wednesday, april 7, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3643 / 4000 RIEL Jabs could be ‘mandatory’: PM Mom Kunthear and Kandal province. And to en- mandatory,” he said. ployment there might be that they standard operating procedures to sure that they are resilient against He said some countries would won’t hire anyone who hasn’t been guide medical treatment at home RIME Minister Hun Sen has the disease, he said all vaccines ob- start reciprocating and ease their vaccinated. for Covid-19 patients with mild suggested that vaccination tained by Cambodia for the foresee- quarantines after their populations “I think that for those who have not symptoms as a surge in cases could become “mandatory” if the able future will be targeted there. were widely vaccinated. been vaccinated it will be unfortunate overwhelm the capacity of the King- rate of Covid-19 infection “In Phnom Penh, we don’t care “For Cambodia – in Phnom Penh, if they are unable to get a job or if they dom’s hospitals. doesP not subside and that this policy who you are. We’ve already set our Kandal province and other places – are no longer welcomed by those who On April 6 alone, the Ministry of – if adopted – would first be applied priorities. The next goal is that all when the factories and enterprises already got their jabs. This could lead Health reported another 72 infections, to Phnom Penh. people have to be vaccinated. The have completed vaccination of their to discrimination,” he said. bringing the total active cases to 1,003. In an audio message on April 6, vaccinations right now are on a vol- workers, those who have not been The prime minister has also re- In an audio message posted on he said the next step is to maximally untary basis. But I think at some vaccinated may not have a job there quested that an inter-ministerial suppress infections in Phnom Penh point the vaccinations will become anymore. The requirement for em- working group establish a set of Continued – page 2

Putin passes law allowing him to stay in office till 2036 RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has given final approval to legisla- tion allowing him to hold office for two additional six-year terms, opening the possibility for him to stay in power until 2036. The 68-year-old Russian leader, who has already been in power for more than two decades, on April 6 signed off on the bill, according to a copy posted on the government’s legal information portal. Putin proposed the change last year as part of constitutional re- forms that Russians overwhelm- ingly backed in a vote in July. Lawmakers approved the bill last month. The legislation will reset presi- dential term limits, allowing Putin to run in elections again after his current and second consecutive term expires in 2024. Putin was first elected presi- dent in 2000 and served two con- secutive four-year terms. His ally Dmitry Medvedev took his place in 2008, which critics saw as a way around Russia’s limit of two con- secutive terms for presidents. While in office, Medvedev signed off on legislation extending terms Set sail to six years starting with the next A passing walker takes a glance at the nearly-completed Morodok Techo National Sports Complex in northern Phnom Penh, east of the Tonle Sap river. The national sports president. complex is modelled after a ship and will be encircled by an ancient Angkor-style moat. HONG MENEA Putin then returned to the Kremlin in 2012 and won re-elec- tion in 2018. The term reset was part of con- stitutional reforms that included populist economic measures and Tesla ‘yet to request’ business licence sweeteners for traditionalists such as an effective ban on gay marriage. May Kunmakara sprouted up on an unopened show- But Sovicheat pointed out that The Post reviewed the ministry’s Russians voted yes or no to the room covered with its brand logo the registry did not contain any of registry and came across Tesla En- entire bundle of amendments in SOUTH African-born US entrepre- along Russian Federation Boulevard the company’s affiliates, nor had a gineering and Construction Co Ltd a vote last summer that was held neur Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc has not across the road from the ministry. dealer been granted exclusive rights and Tesla Industries Co Ltd, which over the course of a week, in a yet requested a business licence This sparked a flurry of comments to distribute Tesla-branded vehicles were incorporated on 2016 and move authorities said was aimed with the Ministry of Commerce as and images on internet forums and in the Kingdom. 2012, respectively. at limiting the spread of the coro- of April 6, ministry spokesman Pen Facebook groups fanning rumours “The ministry also checked the list Adisorn Chieu was listed as direc- navirus but critics said left the Sovicheat told The Post. that Tesla was set to establish its foot- of intellectual property rights hold- tor of both firms and Preedawan- process open to manipulation. The remark came days after a siz- print in Cambodia, with some point- ers and found that no individual or nalert Kompakorn was named as Russians ultimately voted 78 per able billboard advertisement for the ing out similarly-named firms listed company has been granted exclu- cent in favour of the changes. AFP US-based electric vehicle maker in the ministry’s business registry. sive rights,” he said. Continued – page 6

inter-province travel new gi designation set ban imposed ahead of to create buzz around new year celebrations mondulkiri wild honey nATIONAL – page 3 business – page 7 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Mobile medic teams will give home care

Continued from page 1 many have expressed a pref- erence for doing so. April 6, Hun Sen said Cambo- A mobile medical team dia should prepare to do what should be set up in each dis- other countries with a great trict and staffed with volun- many Covid-19 patients had teers to respond to any emer- previously done – such as the gencies but no medic should US and France – when hospi- be withdrawn from the hos- tals were at risk of being over- pitals to provide home treat- whelmed with patients. ment, he said. “At a previous inter-min- He urged local authorities to isterial meeting, health provide 20,000 riel ($5) finan- minister Mam Bun Heng cial support per day to each requested permission to al- Covid-19 patient recovering low treatments at home. at home in order to ensure Now, we need to assess the they had food and regardless capacity of our hospitals. If of the family’s income. the disease does not subside, “I think we will reach that our hospitals will be flooded phase if [Covid-19] does not with both serious and less- subside, especially in Phnom serious patients. Penh and Kandal province. “We need to examine the That would be beyond our possibility of bringing some capacity. people for treatment by med- “This problem is not hap- ical specialists at the hospital, pening in Cambodia alone. Kem Sokha (right) and Yang Saing Koma visit a farm in Mondulkiri province on March 30. supplied while also possibly treating Other developed countries some patients at home. We such as the US, France and won’t be able to hospitalise the EU could not accommo- every patient if the number date all of their patients ei- CPP’s Eysan: Talks between of new cases keeps increas- ther,” Hun Sen said. ing, even if the recovery rate Pursuant to these sugges- remains the same. tions, Bun Heng wrote a letter “If on a daily basis the new to municipal and provincial cases outnumber recoveries, governors requesting that Sokha and GDP troubling eventually no matter how mobile medical teams be set many hospitals we set up it up to care for and treat as- Voun Dara 2020 and has been postponed what he had posted and if “A lawyer has the right to won’t be enough,” he said. ymptomatic and less-serious due to the Covid-19 outbreak. it might have violated the talk, but a lawyer expressing The prime minister noted, Covid-19 patients at home ECENT communica- He has been seen travelling court-imposed ban. comments for Sokha attracts however, that only patients if an increase in confirmed tion between former to several provinces and talk- Cambodian People’s Party the court’s attention. My com- whose condition was not se- cases threatens to overwhelm Cambodia National ing with supporters, and also spokesperson Sok Eysan said ment is that when [Sokha] rious and who have a proper the country’s hospitals. Rescue Party (CNRP) with Saing Koma. while Chen’s remark was free- does something contrary to place to live would be treated Meanwhile, health minis- leaderR Kem Sokha, who has Sokha’s lawyer Chan Chen dom of expression, the duo the court’s decision, it increas- at home and if a patient’s try spokeswoman Or Vandine been barred from political ac- posted a photo of both po- had purportedly discussed es his guilt,” Eysan said. house was too small in size or has reiterated her call for all tivities while awaiting trial on litical figures on social media forming a possible coalition. Saing Koma confirmed that too crowded, then they would private hospital and clinic treason charge, and Grassroots on March 30, saying Sokha “You discussed forming a the photo Chen had posted be taken to the hospital to owners to cooperate with the Democratic Party (GDP) leader and Saing Koma met in Mon- political coalition to contest on Facebook was taken in avoid spreading the disease government to stop Covid- Yang Saing Koma could result dulkiri province to learn the ruling party, but now you 2020 in Mondulkiri province. to family members. 19 transmission, reminding in further legal woes, a senior about crops and the liveli- deny it. The ruling party isn’t “I cannot do anything with He said at least 50 per cent them that they are not al- ruling party official said. hoods of the people. scared of Kem Sokha doing him because he does not have of the patients currently be- lowed to independently test Sokha was arrested and “Blood running toward politics because he has al- political freedom. We don’t ing treated in hospitals could and treat patients suspected charged with conspiring with blood; a child of a farmer runs ready been banned from poli- conduct any [political] activi- safely be treated at home and of contracting the disease. a foreign power in September toward a child of a farmer. tics by the court,” he said. ties with him. He may also not 2017, followed by the dissolu- True democrats who are loyal Asked whether Sokha had want to do [any political activi- tion of the CNRP in Novem- to the nation strive to live a violated the conditions of his ties] because he is afraid it may ber 2017. In 2019, the court hard and easy life. They do bail, Eysan said it is a matter affect the court ban,” he said. granted him bail and allowed not run away from each oth- for the court to decide. But he Saing Koma said the GDP Warship UXO-op him to travel the country but er, no matter how difficult the said the public disclosure of will only welcome political barred him from engaging in situation is,” he wrote. Sokha’s relationship with Sa- discussions with Sokha after politics. Chen could not be reached ing Koma was intended to test his political rights has been His trial began in January for comment on April 5 on how the court would react. reinstated. nearly complete

Nov Sivutha the 1.6 tonnes of ammunition destroyed accounted for 10 per DISPOSAL teams have burned cent of the total amount found 1.6 tonnes of the 16 tonnes of and were destroyed between unexploded ordnance (UXOs) March 31 and April 7. that were retrieved from a The other 90 per cent, he warship sunk in the Mekong said, was in good condition River in Kampong Cham and slated to be neutralised at province during the civil war a mine clearance base called period of the early 1970s. The Golden West Headquarters in remaining ordnance will be Kampong Chhnang province neutralised and preserved for between March 31 and May museum displays. 19, before being brought to a Mey Sophea, head of the UXO museum for display. Clearance Unit of the National According to Van, the ship- Centre for Peacekeeping Forces wreck was a leftover from the and Explosive Remnants of War French colonial era. It was main- Clearance (NPMEC-ERW), said ly used for transport and had a on April 6 that the specialist cargo capacity large enough to team only burned the old and carry in excess of 100 tonnes of decayed or rusty ammunition, ammunition or supplies. since it would soon deterio- It was determined that the rate anyways. Items burned warship originally belonged to included artillery rounds, France and was used to trans- mortar shells and bullets port ammunition to Kampong among other varieties. Cham from Ho Chi Minh City “There could still be a small in Vietnam. amount of ammunition left at Known then as Saigon, it the bottom of the ship. We will was the location of most of end this operation after Khmer the major US military bases New Year when the ship is lifted during the war. The ammu- from the water,” he said. nition was likely provided by Eam Van, deputy chief of the the US to support Marshall Underwater Explosive Ord- Lon Nol’s forces in Cambodia nance Disposal Task Force, said during the 1970-1975 war. THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Gov’t imposes inter-province MRC unveils plans travel ban ahead of New Year to balance Mekong basin development

Lay Samean overall reduction in the cycli- cal replenishment of the Me- THE Mekong River Commis- kong Delta. sion (MRC) unveiled a new “Climate change has further 10-year Basin Development added to the severity of these Strategy (BDS) and five-year impacts, bringing more un- Strategic Plan (SP) to balance certainties and risks, including basin development and man- frequent droughts and floods,” agement to enable Mekong the MRC statement said. member countries to address MRC expects to invest over emerging challenges and im- $60 million over the next five prove the overall state of the years, of which about 40 per basin. cent of the funds will come In apress release on April 5, from MRC member countries. the MRC said BDS 2021-2030 They will work on making pro- was approved by the govern- active assessments and the ments of Cambodia, Laos, identification of new storage Thailand and Vietnam. options and new water flow The strategy focuses on im- and environmental limits. proving the ecological func- The will recommend basin- tioning of the Mekong River to wide joint investment projects maintain a healthy environ- that will have multiple ben- ment and productive commu- efits for flood management, nities. It also aims to improve drought relief, energy security access to and use of water and and environmental protec- related resources by Mekong tion. Officers stop a vehicle caught travelling past the 8pm-5am curfew in Phnom Penh. Hean Rangsey communities to enhance their Cambodia’s National Me- wellbeing. kong Committee (CNMC)’s Mom Kunthear trucks as well as the trans- mar and three Chinese na- to visit family, which could be The development focus is deputy secretary-general Kol portation of factory workers, tionals, with the rest being disastrous during a pandemic. on sustainability and inclusive Vathana said on April 6 that the HE government has travel to hospitals and other Cambodian. The Cambodian “Especially for those in Phnom imposed inter-pro- travel that has been expressly patients include three chil- Penh, I know people want to re- What we need to look at is vincial travel ban from permitted by the authorities. dren aged 5 to 16. Phnom turn to their hometowns but I April 7-20 in a bid to All tourist attractions – na- Penh recorded the most cases beg them to reconsider because whether each country is containT the spread of Covid- tional parks, casinos, vacation at 32, followed by Preah Siha- it just isn’t the right thing to do willing to participate in the 19. However, Phnom Penh and destinations and any other nouk province at 22, Kandal this year,” she said. neighbouring Kandal province entertainment venues – have at nine, three each in Pursat She said she feared that any implementation of the plan are treated as one administra- been ordered closed during and Svay Rieng, and one each province that is currently with- tive region, so travel between this period. in Prey Veng and Kampot. out Covid-19 could become economic growth; resilience 10-year strategy demonstrates them can continue. The move comes as the King- The latest cases bring the another hotspot after Khmer to climate and disaster risks; the efforts and attention of the These restrictions do not dom grapples with the ongoing Kingdom’s third community New Year if people travel. and enhanced regional coop- four countries now that weak- apply to the transportation of outbreak of Covid-19. transmission tally to 2,293, with Vandine said the restric- eration from a whole-of-basin nesses in the Mekong River goods, according to a direc- On April 6 alone, the Min- 1,276 recoveries as of March 6. tions were intended to break perspective. have been identified, warrant- tive signed by Prime Minister istry of Health reported the Health ministry spokeswom- the chain of transmission. An Pich Hatda, MRC Secre- ing urgent solutions. Hun Sen late on April 6. country’s 22nd death from the an Or Vandine said she is wor- As of April 6, Cambodia tariat chief executive officer, “The preparation of this Similarly exempted is travel disease and another 71 infec- ried about the upcoming New had recorded a total of 2,824 said: “The strategy is aligned strategic plan for the river by civil servants or the military tions linked to the February Year holiday because it tradi- Covid-19 cases with 1,003 with the Mekong govern- basin is based on past experi- and the movements of ambu- 20 community outbreak. tionally is a time when people receiving ongoing treatment ments’ priorities and needs ence through the assessment lances, fire engines or rubbish The 71 included one Myan- travel to their home provinces and 22 fatalities. for achieving a stronger and of weaknesses, the actual situ- more resilient Mekong River ation of the river basin and its Basin through proactive plan- water resources. This plan is a ning and coordinated man- good thing,” he said. agement, and thus ensuring Mak Bunthoeun, a coordi- 168,000 teachers, school staff members a balance between economic nator of River Coalition Cam- development and environ- bodia at the NGO Forum on mental protection.” Cambodia, supported the across Kingdom receive Covid-19 jab MRC said this new 10-year launch of the new plan. But strategy is based on recent he noted that it would require Voun Dara policy, the ministry started providing vac- doses through April 10 and the second assessments of the signifi- each country to implement cinations on April 1 to 168,000 public and doses from April 15 to April 24. cant impacts caused by water the plan fully in order for it to A TOTAL of 168,000 teachers and other private school staff members throughout The education ministry has asked that and related resource devel- work. school staff members at all levels in the the capital and provinces. all education sector workers register their opments and infrastructure “What we need to look at public and private sectors across the “From April 1 to 6, there were no sig- names via the Android KhmerVacc mo- up-river, including dams that is whether each country is country have volunteered for vaccination nificant incidents. Vaccination went on bile app or at the website https://cam- have changed the flow of wa- willing to participate in the against Covid-19, with the vaccination smoothly across the country,” he said. bodia-vaccine.gov.kh/patient/create in ter, affecting sediment trans- implementation of the plan, campaign in the Kingdom proceeding He said that in Phnom Penh there were order to schedule their appointments. port and magnifying bank because it may [be viewed as smoothly from April 1 through April 6. 34,731 volunteers in the education sector Soveacha noted that – according to erosion. contrary] to some countries’ Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and that 58 per cent of them had received UNESCO – Cambodia is among just 17 These impacts have in turn interests,” he said, adding spokesman Ros Soveacha said on April 6 their first dose as of April 5. countries in the world to prioritize vac- led to a decline in the natural that information sharing is that in accordance with the government’s The ministry plans to administer first cinations for teachers even though they fish populations and the deg- what MRC must address now have urged all countries to prioritise radation of environmental as- to avoid future unwanted teachers in national vaccines rollout sets and floodplains, with an consequences. plans to ensure education can continue safely and schools can be opened. Cambodian Independent Teach- ers Association (CITA) president Ouk Chhayavy said that teachers, school ad- ministrators and staff had voluntarily registered for vaccination because it was the right thing to do for their own health and the health of their students. “Most of the teachers are registered for vaccinations, and those who are not registered have pre-existing health con- ditions such as diabetes or are pregnant or breastfeeding,” she said. She said that she had heard from a num- ber of teachers already who had been vac- cinated via her organisations Telegram chat channels and that none of them had Teachers wait to get Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine at Bak Touk primary school in Phnom Penh’s reported any side-effects or other prob- Fishing boats on the Mekong River in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar Prampi Makara district on April 1. heng chivoan lems from the Sinovac vaccines. district in February. hong menea 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National CSHD destroys 181 units of UXO Suspect in rape case found in Oddar Meanchey village awaits trial Kim Sarom Kim Sarom AMBODIA Self Help De- mining (CSHD) destroyed THE Siem Reap Provincial Court on 181 pieces of unexploded April 4 placed a middle-aged man in ordnance (UXO) on April pre-trial detention after he was arrest- 6C after finding them on April 4 in ed for allegedly raping his four-year- Po Chas village of Banteay Ampil old granddaughter in February in district’s Beng commune in Oddar Siem Reap town’s Sra Nge commune. Meanchey province. Court spokesman Yin Srang iden- The organisation said they had tified the man as Leak Leang, a 52- collected 3,352 pieces of mixed am- year-old resident of the commune. munition and 116.5kg of pistol bul- “The suspect was charged with lets from Oddar Meanchey province sexual intercourse with a minor in 2020. under 15 years of age under Article Chhun Bora, Explosive Ordinance 42 of the Law on the Suppression Disposal Supervisor and Training of Human Trafficking and has been Manager at CSHD, said on April sent to the investigating judge for 6 that his organisation had safely further procedures,” he said. detonated 181 mixed pieces of am- Leang faces a prison sentence of be- munition as well as 110kg of pistol tween five and 10 years if found guilty. bullets. Citing the victim’s aunt, provincial He added that they had deto- deputy police chief Duong Thavry nated all of the ammunition in said the child’s father had died and Siem Reap province’s Chi Kraeng her mother had found a new hus- commune where they have a large band. As she was busy with work, open field and it is easy to do the she took her daughter to live with work safely. the suspect. “We destroyed the ammunition Demining experts found UXO in Oddar Meanchey province on March 6. cambodian demining organisation Thavry said the victim told her ourselves directly, but we request- aunt that Leang raped her in Febru- ed approval for the location from ing. He immediately stopped his Bora also said that in Oddar 767 other miscellaneous types of ary. After learning of the incident, the district authorities in advance. work and reported it to the Beng Meanchey province in 2020 his UXO. the aunt filed a complaint with the We can’t destroy the ammunition commune police station and the dis- organisation had found a variety Banteay Ampil district police chief anti-trafficking police on April 3, where we find it because it’s often trict police chief requested CSHD’s of UXO including anti-personnel Thong Kosal said on Apr 6 that this leading to his arrest. The suspect too close to people’s houses,” he assistance. mines, anti-tank mines, artificial was the first time people had found has confessed to his crime. said. Bora said his demining officers mines, UCO bombs and over 3,000 UXO in that particular area while “Before the police arrested the According to Bora, on April 4 a searched the area with metal de- cluster munitions. ploughing their land and that it’s a suspect, we thoroughly investigated resident of Po Chas village in Ban- tectors and collected 82mm shells, In the first three months of 2021, lesson to everyone to remain cau- the case. We have verified the ac- teay Ampil district’s Beng commune anti-personnel mines, B40 shells his organisation has found 369 anti- tious because there are still danger- counts of the victim and suspect to found noticed he had dug up some and rockets for a total of 181 items personnel mines, 2 anti-tank mines, ous areas that are unknown to any- see if they were consistent, so we de- buried bullets while he was plough- along with 110kg of pistol bullets. 59 warheads, 8kg of pistol bullets one. tained him,” Thavry said. THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Dry season rice crops have bumper Pair killed on duty in Q1, exports decrease by 33 per cent navy boat Long Kimmarita explosion IELDS for this year’s dry-season crops, especially rice, in- Voun Dara creased significantly inY the first quarter of 2021, THE navy is searching for two though exports decreased marines who went missing compared to the same period when a speed boat transport- last year, according to the ing food had an electrical mal- Ministry of Agriculture, For- function that caused an explo- estry and Fisheries. sion, throwing the men into In a report released on the water south of Sampoch April 5, the ministry said over Island in Preah Sihanouk prov- 649,000ha of land have been ince on April 5. Four others planted with dry-season rice. were injured in the incident. More than 645,000ha were “We haven’t found them yet. ploughed by machinery while Three military personnel suf- 4,000 used cattle. fered minor injuries and Growing rice seeds and sow- another sustained a serious ing rice was achieved as per injury,” said Navy Commaner plan and had exceeded last Tea Vinh. year’s goal with over 30,000ha The boat exploded at for the same period. More 13:30pm at the south of the than 535,000ha of dry-season island about 3km from Prek rice was harvested, produc- Chak beach in Ream com- ing over two million tonnes of mune in the province’s Prey paddy. More than 130,000ha Nop district. had been planted with a va- According to Tea Vinh, the riety of crops – an increase of military personnel were mem- nearly 60,000ha. bers of Ream Naval Base and This achievement, the min- Paddy fields are seen on either sides of a canal in Banteay Meanchey province’s Preah Netr district on Tuesday. facebook were on a mission to transport istry said, was attributed to food to navy forces stationed initiatives that have boosted and agricultural communities techniques and be prepared Coalition of Cambodian by providing incentives to on Koh Seh. the production of crops, rais- in the spirit of responsibility,” for a possible disaster, the Farmer Community director continue farming. The two missing personnel ing animals and aquaculture. the ministry said. containment of disease or Theng Savoeun said farmers “Cambodia should care were identified as Sok Reaks- The measures were laid out Agriculture minister Veng vermin destroying crops,” he had planted dry season rice about the domestic market, mey and Pheak, according to and implemented to assist Sakhon said in the report that said. early this year. They achieved especially for fish, meat, veg- Ream Naval Base commander farmers. despite the good results, the The report said that in the a good result because there etables and fruit. If the people Ouk Seyha. “Inspections on fertilisers, ministry had still continued ini- first quarter of this year, Cam- was enough rainfall for culti- could plant and supply them “We also approached the pesticides and agricultural tiatives to increase agricultural bodia exported more than vation. on their own, imports from Vietnamese side for help in work were achieved with good cultivation during the 2021 dry 150,000 tonnes of milled rice Savoeun said the decrease neighbouring countries would case they [military personnel] cooperation from relevant season to produce food in re- to 41 countries – a decrease in exports was due to the decrease. If there is still no drifted to their side. Currently ministries and institutions, sponse to the risk of Covid-19. of over 33 per cent from over Covid-19 crisis. He urged the market, the state has to ensure the wind is too strong on the the sub-national administra- “I continue to urge and 230,000 tonnes over the same government to find markets storage of products to keep sea which makes it hard for us tions, development partners train farmers in cultivation period last year. for farmers and support them them longer,” he said. to search for them,” he said.

Thunderstorm wreaks havoc, Prey Veng bird die-off slows down, killing 2, more rains expected recent rains believed to have helped

T LEAST two people were killed Khouth Sophak Chakrya and 18 homes were severely Adamaged in heavy rains when THE number of wild birds dying in thunderstorms hit four districts in Bat- the Tuolporn Taley Boeung Sne Mul- tambang province on April 4-5. tiple-Use Area in Prey Veng province Moul Thun, director of provincial is declining after recent rainfalls, administration, told The Post on April according to local authorities and 6 that the two people were killed by community members. The cause of lightning in Phnom Proek district. In the deaths is suspected to be water Phnom Proek, Kors Kralor, Banan and pollution, chemicals, old age and dis- Thma Koul districts, 18 houses were ease. damaged. “From April 1 to April 6, the number “We have often announced to the of dead birds decreased to only public about the dangers before and between 35 and 57 a day. This is about during the rainy season,” he said. 150 less compared to March 21-22, Phnom Proek district police chief Song when there were more than 200 Sopheak said the two who were killed deaths a day,” chief of Tuolporn Taley were a 12-year-old girl and a 52-year- preservation community Puth Bou old woman. Both lived in Pichr Chenda said on April 6. commune’s Phnom Touch village. He added that his team collected The Ministry of Water Resources 50 carcasses on April 2 and between and Meteorology on April 6 called 35 and 57 the following days to April on residents to be vigilant as more 6. The carcasses were destroyed in a stormy weather is predicted from April pit about 500m from where the dead 7-13, particularly in the northwestern birds were found. provinces. An investigation by the Ministry of The ministry said there will be a Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries on low pressure system from India and March 24 revealed that bird carcass- southeast winds from the South China es contained the A/H5N1 virus. Dead birds at Boeung Sne in Prey Veng province in March. prey veng information department Sea, which will affect the central “It’s very lucky that so far the virus lowland provinces along the Dangrek has not spread to local animals like spread of the disease. teer work from the community lected and destroyed from March 17 Mountains and the northeastern plateau pigs, ducks and hens,” Bou said. “We are collecting carcasses every helped to reduce the spread of the to April 6,” he said, adding that the and coastal areas. The strength of the Community member Kang day and also planting about 200 trees virus and bird deaths. He hoped that 1,556 birds did not include others storms will be from moderate to heavy. Thoeurn said 20 villagers had volun- to establish a bird habitat,” he said. no more birds would die in future. that died in the deep forest where it KHOUTH SOPHAK CHAKRYA teered to collect the carcasses and Ba Phnom district governor Tep “Currently, less than 60 birds die a is too difficult to retrieve any car- destroy them to prevent further Phearun said on April 6 that volun- day. In total, 1,556 birds had been col- casses. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,060 1.2554 6.5516 110.50 4.1315 1.3413 31.38 0.7612 1.1813 1.3830

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: April 6, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,680 16,700 16,700 16,640 2 GTI 4,080 4,080 4,080 4,000 3 PAS 13,000 13,020 13,020 12,940 4 PEPC 3,050 3,050 3,050 3,040 5 PPAP 13,080 13,080 13,080 13,080 6 PPSP 1,900 1,910 1,910 1,890 7 PWSA 6,640 6,640 6,660 6,620 Over 100 CSOs call for debt relief Major brand-debuts Thou Vireak instil trust in Kingdom

coalition of 103 civil society Continued from page 1 “The ministry will continue organisations (CSOs) reiterated to monitor this case. Overall, a call for the government to issue a secondary director of Tesla the Ministry of Commerce wel- a set of guidelines for all finan- Engineering and Construc- comes the boom in popularity cialA institutions in Cambodia to suspend tion. of well-known brands that en- loan payments, set interest rates to zero But the names were mere ter the Cambodian market. per cent and waive accrued interest for at coincidence. “This stands as a symbol least three months to help borrowers dur- Chieu told The Post that of trust among business- ing the latest Covid-19 pandemic surge. his Tesla is not affiliated with people and large businesses The move would allow debtors to re- the US electric vehicle giant that inspires confidence in main at home and stay safe during the and works with international the Cambodian business en- pandemic, free of the fear of losing their partners on technology and vironment characterised by land or housing over unpaid debt, accord- engineering. transparency and stability. ing to the CSOs’ April 6 joint statement. “My company’s name was “It is also proof that the “We are asking the government to help registered in 2013, and it is Cambodian market has millions of people by ordering the prof- not related to Tesla Motors,” enough purchasing power to itable financial sector to help shoulder he said using the US auto- catch the fancy of renowned some of the economic burden borne by maker’s former name. brands to enter into the King- borrowers,” they said. “It is just a tech company dom,” he said. The statement noted that loan restruc- named after famous scientist Tesla made just over 180,000 turing efforts over the past year left much Nikola Tesla as an inspiration. vehicles and delivered nearly to be desired with just 10 per cent of mi- Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) members have restructured more than $1.4 billion in At the time, the automobiles 185,000 in the first quarter of croloans reportedly being restructured. loans for nearly 300,000 borrowers since March 27, 2020. HENG CHIVOAN named Tesla were not widely this year, the automaker said Among the signatories were Cambodi- and invest in the microfinance sector. pay only interests. known in Cambodia. in an April 2 press release. an Association for Human Rights and De- “Thus, a blanket suspension of pay- “We have other mechanisms to make “To be clear, we have no “We are encouraged by the velopment (Adhoc), Cambodian League ments for three months is an impossible things easier for clients and ensure that connection to the import or strong reception of the Mod- for the Promotion and Defence of Human approach, and to make such demands the solutions we offer are tailored to the authorised distribution of Te- el Y in China and are quickly Rights (Licadho) and Centre for Alliance means suggests a muddled understand- specific needs of each one. sla cars in Cambodia, but I do progressing to full produc- of Labour and Human Rights (Central). ing of the financial sector in Cambodia.” “We cannot use a single solution for wish for a worthy automobile tion capacity. Cambodia Microfinance Association Tongngy said CMA members, which two million people, so the three-month supply to the Kingdom’s mar- “The new Model S and (CMA) Communications Department include four banks, have restructured across-the-board suspension is not an ket and people,” he said. Model X have also been ex- director Kaing Tongngy criticised the more than $1.4 billion in loans for nearly effective solution for the financial sector Neither Tesla, nor distribu- ceptionally well received, “impossible” demands as an ineffective 300,000 borrowers since the National or customers,” Tongngy said. tors in Australia or Asia re- with the new equipment in- way to combat the debt issue. Bank of Cambodia (NBC) on issued a NBC issued the circular to all finan- sponded to requests for com- stalled and tested in the first He told The Post: “Covid-19 has deliv- circular on loan restructuring during cial institutions to restructure credit for ment as of press time. quarter and we are in the ered a sweeping shock to the livelihoods Covid-19 back in March 27, last year. loans in four priority sectors ravaged by The ministry’s Sovicheat early stages of ramping pro- of a considerable portion of the general He noted that loan restructuring could the pandemic – transport and logistics, said billboard campaigns typ- duction,” it said. population and we’ve been working to only be processed following individual tourism, garments and construction. ically accompany the entry of On the Nasdaq stock ex- alleviate the burden of affected clients. requests based on conditions set in the Effective until mid-2021, the directive other automotive brands into change, Tesla’s share price But we in the private sector have our circular. aims to maintain financial stability, sup- the Kingdom such as Mazda, surged $29.30 or 4.43 per cent limits – we are also affected by Covid-19. Debtors are allowed to pay either in- port economic activity and ease the bur- Volvo and Mitsubishi, but to close April 5 at $691.05 for “At the same time, we must be commit- terest or principal, he said, adding that den of debtors facing declining revenues noted that they all had exclu- a market capitalisation of ted to helping other clients, such as de- most have requested between three and during the ongoing outbreak, according sive distribution agreements $663.31 billion, with 41.84 positors and investors, to take out money six months’ grace period and agreed to to NBC. registered at the ministry. million shares traded. US pushing G20 for global minimum corporate tax: Yellen

THE US is pushing in the Group of 20 He dismissed concerns the higher my has led to “a 30-year race to the if needed change its legislation to also outlined the Biden administra- (G20) to adopt a global minimum cor- rate would drive companies over- bottom on corporate tax rates”. bring the US minimum tax into line tion push to resume the multilateral porate tax to stem the erosion of gov- seas, telling reporters on April 5 that But for companies and economies to with the international plan. cooperation halted under former ernment revenues, US Secretary of the “there’s no evidence of that”. remain competitive, governments must A G20 agreement would give a president Donald Trump. Treasury Janet Yellen said on April 5. “We’re talking about a 28 per cent make sure they “have stable tax systems push to ongoing negotiations in the She said: “Over the last four years, Just days after President Joe Biden tax that everybody thought was fair that raise sufficient revenue to invest in broader Organisation for Economic we have seen firsthand what hap- announced plans to raise corporate enough for everybody,” he said. essential public goods and respond to Cooperation and Development pens when America steps back from taxes to finance a massive $2 trillion “I’m going to push as hard as I can [to] crises, and that all citizens fairly share (OECD) on a global minimum tax as the global stage. America first must infrastructure and jobs programme, change the circumstances so we can the burden of financing government”. a way to protect all members from never mean America alone.” Yellen said a collective international compete with the rest of the world.” Biden’s proposal recognises “it is erosion of tax revenues. In fact a strong US presence is nec- effort would end the “race to the Yellen said the practice of seeking important to work with other coun- World Bank president David Mal- essary to ensure a level playing field bottom” on taxation. tax havens erodes government reve- tries to end the pressures of tax pass said on CNBC: “Taxes matter to in the global economy she said. Biden expressed outrage at multi- nues and undermines an economy’s competition and corporate tax base development and it’s important that “Over time, a lack of global leader- nationals – like Amazon – that have competitiveness. erosion”, Yellen said. the world get it right.” ship and engagement makes our in- moved to tax havens or used loop- “Together we can use a global mini- G20 finance ministers are expected He declined to comment on the stitutions and economy vulnerable.” holes and pay little to no tax, far less mum tax to make sure the global econ- to discuss the proposal during a virtu- US proposal, which will be a topic The Biden administration already than some individuals, and said he omy thrives based on a more level play- al meeting on April 7, hosted by Italy. for the G20 officials on April 7. announced it is rejoining the Paris would put a stop to the practice. ing field in the taxation of multinational A Treasury official told reporters Yellen’s speech, ahead of the climate accords, and removed ob- His plan would raise the US corpo- corporations,” she said in a speech to the G20 goal is to have a proposal spring meetings of the International stacles in the World Trade Organisa- rate tax rate to 28 per cent and the mini- The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. on the global minimum tax by July, Monetary Fund and World Bank, as tion that allowed the global body to mum for multinationals to 21 per cent. The interconnected global econo- and the Biden administration could well as the G20 meeting, all virtual, name a new leader. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Singapore, GI tag to create buzz around honey Thailand to Hin Pisei

long-awaited Geographical talk travel Indication (GI) certificate handover ceremony for “Mon- dulkiri wild honey” scheduled bubble plan forA April 6 was postponed in light of the February 20 community transmission. THAILAND’S Ministry of Tour- Made in the northeastern province’s ism and Sports aims to discuss forested areas from the Apis dorsata bee, with Singapore a travel bubble the Ministry of Commerce domestically between the two countries. registered the honey as a GI on January Minister Phiphat Ratchak- 29, improving prospects of a brighter itprakarn said discussions future for the golden, viscous fluid. would take place this week Mondulkiri wild honey became the with the Singaporean fourth domestic GI product after Kam- embassy. pot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sug- He said: “We have acknowl- ar and Koh Trong pomelos. edged that Singapore has pre- Its newly acquired status offers pro- viously run the travel bubble tection for appellations of origin linked with Australia and New Zea- to specific geographical locations and land. associated qualities, reputations and “If Singapore agrees to run characteristics. The designation also the scheme with Thailand as promotes knowledge transfer and skills well, we would probably be development across generations. able to receive tourists from Ministry spokesman Pen Sovicheat Mondulkiri wild honey collection could yield around 10-20 tonnes this year, much lower than the 60 tonnes logged in each of 2019 and Australia and New Zealand, in 2020. WWF-CAMBODIA told The Post on April 6 that GI registra- addition to Singaporeans.” tion is an important tool to encourage Product (OVOP) Movement – a govern- particularly Mondulkiri wild honey col- “I don’t know why honey this year has He added that his ministry the community to strengthen and ment initiative to create jobs for locals, lectors and consumers, to claim [the] fallen so much. The number of bees aimed to discuss the travel expand productions chains, improve reduce migration and attract tourists. withdrawal of counterfeit products and flowers does not seem to have bubble with other ASEAN systematic quality control, produce Cambodian Institute for Research from [the] market and [in] doing so pro- changed, it’s just a little warmer than countries as well, such as Viet- high-quality products and access and Rural Development director Prak vide more market share for [Mondulki- last year,” he said. nam and Laos where Covid-19 export markets. Sereyvath pointed out that the GI tag’s ri] wild honey” and increase consumer Harvested between March and June new cases were low. “It’ll also help promote value-added intellectual property rights protections interest in the product, he said. each year, Bophat noted that Mon- The travel bubble was Mondulkiri wild honey on the market. and quality control processes would Mondulkiri Wild Bee Conservation dulkiri wild honey is characterised by expected to be organised from Most notably, its selling price will be most likely drive up the prices of Mon- Association (MWBCA) president Kernh its unique type of sweetness and fra- October 1, the minister said, higher and it’ll be recognised in domes- dulkiri wild honey. Bophat said members of the commu- grance, as well as its high viscosity. adding that his ministry tic and international markets, which On the other hand, orders from abroad nity would see more bang for their He said the association buys honey planned to attract more tour- will provide an additional modest will start flowing in, as efforts to preserve buck now with the GI status. from members at 60,000 riel ($15) per ists from China if the country source of income for producers in the the traditional craft of honey-collection However, he noted that Mondulkiri litre and resells it at 70,000-75,000 riel allowed its people to travel geographical area,” he said. ramp up, indirectly contributing to envi- wild honey collection would only yield after removing moisture and wax. abroad. He noted that the status could also ronmental protection, he said. around 10-20 tonnes this year, falling According to Bophat, MWBCA cur- Phiphat also urged tourism alleviate poverty if the honey is inte- “GI protection will allow [those who well short of the more than the 60 tonnes rently has 11 wild bee collectors and entrepreneurs in Thailand to grated into the greater One Village, One have the right to use the indication], logged in each of 2019 and 2020. 516 registered members. contact their previous custom- ers from the Middle East, to see if they want to visit Thai- land after Ramadan, or from the middle of May. Air base substation The minister explained that several people in the Middle East had been vaccinated, and commissioned as to bring them back to Thailand was important. Meanwhile, the Tourism hottest months near Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that Hong Kong had asked Thou Vireak Sen Sok district’s O’Bek Ka’am the TAT about the travel bub- commune and deliver electric- ble, as well as with Singapore. STATE-RUN energy supplier ity to Por Sen Chey, Dangkor Thailand has decided to Electricite du Cambodge (EdC) and Sen Sok districts, accord- reduce its mandatory quaran- has commissioned a 115kV ing to Rottanak. tine period for foreign arrivals high-voltage substation to “This launch comes timely as from 14 days to 10 days from supply Phnom Penh residents the hot season approaches, April 1. with power as demand soars, accompanied by the strong The quarantine period will according to its director-gen- increase in electricity consump- be further reduced to seven eral Keo Rottanak. tion in the area, and will allevi- days for travellers who have He said the facility, also ate overload from surrounding been inoculated against Cov- known as “Grid Substation Air- substations and increase the id-19. force”, is located on 3,375sqm efficiency of supply to Phnom The Kingdom has around 3,000MW of capacity in the rainy season and 2,200MW in the dry season. hENG CHIVOAN However, travellers from just north of the Pochentong Penh as well,” he said. high-risk countries will still be Air Base compound, in Por Sen April and May are the hottest substations in Phnom Penh dia would not face a shortage 75MVA transformer in the future required to quarantine for 14 Chey district’s Kakab com- months of the year in Phnom receive an electricity mix from of electricity this year, adding to increase conversion capacity days. mune, adjacent to Phnom Penh in terms of average tem- various sources, including fossil that the Kingdom boasts to 150MVA and better meet the Meanwhile, the Centre for Penh International Airport. peratures, according to holiday- and hydropower sources. 3,000MW of capacity in the electricity demands of residents, Economic Situation Adminis- The substation has a conver- weather.com. He noted that power from rainy season and 2,200MW in as well as the airport, Booyoung tration decided on March 26 sion capacity of 75 megavolt- Victor Jona, the director-gen- the substation would “enhance the dry season. Town, Attwood Business Centre to launch the Phuket “tourism amperes (MVA) with 115kV eral of the Ministry of Mines and the stability and security of the Rottanak noted that Grid Sub- and the many commercial sandbox” for vaccinated tour- overhead lines to connect with Energy’s General Department city’s energy supply”. station Airforce would be buildings and shopping malls ists from July 1, as proposed by Grid Substation No 3 (GS3) in of Energy, told The Post that According to Jona, Cambo- equipped with an additional dotting the districts. the TAT. Under this scheme, tourists who can verify they have been inoculated against Covid-19 and test negative can fly into Kita provides export market consultant programme Phuket and move around freely without having to quarantine. IN order to help out small and medi- momentum in the face of this para- The Kita consultant in charge not chairman of the trade organisation that Similar schemes will be um-sized exporters in the global market, digm shift, it is crucial that [Kita’s] only assisted the corresponding com- represents over 70,000 member com- applied to other destinations the Korea International Trade Association experts provide their experience and pany throughout customs procedures panies. LS Group, where Koo currently such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, (Kita) and its business consultants have trade insights,” he said. and market research, but also com- sits as chairman, was spun off from LG Krabi, Phang Nga and Surat met to share successful case studies on The meeting, held at the Kita head- municated directly with Japanese cus- Group in 2003 and includes energy Thani later, once more people the trade front, officials said on April 5. quarters in southern Seoul’s Samseong- toms authorities when a problem affiliates such as LS Cable & System have been vaccinated and pre- “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the dong, was attended by Koo and 14 occurred during exports. and LS Electric. ventive measures are put in global economy has faced a shift into trade consultants – representing the Last year, Kita provided export con- He is the first Kita chief in 15 years who place. THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS a digital era and a new value chain,” 70-member pool. sulting services to 15,462 firms, of which does not come from a civil service back- NETWORK said Kita chairman Koo Ja-yeol during One case study focused on a succu- some 1,000 had little or no experience ground and is also following the foot- a meeting with the association’s export lent plant exporter that managed to in the overseas market, officials said. steps of his late father, Koo Pyeong-hoe, www.phnompenhpost.com consultants. achieve $30,000 in exports last year, on Koo, also the chief of LS Group, was who filled the seat from 1994 to 1999. THE check the post website for breaking news “For [Korean] companies to gain the back of Kita’s help. appointed in February as the 31st KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Vietnam oil, gas firms expect good Q1 results on higher crude prices

MANY Vietnamese companies in the largest part in wholesale LPG. oil and gas field might post positive Binh Son Refining and Petrochemi- results in the first quarter of 2021 cal Co Ltd (BSR) also expected good thanks to the strong rally of crude oil results in the first quarter. In an an- in the international market. nouncement, BSR estimated that it As of March 31, crude prices rose gained nearly 21 trillion dong in rev- more than 23.6 per cent. It even enue in the first quarter, with a profit broke over $70 a barrel last month. of over 1.8 trillion dong. The gain received support from low- The company stated that the strong er global oil stocks. The Organisation rally in the international oil price is of the Petroleum Exporting Countries the main reason for the good results. and its allies, known as OPEC+, agreed Meanwhile, fuel demand is also to extend production curbs, and sup- expected to improve as the pan- ply from the US was estimated to fall demic has been contained. four million barrels a day. PetroVietnam Oil Corporation The bullish oil price might have (OIL) said the increase in oil prices A fruit processing line at An Giang Fruits-Vegetables and Foodstuff JSC. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS positive effects on business activi- might help it revert the provision ties of oil and gas companies in this for devaluation of inventories in year’s first quarter. Early this month, the first quarter of 2021, as well as PetroVietnam Gas JSC (GAS) re- to improve domestic fuel output, VN fruits, vegetables sector ported revenue of over 17.8 trillion especially aviation fuel when inter- dong ($777 million) in the first quar- national routes are reopened. ter, equivalent to 102 per cent of its The group of oil and gas companies quarterly target. providing services and products such sets $10 billion export target Its profit after tax was more than as PetroVietnam Technical Services 2.23 trillion dong, equivalent to 127 Corp (PVS), PetroVietnam Drilling & ietnam’s agricultural sector $11.9 million, up 30.6 per cent; and turnover of processed fruit and veg- per cent of its plan, GAS said in a Well Services Corp (PVD), Petroviet- has determined to improve the Malaysian market reached $9.2 etable products will reach 30 per statement on its official website. nam Transportation Corp (PVT) and quality to meet import mar- million, up 32.5 per cent over the cent or more; fruit and vegetable The company said that despite un- PetroVietNam Chemical and Servic- ket standards and achieve the same period last year. processing capacity will reach two stable demand from customers, low- es JSC (PVC) also witnessed positive exportV target of $10 billion by 2030. In addition to familiar markets, million tonnes per year, nearly dou- er than GAS’ estimation and that of signs on stable operations and devel- Vietnam Vegetables Associa- Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable in- ble that of last year. the same period last year, and some opment of new projects. tion secretary-general Dang Phuc dustry has also been promoted for On the other hand, the project also transportation issues to transfer oil Shares of these companies were Nguyen said new-generation free export to many other large poten- aims to attract investment for 50-60 and gas to the mainland from off- also boosted by the higher oil prices trade agreements (FTAs) such as the tial markets, such as Egypt, Kuwait, new large and medium-sized fruit shore basin, GAS still achieved busi- and good business result outlooks. EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement Ukraine and Senegal. and vegetable processing establish- ness targets on higher oil prices. In the first quarter, BSR shares (EVFTA); the Comprehensive and The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agree- ments by 2030; to build and suc- GAS’ price policy is normally 46 per increased sharply by 73.5 per cent Progressive Agreement for Trans- ment (UKFTA) promises to create a cessfully develop a number of mod- cent of furnace oil (FO) price. Once oil compared to the beginning of the Pacific Partnership (CPTPP); and new driving force for economic coop- ern fruit and vegetable processing prices rise, GAS will directly benefit year, followed by PVD (30.6 per Regional Comprehensive Economic eration in the future, said Nguyen. groups and enterprises at regional from the higher sale price of gas and cent), PVT (17.2 per cent), PVS (22.3 Partnership (RCEP) were helping When the agreement takes effect, and international level. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is per cent), OIL (17.2 per cent) and pave the way for Vietnamese busi- more than 94 per cent of the total To achieve these goals, the agricul- holding a 100 per cent market share in GAS (1.8 per cent). VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA nesses to increase fruit and vegeta- 547 tax lines for vegetables and fruit tural sector will boost investment in natural gas and is accounting for the NEWS NETWORK ble export turnover this year. will have a tax rate of zero per cent. improving the capacity of fruit and Regarding the market, vegetables Many key products such as litchi, vegetable processing in the future; and fruit exported mainly to the Chi- longan, rambutan, dragon fruit and develop establishments for prelimi- nese market in the first two months pineapple will have additional market nary processing and preservation of of this year, reached $352.83 million, access advantages as tropical fruits fresh fruits and vegetables as well as up 17.5 per cent over the same pe- originating from competing countries promoting key fruit and vegetable riod last year, accounting for 62.5 such as Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia products and high value-added per cent of the total export value of do not have FTAs with the UK. products. vegetables and fruit of Vietnam. To take advantage of market op- In addition, the agricultural sec- The increase in exports to the Chi- portunities and boost exports, busi- tor will promote deep processing, as nese market is due to a sharp growth nesses need to improve the quality well as diversify products from raw in consumption demand during the of fruit and vegetable products and vegetables and fruits and from post- Lunar New Year. Besides China, some meet the standards required by the processing by-products. The indus- other major markets for Vietnam- importing market, said experts. try will also strive for value-added ese fruits and vegetables are the US, Recently, then-Prime Minister growth of 10 per cent per year on Thailand, Japan and South Korea. Nguyen Xuan Phuc approved a proj- average in the 2021-2030 period. Notably, the export value of veg- ect to develop the fruit and vegeta- The sector will also build and form etables and fruits to Taiwan, Austra- ble processing industry in the 2021- specialised areas in vegetable and lia and Malaysia rose significantly. 2030 period with the goal that export fruit production to ensure the sup- Export value to the Taiwanese mar- turnover of fruits and vegetables will plied materials to have quality and ket reached $12.87 million, up 43.1 reach $8-10 billion by 2030. food safety for processing activities. per cent; Australian market reached Of this, the proportion of export VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Workers at a PetroVietnam Gas JSC (GAS) plant. gas/VIET NAM NEWS Posco Chemical to supply key EV battery materials to LG-GM JV POSCO Chemical on April 5 said “Thanks to this deal, Posco higher the ratio of nickel inside it would supply anodes to Chemical will be able to supply cathodes, the more powerful Ultium Cells, a joint venture not only cathodes but also batteries become. (JV) established by South Korea’s anodes to Ultium Cells’ EV bat- Last year, Posco Chemical LG Energy Solution and the US’ teries.” was the fourth-biggest supplier General Motors in 2019. Last December, Posco Chem- of anodes, commanding 11 per The refractory and secondary ical was selected as a vendor to cent of the global market. Posco battery materials arm of South supply cathodes to Ultium Chemical aims to ramp up its Korean steel giant Posco, it will Cells. production capacity from the provide anodes to Ultium Cells’ Anodes and cathodes are two current 44,000 metric tonnes to electric vehicle (EV) battery man- key components of lithium-ion 121,000 tonnes by 2023 and ufacturing facility in the US state batteries. Anodes, which usu- 260,000 tonnes by 2030. of Ohio, which is set to begin the ally consist of graphite and a Also, it will raise the production mass production of NCMA (nick- small amount of silicon, decide capacity of cathodes to 400,000 el, cobalt, manganese, alumini- batteries’ stability and lifespan. tonnes by 2030 with the aim of um) batteries that contain 90 per Cathodes, made of different controlling 20 per cent of global cent nickel starting this year. metals including nickel, account battery material market. THE KOREA Posco Chemical’s anode manufacturing plant in Sejong. POSCO CHEMICAL/THE KOREA HERALD A company official said: for batteries’ energy density. The HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK wednesday, april 7, 2021 // www.phnompenhpost.com Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport’s nine priority actions for academic year

n Cambodia, as across the world, the Covid-19 pandemic has hit all sectors, including those of education, youth and Isport and beyond. Last year, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) responded promptly to the impacts of Covid- 19 on teaching and learning by collaborating with relevant ministries and the private sector to offer blended learning services. These included on-campus and online learning supported by worksheets and student workbooks as needed. This year, the Ministry of Education, among other efforts, continues to strengthen quality education and respond to the effects of Covid-19 by concentrating on the following nine priority actions.

1. Opening academic year and preparing focused curriculum Having launched the new academic year on January 11, MoEYS prepared “Comprehensive Instructions for Implementing Focused Curriculum”. These specified compulsory and MoEYS continues to strengthen quality education and respond to the effects of Covid-19. supplied elective subjects, and in-class and self-study lessons to ensure complete 5. Reinforcing digital education Subjects and Self-study Exercises”. 8. Institutional capacity Quality Assurance to study student learning, which focuses on Relevant working groups shall These are designed to concentrate improvement and evaluate curriculum important and in-depth objectives and review the “Strategy on Digital on the enhancement of knowledge MoEYS is developing “Institutional implementation, as well as content, especially lessons for Grade Education for 2021”, with MoEYS acquired from in-class study and Capacity Improvement Programmes” teaching and learning 9 and Grade 12, and lessons for the reinforcing the establishment of more “Supplementary Reading Books” in education by specifying the criteria within Covid-19 contexts. corresponding examinations. digital rooms at schools. stimulating reading and writing as for accreditation at ministry level Meanwhile, the Directorate MoEYS has prepared a concept note The ministry is also furthering well as ‘Methodology for Dictation’. for junior and senior specialists, and General of Education shall lead on the “New Normal in Education” the establishment of more libraries MoEYS continues to hold meetings focusing on theories and practices in meetings with the Department of focusing on flexible educational at schools, with the Techo Hun Sen with other relevant organisations to several specialities. Curriculum Development, the services, geographical decentralisation, Library in Phnom Penh regarded as review summary lesson documents These include teaching methodology National Institute of Education the Covid-19 risk situation and the model. and self-study exercises by (selected from the Department of and other relevant entities to available educational resources. The ministry aims to develop benchmarking with Grade 12 summary Curriculum Development, teacher identify work priorities for this model as the standard for lessons, while the Department of training institutions and new curriculum implementation and 2. Projects for supporting school libraries by collaborating Curriculum Development and other generation schools) and school-based teaching methodology. implementation of focused with relevant partners, especially relevant departments meet to prepare management (selected from projects With these nine priority curriculum requesting additional funds from the the publishing of the “Manual and schools). actions for the academic year – All projects shall be reviewed Ministry of Economy and Finance to for Implementing Focused The Department of Policy shall which complement the existing for resource allocation purposes to broaden the scope of implementation. Curriculum”. study and support reform programmes plans and strategies for support teaching and learning in the MoEYS has created a working The Ministry of Education is to further align policy and reforming education, youth current academic year in a focused group for reinforcing the establishing more model schools, implementation. and sport, as stated in the way concerning the implemention of establishment of more libraries at model classes, model principals and ministry’s Education Strategic new teaching methods and distance schools and the establishment of model teachers to further increase 9. Evidence-based evaluation Plan 2019-2023 – MoEYS teaching, as well as the production of digital rooms within school libraries. motivation and demonstrate new The Department of Curriculum continues to strengthen quality summary lessons and worksheets. teaching paradigms and strengthen Development collaborates with learning and respond to the MoEYS continues to strengthen 6. Preparation of support the sharing of best practices. the Department of Education effects of Covid-19. and expand the implementation of programmes at national level “School-Based Management” among Leaders and relevant organisations resource schools and satellite schools shall arrange monitoring programmes by preparing realistic and systematic and the implementation of “School- teaching and learning documents. Based Management” commencing from resource schools and satellite 3. Continuation of teacher schools by providing support and training institution reform enforcement at the school level, MoEYS continues to implement especially regarding the needs of action plans for reforming teacher schools and teachers. training institutions, with all teacher Technical departments shall prepare training institutions continuing to “Annual and Monthly Operational implement training programmes Plans” emphasising the priorities of completely and properly. MoEYS by arranging meetings with This is done by allotting both responsible leaders to determine in-class study and self-study, and by priority tasks every month, preparing integrating technology, while MoEYS follow-up meetings – face-to-face or assigns focal points at the technical via video conference system – and level to assure clear roles and producing regular reports. responsibilities. 7. Teaching methodology 4. Higher education curriculum Relevant working groups shall preparation continue recording teaching methods All higher education institutions for broad dissemination, while shall prepare their curriculum in line relevant departments shall assign with the “New Normal in Education”. working groups for developing “Booklets on Summary Lessons by The Ministry of Education is furthering the establishment of libraries at schools. supplied 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com World Several dozen EU chiefs make rare Turkey jihadists, senior commander, visit to refurbish relations ‘killed in Mali’ More than 40 jihadists, including a he EU’s top two officials senior commander, were killed last were due to pay a rare visit week after they attacked UN peace- on April 6 to Turkish Presi- keepers in northern Mali, the UN dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan force MINUSMA said on April 5. Taimed at testing his avowed commit- A UN source previously said about ment to improve uneasy ties. 20 of around 100 assailants were killed Years of disagreements over a grow- in a three-hour counter-attack after ing list of issues threatened to boil they raided a camp of Chadian peace- over last summer when Turkey sent keepers, leaving four troops dead. navy ships to support an energy ex- But on April 5, MINUSMA chief ploration mission in waters claimed Mahamat Saleh Annadif said a search by EU members Cyprus and Greece. of the battlefield on April 4-5 showed Tensions cooled somewhat when that the death toll among the attack- Turkey withdrew the vessels and this ers was roughly twice this number. year engaged in its first maritime Annadif said: “As of today, we have talks with Greece since 2016. counted more than 40 dead terror- The bloc pulled back from its threat ists, including a right-hand man to to sanction Turkey as a result. Iyad Ag Ghaly, by the name of Abdal- European Commission chief Ur- laye Ag Albaka.” sula von der Leyen and European Ag Ghaly, a veteran jihadist, is lead- Council president Charles Michel er of the shadowy Group to Support will now see how Erdogan intends Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in the to follow through on his repeatedly Sahel, affiliated with al-Qaeda. stated desire to “turn a new page” in Ag Albaka, a former mayor of the relations. town of Tessalit, has long had a repu- tation for being one of Ag Ghaly’s lieu- Setting of terms tenants, entrusted with a senior mili- The Turks say they want to move tary role in northern Mali, the cradle forward from “positive” talks held in The election of his US counterpart Joe Biden saw Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lose a personal friend, Donald Trump. AFP of an insurgency in 2012 that has since a series of calls to “concrete action” – spread to Niger and Burkina Faso. especially on migration. alogue with Turkey on several fronts. ment to work with Turkey if the “cur- jority of whom are Syrian. A UN security source, speaking on But EU officials warn that any im- But an EU official insisted thatA pril rent de-escalation is sustained”. “The EU hasn’t yet fully lived up condition of anonymity, said Ag Alba- provement depends on how Erdogan 6’s meeting “will not be a moment of Both sides have lists of grievances to its commitments to the deal, in ka was number three in the GSIM – who was leader when Turkey for- negotiations” but rather a chance for they want addressed. particular its financial liabilities,” the organisation. mally opened talks to join the bloc in the sides to lay out their terms for im- A Turkish diplomatic source said source said, adding that only €3.7 bil- The attack targeted a Chadian con- 2005 – acts and whether he remains a proved ties. Ankara expects the modernisation lion ($4.4 billion) of the promised €6 tingent of MINUSMA at Aguelhok in constructive partner. of 1995 Customs Union and greater billion had reached Turkey. northern Mali, around 200km from The possible thaw coincides with List of grievances emphasis on Turkey’s candidacy sta- Brussels accuses Ankara of not fol- the border with Algeria. a toughening on Turkey from the The meeting comes on the heels of tus to join the EU. lowing through on its commitment The dawn raid was carried out by a White House, where the election of Turkey’s withdrawal last month from The source added that Turkey want- to take back migrants who make it to mobile force on motorbikes and in President Joe Biden saw Erdogan lose a treaty combating violence against ed to update their 2016 migration Europe but whose asylum applica- vehicles. a personal friend in Donald Trump. women and the launch of a formal agreement, which saw the bloc prom- tions fail. “The peacekeepers have inflicted a In a “carrot-and-stick” approach, bid to shut down the country’s main ise billions of euros in exchange for Ilke Toygur, an analyst at the Ger- serious setback on the terrorists, that’s the EU is dangling the possibility of pro-Kurdish party. Turkey exerting control over the flow man Institute for International and for sure, even though we are mourn- updating the sides’ customs union, Although Brussels condemned of migrants and refugees into Europe. Security Affairs, said Turkey wanted ing the death of four” peacekeepers, visa liberalisation, providing more both decisions, EU leaders last Turkey is home to nearly four mil- a transactional relationship with the said Annadif, who is also the secre- money for refugees and increased di- month still reiterated their commit- lion refugees and migrants, the ma- bloc, “keeping its options open”. AFP tary-general’s special representative for Mali. Four jihadists were captured on April 2 and handed over to Malian forces, the security source said. The UN also said 34 of its troops US to review nuke sanctions in indirect Iran talks had been injured. The number of wounded was previously put at 19. The US on April 5 said it was ready that Rob Malley, the new point man aim to break a logjam as Biden sup- ing a US ban on any other country MINUSMA, whose deployment to to review key sanctions on Iran if it on Iran named by President Joe ports a return to the 2015 nuclear buying Iran’s oil, a crucial export for Mali began in 2013, is a 15,000-person comes into compliance with a nucle- Biden’s administration, was travelling deal but has insisted that Iran first the country. mission, of which 12,000 are troops. ar deal ahead of European-led indi- to Vienna to lead the US delegation reverse nuclear steps it took to pro- Successive US administrations It has lost more than 140 members rect talks aimed at salvaging the but that he did not expect to meet test sweeping sanctions imposed by have imposed other sanctions includ- to hostile acts, the highest death toll accord. with his Iranian counterpart. former US president Donald Trump ing on human rights grounds that of any UN peacekeeping mission. Ten The Department of State confirmed The meetings starting on April 6 when he walked out of the accord. have also irritated Iranian leaders, fatalities have occurred this year “There’s no denying that we are but Washington has not put those on alone. approaching this with urgency,” the table in nuclear talks. The force has been criticised in department spokesman Ned Price Britain, China, France, Germany some quarters for failing to respond told reporters, saying the “breakout and Russia are also participants in aggressively to the insurgency. AFP time” if Iran decides to pursue a the deal and are eager to see the nuclear bomb had diminished under return of the US. Trump. Iran said the meeting of the so-called Price reiterated that the US was “Four Plus One” countries was to “talk ready to look at lifting sanctions – but about the path of lifting sanctions”. only those related to the nuclear Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman issue. Saeed Khatibzadeh said in Tehran: He said: “We certainly will not “Whether the joint commission’s entertain unilateral gestures or con- agenda produces a result or not cessions to induce Iran to a better depends on the Europeans and the place. Four Plus One reminding the US of “The original formulation is one its obligations and the Americans that still holds today – it’s the limited acting on their commitments. lifting of nuclear sanctions in return “How and where the Four Plus One for permanent and verifiable limits talk to the US is their own business,” UN special representative in Mali Mahamat on Iran’s nuclear programme,” he he told reporters in Tehran. Saleh Annadif (right) and Malian defence minister Ibrahima Dahirou Dembele added, referring to the accord’s text. The EU has said its mediator will (left) attend the inauguration of the new US Department of State spokesman Ned Price speaks during a press briefing at the Upon exiting the agreement, Trump hold “separate contacts” with the US headquartes of the joint force G5 Sahel in department in Washington, DC on March 31. POOL/AFP imposed sweeping sanctions includ- in Austrian capital Vienna. AFP Bamako on June 3. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 ASEAN M’sia’s Najib appeals 1MDB conviction

ormer Malaysian blame financier Low Taek leader Najib Razak Jho – a key figure in the scan- began an appeal on dal who has been charged in April 5 against his the US and Malaysia – as the corruptionF conviction and mastermind. 12-year jail term over a mul- Low is believed to have tibillion-dollar scandal that played an influential role contributed to his govern- in the operations of 1MDB, ment’s downfall in 2018. although he held no official Najib was found guilty on all role. counts last year in the first of The financier, whose current several trials he is facing relat- whereabouts are unknown, ed to the looting of the 1Malay- maintains his innocence. sia Development Bhd (1MDB) If he loses the appeal, Na- sovereign wealth fund. jib still has a final chance to The 67-year-old – who re- challenge the conviction at mains free on bail – and his Malaysia’s top court. cronies were accused of steal- Najib’s conviction came ing billions of dollars from even after his scandal- the investment vehicle and plagued party returned to spending it on everything power as part of a coalition from high-end real estate to following the collapse of the pricey art. reformist administration that On April 5, the former prime ousted him at the 2018 polls. minister began his first chal- It has destabilised the coun- lenge at the Court of Appeal. try’s ruling coalition, with Na- “There was a miscarriage jib – who is still a member of of justice,” defence lawyer Parliament – and other mem- Muhammad Shafee Abdullah bers of his party unhappy the told reporters after proceed- charges were not dropped ings wrapped up for the day. despite their support for the He argued that the judge in government. the original trial did not have The amounts involved in his sufficient experience in han- first case are small compared dling criminal cases. with those in his second and “This alone should make most significant trial, which this appeal successful and the centres on allegations he illic- court can reverse the [earlier] Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (centre) arrives at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya on Monday. AFP itly obtained more than $500 judgement,” Shafee said. million. Anger at the plunder played he was found guilty of abuse As well as the jail term, he ings delayed by a month, saying until April 22, Najib’s lawyers Najib’s wife, Rosmah Man- a large part in the shock loss of of power, money-laundering was fined almost $50 million. he wanted to obtain additional will argue he had no knowl- sor – notorious for her vast Najib’s long-ruling coalition at and criminal breach of trust He denies any wrongdoing. documents from overseas to edge of the transactions into his collection of handbags and elections in 2018, and he was over the transfer of 42 mil- add to the evidence. accounts, according to docu- jewellery – was also arrested arrested and hit with dozens of lion ringgit ($10.1 million) Political instability But the three judges hearing ments submitted to the court. and put on trial for corrup- charges following his defeat. from a former 1MDB unit to At the start of the appeal, his the case dismissed the bid. They are seeking to por- tion following the 2018 elec- Following a lengthy trial, his bank accounts. lawyer sought to get proceed- During the appeal, set to run tray him as a victim and tions. AFP Vietnam’s NA elects prime minister Indonesia, East Timor

Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) adopt- flood death toll surges ed a resolution on the election of Pham Minh Chinh as the prime minister for the 2016-2021 tenure on April 5 afternoon. past 150, officials say The resolution won the support of 462 At least 157 people have Torrential rains sparked of the 466 legislators present at the sitting, been killed in Indonesia and flooding and landslides that equivalent to 96.25 per cent of the total neighbouring East Timor with turned small communities into NA deputies, and took effect immedi- dozens more still missing after wastelands of mud, uprooted ately after the adoption. a tropical cyclone battered the trees and forced thousands of Chinh said in his statement: “I would like Southeast Asian nations, leav- people into shelters. to express my gratitude to the National ing thousands homeless, Thousands of homes, as well Assembly for the confidence in electing me authorities said on April 6. as hospitals and bridges were to be the prime minister of the Socialist Indonesia’s disaster manage- damaged or destroyed in the Republic of Vietnam. This is an honour for ment agency said it had record- disaster while more than 10,000 me personally, and also a very heavy ed 130 deaths in a cluster of people have fled to shelters, responsibility entrusted by the [Communist remote islands near East Timor, authorities said. Party of Vietnam (CPV)], state and people. where another 27 have been National disaster agency “I am aware that the government’s officially listed as dead. spokesman Raditya Jati said: activities have a very important position Rescuers in Indonesia were “We could still see extreme and role in the cause of national construc- racing to find more than 70 weather [from the cyclone] for tion and development, in defending the people still missing and using the next few days.” independence, sovereignty, unity and ter- diggers to clear mountains of The storm was moving ritorial integrity of the country.” Vietnam’s newly-elected Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh takes an oath during the National debris left in the wake of tropi- toward the west coast of Aus- Assembly’s spring session in Hanoi. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/AFP In response to the request to continue cal cyclone Seroja. tralia. AFP promoting the innovation in the spirit of the of strategic infrastructure; attaching Chinh said: “With the new responsibil- resolution of CPV’s 13th National Congress, importance to the national digital trans- ity assigned to me, I vow to bring my best, Chinh said the government and the prime formation and the digital economic devel- overcome all difficulties and challenges; minister are well aware of their responsibil- opment on the basis of science and tech- inherit and promote the traditions and ity to inherit and promote the achievements nology development. precious experiences of my predecessors achieved by their predecessors. Fourth, resolutely and firmly defending throughout the ages.” In the near future, the new government independence, sovereignty and territorial Born on December 10, 1958, Chinh was will focus on five main tasks. integrity, and ensuring national defence, a member of the CPV Central Committee Firstly, building an action plan to con- security and social order and safety. in the 11th, 12th and 13th tenures, a cretise the implementation of CPV’s reso- Finally, building mechanisms, policies, Politburo member in the 12th and 13th lution. and conditions to promote the value of tenures, secretary of the CPV Central Secondly, continuing promoting the human strength, culture and national soli- Committee in the 12th tenure, chairman building of a socialist rule-of-law state – of darity; turning human resources into an of the CPV Central Committee’s Organ- the people, by the people, for the people; important resource and driving force in the isation Commission and head of the upholding the spirit of law-abiding; development and construction of the coun- committee’s sub-committee for internal strengthening discipline in the state try. In addition, building effective solutions political protection in the 12th tenure, administrative apparatus and society. to improve the quality of healthcare, educa- an NA deputy in the 14th tenure, and Third, effectively managing, mobilising tion and training; attaching importance to chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Parlia- and utilising all resources for national developing high-quality human resources, mentary Friendship Group of the 14th Villagers carry the body of a victim after flash floods in Lembata, East development; promoting the development attracting and using talent. NA. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Flores, Indonesia on Monday. AFP 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion

www.phnompenhpost.com Cambodia’s economic EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng Managing Editor Sam Rith Deputy Managing Editor recovery uncertain amid Covid Phuon Chansereivuth Chief of Staff Opinion Phak Seangly Nith Kosal Business Editor May Kunmakara HNOM Penh is a capital that Deputy Business Editor is bustling with economic Sangeetha Amarthalingam activity, usually congested by Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk morning and evening traffic, Pan Simala butP has now turned quiet due to the Senior Reporters Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng resurgence of the Covid-19 commu- nity outbreak on February 20. Reporters Now nearly six weeks on, more and Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, more public and private institutions Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, are closing their doors and instead Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, transitioning online. Meanwhile, Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, some businesses in the tourism and Lay Samean, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha entertainment sector which have just Photographers recently reopened are now closed. Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey The shift to economic recovery in Web Editor Cambodia remains uncertain, as the Leang Phannara country’s third community outbreak Digital Team has turned out to be the worst yet Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy since the pandemic began on Janu- SIEM REAP BUREAU ary 23 last year. Offi ce Manager The Ministry of Economy and Sophearith Blondeel Finance has predicted an economic PRODUCTION & PRINTING rebound and a GDP growth of four Head of Desktop Publishing per cent in 2021, but this forecast Nhim Sokphyrak could be off the mark if the govern- Desktop Publishing ment cannot quickly contain the pan- Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath demic. With new infections reported The garment sector is not spared, with 129 factories shut in the past year, affecting 71,202 workers. HENG CHIVOAN every day, it remains to be seen as to when the country can get back to tourist destination, experienced a not need more workers, while bodia recorded the economic growth some semblance of normality, though 74.6 per cent drop in international employees in this sector continue to negative of 3.1 per cent. For this year, Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna authorities have imposed curfew and tourists in the first half of 2020. Econ- migrate to another industry because the government would have to tight- restrictions on certain activities at omists predicted a loss of $3 billion they do not benefit more from the en its belt as the national budget HEAD OFFICE Covid-19 hotspots in a bid to break in tourism with more than 16,891 left industry while new technologies can decreases by 1.9 per cent compared Post Media Co., Ltd. the chain of transmission. unemployed. Particularly, a report reduce the workforce. Yes, agro- to last year. Apart from a high level of The Elements Condominium Level 7, Last year, a third-round survey on released recently in October by The processing is possible – but regretta- policy coordination, we cannot see Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, the economic impact of Covid-19 Asia Foundation found that over 90 bly, Cambodia is not yet well pre- any other path forward in the eco- Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom conducted by Angkor Research and per cent of small and medium-sized Penh, Cambodia pared to develop this sector. nomic recovery if the current situa- Consulting in collaboration with Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 businesses in tourism experienced a Generally, we can notice that the tion drags on until May – we will not Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Future Forum – which included inter- decline in sales, revenues and even- economic shock this year will be meet the GDP growth target. Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 views with more than 1,000 house- tually closed. greater than the past year. Simultane- It is understandable that the SIEM REAP holds in five central economic regions The garment sector is not spared, ously, Angkor Research also found authorities are overwhelmed with No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune of the country – found that 22.4 per with 129 factories shut in the past that household debt grew by 2.3 per work given the current situation. Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 cent of businesses that were active in year, affecting 71,202 workers. This is cent in October, paralleled to June. Economic recovery is essential, but COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT June ceased operations in October. not to mention an unknown number Loans are mainly used for daily more importantly, citizens’ health Chief Operating Offi cer Even so, businesses that are still of those in the informal economy expenses and buy food, repay other and life are paramount. James Ong Soon Teck operating had raised household and entertainment workers who have loans and get healthcare services. Imposing curfew and other restric- Advertising Department incomes by around 65 per cent in lost their jobs amid the shutdown. In terms of debt, a recent result of tions and maintaining good hygiene Chap Narith, 017 996 241 October compared to the difficult Regardless, the authorities have the national socio-economic survey habits are the best short-term mech- Hun Channet, 017 578 768 period in June, when the total implemented the eight-round of the for 2019-2020 of more than 10,000 anism to deal with the pandemic, Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 number of Covid-19 infections was government’s cash handout pro- households revealed that 1.25 million though this is not viable in the medi- Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 only 141 across the nation. But the gramme between April and June to homes were in debt, up 2.5 per cent um- and long-term. With that, the Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 number had jumped 1,685 per cent support the poor and vulnerable as compared to 1.22 million in 2017. The government should continue to Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 by the end of March, according to the well as garment, tourism and transport report estimates the amount of encourage people to get vaccinated CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Johns Hopkins University database. workers affected by the pandemic. indebted households to be 3.6 million and procure more vaccines. While Acting Distribution Manager Cambodia is not different from oth- Job lossesin the labour sector is a throughout the country. According to Covid-19 vaccine is not a cure-all, it Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 er developing countries in the region, burden, but the return of migrant this survey, average household debt is is the best instrument to minimise Circulation Supervisor as tourism and garment are the most workers amid the pandemic is a dou- between $2,400 and $4,400. This time, risks posed by epidemics. Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 complex, worst-hit sectors that will ble burden. More than 150,000 we are very concerned about their Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 take time to recover. In the first nine migrant workers have returned home ability to repay loans and to work well Nith Kosal is a junior research fellow at Future ADMINISTRATION months of 2020, international arriv- since the Cambodia-Thailand border in the financial system. Forum, an independent public policy think tank Admin & HR Manager als reached just 1.25 million, down 26 shut in March 2020. All these workers Indeed, with the main dilemmas in based in Phnom Penh. His research interests Pich Socheat include applied economics, macroeconomics, Assistants Admin & HR Manager per cent over the same period in are expected to enter the agricultural 2020, combined with a better corona- economic development, and international Nhel Soaphea 2019. Siem Reap, the most popular sector. Despite that, agriculture does virus situation than this year, Cam- economics. Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co., Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co., Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co., Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Time to Rise by rapper, chapei legend is viral hit with ancient-modern mix

Hong Raksmey

ONG Nay is known internationally as the master of the chapei dang veng, aK traditional Cambodian in- strument resembling a long- necked lute or guitar with two nylon strings that he was al- ready playing professionally by the age of 15. Nay is sometimes referred to as the Cambodian Ray Charles given that he is a blind man who possesses rare musical talents and has an expressive and timeless quality to his voice. The subject of documen- tary films and the winner of international awards in his later years, by some miracle Nay, 75, survived all of the turmoil of Cambodia in the 1970s – despite his blindness or perhaps because of it – and has been performing for audiences through the years and decades ever since. Nay is now helping to in- troduce a new generation of Master Kong Nay (C, front) and VannDa (C, back) and team. SUPPLIED Master Kong Nay playing the chapei dang veng with VannDa in the Time to Rise video. Screenshot young Cambodian artists and audiences to traditional Cam- ples but also venerating the Peter told The Post that “we critical comments left by most left his hometown of Siha- Da explained that a number bodian music by teaming with knowledge and wisdom of the didn’t realise at first that the people on YouTube videos or noukville for Phnom Penh to of factors went into the deci- a young artist, VannDa, a rising elders like Master Kong Nay. song was going to blow up like on social media in general, pursue his dreams of becom- sion to write a song blending star in Khmer-language rap. The official video was this. Obviously, VannDa al- the response so far – even the ing a rapper. modern and traditional mu- Their song together, Time to streamed over one million ready had a lot of fans, but we anonymous and online por- Growing up poor, for a time sic and that it required a lot Rise – and its video shot at the times on YouTube in the first couldn’t believe it when we saw tion – has been overwhelm- VannDa lived at a pagoda. His of discussion and attention to National Museum amongst 24 hours after it was posted how popular this song in par- ingly positive. family couldn’t afford a mo- detail to get it right. the treasures and antiquities on March 28, and one week ticular was, almost instantly.” Musicians and fans from a torcycle and he would have to “We decided we really want- of the Angkor Empire – have later it is now approaching six “[VannDa] is very excited, number of countries across walk or hitchhike everywhere ed to force younger audiences gone viral, in the best possible million views. That’s quite a stunned almost. Ironically the region – such as Thailand, when he couldn’t catch a ride to pay more attention to tra- sense of that term. lot for a song rapped in a lan- enough for a rapper, it’s like Vietnam, Indonesia and Myan- with friends. ditional culture and arts and The song starts with Nay guage that only has about 16 he’s at a loss for words. He was mar – have left comments ap- VannDa started writing that the best way to do that singing the refrain “Errr, Ery million native speakers total not expecting to hit the jack- preciative of the song’s artful songs in 2009, but his music was creatively – by mixing it . . . Time to Rise.” As he plays in the entire world. pot with this song,” Peter says. blending of traditional and career didn’t really get going with modern sounds and eas- his chapei the airy sounds of VannDa spent several It took five months to write modern musical forms. until 2016. ing the transition from one to a Khmer flute join him fol- months working under the and produce Time to Rise, “When I heard the chapei The first hip-hop track that the other for the listeners,” lowed by the heavy thump of guidance of Baramey Produc- beginning in November 2020 and the flute together I got he debuted was J+O in 2019, VannDa says. a modern rap beat. tions – with corporate spon- around the time that VannDa goosebumps. This is proof that which now has 15 million views Asked if the blending of VannDa wears traditional sorship support provided by became a Cellcard brand am- [Cambodian] music is really on YouTube after three years – a styles was difficult to produce, dress in the video, appearing Cellcard – writing and pro- bassador. developing now,” one Face- number that Time to Rise could Peter said with a laugh that alongside Nay at the museum ducing Time to Rise, a song Since the song involved a tra- book user commented. potentially reach in just three “we rely on producers who and rapping in Khmer and that he says “came straight ditional form of music and they Another wrote “thank you to weeks at its current pace. are audio experts, but hon- calling for a renewed pride in from his heart.” wanted to shoot the video at the VannDa and Master Kong Nay “It is a historic music video estly we have no idea whether Cambodian cultural heritage. “I am so excited that Master National Museum, approval for for this musical evolution that as the first by a [Cambodian it was hard or not because the Combining traditional Kong Nay is in my music. He the lyrical content from the shows [Cambodia’s] rich cul- artist] to have hit one million credit there should really go Cambodian music with mod- is an iconic singer and a liv- Ministry of Culture and Fine tural heritage and civilisation.” views in less than 24 hours,” to Master Kong Nay, who was ern Cambodian rap was done ing legend,” VannDa wrote on Arts was sought early on. VannDa – whose real name said Peter. very flexible for us, so it might with the conscious goal of Facebook. Instead of the usual overly- is actually Vannda Mann – Writing on Facebook, Vann- be better to ask him.” increasing awareness and VannDa’s music career ambi- appreciation for traditional tions aren’t limited to just Cam- instruments like the chapei bodia or the Khmer-language with the younger generation music audience, however. of Cambodian music fans – “We want to pave the way which is almost all of them, for [Cambodia’s] younger considering that 70 per cent of generations to enter the inter- Cambodia’s population today national market and to show is under the age of 30. that there are talented artists “We wanted to preserve our all over the world who come heritage while also making a from different backgrounds. contemporary music video. “We want [people from We also wanted to spread other] countries to learn the more understanding and Khmer language and to know awareness about [Cambodi- about Cambodia’s long and an] culture, particularly with rich history before the tragic young Cambodians who don’t times. seem to care much about tra- “And we want to do all that ditional art,” says VannDa’s through the spirit of music,” manager, Long Peter. VannDa says. Time to Rise is a lyrical cel- For more details visit ebration of Khmer heritage VannDa’s Facebook page: @ – including ancient tem- VannDa stands among the ancient antiquities at the National Museum in the video for Time to Rise. Screenshot vanndaofficialpage 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

A test of electrodes attached on the surface of a tobacco plant at a laboratory in Singapore, as scientists develop a high-tech system for communicating with vegetation. AFP Rise of the ‘robo-plants’ as Singapore scientists fuse nature with tech

emote-controlled can be interfaced with other ar- Scientists have long known Venus flytrap “robo- tificial robots [to make] hybrid that plants emit very weak plants” and crops systems,” said Chen Xiaodong, electrical signals but their “COIL MAGNET” that tell farmers the lead author of a study on uneven and waxy surfaces whenR they are hit by disease the research at Nanyang Tech- makes it difficult to effectively ACROSS 53 Walton of Wal-Mart 24 Visualizes could become reality after nological University (NTU). mount sensors. 1 Asian nannies 54 Immature parasites 25 Unruly bunch scientists developed a high- There are still challenges to The NTU researchers devel- 6 Big reptile, informally 55 Strains on pocketbooks 26 Enter, in a way tech system for communicat- be overcome. Scientists can oped film-like, soft electrodes 10 Groundwork for plaster 60 Molecule unit 27 Fixes typos ing with vegetation. stimulate the flytrap’s jaws to that fit tightly to the plant’s 14 Judicial gowns 61 Buffalo’s county 28 Decay Researchers in Singapore slam shut but can’t yet reopen surface and can detect signals 15 The L of L-dopa 62 Layer with a hole 31 Theatrical platform linked up plants to electrodes them – a process that takes more accurately. 16 Skin-cream additive, often 63 Stove-top sights 32 Worse than bad capable of monitoring the 10 or more hours to happen They are attached using a 17 Felt very ashamed and sorry? 64 HS seniors’ exams 33 Donald Duck’s love weak electrical pulses natu- naturally. “thermogel”, which is liquid at 20 Peron and Gabor 65 Betty Ford forte 34 Clause connector DOWN rally emitted by the greenery. The system can also pick low temperatures but turns into 21 Oui or si 37 Steps all over 1 Flew like a fly ball The scientists used the tech- up signals emitted by plants, a gel at room temperature. 22 Frat-sweater X 38 Do a trucker’s job 2 “___ got to be kidding!” nology to trigger a Venus fly- raising the possibility that They are the latest to con- 23 Conveyed an estate 39 Systematically arrange 25 More intoxicating 3 Middle name of President Garfield trap to snap its jaws shut at the farmers will be able to detect duct research communicat- 40 Arched bone 29 Flanders of cartoons 4 1952 Olympics site push of a button on a smart- problems with their crops at ing with plants. 44 Clock radio features 30 Florida City 5 Needle point, sometimes phone app. an early stage. 45 Apollo’s creator In 2016, a Massachusetts 31 Japanese beverage 6 Did a crossword construction 46 Plant for burlap They then attached one of “By monitoring the plants’ Institute of Technology team 33 Mend socks duty 48 Acts with violent anger its jaws to a robotic arm and electrical signals, we may be turned spinach leaves into 35 Orchestra’s location 7 Bench-press iterations 49 Embroidered loop got the contraption to pick able to detect possible dis- sensors that can send an 36 Beatles hit 8 Offspring in the offing 50 Dictator’s helper, once up a piece of wire half a milli- tress signals and abnormali- email alert to scientists when 40 U.K. fighter pilots’ gp. 9 Involves 51 Historical region of England metre thick, and catch a small ties,” said Chen. they detect explosive materi- 41 Fair offering 10 Pretentious syllables 53 Mean mood falling object. “Farmers may find out als in groundwater. 42 “Fine” or “liberal” things 11 Famous boxer 43 Arboreal lizards 55 Maple fluid The technology is in its early when a disease is in progress, The team embedded carbon 12 Stocking stuffer? 46 Warm hello 56 After-school meeting org. stages, but researchers believe even before full-blown symp- nanotubes that emit a signal 13 “___ give you the shirt off his 47 Ellery Queen portrayer Ralph 57 Act closer? it could eventually be used to toms appear on the crops.” when plant roots detect ni- back!” 48 Backsliding episode 58 Keogh plan relative build advanced “plant-based Researchers believe such troaromatics – compounds 18 Not the original color 52 Venomous serpent 59 It holds the line robots” that can pick up a host technology could be particu- often found in explosives. The 19 Indian dish with stewed lentils (Var.) of fragile objects which are too larly useful as crops face in- signal is then read by an infra- delicate for rigid, robotic arms. creasing threats from climate red camera that sends out a Tuesday’s solution “These kinds of nature robots change. message to the scientists. AFP

Tuesday’s solution

Luo Yifei, PhD student at Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) School of Materials Science and Engineering, attaches an electrode on the surface of a Venus flytrap plant.AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Paris SG seeking to avenge UCL final loss against Bayern Munich

aris Saint-Germain are seek- every domestic trophy in France last ing revenge for their defeat in season before reaching the Champi- last season’s final when they ons League final for the first time. renew acquaintances with In some ways there is more pressure BayernP Munich in the Champions on PSG now than there was for that 1-0 League last eight this week, but the loss to Bayern in Lisbon last August. French giants appear to have gone Getting to the final of Europe’s elite backwards since then despite the ar- club competition was a big step for- rival of Mauricio Pochettino as coach. wards, but going out in the quarter- News of Robert Lewandowski’s ab- finals now would be a major setback sence for the quarter-final first leg at for PSG and Pochettino, especially Paris Saint-Germain’s defender Thilo Kehrer (left) and Bayern Munich’s forward Robert Lewandowski vie for the ball during the the Allianz Arena on April 7 has un- as they are trailing in Ligue 1. UEFA Champions League final football match on August 23 last year.AFP derstandably been met with some The former Tottenham Hotspur delight in Paris, especially with Ney- coach said in an interview last Of the team that started last season’s – PSG’s best performances under could miss out on Champions League mar recovering fitness following his month that he would need time to final, only captain Thiago Silva has Pochettino have come with Mbappe qualification altogether by failing to latest lay-off. make his mark at the Parc des Princ- departed, while Eric Maxim Choupo- starring, from his hat-trick in Barce- finish in the top three in Ligue 1. Nevertheless, PSG did not need es and that he would be unable to Moting, who came off the bench, has lona to a double in a 4-2 win in Lyon. That would be embarrassing for Neymar when they delivered their make the changes he wants until the since switched to the Bayern ranks. However Mbappe has sometimes a club of the standing of PSG, who signature performance of the cam- next pre-season. Yet he was replaced by Moise Kean, flattered to deceive and performanc- lost 3-1 on their last visit to Bayern paign so far to beat Barcelona 4-1 The 49-year-old, who oversaw a and the Italian international is an up- es have regularly been disappointing, for a group-stage match under Unai away in the last round. 7-2 home defeat by Bayern in one of grade having contributed 15 goals, in- under Tuchel and Pochettino. Emery in 2017. Marco Verratti did play then, and the his last games with Spurs, sought to cluding three in the Champions League. They have lost 10 times this sea- “We have had lots of highs and Italian playmaker’s absence in Munich emphasise the point last weekend, Meanwhile, left-back Juan Bernat son, including three defeats in their lows, so we need to be more con- following a positive Covid-19 test could telling Le Parisien: “You can judge has missed almost the entire season last six league games. sistent like in previous seasons,” be a major problem for Pochettino. me from next season.” due to injury, and PSG have prob- Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to title captain Marquinhos told Canal Plus The Argentine, a former PSG cap- In the meantime, he added: “If we lems in both full-back positions. rivals Lille – in which Neymar was after the Lille game. tain, was appointed by the Qatar- win the Champions League, or the sent off – left them three points be- “We can still achieve great things owned club in January with the dif- French Cup, or Ligue 1, our influ- ‘Highs and lows’ hind the Ligue 1 leaders with seven so we need to focus on the positives ficult brief of doing better than his ence will have been minimal. As will What Pochettino really needs is for matches remaining. and look at what we can improve. sacked predecessor, Thomas Tuchel. be the case if we win nothing. It will Neymar to rediscover his best form Never mind potentially missing The next game is one of our biggest Under Tuchel, the Parisians won mainly be down to the players.” and for Kylian Mbappe to deliver out on winning the French title, PSG of the season.” AFP DJ, McIlroy thrill returning spectators N Korea will not go to Olympics, citing risks of Top-RANKED defending cham- on Bryson DeChambeau spoke pion Dustin Johnson and four- about attacking more than last time major winner Rory McIlroy year, when he said the course coronavirus infections delighted the first spectators at played as a par-67 for him. North Korea will not attend Jae-in seized the opportunity Augusta National since 2019 “There are many holes that the forthcoming Olympic to broker talks between Pyong- with a practice round together can be helped with the dis- Games in Tokyo, Pyongyang’s yang and Washington that led on Monday ahead of the 85th tance,” DeChambeau said. sports ministry said, citing the to a series of high-profile meet- Masters tournament. “Hopefully the length will help risks of coronavirus infection. ings between Kim and US Spectators were banned last on the par-5s, some par-4s, At a meeting the North’s President Donald Trump. year and the event was delayed There are holes where I’ll be Olympic Committee “decided Pyongyang’s announcement until November by the Covid-19 taking a more aggressive line not to participate in the 32nd puts an end to Seoul’s hopes of pandemic while this week only than last November.” Olympic Games in order to using the postponed Tokyo a limited number of fans are Solving Augusta National’s protect players from the world Games to trigger a reset in the allowed onto the famed course lightning-fast greens will be a public health crisis caused by deadlocked talks process. under Covid-19 safety protocols formidable challenge, Covid-19”, the North’s sports The announcement – dated which include mandatory face DeChambeau said. ministry’s news service said. April 5 – was carried by the masks and social distancing. “Chipping and putting is The isolated, nuclear-armed Sports in the DPR Korea web- “It’s fantastic to see people US’ Dustin Johnson plays a shot from a bunker on the 16th hole during North’s participation in the last site run by the ministry and the second round of the Players Championship on March 12. AFP always key around here,” out here again,” England’s DeChambeau said. “You have Winter Games, in Pyeongchang reported a meeting of the 16th-ranked Matthew Fitz- usual 40,000 to 50,000. “I didn’t come here to finish to roll the ball well.” in South Korea, was a key cata- national Olympic committee patrick said. “The patrons play such a second.” DeChambeau went around lyst in the diplomatic rap- on March 25. Those who arrived early, the massive role,” 2015 Masters Koepka says he still feels on April 4 with two-time Mas- prochement of 2018. The North’s official KCNA first fans at a major since the winner Jordan Spieth said. “It pain as he prepares for a ters champion Bubba Watson, Leader Kim Jong Un’s sister news agency had previously 2019 British Open, were treated won’t take many people for it grueling Masters walk. who likes the state of his Kim Yo Jong attended as his reported the committee meet- to a tour of the front nine by to feel close enough to normal “Just walking the course will game. envoy, in a blaze of publicity, ing, without mentioning the McIlroy, trying to win a green to make it a fantastic event.” be the main thing,” Cowen “It feels pretty good,” Watson and the South’s President Moon Olympic decision. AFP jacket to complete a career Swing coach Pete Cowen said. “Hitting the ball, he’s in said. “But around here, one Grand Slam, and Johnson, bid- worked on Monday with McIl- great shape. bad shot, one bad mistake on ding to become the first back- roy and four-time major win- “I don’t think anybody has the mental side, can get you a to-back Masters champion ner Brooks Koepka. not been surprised after seeing triple-bogey pretty fast.” since Tiger Woods in 2001-02. “Just go back to the simple him on crutches 19 days ago Australia’s Adam Scott, the “It’s nice to have the patrons process of practicing to to hitting it as well as he’s hit- 2013 Masters champion, likes back,” Johnson said. “It’s shap- improve,” he said of working ting it.” the unique major back-to- ing up to be a wonderful Mas- with McIlroy. “There’s no get- Koepka, who proposed to back nature of these Masters ters. Conditions are perfect. The ting better in the past so we’ve girlfriend Jena Sims last caused by the pandemic. course is in really good shape, got to move forward.” month, did more than seven “It’s exciting having them so right where they want it.” Koepka practiced for a sec- hours of rehabilitation work close together,” Scott said. “I McIlroy, ranked 12th, con- ond straight day, planning to every day on his knee and neck think it’s helpful, because play- tinued onto the back nine play despite right knee surgery and was hitting golf balls a ing at Augusta National still while Johnson headed back to on March 16 for a dislocation week after the operation. feels very fresh in my mind.” the practice range. and ligament damage after Koepka won his first major Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz was Masters officials have not said slipping in Florida. title at the 2017 US Open, cap- soaking up the thrills of his how many fans are expected to “I feel like I can win it,” Koep- tured the 2018 US Open and Masters debut. attend the tournament, but US ka said on April 5. “I feel like my PGA Championship and “It’s pretty exciting,” he media reports have estimated game is in good enough shape defended his PGA crown in said. “For me, it’s like a dream People watch a television screen showing a news report about North about 12,000 spectators per day to win it. From there, it’s about 2019. come true. It lived up to the Korea’s decision not to participate in the Tokyo Olympics due to the will be allowed compared to a making it the four days. Reigning US Open champi- expectations.” AFP Covid-19 pandemic, at a railway station in Seoul on Tuesday. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST april 7, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Barca closer to Atletico after late win against Real Valladolid USMANE Dembele vol- have to play with more rhythm,” leyed in a 90th-minute Messi said. “If not it’s going to get winner against Real Val- complicated for us.” ladolid on Monday to fire It might have been more compli- BarcelonaO to within a point of Atlet- cated had Plano not been shown ico Madrid ahead of next weekend’s a red card in the 78th minute, his Clasico in La Liga. hack on Dembele from behind giv- Barca looked set for a damaging ing Barca a crucial advantage for the stalemate at Camp Nou after Atlet- final stages. ico’s defeat by Sevilla on April 3 but “We struggled in the first half, to Valladolid had Oscar Plano harshly create scoring opportunities in attack, sent off with 12 minutes left and and also at the back, our pressing was Barcelona’s defender Clement Lenglet heads the ball during a match against Real Valladolid on Monday. AFP Dembele snatched a 1-0 victory. not very good,” said Koeman. “I saw a His strike could prove a crucial Barca that was a little slow, tired, we injured and one more suspended. range effort fizzed through and Koeman made three changes moment in the Spanish title race, did not have control of the game. To mark Messi breaking Xavi Her- came back off the post. shortly after, Martin Braithwaite, with Barca now breathing down “In the second half we have im- nandez’s appearance record for But Barcelona were flat, their Francisco Trincao and Ronald Arau- Atletico’s necks ahead of Saturday’s proved. We have shown that without the club, he was presented with a passing predictable and there was jo replacing Griezmann, Sergio Bus- meeting with Real Madrid, who are playing well, we are capable of win- framed shirt before kick-off, which concern in Messi’s voice when he quets and Oscar Mingueza. three points off the top. ning games.” he accepted with his family on the told his team-mates to find a differ- But Barca’s biggest boost came 12 If Ronald Koeman’s men win at Victory makes it six in a row for them pitch. Messi passed Xavi’s previ- ent gear in the second half. minutes from the end, when Plano Valdebebas, they will claim first in La Liga, another win – particularly ous record of 767 appearances last Valladolid were almost undone by was sent off for chasing Dembele place for 24 hours at least, before a after an unconvincing performance – month, with this his 769th. a Messi through ball for Dembele, back and tripping the Frenchman depleted and deflated Atletico play enhancing the sense that momentum Valladolid were not just able to who held his run but could not fin- from behind. A yellow card seemed away at Real Betis on Sunday. now lies with Atletico’s rivals. compete in the first half, they were ish before the leaping Antoine Griez- the more obvious decision. They will have to play better after Defeat also compounded what probably the better side and could mann headed the rebound wide. Trincao went close and the winner being frustrated by a determined Val- Valladolid coach Sergio admitted on have led when Kenan Kodro’s early Barcelona looked more dangerous came in the last minute as Frenkie ladolid side, with Lionel Messi deliv- April 4 had already been a “sh**ty header struck the bar. on the break than in possession and de Jong’s cross was flicked to the ering some firm words to his team- week” after five of his players tested Dembele broke through and they were lucky to escape a penalty back post by Ronald Aruajo. Dem- mates in the tunnel at half-time. positive for Covid-19, leaving him dragged back for Messi, whose shot when Oscar Plano poked the ball onto bele was free and lashed into the “We have to step it up a gear, we without 12 players, with six others was blocked, while Pedri’s long- the outstetched hand of Jordi Alba. corner. AFP France chases two medals from the 1904 Olympics

IT HAS taken 117 years, but long-dis- American, according to the rules of Evening Times wrote: “It must be nice tance runner Albert Corey may finally the time,” Genty said. to train like Corey. The Frenchman be nearing home, bringing his two These were the first Olympics at who won the Marathon race declared Olympic silver medals with him. which gold, silver and bronze medals that he owed his success to having Corey was declared an American by were awarded. trained on champaigne [sic].” the organisers when he won silver in The marathon was run in the hot- Olympic historians have long clas- the marathon at the 1904 Olympics in test part of a sweltering late August sified Corey as French but his mara- St Louis, Missouri. But now the French day over a hilly, dusty course that, thon medal is credited to the US and want him, and his medals, back. because the race distance had not yet the IOC appears unwilling to change A local councillor in his home town been standardised, was 40km long. that. of Meursault is seeking to correct the With only one water stop along the “There is no question of changing record, asking the French Olympic course, more than half of the 32 par- the country to which these medals are Committee to press the issue with the ticipants dropped out. awarded,” its press office said. International Olympic Committee. Corey, on the other hand, boasted Corey’s bid to win another medal Clement Genty, a councillor, engi- “I could have done one more lap”. at the 1908 Olympics in London neer and amateur historian holds up He crossed the line third but the failed, however, when he declined a faded black and white photo, in ‘winner’, Fred Lorz, was disqualified France’s invitation to represent which Corey looks like the arche- for hitching a lift in a car. them in favour of opting to run for typal amateur in his oversized sleeve- Gold instead went to British-born the US, who then proceeded not to less vest, crumpled shorts and laced American Thomas Hicks who, fuelled invite him. leather shoes. Clement Genty, associate researcher at the National School of Arts and Crafts, points by strychnine mixed with brandy, He won the 1908 Chicago Mara- Yet this penniless son of Burgun- at pictures of Albert Corey, double medalist at the 1904 Olympics, on March 31. AFP completed the course in 3hrs 28min thon but the following year, Corey dian winegrowers collected what 53 sec to beat Corey by six minutes. was hit by a car and never regained should have been France’s only endurance running. He broke the confusion with the Olympic Mara- Corey was almost 13 minutes ahead his former level of performance. Olympic medals of the 1904 Games. 160km record in 1899 but on January thon of the same year to make people of the bronze medalist. He returned to France in the sum- “A beautiful story,” says Genty. “I 2, 1903, he went absent without believe that he had participated in a Corey also won a silver with four mer of 1910 and resumed a military learned of his existence in a newspa- leave. A year later, he turned up as a much more prestigious event. Americans in a team that won a career. He died in 1926 in Paris, prob- per and did some research.” strike-breaker in the huge Chicago 20-mile relay – although he is not ably of tuberculosis. slaughterhouses. Strychnine referred to as American in the records His great-grandson Serge Canaud, Absent without leave Getting into local athletics was not The ploy worked and he went to St for this one and the medal was 69, learned of Corey’s unknown Corey was born in Meursault in 1878, easy for a man with broken English Louis representing the First Regiment assigned to a ‘mixed’ team. past, thanks to a phone call from the year that the village became the who had arrived in Chicago, The Athletic Association of Chicago. The US media was under no illu- Genty. first in the Cote d’Or area to be hit by Washington Times wrote in 1905, Because the St Louis Games were so sion that Corey was anything other “I was stunned,” he said from the phylloxera, which ravaged the vines. “practically a tramp”. hard and expensive to reach from out- than French. small Jura village of Moirans-en- Etienne Corey, Albert’s winemaker When he learned that the Olympics side North America, they attracted few They hailed the “success story” of Montagne, where he is living in father moved to the Paris suburbs were going to be held on American international entrants. Corey would this “Frenchman”, a “slaughter- retirement. and in 1896, Albert enlisted in the soil, he said he had run the “Paris have been the only Frenchman. house worker”, who became the “I’ve never heard of this in our fam- French army. Marathon” in 1900. “But he belonged to an American “New Star for Marathon”. ily: America and the Games. We knew There he discovered a talent for This was true, but he played on the club. He was therefore considered In October, 1908, the Buffalo nothing about it,” he said. AFP