The Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to play a pivotal role in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, with a committed portfolio of $2.2 billion supporting over 35 projects, 30 per cent of them concentrated on agriculture and irrigation. Speaking recently on the bank’s ongoing efforts, Jyotsana Varma, ADB country director for Cambodia, emphasised the institution’s steadfast support for agricultural growth, despite a growth rate that has hovered at around just one per cent in recent years. Desoite slow growth, agriculture remains a cornerstone of Cambodia’s economy, and Varma highlighted the importance of the sector as both an economic driver and a tool…
Author: Raksmey Hong
As new US tariffs loom large over Cambodia’s export landscape, the Kingdom’s resilience and strategic measures to navigate these economic uncertainties remain crucial. The tariffs, announced on April 2, have created significant concern, especially for Cambodia’s textile sector, which has partly long been reliant on the US market. While the exact impact of these tariff hikes is still unfolding, both the government and key stakeholders are working hard to assess and respond to the situation. “The situation is evolving, and we cannot yet put absolute numbers on the impact. But it is clear that there will be adverse effects if…
During the release of the latest agricultural census findings, Rin Virak, chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), highlighted key insights into Cambodia’s agricultural sector, particularly the demographic shifts observed over the past decade. “One striking revelation was that youth aged 10 to 19 make up the largest group in agricultural households, with a total of 1.39 million individuals,” said Virak. With more and more of those in their twenties reportedly venturing to the cities to seek work in the manufacturing and service industries, the survey noted that both sectors are growing more rapidly…
Cambodia is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation in its agricultural sector. New data from the 2023 Census of Agriculture Cambodia (CAC) reveals a 13 per cent (280,000 households) decline in the number of agricultural households compared to 2013, even as the average landholding size has grown. This structural shift — marked by fewer, larger farms — signals the country’s transition from subsistence agriculture to a more commercial, technology-enabled farming model. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina addressed a launch ceremony for the upcoming Cambodian Agricultural Forum and Exhibition 2025 (CAFÉ 2025) on the morning of April 7.…
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the Tonle Sap Lake, residential waste collection services have been expanded into rural villages across Boribour district in Kampong Chhnang province. Supported by iDE through the Waste Management Market Acceleration (WaMA) project, Lam Samnang, a local service provider, has successfully extended the services to more than 2,000 households, achieving a remarkable 400 per cent increase in his customer base in just the first six months of the project. “This initiative aims to prevent tonnes of waste from reaching the Tonle Sap Lake, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve that is critical to Cambodia’s ecosystem,” explained…
In a time of geopolitical tensions, cross-border tourism in Southeast Asia remains a testament to the strength of regional cooperation and the commitment of neighbouring countries to bolster their tourism sectors. Despite recent security concerns between Cambodia and Thailand, tourism officials in both countries remain focused on strengthening the people-to-people connections that have long been a cornerstone of their collaboration. Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, executive director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), responded to questions regarding the impact of military confrontations at the Ta Moan Temple on tourism, noting that cooperation continues largely unaffected by broader political tensions. “The governments…
On Sunday, April 6, Long Beach, California will host the 17th Annual Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival to celebrate Cambodian Heritage Month and the vibrant traditions of the Khmer community. This year’s theme, “We Are Stronger When We Celebrate Together”, highlights the power of unity and the rich tapestry of cultures that come together to form the Cambodian-American community. “This year the parade has a new route, starting with a traditional blessing on Anaheim Street, in front of MacArthur Park, followed by a parade along Anaheim Street and Alamitos Avenue and ending with our Culture Festival at Long Beach…
Phnom Penh’s Growing Special Education School (GSES) celebrated World Autism Awareness Day 2025 with a heartfelt call for support for the establishment of a new facility to accommodate growing demand for specialised education and therapy. Phok Many, founder and director of GSES, highlighted the school’s journey and its ongoing mission to support children with autism. “This school is not just a place of learning; it is a symbol of hope and equality for children with autism who are often rejected by mainstream schools,” Many shared. “It’s about giving these children a chance to thrive,” she added. Since Many, the mother…
The latest documentary by Canadian filmmaker Don Millar, LOOT: A Story of Crime and Redemption, is making waves across the globe for its daring exploration of the underworld of the international art market and the criminal network that fueled the looting of Cambodia’s ancient temples. The film, which premiered at the International Festival of Films on Art in Montreal, Canada this month, offers a gripping, emotional and shocking look at how “blood antiquities” found their way into elite art collections, museums and private homes, leaving a devastating legacy in their wake. Millar, known for his previous films such as A…
The “Say No to Fake News” campaign was launched on April 1, which coincided with April Fool’s Day. However, the campaign is no joke but rather an initiative to raise awareness and take action against those who deliberately spread misinformation. The campaign aims to ensure information security, focusing on three main principles: guaranteeing citizens’ right to information, ensuring the quality of information provided to citizens and securing information for citizens’ use. Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra, speaking at the campaign’s opening ceremony on April 1, explained that the campaign is primarily aimed at preventing and combating fake news that is…