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Thursday, october 1, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL Kratie land disputes ‘resolved’

Soth Koemsoeun The ministry said the provincial District governor Heng Sotha cited locals to stage a new protest to resent 31 families in the commune, administration and land division confirmed on Wednesday that land claim more land to sell. said while 20 of them had received HE Ministry of Land Man- committee had separated families disputes there have been resolved. “We have resolved the cases. But if 2ha each from the government, the agement, Urban Planning who were entitled to the land into He said the 1,382 families had re- more people are protesting, we will other 11 families had not. He said and Construction said on three groups and completed hand- ceived their land from the dispute not have more land to hand to them. the authorities claimed they were Tuesday that it had com- ing it over on June 10. resolution committee. “There are people who are not so not qualified to receive the land. pletedT handing out land conces- The ministry said the government The committee, he said, had happy because they want to have “I received 2ha, but lost a total of sions to 1,382 families in Kampong followed social land procedures us- studied and identified the land land in particular locations. But 7ha. I’m happy to get some part of Damrei commune, in Kratie prov- ing legal documents. “The authori- thoroughly before measuring and as authorities, we cannot meet all the land back, though. In my group, ince’s Chhlong district. ties will not bring that new cases for a handing it over to the people. their expectations but only follow 11 families did not receive any land. Its statement came as some residents solution and will take strict legal ac- He said while the authorities were the procedures,” he said. claimed they never received the land. tion against [the protesters],” it said. handing land to the poor, others in- Yos Sra Em, who claimed to rep- Continued – page 5 100M extra Covid vaccine doses for poorer countries UP TO 100 million addi- Health Organisation said tional doses of any eventual this week that some 120 mil- Covid-19 vaccines will be se- lion rapid tests will soon be cured for delivery to poorer made available to low- and countries next year, health middle-income countries if groups announced on Tues- funding can be secured. day, as the virus showed no The kits – faster, cheaper sign of receding after claim- and easier to administer than ing more than one million standard polymerase chain lives around the world. reaction (PCR) swab tests, The announcement dou- but also less reliable – will be bles the number of doses rolled out across 133 coun- already secured from the Se- tries in the next six months. rum Institute of India by the UN Secretary-General An- Gavi vaccine alliance and the tonio Guterres said on Tues- Bill & Melinda Gates Foun- day that “responsible leader- dation, following an initial ship matters” in steering the agreement last month. world through the pandemic. The public-private health “Science matters. Coop- partnership stressed that eration matters, and misin- the eventual total is “poten- formation kills,” he warned, tially several times” greater, urging people to respect fa- and said the price would be miliar infection control mea- capped at $3 per dose. sures like hand-washing, dis- “No country, rich or poor, tancing and mask-wearing. Sacred tree should be left at the back of the Case numbers are climb- Armed rangers stand by an ordained tree during the launch of the Prey Lang Forest Protection Social and Behaviour Change Communication Campaign (SBCC) in Kampong Thom province on Tuesday. HONG MENEA sTORY > 5 queue when it comes to Covid- ing rapidly in Europe, where 19 vaccines. This collaboration governments are clamping brings us another step closer down on movement in an to achieving this goal,” Gavi attempt to curb the surge. chief Seth Berkley said. Germany introduced new As nine vaccine candidates limits on the number of peo- Man nabbed for raping minor are in last-stage trials, the ple who can attend private World Bank said on Tuesday events, after Spain, France, Kim Sarom in Svay Rompear commune. Citing the victim, Sophoan police leading to his arrest. it had asked its board of direc- Britain and Northern Ireland “The suspect confessed to said between the start of this “The victim told me the tors to approve $12 billion to all imposed fresh restrictions. A MAN who allegedly raped the crime during questioning. year and September 20, the whole story and then we help poor countries purchase In Britain, Prime Minis- the 11-year-old daughter of his I sent him along with a report suspect raped her more than decided to send the suspect to and distribute vaccines. ter Boris Johnson appeared live-in girlfriend on Tuesday in to the provincial police on 10 times at the house when the the provincial police’s anti- A World Bank spokesman to share general confusion Svay Rieng province was Wednesday,” he said. mother was away. human trafficking and juvenile said: “The global economy about his government’s arrested by Svay Teap district Sophoan said the girl’s mother After each rape, he threat- protection bureau for further will not recover fully until measures, apologising after police the following day and divorced many years ago before ened to kill her if she told her action,” he said. people feel they can live, so- wrongly saying that rules sent to the provincial police for moving in to live with the sus- mother or anyone else. Net Saroeun, the bureau cialise, work and travel with limiting gatherings in north- further questioning. pect. She and the man are sing- On Tuesday night, Sophoan director, said the authorities confidence”. east England to no more District police chief Keo ers and play traditional music at said the suspect raped her again are questioning the suspect As humanity struggles than six people did not ap- Sophoan told The Post that the various festivals for a living. The but this time was caught by her and preparing a case for the against Covid-19, the World ply outdoors. 33-year-old man and the girl live victim is her only child. uncle, who called commune provincial court. 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Cambodia to PM: Reset of 2030 SDGs warranted build forensic Long Kimmarita thinking of policies and ac- tions to transform and cre- RIME Minister Hun ate a ‘better new normal’. centre with Sen said that Cam- “The UN prepared a So- bodia is ready to cio-Economic Response cooperate with de- Framework to address the S Korea loan velopmentP partners to help social and economic impact Soth Koemsoeun restore the socio-economic and recover better from the landscape in a post-Covid- pandemic. Expanding fiscal CAMBODIAN ambassador to Ko- 19 world. He also requested space is critical to deliver rea Long Dimanche told The Post the UN to reset the deadline the SDGs and to put us back on Wednesday that the Republic of for the 2030 Agenda for Sus- on track to achieve the 2030 Korea (ROK) will provide Cambodia tainable Development. agenda,” she said. with a loan of almost $50 million to Hun Sen made the com- Political analyst Lao Mong build a forensic centre. ments at a virtual meeting of Hay said leaders should The ROK will assist with its con- leaders discussing Financ- not be concerned about struction and train judges, prosecu- ing the 2030 Agenda for Sus- the deadline to achieve tors and related authorities in foren- tainable Development in the the SDGs. The government sic work related to crimes involving Era of Covid-19 and Beyond needs to seek financial aid women, drugs, terrorism and the on Tuesday. from international banks internet, among others. “The 2030 deadline to and countries in the region The forensic centre will be equipped achieve the milestones and at most to turn Cambodia with modern tools, but before it can goals of sustainable develop- into a developed country. be constructed, the government ment might need to be reset. He said the government needs to make an official request. “Certainly, this requires a should work on multi-pur- “Our government is interested thorough reassessment in all pose megaprojects, especially in this construction and needs this aspects, including the time- Prime Minister Hun Sen said trade policies and facilitation should be promoted, and preferential the lower Mekong and deep centre. During discussions with treatment given to developing countries to ensure the benefits of globalisation are shared equitably. spm frame, strategic directions, lake restoration projects. South Korea and countries in the action plans and resources revenue collection, he said. needs to continue promot- them achieve the goals. The deep lake restoration Mekong region, and at the Mekong- for achieving our agenda in “Moreover, we need to pri- ing and supporting the prin- Pauline Tamesis, the resi- project is a government initia- Korea Summit 2019 in Busan, Ko- the aftermath of Covid-19,” oritise public expenditures to ciples of globalisation via ex- dent coordinator of the UN in tive which aims to enlarge as rea, we raised ideas about fighting he said. sectors directly related to the panding international trade Cambodia said on Wednes- many reservoirs as possible against all types of crimes in the re- Along with his request, he Sustainable Development and supporting a stronger day that the Covid-19 crisis and expand irrigation systems. gion, but Cambodia didn’t make an highlighted priority areas re- Goals 2030 [SDGs], includ- multilateralism system. necessitates accelerating “Another megaproject is to official request,” Dimanche said. lated to financing which could ing education, health, social Diversifying financial sec- collective efforts for a more turn our country into a devel- The ministries of Foreign Affairs and help ensure developing coun- protection, agriculture and tors and promoting private inclusive, equitable and sus- oped one ... namely building a International Cooperation; Interior; Jus- tries hit the 2030 UN goals. infrastructure,” he said. sectors as well as soliciting tainable development that production base for exports. tice, and Economy and Finance held a “[We should] turn the The prime minister said investments, he said, could leaves no one behind. “This megaproject in- meeting to discuss the request, he said. threat of Covid-19 into op- trade policies and facilitation help developing countries “We can turn the pandem- cludes building infrastruc- Justice ministry spokesman Chin portunities for domestic re- should be promoted, and meet the SDGs. ic crisis into an opportunity, ture to attract investments Malin said on Wednesday that he did form in each country so as to preferential treatment given Hun Sen said ensuring the if we choose to take it. The in the handicrafts and in- not receive news about the centre yet. strengthen economic com- to developing countries to continuity of international SDGs are a reliable compass dustry sectors. [We need] The Post could not contact Min- petitiveness, create a condu- ensure the benefits of globali- aid, especially financial for directing our efforts to quality goods production istry of Interior spokesman Khieu cive business environment sation are shared equitably. assistance, to developing build back better from the and a competitive price for Sopheak or Ministry of Foreign Af- and strengthen government In this sense, the world countries would also help crisis. It will require a re- markets abroad,” he said. fairs and International Cooperation spokesman Koy Kuong for com- ments on Wednesday. Dimanche said he will lead col- leagues on a visit to a forensic centre in the ROK later this month to study Gov’t to continue Covid-19 aid for poor in detail the plan and write a report for the government. Mom Kunthear cies, will receive $40 a month for omy and finance in the framework in implementing this programme.” Lawyers Sam Chamroeun and three months as well. The employ- of the region and the world. During the first month (June) of the Sok Samoeun declined to comment THE government announced its sixth ers must provide as much money as “Hopefully, it examines and as- programme, 530,838 poor families re- about the plan on Wednesday. round of measures to stimulate eco- possible in addition to the $40. sesses the impact of Covid-19 on the ceived cash subsidies. In the second Dimanche and his colleagues held nomic growth as it prepares for a Registered hotels, guesthouses, main sectors of Cambodia’s economy month (July), 598,512 families ben- a meeting led by the former director post-Covid-19 world. The measures restaurants and travel agents will be to update essential measures. It is also efitted while the third month (August), of the Criminal Investigation and Re- will ensure poor and vulnerable fam- exempt from taxes for the next three prepared to lay out more new mea- saw 644,655 families receive them. search Centre of the Ministry of In- ilies continue to receive assistance months. The exemption only applies sures in the framework of economic Cambodian Institute for Democ- terior and Security of the ROK Joong during this difficult time. to tourist businesses in Kampot, strategy after the Covid-19 crisis.” racy president Pa Chanroeun told The Seok Seo to discuss law procedure. It said nobody can predict when Preah Sihanouk, Kep and Siem Reap A Ministry of Economy and Fi- Post on Wednesday that he supported Licadho monitoring manager Am the pandemic will end or what last- provinces, Phnom Penh, Svay Rieng nance press release on the National the government’s move. He thinks Sam Ath said on Wednesday that ing impacts it will have on society province’s Bavet town and Banteay Social Protection Council Meeting that more people will become victims prosecutors and judges always de- and peoples’ livelihoods. Meanchey province’s Poipet town. published on Tuesday said cash as the Covid-19 crisis drags on. pended on reports from authorities The garment, textile, tourism and The government also delayed subsidies handed out to poor and “The government has to continue in charge of forensics, but they do civil aviation sectors remain the hard- taxes for social protection schemes, vulnerable people during Covid-19 to support and assist an increasing not investigate or analyse forensics est hit, while poor and vulnerable fam- exempted patent and building taxes had entered the fourth month or the number of citizens who are victim- in detail. ilies continue to face daily struggles. and delayed General Department of second phase of the second round. ised by Covid-19,” he said. He said he supports the build- For the garment sector, the gov- Taxation audits of travel agents and During the fourth month (Sep- The government, he said, should ing and training plan from Korean ernment will continue providing operators in the tourism sector. tember), the government spent examine the effectiveness of the experts. It is a part of reforming the $40 per month to factory workers Minimum taxes for travel compa- more than $30 million on 689,973 programme, identify irregularities court system. As of now, there are no who lost their jobs or had their work nies registered in Cambodia will be poor and vulnerable families. and ensure that only eligible people judges or prosecutors who utilise fo- suspended. delayed for three months as well. The press release said: “The focus receive the subsidies. rensics in cases, he said. The programme will continue for an- Poor and vulnerable families will of this programme is on the liveli- Chanroeun emphasised that the “I support having this centre be- other three months until the end of De- continue to receive cash subsidies hoods and the difficulties of poor government should avoid corrup- cause it is another reform for the cember this year. Factory owners have for another three months, from Oc- and vulnerable families. tion while identifying poor families court system. Another important to add $30 to the handout, increasing tober to December. “It contributed to improving the and handing out payments. Cor- point is that we want an indepen- the total disbursement to $70. A government press release said: identification of poor families and en- ruption could cause injustices if the dent court system that people have Tourism sector employees, includ- “The government will continue couraged relevant ministries and in- government fails to help real poor faith in. This can be done by using ing those who work at hotels, guest- to regularly follow the situation of stitutions in the national and sub-na- and vulnerable families in need of forensic evidence and judgment ac- houses, restaurants and travel agen- Covid-19, the situation of the econ- tional levels to work with one another the assistance, he said. cording to the law,” he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3

photos hong mene a hong photos

Mastercard country manager for Cambodia and Laos Sophal Tek. Prince Bank CEO Honn Sorachna. Visa Cambodia country manager Monika Chum. Prince Bank’s Mastercard and Visa cards to bolster its digital banking

rince Bank on Wednesday launched its Mastercard and Visa cards to enrich Pits customers’ payment ex- perience and grow its retail banking. The move will further strengthen the bank’s foothold in digital banking, bring- ing cashless payments to its clients across the Kingdom. Prince Bank launched the cards digitally earlier this year due to the mandatory tive payment solutions that Prince Bank receives the ‘Best Commercial Bank Cambodia 2020’ award. social distancing requirements Mastercard Debit and Credit worldwide that display the are simple, safe and secure. put in place to combat the Platinum, Visa Debit and Credit Mastercard and Visa card According to Prince Bank, Covid-19 outbreak. Classic, and Visa Debit and logos. the collaboration with the To celebrate the launch, the Credit Platinum – all designed In conjunction with the giant financial services cor- bank, which was established to cater to the ever-evolving launch, the bank announced porations will make the lives in 2018, waived the annual digital needs of consumers. two campaigns for card us- of customers more convenient fee for the cards. The bank’s senior man- ers – “Cashback Campaign” and rewarding. “Prince Bank becomes agement, representatives of and a daily discount of 50 per The financial institution the first to launch Visa and Mastercard and Visa, special cent on 2D, 3D and VIP movie currently has 31 branches in Mastercard debit and credit guests and the media attended tickets at all Major Cineplex 22 provinces and employs cards in less than two years Wednesday’s physical launch, cinemas. more than 1,000 staff, almost after becoming a fully fledged which was held at a leading With the “Cashback Cam- all Cambodian. It also boasts commercial bank. hotel in the capital under strict paign”, Prince Bank’s Master- a network of 40 ATMs to “We are constantly look- social distancing measures. card cardholders can enjoy further serve its clients. On Guests at the launch ceremony held in the capital on Wednesday. ing to provide services that “Prince Bank is delighted $1 cashback with a minimum average, its customer base make the banking experience to collaborate with Mastercard spend of $10 in a single is expanding by some 2,000 of our customers even more and Visa in offering seam- receipt for all purchases at customers per month. seamless and convenient by less and cashless payments in point of sales machines and Applications for Mastercard offering debit and credit cards line with our goal to become when conducting e-com- and Visa credit and debit cards in different classes, such as the best and fastest growing merce. The cashback amount can be made at any Prince Standard, Classic or Plati- digital bank in Cambodia,” is credited to the cardholder’s Bank branch or directly via num,” said Prince Bank CEO Sorachna said. account in the first week of the Prince Bank App, which is Honn Sorachna. Customers can use their the following month. available on both Apple’s App The bank’s Mastercard and cards to pay for goods and Teaming up with Master- Store and Google’s Play Store. Visa cards are available in services at over 45,000 places card and Visa will allow the For more information, please eight variants – Mastercard nationwide – and the more bank to further leverage tech- visit www.princebank.com or Debit and Credit Standard, than 31 million merchants nology and introduce innova- call 1800-20-8888 toll free. Prince Bank launched eight different cards at the ceremony. a l Advertori 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Koh Kong police break up protest, arrest four Khorn Savi lution within two months. The governor was asked to KOH Kong police dispersed sign a letter clarifying the prov- a protest in front of the pro- ince will solve the problem with- vincial hall around 2am on in two months, but she refused. Tuesday, removing tents and “If they promise to allocate arresting four protestors. land for us, they must promise Protestor Ngeth Nhanh, 52, in a written letter. She refused told The Post on Wednesday to do so. They just promised that 193 families are involved us after doing nothing for 12 in a dispute with the Union years,” Pov said. Development Group in Prek The residents said they will Khsach commune, Kiri Sakor continue to protest. district, over 2,209ha. The Koh Kong provincial police dispute dates back 12 years. chief Kong Mono said they The protesters set up tents can do so as long as they don’t in front of the provincial hall install tents in front of the on Monday in an effort to ac- provincial hall. celerate a solution. “They can continue to protest, About 30 families were sleep- but they can’t set up tents that ing in the tents when police affect the aesthetics of the town moved in and ordered them to and disrupt tourism,” he said. vacate, detaining the four who Koh Kong provincial deputy Foreign ministry secretary of state Luy David said the NGOs must respect community laws and the Law on Associations and NGOs. FOREIGN MINISTRY ranged in age from 38 to 76. governor Sok Sothy denied that “When the people protested the authorities have refused to in Phnom Penh, the Ministry tackle the issue as claimed. of Land Management, Urban “This case is no longer in the Foreign NGOs briefed on laws Planning and Construction told authority of the province. Na- them to take up the issue at the tional authorities are in charge Orm Bunthoeurn The ministry held two laundering, but it is the min- discussed at the meeting. provincial level, but the prob- of this. A national committee in meetings with foreign NGOs istry’s duty to disseminate “We believe the meeting over lem was not solved,” he said. charge of tackling land disputes inistry of For- on Tuesday and Wednesday. the two laws to all foreign the last two days went smooth- More than 100 families have is studying the situation,” he said. eign Affairs and David told The Post on NGOs. So, we have fulfilled ly. We had question-and-an- protested to recover land Koh Kong provincial coor- International Wednesday that a meet- our duty,” David said. swer sessions with each other. from the company and have dinator for rights group Ad- Cooperation sec- ing with the NGOs was also There were 370 participants “Those organisations requested ownership cards. hoc Thong Chandara, said Mretary of state Luy David said held last year after FATF at the two-day meeting, rep- seemed well aware of their A representative of six fami- arresting people is a threat so it had carried out its duties by put Cambodia on the grey resenting 216 of the 356 for- duties because officials from lies was permitted to meet that they no longer protest in disseminating information list. At that time the govern- eign NGOs registered with the the Ministry of Interior and with Koh Kong provincial gov- front of the provincial hall. about the anti-money launder- ment established two laws ministry. the National Bank of Cam- ernor Mithona Phuthong on “They came there because ing law and the law on anti- on combating proliferation David said the ministry also bodia explained details Tuesday and they discussed there was no response to proliferation and anti-terrorism and terrorism financing, and requested the NGOs to respect about the laws,” he said. the issue for about two hours. their petition. They were financing to foreignN GOs after anti-money laundering. and follow community laws A third meeting to discuss Mai Pov, the representative, promised again and again. the Financial Action Task Force “This meeting was not held and the Law on Associations ideas between the Cambo- said the governor promised When the day they were (FATF) of Asia Pacific countries because these international and NGOs (Lango). They also dian government and NGOs to take the request to higher- promised came, they went put Cambodia on its grey list. NGOs are involved in money have to follow the two laws will be held next year. ups and provide news of a so- to the provincial hall,” he

edotco Cambodia reinforces commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality

Phnom Penh, 1st October 2020 – Edotco (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (“edotco Cambodia”), an integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company, recently underlined its continued commitment to a greener and more sustainable future with a carbon emission offset initiative. Through the planting of 500 trees, this recent effort under its ‘Go Green’ plan is set to acceler- ate edotco Groups’ overall carbon neutrality ambition. The initiative, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) tal impact, we also aim to set a have to take care of the environ- which calls for a better and more benchmark for green engineering ment together. The future will be Communes have been told to form women and children affairs committees and improve existing ones. HENG CHIVOAN sustainable future for all, saw the and greener operations in the in- sustainable environment causing participation of 220 individuals, dustry,” said Phillip Wong, Chief people healthy as well as poten- including Mr. Phou Li, Deputy Regional Officer, ASEAN North tial resources in the community Governor of Kep Province, Mrs. of edotco Group. as our people understand about Communes told to organise Tith Sokha, Kep Mayor, employ- With its steadfast commitment the important of environment ees of edotco Cambodia, Kep pro- to green engineering, edotco and participate in planting the vincial council representatives, has taken various measures and tree even the fruit trees around women, children committees members of the Youth Union of deployed innovative, sustainable, their homes. Provincial Youth Federation of and energy-efficient solutions to The planting event today Long Kimmarita mune chief as the chairperson. tees has increased. So, we Cambodia, Provincial National reduce its overall carbon emis- represents a meaningful effort “If a committee in charge of revised the instructions and Youth Scouts of Cambodia, Red sions. Some of these methods to improve the quality of the THE Ministry of Interior has woman and children’s affairs made it a prakas in order to Cross Youth and local students. include a reduced reliance on environment as well as the liveli- instructed communes to form has not been formed, existing ease the work,” she said. “Sustainability is more than steel for smaller and sleeker tower hoods of the people in our whole women and children affairs committees formed in 2007 Pea Horn, Olympic com- just a social responsibility – it is designs, the use of sustainable community.” committees if they haven’t have to continue their work as mune chief in the capital said optimal for businesses as it en- alternative materials, including In an effort to promote a already done so and improve normal,” Kheng said. on Wednesday that his com- hances an organization’s overall carbon fiber and bamboo, in the shared agenda that changes existing committees. The ministry’s director of mune had formed a commit- efficiency and competitiveness. construction of telecommuni- mindsets, influences decisions, A prakas released on Sep- District and Commune Affairs tee following the government edotco Cambodia’s recent carbon cation towers, and the use on and drives positive impact, across tember 22 and signed by Min- Department Chy Chan Raks- instructions to do so. emission offset efforts alongside renewable energy to power up its regional footprint, edotco has ister of Interior Sar Kheng mey said on Wednesday that He said the committee is the Group’s green engineering sites, among others. been championing the need for a detailed the roles and respon- committees were formed in beneficial for women and chil- practices ensures that progres- Mr. Phou Li, Deputy Governor collective effort by players within sibilities committees must every commune. dren who face problems in the sively, both the business practices of Kep Province, said “Environ- the ecosystem. In doing so, busi- fulfil. But tasks and responsibilities community. and our modern-day solutions ment is very vital for all lives nesses can capture new growth It said committees are entitled have expanded and members “We will follow the new are environmentally friendly. As on earth. For human being, we opportunities through responsible to provide consultation and had to fulfil many roles and instructions. It will be better we continue to do our part in can use this phrase: “One of our environmental and sustainable help commune officials in social duties. That is why the ministry for us if the prakas detailed the creating a positive environmen- lungs depends on trees”. So, we development management. activities. The committee must issued this new prakas. role, duties and procedures of

advertisement have 10 members with the com- “The work of these commit- the committee,” Horn said. THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Third vehicle ownership transfer centre launched in capital’s mall Khouth Sophak Chakrya “Participation in this new licences and vehicle transfer system will be an important services. The first centre is THE Ministry of Public Works catalyst for updating informa- located at AEON1 Mall and the and Transport on Wednesday tion, strengthening the culture second centre at AEON2 Mall. launched its third “Automation of paying taxes and contribut- They are open to the public System for Vehicle Ownership ing to the development of the every day from 9am to 9pm. Transfer” centre on the third nation through tax payments According to data from the floor of the Chip Mong Noro to the State,” Sambath said. transportation sector present- Mall on Preah Norodom Boul- Senior Minister and Minister ed at the event by General evard in Phnom Penh. of Public Works and Transport Department of Road Transport The ministry’s director of Sun Chanthol said the system director-general Chhuon Vorn, information technology and will facilitate the management the total number of registered public relations Heang of all types of vehicles in Cam- vehicles in the country from Sotheayuth said the system bodia and provide legal owner- 1990 to August is 5.8 million will expedite vehicle transfer ship to vehicle owners and con- vehicles, of which there are 4.8 services more transparently tribute to fraud prevention. million motorcycles, 595,640 and efficiently. “People will find it easier to light vehicles and 257,614 “The new vehicle transfer get service that is transparent, heavy vehicles. automation system is a joint effective and accountable,” In the first eight months of project between my ministry Chanthol said. the year, vehicle ownership The app will be integrated with Koompi, a suite of laptop learning and productivity tools built on the Linux and the Ministry of Economy The new service centre is the transfers increased 205.3 per operating system. Jica and Finance’s General Depart- third of its kind and provides cent compared to the same ment of Taxation. It allows peo- vehicle registration, driver’s period last year. ple to apply for vehicle transfer and pay tax at the same time. “This can be done via the Ministry to extend website – vehicle.mpwt.gov.kh – or at a service location,” Sotheayuth said. General Department of Tax- use of teaching app ation deputy director-general Ken Sambath said the system Voun Dara ating system. The partnership and the first external one in provides the opportunity for with Phnom Penh’s Koompi the new Koompi model E11 both institutions to exchange HE Ministry of Edu- was also signed on Monday. laptop. The learning suite is information to manage data cation, Youth and Tha said the ministry will designed with subsidised and on all vehicle owners. Sport plans to con- continue to expand this cur- leasing options to open the “I hope and believe the pub- tinue the use of its riculum to all provinces initiative to all students at a lic service centre today will Think!T Think! teaching app across Cambodia. very affordable price. minimise the difficulty by that was developed in 2018. “Through Think! Think! and “Everyone can afford to restoring trust with the public. It plans to use the app for Koompi, we have cooperated buy our PC at a very afford- It will save time and reduce Transport minister Sun Chantol said the system provide legal ownership another three years at eight to contribute to the education able price. We make an equal complications. to vehicle owners and contribute to fraud prevention. HEAN RANGSEY schools in Siem Reap, Kam- sector in Cambodia and will opportunity product for ev- pong Cham, Kandal, Svay Rieng be able to make digital educa- eryone to access the best ed- and Prey Veng provinces. tion even better. The Ministry ucation,” said Koompi CEO The app was developed in of Education supports coop- Thol Rithy. collaboration with the Japa- eration and start-ups for local “The Think! Think!’s proj- ‘Not all people have received land’ nese International Coopera- companies that have helped ect has had a great impact on tion Agency (Jica). in the education sector. Cambodia,” said Jica project Continued from page 1 tion to the land manage- land to the people, he urged The ministry’s Department “Think! Think! and Koompi adviser Naoko Ide, adding that ment ministry last year. “I the authorities to study the of Information Technology will continue our efforts to deliv- it has been able to motivate “So I appeal to the authorities sent a letter to the ministry remaining cases. He said not director Sok Tha made the er the app to all schools through- students to study at home dur- to continue solving the prob- last year but haven’t received all residents in Kampong announcement on Tuesday out Cambodia,” Tha said. ing the Covid-19 pandemic. lem and provide people with any response. When the land Damrei had received land. while delivering the results of He said community mem- Jica collaborated with the mi- land because they are poor. was measured to be handed “I support the warning to a first-quarter survey to verify bers and parents in provinces istry to offer Think!Think!, on- They don’t have land for farm- to people, they just ignored those who already received the quality of the app. need to invest in technology line Facebook lessons and na- ing to earn a living,” he said. me. I don’t know why they did land and want more. But I He also announced that for digital education. tional television programmes. Chhin Sophat, another resi- this,” she said. don’t support it when the au- the app will be integrated In a press release on Mon- Ide said Think! Think! helps dent in the commune, said she Thim Horn, a provincial co- thorities warn those who have with Koompi, a suite of lap- day, the ministry and Jica an- increase IQ, deep thinking has not received land from the ordinator for rights group Ad- not received land. Authorities top learning and productivity nounced that Think! Think! is and social skills while stu- dispute resolution committee. hoc, said while he welcomed should solve their problems, tools built on the Linux oper- Japan’s No 1 e-learning app dents study at home. She said she filed a peti- the completion of handing not give warnings,” he said. Youth, monks on Prey Lang visit Voun Dara O’ Pranhak in Meanrith com- mune, Sandan district, Kam- THE US Agency for Interna- pong Thom province, said the tional Development (USAID) felling of trees in the Prey Lang and the Ministry of Environ- Wildlife Sanctuary is quiet now. ment led monks and youth He said the community has to inspect the work of rang- banded together to protect it. ers protecting Prey Lang in “More than 100 members of Kampong Thom province on our community have joined Monday and Tuesday. forces to protect Prey Lang by USAID project manage- patrolling and gathering infor- ment specialist Seng Sothira mation on forest crimes which said the visit was part of a we hand over to the rangers. campaign to protect Prey Kou Sopheap, a professor of Lang by changing social be- Personal Growth and Virtue, haviour under a project called Behaviour, Leadership, Bud- Cambodia Green Future. The visit was part of a campaign to protect Prey Lang by changing social dhism and Psychology Devel- behaviour under a project called Cambodia Green Future. HONG MENEA “The US government places opment at Pannasastra Uni- a high value on the importance nities and ministries, local au- Ministry of Environment versity, joined the field trip of the environment and we thorities and many other civil secretary of state Sao Sopheap with more than 10 monks. partner with the government society organisations to protect said the government made He said the monks were happy of Cambodia, where for over a Cambodia’s natural heritage. Prey Lang a wildlife sanctu- to see the ministry and USAID decade, USAID has supported “Once aware of common ary in 2016. Spanning four lead the youth to Prey Lang. many environmental projects. threats to biodiversity and provinces – Kampong Thom, Vat Thai, a third-year stu- “Currently, we are focusing livelihoods, Cambodians are Kratie, Preah Vihear and Stung dent majoring in Global on two biodiversity projects inspired to protect their natu- Treng – it is under the protec- Entrepreneurship and Inno- in the Prey Lang zone and the ral resources, ” she said. tion of the Ministry of Agricul- vation at the National Uni- eastern highlands,” she said. Green Plan in Cambodia is ture, Forestry and Fisheries. versity of Management, said Sothira said USAID has from 2019 to 2024 and costs Prey Lang community rep- she wants to get involved in worked closely with commu- $5 million. resentative Sor Yam from Kbal protection activities. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,108 1.3407 6.813 105.69 4.1585 1.3705 31.67 0.7110 1.1703 1.2820

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: September 30, 2020 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 17,320 17,400 17,400 17,320 2 GTI 3,630 3,630 3,630 3,630 3 PAS 14,200 14,200 14,200 13,860 4 PEPC 3,280 3,290 3,300 3,280 5 PPAP 11,660 11,700 11,700 11,500 6 PPSP 2,280 2,290 2,290 2,280 7 PWSA 6,100 6,100 6,100 6,100 Cambodian trade expo FTA with Mongolia under study looks to lift local fortunes Thou Vireak try with great agricultural potential that has the power May Kunmakara asked not to be named, told The HE government is to transform agriculture into Post on Wednesday that the ex- studying the possibil- agro-industry. LOCAL and foreign produc- hibition is designed to improve ity of a bilateral free “From our point of view, we ers and investors are being trade, business and investment trade agreement (FTA) are capable of exporting agri- encouraged by the Ministry of activities in the wake of the withT Mongolia. cultural products to the world Commerce to participate in the Covid-19-led slump. Ministry of Commerce sec- market, including to Mongo- upcoming Cambodia Import- “Our business and eco- retary of state and Cambodia- lia,” Sovicheat said. Export Goods Exhibition. nomic activities have been Mongolia Bilateral Free Trade Cambodia and Mongolia In its 15th year, the annual constrained for a while due Agreement negotiation work- signed a Memorandum of Un- expo aims to promote eco- to the Covid-19 outbreak and ing group chairman Reach Ra derstanding (MoU) in 2014 nomic activities of sectors hit we’ve heard complaints from led a meeting on Tuesday to on the establishment of bilat- hard by Covid-19, the minis- local producers that they can- exchange views on the Con- eral consultations aimed at try said in an announcement. not sell their products. cept Note concerning an FTA strengthening bilateral cooper- It said the expo will be held “The exhibition will be a feasibility study. ation in the fields of economy, from December 15-18 at the key platform for them to dis- Present at the meeting were trade, investment and tourism. Koh Pich Convention and play their products for sale officials from the Council for In addition to FTAs with Exhibition Centre on Phnom to the public and potential the Development of Cam- Mongolia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China and South Korea, the Penh’s Koh Pich island. investment partners. We ex- bodia and the ministries of Kingdom in 2014 on the establishment of bilateral consultations aimed government is also looking “The event aims to pro- pect the exhibition will give Economy and Finance; Ag- at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, at the possibility of establish- mote trade and investment them a chance to showcase investment and tourism. pIXABAY riculture, Forestry and Fish- ing agreements with India, activities, export diversifica- their products or investment eries; and Labour and Voca- the ERIA expedite the comple- tegration policy and strategy Australia, the US, Canada, the tion and internal all-round projects to the public,” the of- tional Training. tion of the research report. to diversify trade partners re- UK, New Zealand and Japan. economic connectivity in ficial said. Ra said the establishment of “We will urge the working gionally and globally. The World Bank has said the contribution to the economic The official said, however, an FTA is in line with the gov- group to continue its efforts He said the commerce min- Kingdom needs to be well-pre- development of Cambodia. the exhibition will only have ernment’s Rectangular Strat- to make the feasibility study istry is currently negotiating pared for the post-Covid-19 “The Ministry of Commerce 100 booths due to Covid-19 egy Phase IV to diversify mar- of this FTA a success. I sin- an FTA with South Korea and economy, which will require will offer priority to local en- compliance requirements. kets and trade, and smoothen cerely hope the meeting with studying the possibility of es- a strong focus on regional in- terprises or international “If the situation takes a economic restoration in a the ERIA will bear fruit in the tablishing similar deals with vestment and expanding trade companies wishing to show- more serious turn, we will post-Covid-19 world. future,” Ra said. the Eurasian Economic Union opportunities. case their products, services seek approval to delay [the He noted that the Concept Commerce ministry acting (EAEU) bloc, which comprises There is an urgent need to or investment projects at the event] until next year.” Note was prepared by the spokesman Pen Sovicheat Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, facilitate domestic and foreign event,” it said. According to the ministry’s Jakarta-based Economic Re- told The Post on Wednesday Kyrgyzstan and Russia. investment by increasing do- An official with the Depart- announcement, necessary search Institute for ASEAN and that the FTA feasibility study “The ministry has been mestic value and creating more ment of Exhibition Affairs under safety measures will be in East Asia (Eria) and said the will assist the implementa- striving to expand to more jobs, the Washington DC-based the ministry’s General Director- place in accordance with na- meeting decided to propose tion of Cambodia’s trade in- new markets. We are a coun- lending institution said. ate of Trade Promotion, who tional health standards. Singapore’s Keppel to SME Bank comes up short on loans sell billions in assets May Kunmakara “Most SMEs are already too far in debt to other financial in- KEPPEL Corp is looking to sell total carrying value of about THE Ministry of Economy and stitutions, leaving them without about S$3 billion to S$5 bil- S$17.5 billion as of June 30 Finance wants to ease loan enough collateral to seek ad- lion (US$2.2 billion to US$3.7 that can be sold off over time, requirements for small and ditional funds from SME Bank, billion) of assets over the next with the proceeds channelled medium-sized enterprises which is why we don’t see many three years and redeploy the towards growth initiatives. (SMEs) from the State-owned SME Bank loans,” he said. funds to seize new opportu- These include the group’s Small and Medium Enterprise SME Bank CEO Dexter Tan in nities and improve returns. landbank, development Bank of Cambodia (SME Bank) June said the bank has allocat- The move comes as the firm projects, various funds and and offer more financial ed about 10 per cent of its total executes long-term plans to investments, as well as non- resources to boost production. capital to SMEs and he hopes build growth engines for the core assets such as Keppel Spokesman Meas Soksen- the full $100 million will be re- future, Keppel CEO Loh Chin O&M’s oil rigs. Loh declined san told The Post that the leased by the end of the year. Hua said at a virtual briefing to share more details, citing ministry has reviewed the There are currently 33 finan- on Tuesday. commercial sensitivity. existing loan application pro- cial institutions involved in “As we pursue our growth They do not include key cess for local SMEs and found the SCFS – SME Bank, 23 com- initiatives in data centres, envi- business platforms, fixed as- that many are not eligible. mercial banks, two special- ronmental solutions, renewable sets such as Keppel O&M’s “We want to see what the ob- SMEs can borrow up to $200,000 for working capital and $300,000 for ised banks, five microfinance energy, integrated urban devel- yards, or some of the group’s stacles are [for the SMEs],” he investment capital with a maximum interest rate of seven per cent per deposit-taking institutions year and a repayment period of seven years. HIN PISEI opment and asset management, units in real estate or other said. “At the same time, we are (MDIs) and two microfinance we will also need to review our investment trusts. trying to get them to properly SME Bank, with $100 million Federation of Associations institutions (MFIs). business portfolio from time As well as the asset sales, register their businesses into in government assets for loans, for Small and Medium Enter- SMEs can borrow up to to time,” added Loh, who did Keppel Corp is running the the system and make it easier had a soft launch in April in prises of Cambodia (Fasmec) $200,000 for working capital not disclose the segments ear- rule over its offshore and for us to manage them. conjunction with the ministry’s president Te Taingpor told The and $300,000 for investment marked for asset disposal. marine business amid a chal- “We will try our best to help “SME Co-Financing Scheme Post that despite the launch of capital with a maximum in- Keppel, one of the world’s lenging environment for the SMEs receive reserve funds be- 2020” (SCFS) – a joint venture SME Bank, however, require- terest rate of seven per cent largest oil-rig makers, said it sector. THE STRAITS TIMES (SINGA- cause we want to make it easier between SME Bank and a num- ments remain a major barrier per year and a repayment pe- has identified assets with a PORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK for them to get loans,” he said. ber of financial institutions. for local SMEs to access loans. riod of seven years. THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business

A company’s plea to postpone capital gains tax

Thou Vireak on tax law held on Friday. recently that the taxpayer can of the sale proceeds, they can He said the tax will only add choose to deduct expendi- choose the Determination Based LOCAL investment to the burden on the real es- tures from the sale/transfer Expense Deduction option. advisory firm has tate industry. value based on two methods – “The investor can deduct 80 submitted a letter to “We have requested the the Determination Based Ex- per cent of sales proceeds as the Ministry of Econ- Ministry of Economy [and Fi- pense Deduction or the Actual the cost and just pay the tax omyA and Finance requesting nance] to postpone the collec- Expense Based Deduction. on only 20 per cent of the gain, the government to postpone tion of capital gains tax pay- “Based on the Actual Expense rather than a true larger gain. the implementation of capi- ments until a more suitable Based Deduction, the taxpayer “On the other hand, the Ac- tal gains tax until the current time or when the Covid-19 and can deduct the cost of acquisi- tual Expense Bases Method is Covid-19 situation eases. economic situations improve. tion and expenses holding and favourable in cases where the The Housing Development Today’s real estate market is in transferring the immovable investor has a small gain or Association of Cambodia the doldrums,” Vanna said. property which qualify as de- suffers an overall loss when (HDAC) said in the letter that Ministry spokesman Meas ductible expenses. considering the cost of the the Kingdom’s real estate sec- Soksensan told The Post: “The “On this basis, if the costs are asset acquisition cost and in- tor continues to struggle under Prakas No 346 will go into effect on January 1 and will require taxpayers to ministry will consider the as- higher than the sale proceeds, clusion of additional expens- the weight of the pandemic. pay a 20 per cent capital gains tax rate on calculated profits. HONG MENEA sociation’s proposal, but it is there is no tax . . . The GDT has es, such as consulting, legal, The ministry has said the tax It said its Prakas No 346 is set tax rate on calculated profits. up to the senior government been very generous to inves- registration, advertising and will be levied on taxpayers’ gains to be enforced from January 1, HDAC secretary-general Huy leadership to decide.” tors in regards to the calcula- commission fees. from the sale, transfer or estab- next year by its General De- Vanna told The Post on Sun- Anthony Galliano, the CEO tion of the capital gains tax. “This is more favourable for lishment of property rights, or partment of Taxation (GDT) day that the letter was sent to of financial services firm “If an investor has made a sub- developers who can include the registration of ownership or and will require individuals to the ministry through the GDT Cambodia Investment Man- stantial capital gain from hold- most costs of the property possession rights. pay a 20 per cent capital gains following a company meeting agement Co Ltd, told The Post ing an asset that cost a fraction development,” he said. More hotels, offices up for sale in VN THE decline in the number of Xuan Vinh said the firm has suf- “hibernating” until the end of als. In recent months, the num- visitors and revenue due to the fered severe difficulties due to next year, Dinh said. ber of tenants was only about Covid-19 pandemic has led Covid-19. From the beginning According to Vietnam Tour- 30 per cent and the building many investors selling their of the third quarter this year, the ism Advisory Board chair- owner had to pay bank debts. hotels in Vietnam. company stopped operation of man Tran Trong Kien, it is According to a survey by The pandemic has left ef- some accommodation business necessary to improve service CBRE Vietnam, the majority of forts to stimulate domestic premises due to no revenue. quality and cut costs to cope requests in the second quarter tourism in tatters, as many He said the firm was looking with difficulties caused by the were office relocation, account- tourists cancelled tours and for partners to sell shares of pandemic and recover the ing for 72 per cent of total in- some popular destinations some operating hotels due to tourism market. quiries from their customers. have had to be closed. insufficient capital and if land- Big tourism businesses need There were a number of large Figures from the General lords don’t lower rent on the to commit not to sell unsafe tenants relocating from Grade Statistics Office (GSO) showed hotels, it could go bankrupt. and low-quality products. A (high-end) buildings to Grade that in the first eight months Selling hotels is considered In addition, it is necessary B (mid-end) or even lower. of this year, the number of in- the last solution to recover to strengthen links between It noted that this movement Hotels with ‘for sale’ signs have been seen in many places throughout ternational visitors to Vietnam capital, but investors have businesses and localities to was far different from seven- Vietnam. VNEXPRESS.NET/VIET NAM NEWS only reached nearly 3.8 mil- also admitted it is very dif- diversify products and service to-eight months ago before to remote districts or renting However, there are still many lion, down 66.6 per cent over ficult to sell their hotels now supply chains. Covid-19, when office rents apartments. investors with good financial the same period last year. as few investors can take risks Meanwhile, the owners of in big cities were still high and Savills Vietnam senior di- capacity and market experi- Travel tourism revenue in with debt in a pandemic-bat- office buildings are also look- the vacancy rate did not ex- rector of investment Su Ngoc ence. They are, together with the period was estimated at tered tourism market. ing to offload their property, ceed seven per cent. Khuong said the retail, hotel foreign investors, searching 13.1 trillion dong, a 54.4 per Vietnam Association of Real with buildings in the centre of Nguyen Duc Lam, the owner and office rental industries for projects in the market. cent year-on-year decrease, Estate Brokers (VARS) vice- Ho Chi Minh City selling for of a Grade A office building are being heavily affected by Foreign investors are very GSO data show. chairman Nguyen Van Dinh hundreds of billions of dong. in Ho Chi Minh City, said the economic difficulties. Viet- interested in Vietnamese real Hotels with “for sale” signs said tourism real estate and Recently, a 10-storey building number of new tenants had de- nam has witnessed a signifi- estate and have targeted office have been seen in many places, accommodation is the seg- with an area of nearly 350sqm creased by 50 per cent although cant decrease in the number buildings, hotels and residen- such as five-star Grand Vista ment most heavily affected by in front of Nguyen Binh Khiem they have slashed prices. of international visitors, es- tial areas, spread over all three Hanoi for 950 billion dong ($41 Covid-19 and these difficulties Street, District 1, sold for more Lam said the tenants of the pecially Chinese and South regions, with the greatest con- million) and Pullman Saigon are expected to continue. than 180 billion dong. A hous- building are mainly foreign Korean visitors. centration on Hanoi and Ho Centre in Ho Chi Minh City. If the pandemic ends in the ing broker told online newspa- enterprises and Covid-19 Khuong said the buildings Chi Minh City. Many two to four-star hotels third quarter, the market is per plo.vn that previously, the has caused some businesses have to be sold mainly be- It is expected that in the third have been also offered for sale forecast to begin recovering building owner earned about to switch to working online, cause owners have limited fi- or fourth quarter of the year, as investors are unable to cover by the end of this year. If the 500 million dong per month. while others stopped working. nancial capacity. In addition, there will be the first successful operation costs without guests. pandemic lasts until the end The owner reportedly sold Companies that rent space they use high financial lever- co-operation deals with foreign Nam Dang Tourism and of the year, the tourism prop- the office building because have switched to renting plac- age, meaning they can’t bear a investors, he added. VIET NAM Trade Company Ltd director Le erty segment would still be customers returned their rent- es at lower costs, even moving debt burden. NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Gold price in volatility as the US presidential election draws near The outcome of the first Presidential deaths, according to the World Health dropped from a highest point of $2,075 debate on Tuesday night between the Organization. per ounce to a current price sitting at incumbent Donald Trump and his rival Last week, US stocks declined sharply approximately $1,860 per ounce. Joe Biden from the Democratic Party after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Technically, the gold chart also sug- has given a clearer signal of who will Powell publicly criticised Congress for gests the beginning of a downtrend, win the US Presidential election on not providing enough fiscal stimulus to which means traders should sell gold and November 3. support a US economic recovery. set the stop loss function in a very open Among others, issues regarding revi- US stocks, however, were locked in position to mitigate risk as the market is talising the economy and the Covid-19 bullish momentum towards the end of still highly volatile. outbreak dominated the heated debate. the week, with high volatility on the Should you be interested in starting The US has recorded the highest number cards again this week. to trade gold and other derivative prod- of confirmed cases and the nation has While stocks have been up and ucts such as crude oil and major foreign suffered severely from the pandemic, down in line with US economic news currencies, or improving your trading which has impacted price movements in and data, the dollar index resumes its skills to be a professional trader, please the financial markets. strength and climbs to its highest level do not hesitate to reach Golden FX Link As of September 30, the US had since July. Capital at 023 22 6666 or via www. 7,044,327 confirmed cases and 203,620 Similar to stocks, the price of gold has goldenfxlink.com. Chhea Chhayheng, business manager at Golden FX Link Capital. a l Advertori 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com World Exploding Trump, Biden in chaotic first debate ‘Glass Fire’ EMOCRATIC Joe tens of millions of people Biden told a raging watching across the country. President Donald “How many of you got up chokes US Trump to “shut up” this morning and had an emp- inD a chaotic opening debate ty chair at the kitchen table be- wine region that turned almost immedi- cause someone died of Covid?” ately into a shouting match 35 Biden said, channelling his TWO wildfires in the US State days ahead of the tensest US famed ability to show empa- of California that ravaged election in recent memory. thy for the suffering – some- Napa’s famous wine region The debate in Cleveland, thing that Trump has long had and killed three people explod- Ohio, was as bad-tempered as difficulty in matching. ed in size on Tuesday as fire- had been feared, with Trump Mocking the 74-year-old fighters faced a weeks-long leading the way in yelling Trump for one of his more battle to contain the blazes. over his challenger and the notorious statements on sup- The so-called Glass Fire Fox News moderator Chris posed cures for coronavirus, enveloping some of northern Wallace alike. Biden said: “Maybe you could California’s world-famous There was no handshake as inject bleach in your arm and vineyards has scorched the two men took the stage and that would take care of it.” 17,000ha and remains uncon- while this was due to Covid-19 Before they even appeared tained, despite the efforts of restrictions, the absence of for the first of their scheduled some 1,500 firefighters. the traditional greeting sym- three 90-minute TV show- Celebrated Napa wineries bolised divisions through the downs, Biden was capitalis- such as Chateau Boswell and country in the final count- ing on bombshell revelations part of Castello di Amorosa have down to November 3. in The New York Times that been lost to the flames, which Trump went as hard on 77- the businessman managed to reached the fringes of Santa year-old Biden as he’d threat- avoid paying almost any fed- Rosa – the largest town in neigh- ened, saying the “radical left” had eral income taxes for years. bouring Sonoma County. the centrist Democrat “wrapped The anger-filled event did nothing to calm fears around the country that the presidential election, taking Trump – who has broken Tens of thousands of resi- place in the middle of an ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, could end in chaos. AFP around their little finger”. longtime presidential trans- dents have been evacuated And he got personal, seek- as Trump loudly touted his ories right up until the last “tens of thousands of ballots parency by refusing to pub- from towns including the ing to rile the former vice- economic record and went minute that Biden would being manipulated, I can’t go lish his tax returns – reported- entirety of wine tourism desti- president by accusing one of after Biden’s son Hunter. need drugs or an earpiece along with that”. ly used loopholes to pay just nation Calistoga. his sons of corruption, and “This will go down as one of secretly providing answers to And when asked if he con- $750 in federal tax during the “It looks like a bomb went telling Biden that “there’s the worst debates in history,” get through the night. demned far-right armed mili- first year of his presidency. off,” 61-year-old resident Joe nothing smart” about him. Aaron Kall, a presidential de- The anger-filled event did tias like the Proud Boys group, Hours before the Cleveland Ortega told the San Francisco Biden, though, not only bate specialist at the Univer- nothing to calm fears around Trump gave a cryptic reply: showdown, Biden published Chronicle. “The trees go up like gave as good as he got – he sity of Michigan, said. the country that the presi- “Proud Boys – stand back and his tax returns – and at the de- matches.” launched the kind of attack At one point an exasperated dential election, taking place stand by.” bate demanded that Trump California Department of For- on Trump the billionaire Biden, who leads strongly in in the middle of an ongoing Biden sought to tie Trump do likewise. estry and Fire Protection (Cal president has rarely had to the polls, turned to Trump and coronavirus pandemic, could squarely to the Covid-19 Trump insisted at the de- Fire) official Jonathan Cox said endure to his face. said: “Will you shut up, man!” end in chaos. pandemic that has claimed bate that he has paid “mil- 80 houses have been destroyed “Liar”, “racist” and “clown” That moment symbolised Asked by Wallace whether more than 200,000 lives in lions” in taxes. between the two counties. were just some of the mis- the strength of Biden’s per- they pledged to urge calm the US, more than in any But the affair continues to Santa Rosa fire chief Tony siles launched from Biden, formance in an arena where and refrain from declaring other country. provide Biden ammunition to Gossner said it would take who also branded Trump the Trump’s campaign had for victory if the results are not And he came with a visible try and chip away at Trump’s weeks to bring the flames “puppy” of Russian President months been predicting he immediately known Novem- plan to dodge the Trump rhe- crucial support from blue- under control, warning that Vladimir Putin. would crumble. ber 3, Biden said: “Yes.” torical storm by frequently collar voters or what the Re- “it’s going to be kind of long, At times, neither Biden nor The Republican had even Trump, though, wouldn’t turning to face the cameras publican calls “the forgotten and it’s going to be painful”. Wallace could get a word in, spread lurid conspiracy the- commit, saying that if he saw directly and addressing the men and women”. AFP The region is still reeling from devastating wildfires in 2017 when 44 people died and thou- sands of buildings were razed. Further north the deadly Zogg Fire that killed at least Duterte blasts Facebook over shut fake accounts three people has now ripped through 16,000ha, again with- PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo The Chinese network attacked Rappler cacies to protect children against their members in their regulation of out containment. Duterte is seeking a meeting with rep- and supported the potential presidential enlistment as combatants”. member accounts,” he added. Both fires were sparked on resentatives of Facebook after he ques- run of Duterte’s daughter Sara in 2022. One page taken down by Facebook Bayan Muna Representative Ferdi- Sunday by unknown sources tioned the social networking platform’s On Monday night, during his weekly tel- was the “Hands Off Our Children”, which nand Gaite said the president’s state- and spread rapidly through decision to take down pro-government evision appearance, Duterte said the social was put up and managed by an Army ments were an admission that the gov- dry vegetation due to high and pro-military “advocacy” pages and media giant’s reasons for taking down the captain as a platform for parents whose ernment had a hand in using fake winds that have since eased. accounts, saying he does not see any “advocacy” pages were “so convoluted” children had allegedly been recruited by Facebook accounts for propaganda and Temperatures remain high in use for it if it does not help the govern- that he couldn’t understand them. the communist New People’s Army. “massive disinformation”, which largely the region. ment in the “fight of ideas”. He said: “Facebook, listen to me. We Roque said: “We believe in freedom targeted critics and the opposition such The new blazes come during Presidential spokesperson Harry allow you to operate here, hoping that of speech. They may use as justification as the Makabayan bloc in the House. a record season, with five of Roque on Tuesday explained that Duterte you could help us also. Now, if [the] the ‘inauthentic behaviour’ but the He called on Facebook not to be intim- California’s six biggest wild- does not intend to shut down Facebook’s government cannot espouse or advo- effect is censorship because the con- idated by the president’s threats. fires in history currently burn- operations in the country, but slammed cate something [that] is for the good of tents of the page were deleted.” “They [Facebook] must reveal these ing and 1.5 million hectares its takedowns as a form of censorship the people, then what is your purpose Such “content-based restriction” is pages and accounts. The people and the scorched. and suppression of free expression. here in my country? unconstitutional, said the former victims of these trolls’ online attacks Climate change amplifies “The president only said there is a need “What would be the point of allowing human rights lawyer. deserve to know at least that much,” he droughts which dry out to talk,” Roque said. “It won’t be good for you to continue if you cannot help us? He also criticised Facebook for said, adding that whether public funds regions, creating ideal condi- Facebook and the Philippines [if the “We are not advocating mass destruc- choosing groups that were “against the were being used should be probed. tions for wildfires to spread social network is banned], because we tion, we are not advocating a mass Duterte administration” as fact-check- “This is not merely an issue of fake out-of-control and inflict are number one on Facebook after all. massacre. It’s a fight of ideas. And ers, pointing to Rappler and Vera Files, accounts – this is about fake accounts unprecedented material and “So it will be a huge loss to Facebook. apparently from the drift of your state- which are independent media outfits. spreading lies, vilification and hatred environmental damage. But at the same time, since we are ment or your position is that it cannot Department of the Interior and Local that has been used to justify human Governor Gavin Newsom on number one, many Filipinos using it be used as a platform.” Government undersecretary Jonathan rights violations,” Gaite said. Monday warned that Califor- will be affected.” Duterte said Facebook “cannot lay Malaya said Facebook’s “unilateral act, A university professor said banning nia is only “now moving into Facebook last week said it took down down a policy” for his government and without prior consultation or due proc- Facebook would only entrench and the peak of the wildfire sea- two clusters of fake accounts, one in prevent him from “espousing the ess with affected individuals” was a strengthen, rather than dismantle, dis- son”, with Santa Ana winds the Philippines and another in Fujian, objectives of [the] government”. cause for concern for the department. information networks or troll farms. sweeping south toward Los China, that were involved in “coordi- “If you cannot help me protect gov- He said “the least” that the social “Any state regulation of social media Angeles, where another major nated inauthentic behaviour” in viola- ernment interest, then let us talk. We media giant could have done was to would be for the best interest not of the heatwave is expected. tion of its community standards. may or we may not find the solution. If allow those concerned to refute the people, but of the powers that be,” Evacuations have been com- The local group linked to the Armed we cannot, then I’m sorry,” he added. allegations against them. Danilo Arao, a mass communications plicated by the coronavirus, Forces of the Philippines and the Philip- According to Roque, the president “We are open to dialogue with Face- professor at the University of the Phil- which has hit the Golden State pine National Police was engaged in “does not tolerate censorship of pro- book even as we appeal to them to be ippines, told the Inquirer. PHILIPPINE hard with more than 810,000 attacks against activists and dissidents. government advocacies, such as advo- more transparent and accountable to DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK confirmed cases. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 Opinion

How impactful is American www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng business in Cambodia? Executive Editor-in-Chief Joshua purushotman Opinion Managing Editor Post Khmer Sim Vireak sam Rith Deputy Chief of Staff phak seangly OR Cambodia-US bilateral Business Editor relations, if there’s anything May Kunmakara that can really stand out, that Deputy Business Editor would be trade. sangeetha Amarthalingam FBilateral trade has been one of the Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk most robust. Only 20 years ago, it stood pan simala at $850 million. Last year alone, it Senior Reporters reached $5.9 billion – a seven-fold Meas sokchea, Niem Chheng increase. And, despite the current Cov- Reporters id-19 pandemic, exports are up 23 per Khouth sophak Chakrya, Kim sarom, cent this year. After the US granted duty Long Kimmarita, Khorn savi, Hin pisei, free access to travel goods in 2016 soth Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, sous Yamy, under the Generalised System of Pref- thou Vireak erences (GSP) programme, travel goods Photographers exports from Cambodia increased from Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey $50 million to nearly $1 billion last year, Web Editor according to US embassador to Cam- Leang phannara bodia Patrick Murphy. Webmasters In terms of investment, it is fair to sous Chanthy, pang Vichea say the US’ presence is not yet signifi- SIEM REAP BUREAU cant. Accumulation of US investment Offi ce Manager from 1994 to 2019 stood at $1.124 bil- sophearith Blondeel lion. And 12 investment projects PRODUCTION & PRINTING worth $151 million were approved in Head of Desktop Publishing the last five years. Nhim sokphyrak Nevertheless, it is also observed Desktop Publishing that the intention and interest for the suon savatdy, Chum sokunthy, Danh Borath American companies to do more and tep thoeun thyda, tim Borith, than Veasna to take deeper root in Cambodia is constantly high. HEAD OFFICE Last month, the US-ASEAN Business Council with several members from the Forbes 500 companies conducted dialogue with Prime Minister Hun Sen Post Media Co, Ltd. and several of his Cabinet members. The Elements Condominium Level 7, The areas of interest are quite diverse After the US granted duty free access to travel goods in 2016 under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme, travel Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, from oil exploration, automobiles, goods exports from Cambodia increased from $50 million to nearly $1 billion last year. post pix Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom energy infrastructure, healthcare, Penh, Cambodia cybersecurity, financial service, digital to the company’s press release. For automobiles, Cambodia is quite training, and social development of Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 economy, to foods and beverages. In healthcare sector, apart from unique in ASEAN as it can accept the host country is commendable. Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Some of those companies have business dealing through supply of both the European and the US auto- Such gestures manifest their long- Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 established firm presence in the king- medical equipment, especially in the motive products standards and tech- term commitment and inclination for SIEM REAP dom for decades already. For instance, fight against Covid-19, GE has also nical regulations. American vehicles, responsible business sustainability. No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune General Electric Company (GE) has supported Cambodia through Safe namely Ford, has made an increased For that reason, attracting Ameri- Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 been doing business in Cambodia for Surgery 2020 programme with Cam- visibility on Cambodian roads. can investors undoubtedly receives COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT 13 years in electricity infrastructure bodia being one of the first countries The above activities conducted by top leadership level attention and Chief Operating Offi cer and healthcare. In 2017, GE was in Southeast Asia selected for imple- major US companies indicated that whole-of-government support from James ong soon teck awarded a contract to supply major Cambodia. Advertising Department equipment for the Cambodian Energy The US embassy is also working Chap Narith, 017 996 241 II Co, Ltd (CEL II) 135 MW Coal Fired Attracting US investors receives hard in this regard. They were instru- Hun Channet, 017 578 768 Power Plant in Preah Sihanouk prov- mental in opening market of travel prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 ince’s Stung Hav district. top leadership level attention goods to Cambodia back in 2016. And Keo puthy, 012 966 605 This plant has helped reduce Cam- the relentless efforts to achieve more phon sok Chea, 012 717 404 bodia’s dependence on hydro generat- and whole-of-government are quite visible and have been con- Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 ed electricity, using GE’s Integrated sistent for all American ambassadors. CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Power Package which include boiler, support from Cambodia Of course, both governments can Acting Distribution Manager thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 steam turbines and air quality control have differences, which is normal. But Circulation Supervisor systems. An MOU was also signed mentation. The company has provid- their presence does not stop at prof- it is the duty for both governments to Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 between GE and the Ministry of Mines ed $12 million in funding to bring in it-making and packing home all the serve the interest of the two peoples. Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 and Energy to install a Continuous modern medical equipment and returns. Trade and investment serve the peo- ADMINISTRATION Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) develop an in-country biomedical Their conducts are visible and ple, and it is the responsibility of all Admin & HR Manager to track and closely analyse local pol- engineering equipment technician transparent. They hire local people, governments to put people first. pich socheat lutant emission levels data in all pow- training programme (BMET) to more including managerial positions. Their Assistants to Admin & HR Manager er plants across the country, not just than 40 hospitals in 25 provinces, strong engagement in social activi- The writer is Strategic Adviser to the Asian Nhel soaphea Vision Institute (AVI) the plant that involves GE, according said the press release. ties, technology transfer, vocational 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 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Robots invade the Kingdom in Monsters of Man

Hong Raksmey actors like in Monsters of Man, we have to be strong and powerful pres- EAP is a young boy who ences in the scenes. We run from the lives in a remote mountain- robots, who chase and fire at us.” ous village, the only child of She says the realistic robots are Keala and Prak, the village played by human actors and then leader.L edited with visual effects. One day, the 14-year-old is playing Rynet had to beat out three other with his friends in the nearby jungle actresses for the role of Keala. They when suddenly, mysterious high- were tested by having to perform in tech robots emerge from the thick a short play, and she says the other foliage. A gunshot goes off, igniting actresses were supremely talented. a massacre of villagers. “I believe I was chosen because This dystopian vision of the future I have dark skin like a real Khmer sets the stage for Australian director woman living in a rural village. I am Mark Toia’s Monsters of Man, a sci-fi not sure how talented I am, but it’s feature film which was shot mainly most likely that [I was chosen be- in Cambodia four years ago. cause] the story suited me,” she says. According to the film’s synopsis, One of her favourite parts of the “a robotics company vying to win a process was playing a mother and lucrative military contract team up offering warm-hearted love to her with a corrupt CIA agent to conduct son in the movie. an illegal live field test”. “They deploy four weaponised Potential sequel? prototype robots to a suspected Toia says because Cambodia lacks drug manufacturing camp in the local film crews which meet inter- Golden Triangle, assuming they’d national standards, he brought over be killing drug runners that no a small specialised team to not only one would miss. Six doctors on a work on the film but to teach local humanitarian mission witness the crews as well. brutal slaughter and become prime “It was amazing to see everyone Futuristic war-mongering robots invade a small community in the jungle in Mark Toia’s Monsters of Man. supplied targets.” adapt and learn as much as they The Golden Triangle depicted in English travel documentary film- “Mark is the best producer ever. ably would not have shot in Cambo- could in a very short timeframe to the movie was shot in Tahan vil- makers who gave him a chance to He’s skilled as a cinematographer dia at all,” Toia says. give us exactly what we required on lage in the Kulen Mountains of Siem make it in the film industry. and cameraman. So his movie Rynet, who holds a law degree, location. We made some very good Reap province. Toia says: “We cast a really strong turned out so well,” says Rynet. says those who watch the movie will friends in Cambodia and they will The movie features an interna- local actor, Trong Kam, who was Toia, also a director at Zoom Film notice lines delivered in Khmer as always have a very special place in tional cast, and the three family amazing. He was so powerful in & Television, started shooting Mon- well as English. my heart,” he says. members in the jungle are played by his role as Prak, the village boss. sters of Man in 2016 in four coun- “The official language [of the mov- Monsters of Man will be released Cambodian actors Ma Rynet, Trong He scared the other actors with his tries. The majority of the scenes ie] is English. When I talk with my worldwide on December 8, on vari- Kam and Ly Ty. powerful, convincing scenes.” are shot in Kampot and Siem Reap son, I use Khmer and when I com- ous online platforms. Since Cambo- Keala is played by Rynet, 29, who Ty, who plays the son, had a small provinces and Phnom Penh. municate with other actors I speak dia is such a small film market, Toia tells The Post that, “in the movie, role in Angelina Jolie’s movie First He says that shooting movies is English,” she says. says it’s not on his radar to release the main Cambodian actors are my They Killed My Father. Local line expensive and creating a feature Rynet gained notoriety for her per- the film theatrically. family. My husband and I are di- producer Kulikar Sotho remembered film like Monsters of Man was a very formances in international films in- “We will be doing an online vorced and the main star plays my him from that role and helped land ambitious project. The benefits of cluding The Last Reel in 2014, Hanu- VOD [video on demand] version new boyfriend, who is American”. him his role in Monsters of Man. shooting in Cambodia were access man in 2015 and this year’s Mekong via iTunes, Amazon, YouTube and Toia, a TV commercial producer Toia says that “Ly Ty’s performance to unique and amazing locations, 2030. Google Play. So people can watch it and advertisement photographer by was so strong and so emotionally affordable costs and lovely, hard- “I got new experiences because on those forums. If there is a theatri- trade, says that Rynet is an excep- powerful that he brought the entire working people. international casts are educated in cal cinema chain that wants to show tional actress whose natural acting cast and crew to tears”. “The cost savings in accommo- acting school and when I work with the film in Cambodia, they can reach skill made it easy for her to focus to- dation, food and local crew wages them, I learn new things and know us at www.monstersofman.movie. tally on her character and not stress Four years in the making made it very appealing for us to look how to work with various people,” “I promise Monsters of Man is about remembering lines. Rynet was surprised when a trailer at Cambodia seriously. she says. big. It is ambitious,” says Toia, who He tells The Post: “From a direc- for the movie was finally released “We could not have shot it in Aus- Working in international produc- spent more than six weeks shooting tor’s standpoint, she made my life so over four years after it was filmed. In tralia at all with our budget, so we tions, she says, has its benefits. the feature with his cast and crew. very easy, as any great actor should. the trailer, she’s chased by the weap- had to look at other countries. We “Making movies with them is He hinted that he may not be done She has a scene in the movie that onised robots (portrayed by actors) did investigate Indonesia, Thailand convenient since they respect the filming in Cambodia. brought the audience to tears. as gunshots ring out in the jungle. and Vietnam but once we scouted schedule. For example, if we are set “I would shoot in Cambodia “She is fantastic and I wouldn’t “When I saw the trailer, I was sur- the large cave systems, villages and to finish at 5pm, they are going to again, especially now that I know hesitate to put her in another movie prised because I took part in that temples in Cambodia, I was sold. end at that time. It is different from how it works. Cambodia lends itself if I was to ever shoot one in Cambo- movie over four years ago. Unex- “Also, if we did not have the local our style. We don’t set a specific to thousands of stories, stories that dia again.” pectedly, when it came out as the knowledge and support from the schedule, we just shoot until we fin- can be shared internationally. Who Kam, who won the role of the vil- best movie [I’ve acted in], it makes wonderful line producer like Sotho ish which can be difficult,” she says. knows, we may come back and do a lage leader, was first discovered by me happy. and her husband Nick Ray, we prob- “When we work with international Monsters of Man 2,” he says.

Ma Rynet plays a pivotal role in the movie and speaks in both Khmer and English. supplied Mark Toia decided to shoot in Cambodia once he explored the country’s temples and villages. supplied THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Lifestyle Thinking caps

A staff member tending to a rooftop garden used to grow edible plants above the Raffles City mall in Singapore. afp Green shoots: Rooftop farming takes off in congested Singapore N THE rooftop less than one per cent of its than 50 varieties of food, rang- of a Singapore land is devoted to agriculture. ing from eggplants, red okra shopping mall, a In the past few years, how- and wild passion fruit to leafy sprawling patch ever, the city of 5.7 million vegetables, edible flowers Oof eggplants, rosemary, ba- has seen food plots sprouting and so-called “microgreens” “IT CALLS THE KETTLE BLACK” nanas and papayas stand in on more and more rooftops. – vegetables harvested when colourful contrast to the grey Authorities last year said they are still young. ACROSS 54 Mature, as wine 25 Spanish appetizers skyscrapers of the city-state’s they were aiming to source 30 It is also using high-tech 1 He bullied George McFly 56 Useful guy to have around 26 Up in the sky business district. per cent of the population’s methods. 5 Neuter, as a male horse 65 Established rule 27 prefix meaning “extremely” The 930sqm site is among “nutritional needs” locally by At one site inside a ship- 9 Big wine holders 66 In ___ of (replacing) 29 Coke or Pepsi, e.g. a growing number of rooftop 2030, and want to increase ping container, they are test- 14 Big man in Oman 67 faithful or factual 30 Go around, as an issue farms in the space-starved production of fish and eggs as ing a specialised system of 15 Strong smell 68 Contour 32 Winery storage units country, part of a drive to pro- well as vegetables. hydroponics – growing plants 16 Group of eight 69 Lively spirit 33 Bacteria in uncooked food duce more food locally and re- With coronavirus increas- without soil – developed by a 17 Coin of Western Samoa 70 Effortlessness 34 Build an embankment duce its reliance on imports. ing fears about supply-chain Japanese company. 18 San Juan, Puerto ___ 71 ___ a high note (finish well) 35 allowances for waste The government has cham- disruption, the government The system features sen- 19 Geneva’s river 72 Blood supplies 37 Black, to Byron pioned the push amid con- has accelerated its efforts, an- sors that monitor conditions, 20 Where bullets may be stockpiled 73 Some deli loaves 39 Depend cerns about climate change nouncing the rooftops of nine and strict hygiene rules mean 23 female rabbit DOWN 42 Distrustful reducing crop yields world- car parks would become ur- crops can be grown without 24 “7 Faces of Dr. ___” 1 VCR format of old 43 Surrounding blockade wide and trade tensions af- ban farms and releasing S$30 pesticides. 25 Sigma-upsilon go-between 2 Islamic spiritual leader 48 Scam artist 3 What soap may leave 50 Hawaiian medicine man fecting imports, but it has million (US$22 million) to Edible Garden City’s pro- 28 Tolkien creatures 4 Swindler’s crime 53 Brogue bottoms been given extra impetus by boost local food production. duce is harvested, packed 31 put the cart before the horse, say 5 More likely to receive an R rating 55 Vegetable oil, e.g. the coronavirus pandemic. and delivered on the same 36 Host before Paar and Carson 38 Creole food veggie 6 prepare for publication 56 Mocking comment “The common misconcep- ‘Buffer the shock’ day – mainly to restaurants – 40 Big name in desktop computers 7 Mathematical sets 57 Yoked animals tion is that there’s no space Edible Garden City, one of but online customers can also 41 One-room heater 8 Emulate Pavlov’s dogs 58 Sir Francis Drake’s was “Golden” for farming in Singapore be- several firms operating - ur subscribe to a regular delivery 44 Large, round hairdo 9 Beef ___ bleu 59 Eating peas with a knife, e.g. cause we are land scarce,” ban farms in Singapore, runs box of fruit and vegetables. 45 Hall-of-Famer manager Weaver 10 Have rheumatic pains 60 World’s longest river said Samuell Ang, CEO of Ed- about 80 rooftop sites. Sales to restaurants slowed 46 Land in the Thames, perhaps 11 Bit of sign language? 61 Rend ible Garden City, which runs But they have also created when Singapore shut down 47 part of a batting instruction 12 Bingolike game 62 Evangelist’s suggestion the site on the mall. many food gardens in more businesses to contain the coro- 49 Little kid 13 annotation in proofreading 63 Either of three English rivers “We want to change the unusual places, including a navirus from April to June, but 51 “___ none of your business” 21 Worst possible turnout 64 football holders narrative.” former prison, in shipping Ang said household clients grew 52 Surgeons’ workplaces, for short 22 Nymph presiding over rivers Urban farms are springing containers, and on high-rise three-fold in the same period. up in crowded cities around apartment balconies. William Chen, director of the Wednesday’s solution the world, but the drive to cre- Their farms use only natu- food, science and technology ate rooftop plots has taken on ral pesticides such as neem programme at Singapore’s Nan- particular urgency in densely oil to repel pests. yang Technological University, populated Singapore, which “What we really want to do is said developing city farms was imports 90 per cent of its food. to spread the message of grow- a “way to buffer the shock of Farming was once common ing our own food. We want to supply chain breakdowns”. in the country, but dwindled advocate that you really do “Skyscraper farming in Sin- dramatically as Singapore de- not need large parcels of land,” gapore is certainly a bright veloped into a financial hub said the firm’s CEO Ang. option,” he added. packed with high-rises. Now The company grows more Still, there are limits to what a country half the size of Los Angeles can achieve, and Chen stressed the city would still have to rely on imports of other staples, such as meat. Wednesday’s solution “We don’t have animal farms, and for rice we don’t have the luxury of land,” he said. “Growing rice and wheat in indoor conditions will be very costly, if not impossible.” In addition, a lack of skilled farmers in modern-day Sin- gapore presents a challenge. “While we are able to re- cruit people with an interest in farming, they do not have An urban farmer tending to vegetables grown inside a shipping the relevant experience,” Ang container illuminated with LED lights in Singapore. afp said. afp 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST october 1, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport South Africa pull-out dooms Super Rugby after 25 years EW Zealand’s rug- ly basis,” Robinson said. by chief admitted “There’s going to be a the future of the change . . . and it’s something club game in the that we’ve simply got to work Nsouthern hemisphere was out quickly,” he added. unclear on Wednesday af- The All Blacks and Spring- ter South Africa pulled most boks are international rugby’s of their teams out of Super most successful teams, with Rugby, effectively ending the three World Cup titles each, once-admired competition and the loss of South African after 25 years. competition deprives Super NZR chief executive Mark Rugby of much of its quality. Robinson said the next step NZR earlier attempted to must be taken quickly after play down the pull-out, say- South Africa – whose national ing it was “no surprise”. It fol- The future of Super Rugby is in doubt after South Africa pulled most of its teams, effectively ending the once-admired competition. AFP team won the World Cup last lows months of turmoil since year – opted to explore join- the pandemic halted Super ers in a five-year deal. nation Rugby Championship, “However, we would not Super Rugby Aotearoa com- ing Europe’s PRO14. Rugby in March, prompting Globe-straddling Super whose scheduling has sparked have been taking this deci- petition, with the possibility South Africa’s move, prompt- New Zealand, Australia and Rugby, long attacked as un- complaints by the All Blacks sion but for actions else- of its five domestic franchises ed by New Zealand’s deci- South Africa to go it alone wieldy despite its attrac- as their players face spending where,” he added, referring to being joined by a Pacific is- sion to push for a domestic with temporary domestic tive, free-flowing rugby, had Christmas in quarantine. the decisions of New Zealand lands side. or trans-Tasman Super Rugby tournaments. planned to cut down to 14 While the Bulls, Lions, and Australia. Australia is backing a trans- competition, spells doom teams from 15 next year, Sharks and Stormers look to A significant part of the Tasman competition, although for the series which was first Quarantine row by kicking out Japan’s Sun- join PRO14, South Africa’s PRO14 appeal for South Africa the two sides have been at weakened by over-expansion On Tuesday, South Africa said wolves. But the pandemic has Cheetahs will be available is the time zone, with the wid- odds over how many Austra- and then plunged into crisis it was seeking entry for four now proved the catalyst for its for a potential ‘Super Series’ est difference with Britain and lian teams will take part. by the coronavirus pandemic. teams into Europe’s PRO14, disintegration. formed from the wreckage of Ireland being two hours for six However, Robinson denied However, Robinson said it criticising New Zealand’s “uni- Sanzaar refused to com- Super Rugby – as long as their months each year, compared Rugby Australia chairman was impossible to predict what lateral decision” to pursue a ment on South Africa’s move, participation is “cost-neutral with 11 hours for New Zealand. Hamish McLennan’s asser- the future may hold for Super domestic or trans-Tasman ver- saying it would wait until an at least”. Through the quarter-century tion that relations were at Rugby teams after the depar- sion of Super Rugby. executive council meeting ex- of Super Rugby, South Africans their “lowest ebb”. ture of South Africa’s Bulls, Li- Their withdrawal confirms pected in the coming weeks. ‘Extraordinary pressure’ have had to watch matches “We’re working in extraordi- ons, Sharks and Stormers. that South Africa, New Zea- Rugby Australia also declined “Our members are excited from New Zealand and Japan nary times with extraordinary “There’s far too much uncer- land, Australia and Argentina to comment when contacted about the prospect of closer before breakfast, from Austra- pressure,” Robinson said. “We tainty at present around what Rugby (Sanzaar) will be un- by AFP. alignment with PRO Rugby lia in mid-morning and from know there’s challenges. We the future might look like in able to deliver the 14-team South Africa said the world- and seeking a northern hemi- Argentina after midnight. know there’s tension but ul- different horizons. They’re Super Rugby competition al- champion Springboks remained sphere future,” said SA Rugby New Zealand is working on timately we believe in a com- changing on a daily and week- ready promised to broadcast- committed to Sanzaar’s four- chief executive Jurie Roux. plans for a second domestic mon goal.” AFP Mourinho bemoans ‘dangerous’ league schedule JOSE Mourinho believes play- Haifa given the financial incen- two flared during the first-half ers are being put in danger by tive on offer for the club. as they exchanged angry words the football authorities after “I told the players they should on the touchline. Tottenham beat Chelsea 5-4 only think about this game, but On the field, Spurs were the on penalties to progress to the I have to think about three better side as Mendy made quarter-finals of the League games,” added Mourinho, who important saves from Lamela Cup after a 1-1 draw. faces another of his former and Reguilon either side of Mourinho’s men were play- clubs Manchester United in the half-time. ing the second of four games Premier League on Sunday. Mourinho showed his intent in eight days in three different “I cannot believe in 48 hours by introducing Kane from the competitions. we are playing a European bench with 20 minutes to go. Eric Dier was the only out- game. The boys were abso- Moments later the Portuguese field player retained in the Tot- lutely phenomenal.” was marching down the tunnel tenham team that started Sun- Lampard made eight chang- after Dier as the defender made day’s 1-1 draw in the Premier es, but Werner was one of those a dash to the dressing room League against Newcastle and retained from the 3-3 draw at before quickly returning. the England defender had to West Brom on Saturday and he Chelsea did not make the most dash from the field for a com- took the opportunity to get his of a brief period with an extra fort break in the second-half. first goal for the club after a big man as Callum Hudson-Odoi “The number of minutes money move from RB Leipzig. fired over and Werner’s fierce played is dangerous. What I Tottenham debutant Sergio effort was saved by Lloris. did today with Eric Dier is very Reguilon was twice at fault in the “He wasn’t happy but there Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho says players are being put in danger by a packed football schedule. afp dangerous,” said Mourinho, build up as he gifted possession was nothing I could do about it, suggesting that dehydration But Erik Lamela deservedly Emerson also converted their penalties,” said Lampard. “You to Azpilicueta and then dived in nature was calling,” said Dier of could have led to the defend- levelled for Spurs seven min- penalties as the first nine of want to stay in these competi- trying to block the Spaniard’s being pursued by Mourinho. “I er’s problem. utes from time and new Chel- the shootout were successful. tions of course but there’s lots cross, which allowed the Chelsea heard there was a chance, but “It should be forbidden to play sea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy But Mason Mount’s effort to like. We dominated the first captain to pick out Werner at the thankfully they didn’t score.” two matches in 48 hours. What was unable to stop Dier, Lame- clipped the post to the delight half but the game changed [in edge of the box to arrow a shot Chelsea were punished Eric Dier did is not human.” la, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Lucas of the watching Gareth Bale, the second-half].” into the bottom corner. when Lamela slotted home at Timo Werner’s first goal for Moura and Harry Kane scoring who could be fit to feature in Mourinho claimed the fixture Lampard had won his previ- the far post from Reguilon’s Chelsea compounded Mour- from the spot. the last eight with the quarter- pile up gave him no choice but ous three meetings against his cross to send the game to a inho’s woes in a dominant start Tammy Abraham, Cesar finals not till late December. to prioritise Thursday’s Europa former manager Mourinho shootout and ultimately Spurs from Frank Lampard’s men. Azpilicueta, Jorginho and “Anything can happen on League tie against Maccabi and the tensions between the into the last eight. AFP

2 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day Ambassador’s message Ambassador Extraordinary Over the past 71 years, under According to statistics, while the 2020 Golden Dragon and Plenipotentiary of the the leadership of the CPC, the China’s second-quarter GDP joint military exercise was People’s Republic of China to Chinese people, through self- has realised year-on-year China’s first and only joint the Kingdom of Cambodia reliance and painstaking efforts, growth of 3.2 per cent. military exercise with a foreign HE Wang Wentian have overcome one difficulty The International Monetary army. and another, and created many Fund predicts that China will The fifth meeting of the y dear compatri- great achievements which have become the only major econo- China-Cambodia Intergovern- ots and friends, to- attracted world attention. my that can maintain positive mental Coordination Com- day is the National The Chinese nation has not growth throughout 2020. mittee was the first high-level Day of the People’s only stood up, but also become This year marks the 10th an- bilateral cooperation meeting RMepublic of China. richer and stronger. niversary of the establishment to be held by China and a On this joyous occasion, on This year China will achieve of the comprehensive strategic neighbouring country. behalf of the Chinese Embassy its first centenary goal by partnership of cooperation These and countless other in Cambodia, I would like to ex- completing the building of a between China and Cambo- facts prove that the traditional tend the most sincere greetings moderately prosperous society dia, while it is also the first China-Cambodia friendship has to all staff of Chinese-funded in all respects. Today’s China is anniversary of the signing of been further refined during the institutions, volunteer Chinese closer than ever before to realis- the action plan for building a pandemic. teachers, overseas students and ing the great goal of national China-Cambodia community of Undergoing profound local Chinese compatriots. rejuvenation. shared futures. changes unseen in a century, Taking this opportunity, I Since the beginning of this Faced with the Covid-19 the world is at a new historical would also like to express my year, Covid-19 has spread all pandemic, the two countries, the starting point, and the destiny heartfelt gratitude to our Cam- over the world. Faced with this two governments and the two of mankind has never been so bodian friends from all walks of aggressive pandemic, we, under peoples have stood together to closely connected. life who have cared about and the leadership of the CPC Cen- overcome difficulties, setting an China will stay firmly com- supported China’s development tral Committee with Comrade Xi example for international coop- mitted to opening our door for a long time and are commit- Jinping as its core, have given eration in pandemic control. wider to the world, and working top priority to people’s lives and We have jointly created many jointly with Cambodia as well ted to enhancing the traditional Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia HE Wang Wentian. China-Cambodia friendship. health, waging a people’s war firsts during the pandemic. as other countries to achieve Seventy-one years ago, under against the pandemic. sibilities as a major country. ing international environment, Prime Minister Hun Sen more win-win results. the leadership of the Com- Within a short time, China China has cumulatively pro- China has coordinated the pro- was the first foreign head of China will always practise munist Party of China (CPC), has achieved major strategic vided more than $2 billion in motion of epidemic prevention government to visit China, while multilateralism and continue to the Chinese people successfully outcomes in the fight and effec- international aid for pandemic and control, and economic and the first batch of foreign aid to promote the building of a com- overthrew the three mountains tively safeguarded the lives and control. The Chinese govern- social development. Wuhan came from Cambodia. munity with a shared future of imperialism, feudalism and health of the Chinese people. ment will actively carry out the By vigorously advancing the The Chinese government and for mankind, in order to realise bureaucratic capitalism after While maintaining preven- solemn commitment of making “dual circulation” development military have respectively sent greater solidarity and progress years of struggle and completed tion and control efforts at China’s vaccine an international pattern in which the domestic groups of medical experts to for human society. a new democratic revolution. home, China has been actively public product as proposed by economic cycle plays a leading Cambodia, the first initiative May China and Cambodia en- The founding of the new advocating a community of President Xi Jinping, and help role while the international eco- of its kind in the region or joy ever growing prosperity and China marked the Chinese common health for mankind, make the vaccine accessible nomic cycle remains its exten- the world. their peoples living in peace. people standing up, with the while fully supporting and and affordable for developing sion and supplement, we have The China-Cambodia Free May the brotherly China- Chinese nation embarking on engaging in international co- countries. steadily and effectively restored Trade Agreement was the Cambodia friendship be passed a great path to achieve great operation in pandemic control. Faced with the pandemic and the normal order of economic Kingdom’s first FTA concluded on from generation to genera- rejuvenation. This demonstrates our respon- the complicated and evolv- and social development. through video negotiations, tion and last forever. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 3 Congratulations to people of China for ‘building a great, modern country’

n the occasion of the perfect bliss of Mid-Autumn Festival, we celebrate theO 71st birthday of our great motherland. On this special and beautiful day, all members of the China Hong Kong & Macau Expatri- ate & Business Association of Cambodia and myself sin- cerely wish for the wind and rain to come at their time, and that our motherland flourishes and people live in peace. Best wishes to our Hong Kong and Macau compatri- ots and overseas Chinese in Cambodia for a happy Mid- Autumn Festival. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in The China Hong Kong & Macau Expatriate & Business Association of Cambodia provides medical aid in the Kingdom. 1949, the great changes over the 71 years have allowed the With their indomitable spirit great sacrifices, China finally the wind and rain cannot stop world to witness the impressive and unyielding will, the Chi- achieved a decisive victory in the Chinese people from mov- pace of China’s progress – from nese people have built China the control of the epidemic ing towards a better life and closed and backward to open into a great, modern and pow- and provided valuable refer- realising the “Chinese Dream” and progressive, with unprec- erful country, with the Chinese ences and assistance for epi- and the great rejuvenation of edented entry into the centre of nation standing tall among the demic prevention and control the Chinese nation. the international arena. nations of the world. in countries around the world. Happy birthday to the great From rags to the riches of This year is destined to Looking back at the past, we motherland, and may the being the world’s second-larg- be an extraordinary one for walk with great momentum, friendship between China and est economy, China has taken China and the world. The sud- and each step is full of suffer- Cambodia be everlasting and mere decades to complete the den outbreak of Covid-19 has ing and hardship. unchanging. industrialisation process caused a great deal of suffer- Facing the future, we may Yum Sui Sang, chairman that developed countries have ing for all of humanity. still encounter some risks and of the China Hong Kong & China Hong Kong & Macau Expatriate & Business Association of Cambodia gone through for hundreds After more than two months challenges, but we always Macau Expatriate & Business chairman Yum Sui Sang. of years. of arduous struggles and believe that, no matter what, Association of Cambodia. New era for China-Cambodia trade ties hina-Cambodia in areas that could be comple- Once the FTA kicks in, entrepreneurs. Economic economic ties are mentary to China. Eventually around 340 commodities from relations between both coun- entering a new para- Cambodia’s agricultural produce Cambodia will be exempt tries have been promoted and digm with the signing can be exported directly to from tariffs, including pepper, improved, and the FTA agree- ofC the Kingdom’s first free China, not through third coun- garlic, dried chilis, cashew ment would attract even more trade agreement (FTA) tries,” said HE Nguon Mengtech, nuts, honey and seafood Chinese business activities. this year with the Asian director-general of the Cambo- products. “Bilateral trade has economic powerhouse. dia Chamber of Commerce. This will inject a big boost been progressing well. This Economic compatibility, a Chinese companies – both into the rural economy, where year both countries have cordial friendship and common state-owned and private – 80 per cent of the population entered into the FTA, and ideals have contributed to a have contributed immensely rely on farming. this can boost two-way healthy trading environment, to the Kingdom’s infrastruc- The deal covers goods and business and investment. with China’s mega investments ture, and to the energy, real services, investment coopera- Total bilateral trade reached driving vital infrastructure estate and agriculture sectors. tion, e-commerce, economic $9.4 billion last year. projects in Cambodia over The FTA could be a game and technical cooperation, “Both state-owned and the decades. changer. While tariffs will fall, and also includes the Belt and private-owned enterprises Two-way trade hit $9.43 the trade pact will also allow Road Initiative. have contributed to the billion last year compared to Cambodian exporters to enjoy The two parties completed domestic economy, in terms $7.4 billion in 2018 – a 27.7 more market access for their their FTA negotiations on of the transfer of technol- per cent jump. products – which is crucial at July 20. ogy, upgrading the skills of “Cambodia should take ad- this juncture after Covid-19 “Cambodia remains attrac- Cambodian workers and job vantage of the FTA with China clipped trade flows. tive to Chinese investors and creation,” Mengtech said. Cambodia Chamber of Commerce director-general HE Nguon Mengtech. 4 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day Hong Kong-Cambodia: A story of unbroken decades-old trade ties

ambodia has trade is the use of the arbitra- remained a fertile tion service in Hong Kong. ground for investors Hong Kong has a very estab- from Hong Kong for lished arbitration system and a theC past 20 years. strong legal system, similar to With its close proximity, Singapore’s. ease of doing business, invest- The flourishing ties hit a ment opportunities, dollarised snag with the Covid-19 pan- economy, ready availability of demic, which has slowed trade manpower and resources, the and the cross-border move- Kingdom has the right combi- ment of people, Ng noted. nation to entice investors. “Before Covid-19, we could “One reason Hong Kong see a lot of investment coming investors want to come to in from China and Hong Kong. Cambodia is because it is a Hong Kong is a bit special US dollar-based economy because of its ties with China. with investor friendly foreign Since returning to China, we exchange control. This is very can see that an increasing important because a lot of amount of Hong Kong com- business in Hong Kong is done panies that have invested in in US dollars as well. Cambodia also have close busi- “Secondly, the government ness relationships with China. is very welcoming towards for- “Covid-19 did not actually eigners coming to do business deter people from investing in in Cambodia. Cambodia, but it made it dif- “Even though certain costs are ficult for people to come to the not the lowest, it is easy to do Kingdom. Cathay Dragon had business,” Hong Kong Busi- been operating 14 direct flights ness Association of Cambodia weekly between Cambodia and (HKBAC) executive director Larry Cambodia has been attracting investors from Hong Kong for the past 20 years. Hong Kong before the outbreak. Shuen Fai Ng told The Post. “Usually when investors Investors from Hong Kong be seen in the membership of Cambodia, which is rapidly real estate planning and corpo- “The Hong Kong Trade decide to invest here, they have ploughed their capital HKBAC. shaping its young economy, rate funding. Development Council has been want to visit the country to into the vibrant sectors – such “We can see the increase in can obtain benefits from Hong Ng said the major inter- organising government delega- better understand the people as garment and shoe produc- businesses coming to Cambo- Kong as a super-connector, national financial hub is tions and business seminars and culture. tion, medicine and pharma- dia from Hong Kong to open particularly in connecting continously looking at further to bring investors from Hong “But due to travel restric- ceuticals, real estate, retail and restaurants to serve Hong experts in the services sector, ways to encourage trade be- Kong to Cambodia. tions they are not able to come, restaurants – that are fuelling Kong-style cuisine and open in areas such as architectural tween Hong Kong, China and One of the services that can so foreign direct investment the domestic economy, as can retail stores as well,” said Ng. design, technical know-how, Cambodia. help boost the international has slowed,” he said. Jie Wei overcomes challenges with unexpected demand for pyjamas

When Jie Wei Cambodia to many established markets nearby, and close to 1,200 Garment Factory Ltd com- around the world.” employees including manage- menced operations in 2011, Having been involved in ment staff,” he said. it was in response to the garment manufacturing in Jie Wei had for many years government’s call for foreign Cambodia for more than a been producing and exporting investors to help drive the decade, Tam – who is also the an estimated 10 million gar- Kingdom’s garment sector. director of the Hong Kong ment items to the EU. The company’s executive Business Association of However, with the Covid-19 director, Raymond Tam, told Cambodia (HKBAC) and an outbreak at the beginning of The Post: “Fifteen years ago executive member of the this year and the partial with- when we chose Cambodia as Garment Manufacturing drawal of the preferential treat- our manufacturing base, costs Association in Cambodia – has ment enjoyed by Cambodia in the production of garments, truly seen the industry evolve, under “Everything But Arms” such as wages, renting factory particularly in recent times. (EBA) in August, the company premises and logistics, were “When we started manufac- may look at alternative markets relatively low. turing in 2011 in Cambodia, and new approaches to doing “And to make it more we were operating from a business. attractive for us to invest small factory and had a small Fortunately for Jie Wei, its here, the government was workforce. Today, we have a diversification approach into also offering attractive tax main factory on Veng Sreng the US and Canadian markets incentives, while the country Road in Phnom Penh and a has paid handsome dividends – enjoyed export concessions smaller subsidiary located thanks in part, surprisingly, to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Who would have thought that the Covid-19 pandemic would present our company HKBAC director Raymond Tam (right) and vice chairman So Man Kit during an interview with The Post. with a much needed boost in business, especially in these quantities of pyjamas for the “The major concern for us cus on the EU market. But for times of economic uncertainty? US, and to a lesser degree the with the EU market is that ef- the time being, we will also “Believe it or not, producing Canadian market,” Tam said. fective from August this year, look for other solutions and pyjamas extended a lifeline to As for the challenges posed import tax will be applied to opportunities that are able to our business. During the lock- by the EU’s partial withdrawal 40 garment categories – 25 mitigate any potential loss of downs due to the Covid-19 of EBA for Cambodia, Tam is for garments, nine for shoes the EU market,” he said. outbreak, people were staying confident that with ongoing and six for bags. Nevertheless, for Jie Wei, at home and the demand for efforts and plans to diversify “With taxes placed on the accidental foray into the pyjamas increased. business into other markets, it our export orders, we will pyjama-making garment cate- “And as a result, two of is likely that Jie Wei’s depen- be less competitive. gory is sure to be a hit in light our direct buyers – Target dency on garment orders from “Reducing the cost of opera- of the uncertainty engulfing and Walmart –requested us to the EU market may decrease tions may be one alternative the garment manufacturing produce and export significant in time. to consider if we plan to refo- industry globally. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 5 China Aid building up Kingdom

Infrastructure projects The China Aid-funded Cambodia Rural Road Project-Phase II-Lot 2 is being carried out by the Yunan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co Ltd (YCIH). The objective of Phase II is to improve road infrastructure in rural parts of Cambodia, which will help in alleviating poverty, as well as boost the rural economy and improve the socio-economic status of people in remote areas. Some of the provinces that have benefited from the project are Tbong Khmum, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng. China plans to provide financial assistance to fund Cambodia’s rural road projects, repairing and upgrading existing roads.

China-Aid Cambodia Rural Water Supply Project-Phase II

With a Chinese government grant, the China Aid-funded Cambodia Rural Water Supply Project-Phase II commenced in November last year. Scheduled for completion within two years, a total of 964 boreholes and 54 community ponds are to be constructed across 10 provinces. Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Kampot provinces are to benefit. The infrastructure will provide clean and hygienic water for daily human consumption, agricultural irrigation and livestock breeding for thousands of rural residents.

China Railway Construction Group builds Tbong Khmum hospital China’s second largest medical aid infrastructure contribution is a hospital in Tbong Khmum province that commenced construction on last year. It is expected to be completed by October next year. The hospital has been designed by China IPPR International Engineering Co Ltd and is being built by the China Railway Construction Group. Its facilities include a medical consultation hall, a 300-bed general ward, a 10-bed intensive care unit, operating rooms, an emergency room, a pharmacy, a fuid distribution centre and a kitchen. In addition, the hospital’s radiology and radiotherapy department will be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art MRI, CT, DR and gastrointestinal contrast imaging machines. 6 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day Future still bright for Ming Fai Group ong Kong-listed The group’s subsidiary Ming exports are targeted at the US Ming Fai Group, an Fai Enterprise (Cambodia) and European markets. international manu- Co Ltd, which commenced It manufactures products facturer specialising operations in the Kingdom in such as hotel slippers, eye inH hotel and travel amenities, 2018, and currently operates a masks, socks and shower caps, has chosen Cambodia as its key 17-block factory. It employed as well as travel kits, airline production hub in the region more than 2,000 workers dur- bags and fashion bags. due to the Kingdom’s friendly ing the peak of operations. Its products are intended for business policies. Most of the company’s the hotel, travel and aviation industries. The supplier was not spared during the Covid-19 outbreak – with a dramatic drop in sales and production lines function- ing under capacity. However, Ming Fai Group’s founder and chairman Ch- ing Chi Fai is confident that business will bounce back as the Kingdom’s manufactur- ing sector recovers from the slowdown triggered by the Covid-19 outbreak. “Our business operations were highly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. There was a period when our workforce was reduced to 700, due to a sharp fall in orders from our clients. But as of last month, the number of our ac- Ming Fai Enterprise (Cambodia) Co Ltd currently operates a 17-block factory. tive workers is around 1,200. “Demand for our products hoping to make further use while demand from China has government’s Covid measures. mainly comes from the travel of the advantages of running begun to pick up slowly. While noting that the un- industry, which in recent years manufacturing operations in “With orders gradually precedented pandemic threat- had seen steady growth in the the Kingdom,” he said. climbing back to pre-pandemic ening the global market could Southeast Asia region before The operations hub of Ming levels, the number of active pose a mid-term impact on the coronavirus pandemic. I Fai is located in Shenzhen, workers will rebound to the Ming Fai Group’s manufactur- believe that in five years’ time China, while it owns five previous number of 2,000 by ing operations, Ching remains Southeast Asia’s travel industry production bases, including the end of this year,” he said. optimistic. will have recovered and again in Cambodia. Despite declining revenue, “I believe companies will enjoy vibrant growth. Ching said that since the Ming Fai offered a special make adjustments according “We are also working hard pandemic, orders from the US allowance to workers who to their own circumstances to to expand our business in and European markets have were temporarily suspended gain better development in the Ming Fai Group founder and chairman Ching Chi Fai. Cambodia and Southeast Asia, witnessed the biggest decline, as required by the Cambodian future,” he said. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 7

WMC upbeat as Chinese cars on rise

s Worldwide US,” said senior sales manager BAW, Changhe, along with the hand cars to facilitate this. Motors Company Alex Cheong. FAW Bestune T77 and Zotye “Buying a new car represents Ltd (WMC) cele- This change in perceptions is T800, and has models to cater an investment, while the massive brates National reflected in WMC this year dou- for all segments of society, benefits of owning one in terms DayA of the People’s Republic bling the number of showrooms with prices ranging from of increased safety for your of China, the Kingdom’s No1 in the capital to four, with the $25,000 to $75,000. family and better reliability as seller of the Asian giant’s realistic prediction of tripling “We have a range of SUVs you drive to the province brings leading car marques has a the number of vehicles it sells and pick-up trucks for all peace of mind. The latest tech- positive message. each month. needs and budgets, with FAW nology in new cars also means WMC is upbeat as it con- “We opened two new show- the luxury marque. The Great they are far more environmen- tinues to win in its mission to rooms earlier this year as we Wall Haval H6 and H9, along tally friendly,” Cheong said. convince Cambodians of the are finding that Cambodians with Bestune and Huanghai, With WMC offering such a quality of Chinese automo- are increasingly realising that are among our bestsellers,” complete package, Cheong says tive manufacturing and the Chinese cars are as high quality Cheong said. Chinese cars will increasingly undoubted benefits of owning as anything else available on WMC has four showrooms in Phnom Penh. With the lowest down become an ever more common a new car. the market but represent far payments available in the sight on the Kingdom’s roads. “The continued success of more value for money. every week to make sure they for Toyota and Germany for Kingdom, at 15 to 20 per cent, “Our message is that with WMC and the growing popular- “This coupled with our focus are happy. Mercedes, he can attest to the WMC is committed to helping the high quality of Chinese cars ity of Chinese cars are in no on customer care and customer “Consequently people are quality of Chinese cars now Cambodians own new cars. and our peerless after-sales and small part down to the Cambo- satisfaction, and our drive to more and more choosing to being at a level with anything This is combined with gener- customer care, as well as our dian-Chinese partnership. offer customers the best pos- buy new Chinese cars from else available. Indeed, coopera- ous after-care, with free yearly financing options and trade-ins “Whenever people come to sible service, makes WMC a us, with projections showing tion with manufacturers from servicing for the duration of the that make new-car ownership us and see the build quality of must-visit destination for all that we can realistically expect the giant automotive nations financing and five- to seven- so accessible, WMC is the obvi- the Chinese cars we sell, they those looking to buy a new car. to soon double or triple our has helped lead to the current year warranties, and five- to ous choice for the Kingdom’s are never failed to be im- “We pride ourselves on of- sales,” Cheong said. high standards of Chinese build 10-year parts guarantees. car-buyers. pressed. The quality of Chinese fering the personal touch. We The Malaysian – who has quality, he added. “We never tire of highlighting “Just visit one of our four automotive manufacturing is have a team available 24 hours 30-plus years of experience in WMC sells major Chinese to Cambodians the undoubted showrooms and see for your- now undoubtedly on a par with a day to fix any problems, for the automotive industry – said marques including Haval, benefits of owning a new car, self – you too will be won that of Japan, Europe and the example, while I call customers that having worked in Japan Bestune, Huanghai, ZX Auto, and offer trade-ins on second- over,” Cheong said. 8 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com

Cavendish bananas: the crop that beat the Covid-19 heat

hile Covid-19 has pandemic. We can even say that, bruised economies and with banana consumption in China crippled trade in some having increased during the Covid-19 parts of the globe, Cam- outbreak, business was even better be- bodianW banana growers are enjoying cause we are involved in fruit exports. brisk business despite choppy times. “We were exporting 250 tonnes One pioneer local industry player, of bananas per week, but during the Tropicam Irrigation Solutions Co coronavirus outbreak we exported Ltd – along with its Chinese partner 300 tonnes per week. Longmate Agriculture Co Ltd – has “I observed that the Chinese been busy exporting Cavendish ba- market was good in 2018. There were nanas to China. only five companies from Cambodia The demand for Cambodian Caven- that exported bananas to China, but dish bananas has risen beyond expec- now there are around 20 registered tations since mid-2018, said Tropicam companies with the cooperation of CEO Lor Ngy. Chinese investors to cultivate the “The company’s operations have crop in the Kingdom and export it to been unaffected by the Covid-19 China,” Ngy said. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia exported 72,182 tonnes of fresh Cavendish bananas during the first quarter of this year, while 157,812 tonnes were exported in 2019. The fruit was mostly exported to China, Vietnam and Japan. There are now around 20 registered companies that grow bananas in Cambodia for export to China. Cambodia’s tropical climate and substantial rainfall makes it perfect water and the weather is not too hot. As well as bananas, Ngy said that they expect to export 100 tonnes for year-round banana cultivation. We import Cavendish banana seeds Tropicam also plans to increase its of mangoes a day. In 2018, Longmate announced that from Australia and plant them in mango exports to China by the end “We are proud to be able to export it was to invest $32 million to grow Cambodia where they grow well. of this year. agricultural crops and contribute to the crop in some 1,000ha in Kampot “It is difficult to grow bananas in “We have some mango plantations the national economy. The govern- province’s Chhouk district. China because some areas are too and have cooperated with the local ment earns income through tax “The reason for choosing Kam- cold and some are too hot, so many community to collect mangoes to collection, and we also provide em- pot province for planting bananas foreign investors invest in banana export to the Chinese market by this ployment to more than 800 farmers, is because of the location – the soil plantations in Cambodia for export month, but we export through the which reduces migration to neigh- Tropicam CEO Lor Ngy. is fertile, there is an abundance of to foreign markets,” Ngy said. Vietnamese border,” he said, adding bouring countries,” Ngy said. October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 9 Urban Village to fly flag for Kingdom as Asia’s ‘Best Condo Development’ award nominee

ward-winning include “Best Breakthrough Urban Village is more than developer Urban Developer”, “Best Co-Working just concrete buildings – what Hub Cambodia Space”, “Best Office Develop- we are building here can’t Co Ltd – which is ment”, “Best Office Architec- be found anywhere else in embarkingA on its third condo tural Design” and “Best Lifestyle Cambodia. Urban Village is project in Phnom Penh – is Developer”. adjacent to the Factory Phnom bent on building quality, com- We want to tell the world Penh, the biggest creative arts fortable homes, and vowing to that Cambodia is an investment hub in Southeast Asia. strengthen its reputation as a hotspot given the country’s Urban Village is not after top-class builder. Founder and open policies, the use of the US profits, instead we have a mis- chairman of Urban Village Ben dollar as a functional currency sion to provide a community Li shares his company’s vision. and there being no restrictions for the second generation of on money transfers to other young Cambodians. At the 5th Annual countries such as Singapore. We are focusing on build- Q PropertyGuru Cambodia ing a community that puts the Property Awards last month, Urban Hub has interests and experiences of the Q Urban Hub won several previously won awards. residents first. Every design in awards. Tell us more about What is driving the company our project is to make sure our this achievement. to remain competitive? residents have the best interna- Urban Village tional standard living experi- has won the most ence, and I think that has made awards at the us stand out in the real estate Property-Guru industry in Cambodia. Property Phase 1 of the Urban Village project in Phnom Penh. Awards. We Can you brief us about Q have won your ongoing project? We are now moving on you overcome the challenges Urban Village is so differ- 13 awards Urban Village Phase 2 is to our third project – Urban of the Covid-19 outbreak? ent from other developments in total our third project in Cambodia. Village Phase 2. Piling is in We managed to hand because all of our projects over the The first one is Urban Loft, progress at the moment, and over our units on time. We are managed by third party course of two years. which has been completed and more than 450 of the 540 piles worked really hard to meet the international consultants This year we won handed over, with owners have been put in place. completion schedule despite from Japan, Singapore and seven awards, and and tenants currently living The handover of Phase 2 is the troubles caused by the the UK. once again we won there happily. Our second set to be in June 2023. Covid-19 pandemic. Some other projects are the country’s “Best project is Urban Village We are focusing on the Our team at all levels not managed by independent Condo Develop- Phase 1, which has been living of a new generation quickly adapted to this new consultants, which can lead ment in Cambo- completed and is being of Cambodians, with more normal and that allowed us to to some building quality dia” and “Best handed over to owners. than 70 per cent of our resi- stay on track with our plans. problems, for example with Condo Develop- As a committed developer, dents Cambodian. fire safety standards and water ment in Phnom we have delivered projects As a developer, how has leaking. This is why third Q Penh” awards. on time even during the How are your projects Urban Hub contributed party independent consultants Q Other awards Urban Village founder and chairman Ben Li (left). Covid-19 period. progressing, and how did to the local property market? are so important. 10 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day ‘Garment sector ready to produce high-end goods for global market’

he garment industry in Cambodia back in 2002. country’s economy in the in Cambodia should Since then, Q-Port Invest- post-war era. diversify its offerings, ments has created many job However, increasing labour including gradually opportunities for locals, once costs and competition from Tswitching to producing gar- hiring around 2,800 workers. other emerging garment ex- ments of mid-range prices, It currently employs 1,300 porting countries have pushed and venturing into retail, said workers. Q-Port Investments to transfer Q-Port Investments (Cambo- He stressed that the gar- some of its production lines dia) Co Ltd director Lin Zhi ment industry has made a to other countries such as Qiang. significant contribution to the Bangladesh. A subsidiary of Hong Kingdom’s economic growth “Labour costs in Cambodia Kong-based E-Port Enterprise and has been a pillar of the have increased gradually over (HK) Co Ltd, Q-Port the years, rising Investments owns and from $45 to $190 manufactures the E-Port this year. The EU’s garments brand. decision to partially Setting its produc- remove the King- tion base in Cambodia dom’s Everything through Q-Port Invest- But Arms (EBA) trade ments, E-Port Enter- preference status has prise has been mainly also affected garment producing and exporting manufacturers. denim series products to “Adding to the An artist’s impression of the E-Port Center. Europe, the US, Japan huge impacts stirred and Canada. up by the corona- However, he said Q-Port range products. The reason a shopping destination called Q-Port Investments virus pandemic, our Investments is seeing orders being that higher quality the E-Port Center. operates two garment total orders from returning to 80 per cent of last products reward manufac- The retail centre’s main at- factories and one pattern clients had dropped year’s volume and remains turers with a higher profit traction will be its international washing facility, which 40 per cent. confident of his company’s margin. branded garment offerings. serves denim production “Looking at market business volume recovery. “In my opinion, workers in Other spaces will be rented out factories in Cambodia. demand by coun- He also noted that Cam- Cambodia are ready to take to co-working space operators, The monthly garment try or region, our bodia’s garment industry on the challenge of producing food and beverage outlets and production capacity of orders from the US, has been producing lower higher-end products,” Lin said. retailers of cultural item. Q-Port Investments is Europe and Canada to mid-range garments for Lin has also initiated plans With a young population approximately 350,000 had dropped 50 per a long time. for Q-Port Investments to ven- and growing middle class com- pieces. cent, 30 per cent and “It is time the industry ture into retail, by renovating munity, the retail industry in Lin established the 50 per cent, respec- focused on mid-range and transforming part of the Cambodia has much untapped company’s first factory Q-Port Investments (Cambodia) Co Ltd director Lin Zhi Qiang. tively,” Lin said. garments or even higher company’s factory space into potential to tap, Lin said. 71st China National Day October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Hong Kong is ‘the gateway into China’ for Cambodian enterprises

angkok-based into China. There is one single ministers of 10 Asean member Hong Kong Economic and simple advantage - the states and Hong Kong, China – Trade Office (HKETO) “One Country, Two Systems” HKC – met virtually on August executive director Lee principle in Hong Kong. 28 this year for the Fourth BShueng Yuen outlines how the We are part of China and Asean Economic Ministers- major international financial enjoy the natural advantages of HKC Consultations. hub has contributed to the having common language and They agreed to enhance Cambodian economy. culture. Through our free trade economic relations between agreement with China, compa- HKC and Asean, including Please share with us how nies in Hong Kong, including Cambodia, through, among Q successful has HKETO been Cambodian firms if they are es- others, utilisation of the Asean- in accelerating trade and tablished in Hong Kong, enjoy HKC Free Trade Agreement investments to Cambodia over greater market access and easier and the Asean-HKC Investment the years. inroads into the world’s biggest Agreement. Hong Kong Economic and fastest-growing market. and Trade Office (HKETO) in With established internation- In what areas can Hong Q Bangkok was established in al trade networks, world-class Kong contribute to February 2019. It is the newest per cent. In this context, we tween the two jurisdictions and hotels, construction, retail and infrastructure, well-connected Cambodia’s development, for and 13th overseas office repre- are working closely with the helps investors better assess logistics. communication and transport instance in urban planning and senting the Government of the Cambodian Ministry of Com- their potential tax liabilities With a young and energetic networks, Hong Kong is well infrastructure? Hong Kong Special Adminis- merce for the ratification of the from cross-border economic labour force, relatively low placed to act as the Belt and Hong Kong enterprises trative Region. Asean-Hong Kong Free Trade activities. production costs, and a stable Road platform for finance and and professionals contribute Our mission is to facilitate Agreement by Cambodia. and open business environ- professional services. to Cambodia’s development the development of bilateral The agreement would bring How do Hong Kong ment, many Hong Kong inves- through the Belt and Road Q relationship between Hong increased and better market entrepreneurs view tors consider Cambodia an The Covid-19 pandemic Initiative, which offers ample Q Kong and Cambodia, and also access to both sides, create Cambodia’s economy? ideal location for expansion continues to rattle global opportunities for mutual co- three nearby countries, namely new business opportunities According to the Council and the relocation of produc- economies and trade. Did the operation and collaboration. Thailand, Myanmar, and Ban- and further enhance trade and for the Development of Cam- tion capacity. outbreak have any serious bearing Riding on the various unique gladesh, with a view to taking investment flows. bodia, Hong Kong is one of on trade relations between Hong advantages as an international Hong Kong’s cooperation with Separately, Hong Kong and the major foreign investors in How can Cambodia rely Kong and Cambodia? financial centre and the rich Q these countries to new heights Cambodia signed a compre- Cambodia. In 2019, Hong Kong on Hong Kong– a global While the Covid-19 pan- pool of professionals operating and in fresh directions. hensive avoidance of double was the second largest foreign business and financial centre – demic has inevitably caused under international standards In 2019, the bilateral trade taxation agreement in June investor with an investment of as a gateway for trade and practical difficulties for face- and practices, Hong Kong is between Hong Kong and last year, promoting further $913 million. investment? to-face interactions, there is no best placed to be the platform Cambodia reached $1.2 bil- bilateral investment and trade Hong Kong entrepreneurs Hong Kong offers a unique barrier for continued coopera- for providing the whole spec- lion. Comparing with 2016, between both sides. have invested in different advantage for Cambodian com- tion between Hong Kong and trum of professional services, the bilateral trade recorded an The agreement sets out the business sectors in Cambodia, panies as it is the most acces- Cambodia on the trade front. as well as in facilitating capital overall modest increase of 4.3 allocation of taxing rights be- including textiles and clothing, sible, safe and secure gateway For example, the economic flows and project financing. 12 October 1, 2020 // www.phnompenhpost.com 71st China National Day