country has to start moving away from the greenback if the National Bank of Cambodia is to seize full monetary control.

The creation of a major institution such as the stock exchange operating in the United States currency would have had knock-on effects within the economy creating further dollar dependency. Were listings in dollars, then by logical extension debt issuance would have been also, meaning the main options for raising capital in Cambodia will have been in the greenback. Dollar listings would have attracted more dollars into the economy.

But in the short term, when the stock exchange remains an unknown quantity and confidence is vital, will riel listings scare off foreign investors?

The assertion this month by NBC Assistant Governor Sum Sannisith in local media that there is no dollar bias in the private sector seems partly misleading. While many local investors no doubt support riel listings, a number of foreign investors and analysts have both privately – and in some cases publicly – warned of the potential negative effect local currency listings could have on appetite for Cambodian stocks.

The riel has in recent years mostly remained stuck in a slow, steady decline in value against the dollar and is an unknown quantity on international currency markets. This creates a high level of risk for foreign investors.

No doubt the SECC will help alleviate some of this risk at the outset by allowing dollar settlements by negotiation for the first three years. But this solution raises as many questions as it answers. What exchange rate will determine settlements and stock values, and therefore to what extent will currency risk associated with the riel be removed as a result of this short-term measure?

The SECC said it had been in regular consultation with international financial institutions, academics, the private sector and the public in making its decision so presumably there is substantial support for riel listings. The question is, how much?

If the government has truly accounted for riel sentiment then its currency gamble should pay off representing a significant step towards dedollarisation. Anything less and Cambodia’s stock exchange could face a difficult debut.

Investors eye provincial enterprises

Workers outside the Green Feed plant in Kampong Cham, which was visited by potential investors last week. Photo by: Tom Brennan

Stanley Tan (centre), director of LTC Executive Search, speaks with Pol Kiri Sambath (right) at the Green Feed plant in Kampong Cham. Photo by: Tom Brennan

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Monday, 14 March 2011 15:01 Tom Brennan

Kampong Cham Province

JUST off National Road 7, outside Kampong Cham city centre, stands Green Feed’s massive processing plant. Inside, a machine three storeys high mixes raw materials like corn, tapioca and soy bean meal into animal food destined for local poultry and swine farmers.

The engine’s loud rumble nearly drowns out the voice of Pol Kiri Sambath, the company’s finance controller, as he gives a delegation of Singaporean investors, who are taking part in a project to boost small and medium enterprise, a tour of the facility last week.

Green Feed employs 100 permanent staff, in addition to 200 other workers, over two shifts a day, putting out 100 tonnes of product before the last person clocks out. The goal, though, is to reach 120 tons to 150 tonnes a day. And to get there, Pol Kiri Sambath needs some help.

He wants to grow his customer base beyond just medium-sized farms to their larger peers. The problem that faces Pol Kiri Sambath is that he doesn’t have the money to extend credit to these big farms, and banks like ANZ Royal, ACLEDA and others won’t lend Green Feed the money do it. They say the prospects are too risky.

“That’s why I look for funders from outside” Cambodia, he said. That’s where those Singaporean investors come in.

Their visit last week to Kampong Cham province, as well as Svay Reing province, was part of larger trip organised by Cambodia MSME, an initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development that seeks to bolster local micro, small and medium enterprises.

With so much investment centred in Phnom Penh, the group was trying to generate cash flows in other parts of the country.

While no one expects these two provinces to replace Battambang as Cambodia’s major agricultural centre any time soon, government officials, NGOs and local businessman see the region’s potential.

As Tauch Tiepich, chairman of Svay Reing’s rice millers’ association, said, Kampong Cham and Svay Reing are “moving in that direction”. Though they still have a way to go.

Most of the Singaporean investors cited corruption as a major concern for starting a business in the Kingdom, saying they were somewhat unsure of how to navigate such an environment.

Still, others said the such concerns weren’t enough to keep them away.

“It shouldn’t be something that stops you from investing here,” said Lai Poon Piau, director of Acorn Investments, who was searching for agriculture opportunities in Cambodia.

“Because I think this country offers a lot of opportunities for people with foresight. I believe that I am able to manage most of the business risk.”

Lai Poon Piau is not alone. Lee Kian Heng, who hopes to open cashew processing facilities, said he is looking to start “very soon” though he listed his “number-one concern” as potential government corruption.

Xavier Hu, chief negotiator for SME Funding Advisory, said these issues were just a part of doing business and that Cambodia was not that much different from Vietnam, Indonesia or Malaysia.

“Corruption happens in the whole world,” he said. “In some places, it’s known as donations and lobbying.”

Hu, whose firm finances small and medium-sized enterprises, was approached by Green Feed’s Pol Kiri Sambath for funding.

But SME will only deal with companies that have Singaporean partners, and there are not a lot of Singaporean investors currently in Cambodia.

Still, Hu said he felt he should be able “to work something out.”

If it does work out, the funding could catapult Green Feed to the next level.

That would be a small step toward achieving Pol Kiri Sambath’s vision for his company and Cambodia MSME’s vision for the provinces.