Cambodia will face significant challenges to its exports and economic growth following its graduation from least developed country (LDC) status in 2029. The hardest-hit export sectors are expected to be textiles, agriculture and bicycles, according to a policy brief prepared by UNDP and government authorities. The brief, released on November 11 and titled “Cambodia’s Graduation from LDC Status: Preparedness and Potential Economic and Social Impacts”, stated that tariffs will increase from zero under the EU’s Everything but Arms (EBA) treaty and Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) to 8.8% under the standard GSP. Additionally, tariffs on most exports could rise…
Author: Niem Chheng
Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed Kep provincial authorities to prioritise security and public order, with a focus on preventing covert online scams in the province. He expressed his vision for Kep to become a “tourism gem” rather than a site for illegal activities. Manet made the remarks at the official inauguration of the Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach Road – a 12-kilometre coastal road project valued at $10 million and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) – in Kep on November 11. He reiterated that the province would not allow casinos and urged officials to take strong measures against…
Cambodia maintains a stance of friendship with all countries around the world, including the US, which will be under the leadership of the administration of Donald Trump from next January. Analysts have suggested that if Trump chooses to focus on the region, ASEAN will face greater pressure from geopolitical competition, particularly within the context of the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the US and China. In response to a journalist’s question on November 7, Jean-Francois Tain, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated that Cambodia has no enemies in the world and wants to…
The Ministry of Justice has created a new social media page to react to misinformation and provide clarification of any issues that may arise in the field of justice. The “Quick Reaction to Justice Issues” Facebook page is a one-way channel run by a ministry working group. It will explain or clarify concerns which are raised in public discourse or by the media. The page will not accept complaints or responses from the public. A November 7 ministry statement explained that the page will be managed by the committee which is responsible for promoting and accelerating the resolution of legal…
As illegal online scam and gambling operations continue to be dismantled, the Ministry of Interior has reiterated that the Kingdom does not permit online scam centres to operate. It also called for increased international cooperation to tackle these global crimes. The most recent crackdown took place on November 6, targeting a building in Stung Meanchey III, Phnom Penh, where nearly 200 Chinese and Pakistani nationals were found conducting illegal online gambling activities. “The police received reports from victims who claimed they were confined in the building, prompting immediate action which led to the discovery of several foreigners who were involved…
Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the importance of inclusive dialogue and the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus during a November 6 meeting with Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing in China. Manet met with Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar’s State Administration Council, while both attended the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, Yunnan province, China. According to a social media statement by Manet, the junta leader thanked Cambodia for sharing its experiences in ending the Cambodian conflict and offering insights on resolving Myanmar’s ongoing crisis. The Myanmar leader also discussed his country’s political situation and upcoming general…
Cambodia is likely to become an ageing society before it reaches high-income status by 2050, necessitating clear policies to address the needs of its older population and related social issues. HelpAge Cambodia and the Cambodian Older People Network organised the 4th National Forum on Older People on November 6 to strengthen relationships and enhance the work of elderly associations nationwide. The forum brought together 247 elderly representatives from across the country and aimed to review and discuss the progress and vision of relevant ministries and institutions focused on the ageing sector to address the priority needs of older people in…
Senate president Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet have shared their congratulations with US President-elect Donald Trump following the announcement that he has been victorious in his bid to become the 47th US president. Hun Sen described the win as a testament to the trust and confidence that the American people have placed in Trump’s leadership, vision and extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. He said Trump’s presidential leadership will further contribute to global peace, stability and prosperity, beyond guiding the US towards a more prosperous future. “As we will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Cambodia-US…
The Ministry of Interior is preparing to implement its Crime Management System (CMS) in the near future, which will expedite information-sharing among relevant law enforcement officers and maintain records of criminal data. Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak told The Post that once the system is operational, all crimes, including traffic violations, will be logged into it, though only offences under the ministry’s jurisdiction will be recorded. “We aim to manage crime and criminals within the framework of the National Police under the interior ministry so that relevant authorities can access information on whether an individual is under a red notice or…
The National Commission to Review and Request Sentence Reductions and Pardons has denied appeals for 281 out of 671 incarcerated applicants due to their involvement in severe and violent criminal offenses. The decision was reached during a November 5 meeting, led by Minister of Justice Koeut Rith, chair of the commission. The meeting evaluated the list of inmates applying for pardons or sentence reductions to be granted during the country’s Independence Day and Water Festival. According to Rith, the inmates whose requests were denied are linked to crimes involving drugs, gang-related activities, murder, human trafficking and child molestation. The applications…