N U MB E R 3483 ssue I monday, August 10, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL

Fire destroys pp Hundreds protest agriculture share warehouse, causes in Bangkok after of GDP on track $1.2M in damages activist arrests to hit 32 per cent national – page 4 world – page 10 business – page 6 Kingdom’s PPE exports up 130% Thou Vireak Face mask exports for the six incorporated Lyly Global Co Ltd – a a couple months back,” she said. April 9, and is located in Dangkor months ended June were valued at local plant that produces face masks Lyly Global, she said, is actively district’s Prey Sar commune in AMBODIA exported just $2.5 million. No figure exists for the under the “SAFFI” brand – told The looking for partners to export to the Phnom Penh. over $191.3 million worth of same period in 2019. Post on Sunday that Covid-19-fuelled international market. “We are highly There are seven factories and seven personal protective equip- The number of confirmed Covid-19 demand led to her company dou- thrilled to see that nearly $200 mil- handicrafts workshop that are either ment (PPE) in the first half infections in Cambodia is currently 248 bling its face mask production. lion worth of Cambodian [PPE] prod- in the application process or are cur- ofC this year, a 130 per cent rise from as of Sunday, of which 217 have recov- “My factory remains a small- ucts were shipped out – that’s a mon- rently producing face masks and the $83.3 million recorded last year. ered, the Ministry of Health said. The scale operation with no exports as umental figure. other PPE, data from the Ministry of The exports were largely driven by Kingdom and Laos remain the only of yet. But the raging demand for “We welcome all potential clients that Industry, Science, Technology and Covid-19 fears and a shortage of such countries in ASEAN to not record a face masks on the domestic market want to purchase our face masks and Innovation show. equipment, the General Department single fatality caused by the disease. during Covid-19 has driven our sell them internationally,” Mom said. of Customs and Excise said. Keo Mom, the CEO of the newly- sales to double what they were just Lyly Global was incorporated on Continued – page 6 Takeo man kills mother with axe Kim Sarom her mother at Bati district. He said doctors confirmed the sus- THE Takeo Provincial Court pect had psychiatric issues. charged a man on Saturday for Before the incident, Bonat killing his mother with the visited his wife and children blow of an axe to her head. and then walked from Bati to Sem Socheat, the chief of the his house in Ang Tasom com- provincial police serious crimes mune, Tram Kak district. bureau said on Sunday that The suspect reached his Chhun Bonat, 34, was arrested house at around 3am on Fri- for killing Khan Naret, 59. day. Neighbours later heard a “I only know that the court loud noise and when they charged him for murder, but I checked, they saw Naret lying don’t remember which article on a bed, Sochea said. he was charged with. The court The neighbours said she had ordered us to take him in,” he a deep scar on her head and said. Bonat was holding an axe, so Takeo Provincial Court they assumed he had killed his spokesman Lim Sokhorn could mother. not be reached for comment Tram Kak district police on Sunday. arrived at the scene and Bonet Citing the suspect’s relatives, scuffled with them, but he was Tram Kak district deputy police subdued and arrested, he said. chief Sok Sochea said on Sun- Neighbours attempted to day that Bonat was married take Naret to the Tram Kak dis- Fatal crash with two children. trict referral hospital, but she Officials inspect the wreckage of an Air India Express jet at Calicut (Kozhikode) International Airport in Karipur, Kerala, on Saturday. Fierce rain and His wife left him to live with died along the way. winds lashed a plane carrying 190 passengers before it crash-landed and tore in two at an airport in southern India, killing at least 18 people. AFP Ministry records two new Covid cases, two recoveries Khorn Savi arrived in Cambodia on Friday A ministry official said in the [Covid-19] one after another. Kandal province. As of Sunday, Cambodia via South Korea. past, quarantine measures So, we have to track them. The Canadian woman was had reported 248 positive THE Ministry of Health on The ministry said the peace- were not comprehensively When we tested the Blue Hel- one of 94 passengers who left Covid-19 cases with 217 Sunday confirmed two new keeper had been quarantined applied in Kampong Speu, met peacekeeper for the fourth Uzbekistan before switching recoveries while 31 are receiv- Covid-19 cases in the Kingdom since she returned to Cambodia. where the peacekeepers were time, the result was not clear. planes in South Korea. ing treatment. as well as two recoveries. Nine of the 80 peacekeepers quarantined. The fifth found her to be posi- She is being treated at the On Sunday, Prime Minister One of the new Covid-19 who returned from Mali on July Ministry spokesperson Or tive,” Vandine said. Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hos- Hun Sen said there has been patients is a 27-year-old female 10 have tested positive for Covid- Vandine briefly told The Post on A ministry press release on pital. The other passengers have no community infections. UN Blue Helmet peacekeeper 19. Four tested positive on July Sunday that all the peacekeep- Sunday said the peacekeeper been quarantined at a hotel, Cambodia, he said, had laid who returned from Mali on 23 and four others on July 28. ers who returned from Mali who tested positive is being Pochentong Secondary school, out clear and thorough meas- July 10. The other is a 41-year- The latest peacekeeper to test would have to be re-tested. hospitalised at Chey Chum- the US embassy or at their ures to prevent the spread of the old Canadian woman who positive had been tested five times. “This group has been found neas hospital in Takmao town, homes, the press release said. virus inside the Kingdom.

THE PHNOM PENH POST Smart and stylish Slek Chak Lifestyle bags made by women in need Inside page 12 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Officials tackle gas business Hun Sen stresses Orm Bunthoeurn stored in a wide-open space, int’l cooperation even in the sunlight, and it AS vendors who do does not cause explosions not meet techni- or other risks. On the other cal standards could hand, big gas cylinders often at peace summit soon be out of busi- have an automatic shut-off ness,G Phnom Penh Munici- valve when the gas leaks. Khorn Savi chance. We must promote mu- pal Fire Department director He said in his nearly 20 tual love, mutual respect and Prom Yorn said on Sunday. years of experience selling ADDRESSING global leaders humanitarian values, coexist Instructions are being sent to gas he has noticed many un- at a virtual summit calling peacefully and harmoniously gas retailers after Phnom Penh professional gas sellers with- for international coopera- and respect the diversity of faith, municipal governor Khuong out proper training. tion in the fight against the religions, and cultures within Sreng ordered the elimination “Some people see other peo- pandemic on Sunday, Prime and between societies,” he said. of illegal gas-selling shops. ple making money from this Minister Hun Sen said only Hun Sen also expounded Yorn said if someone does business, so they just follow if nations worked together on Cambodia’s successful ef- not have the proper authorisa- and put the gas for sale with- will the world defeat the crisis forts at containing Covid-19, tion and paperwork, authori- out much skill or knowledge. and thrive in its aftermath. which is centred on prevent- ties will close them down. A gas shop in Sen Sok district’s Krang Thnong commune. HENG CHIVOAN These are mostly the small gas He said the spread of Covid- ing imported cases and com- On August 6, Sreng instructed selling shops,” Hak said. 19 had posed unprecedented munity transmission, and the department to introduce or ment. He said gas vendors coop- make it easier for me to get Chheng Sokny, a gas sales- challenges to public health treating the infected. eliminate all non-technical gas erated well with the authorities. a standard quality gas tank man in Sleng Roleung village, and security, had disrupted He said Cambodia had experi- shops in Phnom Penh to re- “If we find a gas shop that without worrying about any Sen Sok district’s Teuk Thla gatherings and stymied glob- enced no community transmis- duce the risk of accidents. is not technically compe- possible risks,” Ra said. commune, said gas selling al supply chains, all of which sion and none had died in the “We are having meetings to tent, we first need to educate, Seng Hak, a gas refiller shops should not put their had seriously impacted live- country from Covid-19 as yet. decide what we need to do to guide, and give them time to in Sen Sok district’s Krang gas tanks with other products. lihoods and exacerbated a Former UN secretary-general get the job done smoothly and move to a suitable location Thnong commune, told The They should just sell gas. global economic downturn. Ban Ki-moon, spiritual advi- get vendors to be more knowl- that is easy to extinguish if Post that gas storage shops “I have observed that gas sell- In this context, a joint re- sor to President Donald Trump edgable and enthusiastic about there is an accident,” he said. should have enough airflow ing shops that had explosions sponse and universal soli- Paula White, member of the safety measures,” Yorn said. Chea Ra, the owner of a gas and tanks shouldn’t be kept had inappropriate storage. darity were needed, he said, House of Councillors of Japan Chamkarmon district gov- refill shop in Por Sen Chey dis- in enclosed areas. Some shops mixed gas selling at the summit entitled World Chuichi Date and former speak- ernor Theng Sothol told The trict’s Kakab commune, sup- “Some of the smallest gas with repairing electronics, for Rally of Hope: Building and er of the US House of Represen- Post on Sunday that he had ports the measure and said it shops do not have the tech- example, and it can cause an Renewing Our Nations in the tatives Newt Gingrich delivered assigned staff to compile data is a good way to provide safety nology and they are trying to explosion,” Sokny said. Post-Covid-19 World: Interde- speeches at the summit. on gas sellers. for gas sellers and refill shops. hide because they are afraid The new measures follow pendence, Mutual Prosperity Other leaders and former Sothol said if there is a gas “I am selling gas that I re- of being found out. And some a July 18 gas shop explosion and Universal Values. leaders of countries spoke as shop that does not follow the ceived from the depot. So if people keep gas tanks in a on Preah Trasak Paem (St 63) Hun Sen expressed a desire well, including Senegalese correct technical standards, the they provide any kind of gas small room because of fear in Phnom Penh, which killed to avoid racism and play- president Macky Sall, Nigerien first measure is to educate them. tank I have to accept it ac- they will explode if put it un- four people and injured five. ing the blame game, which prime minister Brigi Rafini, Por Sen Chey district governor cordingly. Therefore, I hope der sunlight,” he said. The cause was improper he believes will only lead to former Canadian prime min- Hem Darith echoed the senti- that the new measures will Hak said gas tanks are best welding of a gas tank. disunity at a time when the ister Stephen Harper, former world needs to band together Albanian president Alfred to fight the pandemic. Moisiu and former Guatema- “Moving forward, we need to lan President Jimmy Morales. be strategically well-prepared Ban said that the world is Chinese held in M’kiri for expired passports for [the] post Covid-19 crisis. continually facing challenges “To realise this, we should de- which threaten peace and Soth Koemsoeun migration in Phnom Penh to continue provincial police commission. velop a specific recovery plan that arrogance and mate- with the legal process. He said police seized 34 computers, six by setting out several scenarios rial greed has led to territo- MONDULKIRI provincial police on Sun- “Of the 22 Chinese nationals, 10 have laptops, nine USB flash drives, 200 un- for the gradual reopening of rial disputes, conflicts among day questioned 22 Chinese nationals valid documents and passports, and the used SIM cards, 23 keyboards, 15 power cross-border travel and trade religions and ethnic groups, suspected of holding expired passports others have expired passports and they strips, seven Wifi routers, a large number between countries in the region and family breakdowns. after they were detained on Saturday at have not yet applied for renewal,” Sokha of phone chargers, 135 mobile phones and to recover the sectors se- He said rampant national- a hotel in Spean Meanchey commune’s said. (eight new and 127 used) and $445 in verely hit by the crisis,” he said. ism is threatening the securi- Chambok village in Sen Monorom town. He confirmed that the suspects were cash from the detainees. Countries, Hun Sen said, ty of humanity and that these Provincial police chief Lor Sokha told not involved in any other offences and The evidence is being held at the Mon- had to continue strengthen- factors are also increasing the The Post on Sunday that the suspects just don’t have sufficient documents to dulkiri provincial police station. ing cooperation to promote effects of climate change were being questioned according to legal legally be allowed in the country. Some of “There are not many Chinese in Sen globalisation and multilat- In the wake of the Covid- procedures after the police investigated them had yet to renew their expired visas, Monorom town. They just visit and rest eral mechanisms to ensure 19 crisis, he said unsettling the matter at a hotel they were staying at. prompting authorities to take action. for four or five days only. There are no a conducive environment to trends have intensified, in- “We are still questioning them, it is not A Sen Monorom town police officer Chinese businessmen either because only promote economic growth, cluding growing tension be- finished yet. So maybe on August 11, we who asked not to be named confirmed Cambodian companies have invested in eradicate poverty, and im- tween the US and China, a will send them to the Department of Im- that the suspects had been sent to the agriculture,” he said. prove people’s livelihoods. potential new Cold War. The prime minister said Increased racism and protec- countries have to ensure tionism had caused countries to their cooperation remains deviate from pluralism and in- open and supportive of the ternational cooperation, he said. multilateral trading system, Hak Ja Han Moon, the co- especially in accelerating founder of the Global Peace their social and economic Federation said the divisions connectivity to advance de- between the two Koreas were velopment agendas of each posing obstacles to peace. country and achieve a global Last year, she presented Hun agenda of sustainable and in- Sen with a medal for leader- clusive development. ship and good governance He said building and main- when Cambodia hosted the taining peace is an indispens- 2nd Asia-Pacific Summit, able foundation for develop- which discussed the govern- ment and should be a top ment’s cooperation with civil priority for each country. society organisations to pro- “Peace cannot be achieved by mote development.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said only if nations worked together will the world defeat the crisis and thrive in its aftermath. Universal Peace Federation THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3

Amret launches ‘Kmeng Chhlat Account’ to promote saving for higher education

The innovative ‘Kmeng Chhlat Account’ is aimed at encouraging parents to start saving early for their children’s future higher education needs. Supplied

Amret Microfinance Institution Plc last Friday launched parents’ expectations and for their a skilled and knowledgeable work children to fulfil their dreams. force to benefit the nation in the the innovative “Kmeng Chhlat Account” as part of its Based on our experience, because long term. campaign to encourage parents to start saving early for the majority of rural people are not in the habit of saving, they do not Can you explain how it works their children’s future higher education needs. Amret chief have the funds necessary for their Q and how you plan to promote it? commercial officer Alan Wee explains toT he Post the children’s higher education needs. Our customers can start saving About Amret There are many examples of fami- with as little as 1,500 riel per day or reasons behind the launch of this savings product and how Amret MFI is one of the lies having had to sell a cow a year $11 a month depending on the age of leading financial institutions in it will assist parents in setting up a financial safety net. just to pay their annual university the child. Cambodia. fees. Most have also never thought By opening a Kmeng Chhlat Ac- A full subsidiary of the Advans Can you tell us about the ‘Kmeng and Kmeng Chhlat embodies this about life insurance to protect count, a parent will enjoy free life Q Group, its reputable international Chhlat Account’? spirit perfectly. against eventualities that could af- insurance coverage of up to $4,000 shareholders include the FMO A university education can be fect their children’s education fund. during the course of the account. Entrepreneurial Development very expensive. Depending on the What does ‘Kmeng Chhlat’ mean Insurance penetration is low in And it also comes with an educa- Bank, La Fayette Participations Q institution and course, financing a and what is the significance? Cambodia and almost all people in tion excellence cash bonus of up to and the International Financial four-year degree university education Kmeng chhlat literally means rural areas are yet to take out life $1,000 for children who graduate Corporation, which is a member – even excluding accommodation, “smart kid” in Khmer. The name insurance, so the idea of providing with distinction with an A or B in of the World Bank. As well as catering to the food and living expenses – can be a was chosen to inspire and motivate free life insurance coverage with their Grade 12 examinations. Kingdom’s micro, small and burden for most families. Amret has children and parents alike. The name the Kmeng Chhlat Account will go a Account holders will also enjoy medium-sized enterprises developed the Kmeng Chhlat Account also reflects our aim of encouraging long way to help fill this gap among competitive interest rates from their (MSMEs), Amret also offers a to address this. children to study hard and achieve our clients. savings plan. wide range of financial products This specially designed product is good marks at the Grade 12 high Amret was motivated to create a We have been airing two adverts and services to Cambodia’s a joint parent-child savings account school national examinations. product able to fulfil all these needs since last Tuesday, while a launch unbanked and underbanked aimed at inculcating good saving Amret is offering up to $1,000 for and also to embed good savings video will have been showing on population. habits in parents for the benefit of students who achieve A or B grades. habits across the Kingdom. most digital channels and social Amret provides both lending their children. We hope this savings Parents will also receive free life media platforms since last Friday. and deposit products to more than 500,000 clients ranging plan will help parents finance their insurance coverage during the course What does Amret hope to We intend to conduct roadshows and Q from low-income farmers to children’s higher education when of the savings period. This product achieve with Kmeng Chhlat ? micro marketing events across the MSMEs. they are ready to take this step. will indeed be of great value to our Amret hopes to inculcate a strong country to promote the Kmeng Chhlat With 158 branches nation- We also hope children will be clients. discipline of saving among Cambo- Account. wide, it employs more than inspired to earn a university degree dian communities, as well as pro- This product is available at all 158 4,500 staff. Amret has assets of as the first step towards a success- What motivated Amret to mote the importance of a university Amret branches across the kingdom. I more than Q ful professional career. Everything is develop this product? education. would encourage those who are $1 billion and deposits exceeding possible if you plan ahead and work The key motivation behind this This is also in line with the interested to visit their nearest Amret $500 million. hard towards achieving your goals, product is to help children meet their government’s objectives of building branch for further details.

Amret chief commercial officer Alan Wee. Supplied Roadshows are planned across the country. Supplied Rom Ratha, the head of Amret’s commercial department. Supplied a l Advertori 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Interior ministry officials told to choose between civil service and legal profession

Long Kimmarita told The Post on Sunday that the Bar Association had not received any re- THE Ministry of Interior has told its quests from the ministry. national and sub-national officials He said the law specified that a law- to decide if they wished to work in yer cannot take on another profession civil service or as lawyers. while working as lawyers, because con- Minister Sar Kheng (pictured) is- flict of interest questions could arise. sued the directive last week, saying “The law says a lawyer cannot the ministry had noticed its staff work at another job and are banned working as lawyers while also being from doing so,” Sovanna said. State officials. Sovanna said he wants the min- He said doing so goes against the istry and other ministries to thor- law governing public servants, Na- oughly check whether their officials tional Police, and prison officials. are lawyers. “The Ministry of Interior instructs Cambodian Institute for De- all government personnel to decide mocracy president Pa Chanroeun if they wished to work as civil ser- welcomed the ministry’s directive vants or lawyers,” Sar Kheng said. which made the clear distinction of Lawyers who do not want to work working as civil servants or lawyers. in the profession have to submit a He said ensuring a clear career request to The Bar Association of the path is a good way for individuals to Kingdom of Cambodia (BAKC) and ensure responsibility in their work. have their membership suspended. Chanroeun said working two jobs Beside electrical equipment, plasterboards and paint in the warehouse, two lorries, three Tuk Tuks for delivery, and four motorcycles Non-functioning lawyers have to happens at other ministries too. This were burnt while the 30X70m warehouse was almost entirely damaged. Fire and Rescue Police Department make a copy of the BAKC’s decision should be reviewed because the in- and submit it to the Ministry of In- stitutions will suffer, he said. terior’s staff department to keep as “Choosing a clear profession gives a record that they are civil servants civil servants with legal experience. enough time and Fire destroys warehouse, Sar Kheng said officials who want avoids conflict of to continue working as lawyers need interest with oth- to resign or take leave. er institutions. It “In case you don’t want to leave can also prevent causes $1.2M in damages the civil service, submit a request corruption,” Chan- form specifying that you agree not roeun said. Khouth Sophak Chakrya company general manager, Yim 3 in Teuk Chhou District, Kampot, to take a salary and that you Rada, the fire caused a total of $1.2 caught fire, said Kampot provincial work as a professional lawyer AULTY electrical wires have million in damages,” he said. police chief Mao Chanmathurith. as the law and procedures been blamed for a fire on Beside electrical equipment, plas- “The fire was caused by electric- require,” he said. Saturday at Global CamStar terboards and paint in the ware- ity failure in the mini-market of the He instructed all units Co Ltd, a construction ma- house, two lorries, three Tuk Tuks for petrol station, but the damage was at the national and sub- terialsF warehouse in Phnom Penh. delivery, and four motorcycles were not serious because the fire depart- national levels of the Phnom Penh Fire Department burnt while the 30X70m warehouse ment quickly put it out,” he said. ministry to prepare a chief Prum Yorn told The Post the fire was almost entirely damaged. In the past seven months, fires in list of civil servants who broke out around 2:40am, damaging Yorn said fire trucks from three Cambodia have killed 15 people, in- work as lawyers, includ- large stocks of GCS electrical equip- firehouses used 560 cubic metres of jured 32, and damaged 522 houses ing those in the nation- ment, plasterboards and paints. water to douse the flames. and 225 shops, said a report The Post al police and prisons. “Based on our investigation at the In a separate fire the same day, a received from the Fire Prevention De- BAKC deputy secre- scene and the explanation of the petrol station along National Road partment of the Ministry of Interior. tary-general Liv Sovanna Consensus in focus as ASEAN marks 53rd anniversary

Soth Koemsoeun ASEAN has received much Kin Phea, the director of the attention from the interna- Royal Academy of Cambo- TO MARK the 53rd anniver- tional community and that it dia’s International Relations sary of the establishment of had laid out basic principles Institute, said unity and the ASEAN on Saturday, diploma- according to three pillars – implementation of the three cy head and Minister of For- politics, security and culture- pillars seemed to pose certain eign Affairs and International economy. difficulties because China Cooperation Prak Sokhonn He said the pillars had yet to and the US had engaged in issued a congratulatory mes- be implemented successfully geopolitical competition in sage praising the past efforts as ASEAN had only succeeded the South China Sea. of the regional body. in integrating economies. But He said some ASEAN coun- The message acknowl- political and security issues tries are also involved in dis- edged that the entire world couldn’t be solved as of yet putes with China, while the is dealing with the Covid-19 because the body has incon- US tries to bind itself to the pandemic and a superpower sistencies and lacks unified disputes. standoff as ASEAN celebrated principles. The US had encouraged its anniversary. Sovannara said: “Obviously, countries which have dis- “Back in 1967 when ASEAN there are issues in the South putes with China to oppose was formed, the Cold War China Sea involving Vietnam, it, he said, adding that the US loomed over all and the re- the Philippines, Malaysia and has also sent submarines and gion was rife with tensions. Brunei, which are confront- navy vessels to the South Chi- Since then, ASEAN has grown ing China over this conflict. na Sea, which China deems a from strength to strength, “While Cambodia and Laos threat. expanding both in size and seem to have one stance to- “When it comes to assis- scope,” he said. wards China, the remaining tance, I think that Cambodia Driven by the desire to Foreign minister Prak Sokhonn (centre) said ASEAN has steadily grown into a strong community. Foreign mimistry four countries are waiting to has helped ASEAN a lot and it safeguard and advance the benefit from China and the has also benefited much from peaceful development for was able to put an end to the “And it is, in fact, this so member state, regardless of parties to the conflict. ASEAN. the region, Sokhonn said civil war in 1998 and became cherished “unity in diversity” its size or economic strength. He said since Cambodia be- “Cambodia has tried to co- ASEAN has been able to pre- the last member of the ASEAN that has contributed to ASE- Historically, he said ASEAN came an ASEAN member in ordinate [with] some coun- vent the escalation of fric- family in 1999,” he said. AN’s resilience and its deep has striven to bridge the de- 1997, it has restored its image tries which had disagreements tions and conflicts into wars Sokhonn said ASEAN has sense of togetherness,” Sok- velopment gap within its by implementing sound for- with China and mediated dis- through peaceful means and steadily grown into a strong honn said. member states through pro- eign policies. putes in the region. For ben- diplomacy. community spread across 10 One of ASEAN’s defining grammes like the Initiative “But what Cambodia has efits, Cambodia has gained a “Under the wise leader- countries with unique and features is the consensus- for ASEAN Integration (IAI). obtained from ASEAN seems lot of economic volumes and ship of Samdech Techo Prime diverse social, economic based approach which en- Political analyst Em So- to be very little. It is not like attracted countries in the Eu- Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia and political structures. sures an equal voice for every vannara said on Sunday that what we wanted,” he said. ropean region,” he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Cambodia supports Chinese Firm granted land for firm’s medicinal plant project Koh Kong coal plant Khouth Sophak Chakrya Of that, 30 per cent is direct capital and 70 per cent from Soth Koemsoeun THE government is donat- bank loans. The lease term is ing 168ha in Botum Sakor 38 years. T A meeting on National Park in Koh Kong Adhoc spokesman Seung Thursday, Minister to the Royal Group to build Sen Karona said the govern- of Agriculture, For- a 700MW coal-fired power ment should release the re- estry and Fisheries plant. port on the plant’s impact on VengA Sakhon expressed his A sub-decree obtained by society and the environment support for an investment The Post on Sunday said the before deciding to lease it to a project led by Chinese com- Ministry of Environment has private company. pany Khmer Holding Group to work in collaboration with “In general, we are con- (KHG) to grow medicinal the Ministry of Economy and cerned about the effects of plants as raw materials. Finance and others to prepare this plan,” he said. The project, which will in- the deal. Ministry spokesman Neth clude the construction of a re- The Post could not contact Pheaktra told RFI on August search institute and medical Royal Group chairman Neak 6 that the government had refinery factory, is expected Oknha Kith Meng for com- already studied and evalu- to create jobs for locals while ment about the size of the in- ated the plan before making reducing Cambodia’s reliance vestment. the decision. on imports. Radio France Internationale Pheaktra said the 58 af- At the meeting with KHG rep- (RFI) reported last Wednes- fected families have already resentatives, Sakhon said: “We day that the investment plan been compensated by the welcome the aim to invest in is more than $1.3 billion. company. establishing a research institute and the planting and refining of medicinal plants in Cambodia. “It will create jobs for locals, Agriculture minister Veng Sakhon said if approved, the plant will create jobs for locals, increase income and increase income and reduce reduce imports of medical drugs. Agriculture ministry imports of medical drugs,” he said. sively on the project. nomic land concessions that stitute for medicinal plants. Sakhon advised the com- The agriculture minister have not been developed to Cao said he would also seek pany to study the location also requested the delegation see if they could be viable assistance from the ministry to and size of land needed for to set up a technical working partners in the project. establish a factory and finding growing and processing such group in cooperation with the Ministry spokesman Srey arable land for the plants. The medicinal plants. Forestry Administration and Vuthy could not be reached project, he noted, is funded by He also suggested the com- the General Directorate of Ag- for comment on Sunday. the Chinese government. pany communicate with the riculture to study the possibil- KHG representative Cao Cao said his company ac- Chinese Embassy in Cam- ity of cooperating with forestry Yunde said at the Thursday cepted Sakhon’s recommen- bodia to establish a dialogue and agricultural communities meeting that he would seek dation to prepare a roadmap with the government, includ- to cultivate the plants. the ministry’s cooperation before signing a Memoran- ing the ministry, so it can co- The group would also re- and support to set up the re- dum of Understanding (MoU) Royal Group has been granted 168ha in Botum Sakor National Park to operate fully and comprehen- search companies with eco- search and development in- in the future. build the 700MW coal-fired power plant.R oyal Group Supreme Court to rule on PPCBank confident of speedy bail for ex-CNRP members economic recovery for Kingdom

Kim Sarom

TEN former Supreme Court- dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party members who were arrested for “incitement” after expressing support for the self-exiled politician and self-proclaimed CNRP acting president Sam Rainsy in 2017 The PPCBank branch at Chraoy Changvar. Supplied The Sihanouk Boulevard branch. Supplied and 2018 will know if they will get bail on August 14. ith PPCBank Changvar and Russei Keo have to work from home. We The Supreme Court will de- announcing the areas, which are bustling with all had to adjust to a new way cide on the matter after the W opening of two many small and medium size of living, and all of us had to Court of Appeal denied their new branches on August 10, businesses (SMEs). take hygiene to a completely bail request on August 7. the lender now has a total of To accommodate their different level. Lor Chunthy, a defence law- 23 branches, while 62 ATMs banking needs, the newly “However, measures were yer for the 10, told The Post are in operation across the opened Chraoy Changvar put in place promptly and on Sunday that his clients Kingdom. branch is equipped with an with success in Cambodia, included a former commune The two new PPCBank SME Center – a business and four months later the chief, a teacher and the assis- branches are ready to serve banking hub with the primary Kingdom is to enjoy a substi- tant to a commune chief. The former CNRP members were arrested for ‘incitement’ after showing customers in convenient loca- goal of assisting busy business tute national holiday for the The teacher in question support for self-proclaimed CNRP leader Sam Rainsy. Kim Sarom tions – Sihanouk Boulevard owners by providing consulta- postponed Khmer New Year is Keo Thai, who taught at and National Road 6A. tions on loan plans to suit celebrations,” said PPCBank the Boribo High Scool in bail application was straight for my clients to flee abroad,” At the Sihanouk Boule- their business model. president Shin Chang Moo. Kampong Chhang and is a forward – his clients all lived he said. vard branch, customers can Both PPCBank branches He said that for PPCBank, member of the Cambodian in the country, they were cur- Chunthy said the authorities enjoy a range of banking boast modern interior design, this is a clear sign that though Independent Teachers Asso- rently living in prison with have the ability through tech- services from 8am-8pm on enhancing the banking expe- the economy has slowed, with ciation. chronic illnesses such as nology to track his clients and weekdays and from 8am-4pm rience for customers. efficient governance it will He was arrested in March for diabetes, hypertension and if the police want to find them on Saturdays to match the PPCBank is optimistic soon bounce back. offering online English-lan- stomach disease and they all it would take less than an hour. busy schedules of the many of Cambodian economic “We want to make sure guage classes after schools were have poor families. “The decision depends on the customers living in the heart recovery despite the global banking with PPCBank is easy closed because of Covid-19. “I concluded the hearing by court,” Chunthy said. of the capital. economic slowdown caused and convenient, and that’s During the trial, the defen- saying Covid-19 has affected He said the case against his It features a Gold Club facil- by the Covid-19 pandemic, why we have continued with dants pleaded for bail. They the whole economy and the clients started two years ago, ity, where all VIP customers and it continues its drive to our expansion. argued that they have diseas- State has to spend money but the police arrested and will be individually supported become one of Cambodia’s “On behalf of PPCBank, es and specific addresses, and keeping them in prison, so detained them during March at their convenience by the leading banks by expanding I would like to thank all will not flee, Chunthy said. the court should consider re- and April in Phnom Penh and most talented bankers at its network. of our customers for their Chunthy requested the Su- leasing them. other provinces. PPCBank. “Back in April, we went ongoing support, which preme Court to consider re- “In this country, in the He said all the cases against The branch on National through a time of uncertainty, has enabled us to expand leasing his clients on bail as Covid-19-era, they are not his clients are currently under Road 6A is strategically with nobody knowing how our network and services,” requested. allowed to enter or leave the investigation by the Phnom positioned to serve the Chraoy long ​​people were going to Shin added.

He told the judge that the country. So it is not possible Penh Municipal Court. a l Advertori 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 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 4,096 1.3354 6.9586 105.64 4.1880 1.3712 31.17 0.7214 1.1825 1.3096

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: August 7, 2020 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 17,440 17,360 17,500 17,320 2 GTI 3,080 (SQ) - 3,080 3,080 3 PAS 14,960 14,980 14,980 14,700 4 PPAP 11,680 11,660 11,680 11,660 5 PPSP 2,300 2,300 2,300 2,300 6 PWSA 5,760 5,600 5,760 5,600 Government backs PPE production, exports Dutch bank mulls Continued from page 1 request made by the Garment Manufacturers pandemic spurs global demand for PPEs, Association in Cambodia (GMAC) to allow it said. The factories are cumulatively able to the export of all kinds of infectious disease In April, Prime Minister Hun Sen said manufacture 138 million face masks, prevention items amid the pandemic. the government needed at least 10 million investing $1.4M about 20.7 million medical gowns and The government will support and masks and at least 5,000 pieces of medical some 9.6 million medical caps monthly. encourage garment factories to produce clothing to effectively combat the coro- The data show their export destinations face masks, medical equipment and med- navirus. into SE Asia fund as being China, Japan, the US and Europe. ical clothing designed to prevent commu- Cambodia exported $190.9 million worth In May, the Ministry of Economy and nicable diseases, which are to be sold of medical equipment last year, the Cus- May Kunmakara the existing industry-agnos- Finance said the government had granted a domestically and internationally as the toms and Excise department reported. tic game plan of investing in DUTCH State-owned entre- Cambodia, Myanmar and preneurial development bank Laos, he said. Nederlandse Financierings- “We expect to cover a fairly Maatschappij voor Ontwik- broad range of investment kelingslanden NV (FMO) sizes in the new fund while Agriculture share of Kingdom’s is considering injecting an leaving sufficient follow-on additional $1.4 million in a reserves to support growth second fund for Singapore- after our initial investment,” registered private equity fund Morris said. manager Emerging Markets EMIA’s $19.65 million first GDP on track to hit 32 per cent Investment Advisers (EMIA). fund invested solely in Cam- The move aims to broaden bodia and Laos but subse- Thou Vireak its portfolio in Cambodia, quently divested from the Laos and Myanmar amid the two countries, he said, add- HE agricultural in- Covid-19 crisis and replen- ing that it sold its stakes in dustry is on track to ish follow-on reserves of the Kingdom’s Park Cafe Food account for 32 per the Cambodia-Laos-Myan- and Beverage Co Ltd and AMK cent of Cambodia’s mar Development Fund II Microfinance Institution Plc. grossT domestic product (GDP) (CLMDF II), Singapore-based by the end of the year as more news portal DealStreetAsia Loan for Acleda Bank of the Kingdom’s workforce reported on Friday. In October 2015, leading moves into the sector, Royal It quoted FMO as saying: Cambodian commercial bank Academy of Cambodia eco- “While the fund’s investees Acleda Bank Plc received a $102 nomics researcher Ky Serey- have shown resilience, capital million syndicated loan with vath has said. earmarked for future growth five-year tenure, FMO said. Without citing official fig- has been depleted to cover FMO, which also acted as ures, Sereyvath predicted that working capital and operating mandated lead arranger and the agricultural labour force expenses during the lockdown. facility agent, provided $15 had ballooned between 30 The fund’s follow-on strategy million along with seven part- and 40 per cent during the has also been affected.” ners, it added. span of the Covid-19 crisis. It said the capital is expect- These are the Opec Fund for He said: “The growth of the ed to shore up the CLMDF II’s International Development agricultural sector is due to 13 portfolio companies dur- (OFID; $15 million), Austrian the fact that some of the re- ing and post-Covid-19. development bank Oester- maining labour force from FMO added: “An increase reichische Entwicklungsbank the services sector turned to in commitments would help AG (OEeB; $15 million) and agriculture, with the work- the fund achieve its value cre- Agence Francaise de Devel- force integration leading to a ation objectives and support oppement private-sector fi- larger production volume.” Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon said the government aspires to increase investees in reaching their nancing arm Proparco ($15 agricultural labour productivity from $1,839 last year to $4,625 by 2030. hoNG MENEA The industrial sector is “set to initial growth targets.” million). grow around 36 per cent”, while sectors are also set to witness services. Today, only agricul- is diversifying its agricultural The fund reached a first The Sri Lanka-based insti- the services sector as a whole negative growth. ture could feasibly revive the sector with a vision to become close of $64.5 million in 2015 tutions Hatton National Bank “may shrink between 28 and 30 Minister of Agriculture, economy,” Sakhon said. more modern, competitive, – FMO committing $10 mil- Plc and National Develop- per cent”, he said, without spec- Forestry and Fisheries Veng He said Cambodian agri- inclusion, climate-resilient lion – with investments in ment Bank contributed $15 ifying a timeframe. Domestic Sakhon said the government cultural product exports blos- and sustainable. 13 companies, the majority million and $10 million, re- tourism services and online is aiming for a three per cent somed from nearly $1 billion in He said Cambodia’s agri- of which were Cambodian- spectively. food delivery services should annual growth rate of agricul- 2013 to $1.5 billion last year. cultural product exports have based, DealStreetAsia said. Switzerland-based social enjoy moderate growth. tural value added – the net “Agricultural potential re- risen annually, with signifi- Four companies in Myanmar impact investor Symbiotics SA Sereyvath said: “The food output of the agricultural sec- mains strong, productivity is cant momentum in the last six and three in Laos also re- and Swedish State-owned de- processing industry, fruit tor after adding up all outputs still high and return migra- years – from over 3.44 million ceived funding. velopment financier and de- and vegetable processing are and subtracting the value of tion flows to rural areas are tonnes in 2014 to more than velopment cooperation actor prominent sub-sectors – the intermediate inputs. on the rise. This will reinforce 4.8 million tonnes last year. Fairly broad range Swedfund International AB top segments after garments. He said the government growth in the agricultural sec- To date, he said, the King- EMIA CEO Joshua Mor- jointly provided $14 million. Pepper, mango, fish and meat also aspires to increase agri- tor during the Covid-19 era. dom has exported 61 agricul- ris told DealStreetAsia last Additionally, FMO said, processing will all absorb a cultural labour productivity “Today, farmers have gained tural products to 59 countries month that the company has Dutch-based Vivat NV sub- greater market share.” – the annual output per agri- impetus to increase crop, food, around the world. centred on working with in- sidiary Actiam NV provided The government predicted cultural worker – from $1,839 fish and meat production giv- Chhay said: “The increase in vestors to undertake further $3 million via FMO’s fund that the Cambodian econ- last year to $4,625 by 2030. en the heightened demand export volume is a reflection of commitments to the second structure. omy will shrink by 1.9 per “The agricultural sector is an from consumers and waning the positive changes in both the fund’s follow-on reserves. “The transaction was cent this year due to fallout important engine of economic imports,” Sakhon said. quantity and quality of agricul- He said EMIA aims to gar- launched as a $70 million from Covid-19’s unremitting growth and could enjoy a one Ngin Chhay, the director- tural production in Cambodia, ner commitments from exist- loan. However, due to the advance, which is upending per cent surge this year. general of the ministry’s Gen- as well as the indispensable ing and new limited partners overwhelming market ap- just about every industry on a “Agriculture remains crucial eral Directorate of Agricul- role sanitation and phytosani- to raise up to $120 million for petite for Acleda Bank, the worldwide scale. considering the downswing ture, told a news conference tation play in linking products a new investment vehicle. transaction was upsized to The industrial and services experienced by industry and last week that the government to foreign markets.” The third fund will retain $102 million,” it said. THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business​ Saudi Aramco profits take 73 per cent plunge

nergy giant Saudi Aramco Oil prices dropped to a two-decade on Sunday said its second- low below $20 per barrel in April and quarter profits plunged a May as the coronavirus dampened massive 73 per cent due to demand, before recovering to around sharplyE lower oil prices as the corona- $44 per barrel after the Opec+ pro- virus crisis undercuts global demand. ducers agreed to record output cuts. The behemoth, recently dethroned Following the move, Saudi oil pro- by Apple as the world’s most valuable duction dropped to 7.5 million barrels listed company, posted a net profit of per day (bpd) in June, compared to $6.6 billion for the three months to last year’s average of 10 million bpd. June 30 compared to $24.7 billion for Aramco’s profits were also impact- the same period last year. ed by the losses posted by the Saudi The results are in line with analysts’ Basic Industries Co. (Sabic), the pet- expectations but stand in contrast to rochemicals giant it acquired for $69 the losses reported by its rival energy billion in a deal completed this year. giants, which are reeling from a drop The energy giant is bracing for a in oil demand since the start of the possible further wave of coronavi- novel coronavirus pandemic. rus infections that could impact a Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said tentative global economic recovery in a statement: “Strong headwinds and erode the demand for crude from reduced demand and lower oil worldwide, analysts say. prices are reflected in our second Aramco was listed on the Saudi quarter results. bourse in December following the “Yet we delivered solid earnings world’s biggest initial public offer- because of our low production ing, generating $29.4 billion for 1.7 costs, unique scale, agile workforce per cent of its shares. and unrivalled financial and opera- US technology firm Apple last tional strength.” week replaced it as the world’s most Aramco’s net profit for the first half of valuable company after its capi- this year also slumped by 50.5 per cent talisation grew to $1.9 trillion, com- to $23.2 billion, compared to $46.9 bil- Saudi Aramco posted a net profit of $6.6 billion for the three months to June 30, down 73 per cent compared to $24.7 billion in the pared to $1.76 trillion for Aramco. same period last year. SAUDI ARAMCO/AFP lion in the same period last year. Nasser said Aramco would distrib- The results underscore a down- in dividends this year. Aramco has said it expects capi- company’s oil production capacity.” ute $18.75 billion in dividends for beat oil market as pandemic-driven Nasser also voiced optimism over tal expenditure to be at the “lower The company has also slashed hun- the second quarter to keep its listing economic shutdowns crush the what he called a “partial recovery in end of the $25 billion to $30 billion dreds of jobs as it seeks to reduce costs, promise of distributing at least $75 global demand for crude. the energy market” amid an easing of range” this year. Bloomberg News reported in June. billion in annual dividends for five Five other leading oil firms – BP, virus restrictions in some countries. That is significantly lower than its Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest years. Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch expenditure of $32.8 billion last year, crude oil exporter, has been hit hard “We are committed to delivering Shell and Total – recently reported Cutbacks Energy Intelligence reported. by the double whammy of low prices sustainable dividends through mar- combined losses of $53 billion for But amid low crude prices, Aram- It said: “Cutbacks have already and sharp cuts in production. ket cycles, as we have demonstrated the second quarter. co is looking at cutting its 2021 bud- caused Aramco to delay plans to ex- A sharp drop in oil income is ex- this quarter,” Nasser said in a media By contrast, Aramco’s results re- get by between eight and 10 per cent pand production from its offshore pected to hinder Crown Prince Mo- call, as reported by Bloomberg News. flected its “financial resilience”, from this year’s already reduced lev- fields. hammed bin Salman’s ambitious “Our intention is to pay $75 billion, Nasser said, as the company presses els, the Energy Intelligence group “The offshore programme was a plans to overhaul the kingdom’s subject to board approval, of course, ahead with a plan to pay $75 billion reported last month. core element of a push to raise the energy-reliant economy. and market conditions.” AFP 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Vietnamese tra fish companies see profits slump during pandemic

MULTIPLE Vietnamese tra fish Export turnover fell by 52 per companies along the Mekong cent to 399 billion dong in the and Bassac rivers and near second quarter. However, Cambodia suffered losses due thanks to a focus on the to falling export prices and domestic market, the compa- lower orders, focusing instead ny achieved domestic net sales on the domestic market amid of 485 billion dong, up 113 per the Covid-19 pandemic. cent compared to the same Tra fish – also known by their period last year and for the scientific name Pangasius first time, domestic sales sur- bocourti and their Khmer passed exports. name pra khchao – are native ANV is stepping up to exploit to the Mekong and Chao domestic demand by co-oper- Phraya basins in mainland ating in consuming products Southeast Asia in the distribution chain of The Vietnam Association of VinEco – conglomerate Vin- Seafood Exporters and Pro- Group’s agricultural unit – ducers (Vasep) said the Covid- under Masan Group. 19 pandemic has strongly Further down the Bassac affected the world seafood River is IDI International PPAP logged $12.867 million in revenue in the first half, a 10 per cent gain from $11.692 million in the same period last year. HENG CHIVOAN industry, leading to a reduc- Development & Investment tion in consumption and caus- Corp (IDI), located just over ing orders to decrease by 35-50 60km from Cambodia. The per cent. company reported a drop of 61 Social distancing measures per cent in second quarter PPAP logs double-digit gains in April caused interruptions profit to 26 billion dong. in international trade. Enter- It said the Covid-19 pan- prises lacked raw materials for demic had a heavy impact on processing, facing difficulties the production and export of in revenue, gross profit for H1 in transportation, payment frozen fillets of tra fish as the and lacking capital to main- market was interrupted and May Kunmakara It also recorded a 14 per the world, PPAP remains con- port activity notwithstanding tain operations. export prices plummeted. cent growth in gross profit stant in its goal to minimise Covid-19. Vasep said tra fish was Six-month profit dropped by tate-owned stock- from $7.801 million to $8.903 the impact to our business. He said: “I am personally among Vietnam’s most affect- 82 per cent year-on-year to listed river port opera- million during the period. “We recently launched optimistic that PPAP’s busi- ed seafood products in the over 40 billion dong. tor Phnom Penh Au- PPAP director-general Hei some measures in response, ness will continue to grow pandemic with export turno- This year, the company tonomous Port (PPAP) Bavy said in June that despite including adjustments to our further amid the current ver dropping by over 31 per wishes to expand export mar- reportedS sound business per- the sweeping effects of the 2020 business plan, cutting situation due to the fact that cent in the first half. Declining kets, at the same time partner- formance in the first half of pandemic on the regional down on unnecessary ex- there are still some travelling new orders, high inventories ing with farming households this year despite Covid-19’s and global economies, the penses, holding off on invest- restrictions and Covid-19 is and low export prices have to be able to self-supply 95 per impact on commercial and port operator has doubled ments that are not currently still spreading. made profits of businesses cent of raw materials. trade activities regionally and down on its commitment to essential and focus mainly on “But people need to earn plummet. Cuu Long An Giang Seafood internationally. enhance its business perfor- important projects to shore a living and continue to do Vinh Hoan Corp (VHC), Import-Export JSC (ACL), In its filing to the Cambodia mance by reducing expenses up growth.” business. So, port activity whose headquarters along the upstream along the Bassac Securities Exchange (CSX) on and postponing non-urgent CSX vice-chairman Ha Jong- remains important to boost Mekong River in Dong Thap River from IDI and more than Friday, PPAP logged $12.867 investment. weon told The Post on Sunday economic activity. province is just 46km from the 55km from Cambodia, earned million in revenue in the first He said: “In the face of the that PPAP’s first half growth “PPAP’s business will be border with Cambodia’s Prey profit of only four billion dong half, a 10 per cent gain from current situation, with the reflects improved business even better in the next quar- Veng province, announced in the second quarter, down 93 $11.692 million in the same Covid-19 crisis still gripping performance due to an uptick ters and as a result its stock that second-quarter profit per cent compared to the same period last year. Cambodia and large parts of in the level of import and ex- price will rise,” he said. halved to 215 billion dong period last year. ($9.25 million) compared to In six months, the company last year. recorded a profit of over five bil- Six-month profit also halved lion dong, a decrease of 95 per to nearly 368 billion dong, thus cent and only achieved seven fulfilling 35 per cent of the per cent of the yearly plan. Japan set to roll out high-tech trade data yearly target. Mekong Fisheries JSC (AAM), Vinh Hoan is researching further downstream along the investment strategies for rais- Bassac River in Tra Noc Indus- system with ASEAN nations, sources say ing profit via value chains. trial Zone in Can Tho city’s Besides traditional tra fish Binh Thuy district and 85km THE Japanese government Cutting the work involved in export activities, the company from Cambodia’s Svay Rieng and about 20 of the country’s confirming documents and aims to increase sales of fish province, suffered a loss of major companies will intro- other tasks could slash the fat and fish meal by 20 per cent nearly 600 million dong in the duce a high-tech system to time taken for export and this year, sales of collagen and second quarter because export comprehensively manage import procedures by about 40 gelatine products by 60 per turnover decreased by half trade transaction information per cent, the sources said. cent thanks to the new factory compared to the same period with members of the ASEAN The ongoing spread of the being put into operation. last year. bloc, The Yomiuri Shimbun novel coronavirus has created Nam Viet Corp (ANV), whose Six-month profit reached has learned. disruptions in supply chains head office along the Bassac only 71 million dong and fell Information on shipments, for medical goods and various River in An Giang province is far short of the target of eight remittances, insurance and industrial products such as nearly 52km from the border billion dong in profit set out other issues that had been indi- vehicle parts. with Cambodia’s Takeo prov- for this year. vidually exchanged on paper The new system uses artifi- ince, saw second-quarter On the Ho Chi Minh City will be digitised, which will cial intelligence to manage profit decrease by 79 per cent Stock Exchange, shares of streamline export and import stored data on trade transac- year-on-year to reach 32 bil- VHC, ACL and AAM climbed procedures. The new system Information on shipments, remittances, insurance and other issues tions across various industries, lion dong, the lowest level 2.66, 6.95 and 6.67 per cent to also is expected to help that had been individually exchanged on paper will be digitised, which which aims to quickly detect since the beginning of 2017. reach 36,700, 16,150 and will streamline export and import procedures. pIXABAY strengthen supply chains for and help swiftly resolve prob- In the first six months of this 11,200 dong at Friday’s close. parts such as industrial goods. panies will participate in the managing transaction data lems that emerge in these sup- year, net revenue dropped by Their market caps were 6.68 Sources have said a demon- project, including Mitsubishi across a network of computers. ply chains. 14 per cent while post-tax trillion, 810.07 billion and stration experiment of the Corp, NYK Line, banks that In addition to digitising what Japan has made working profit fell by nearly 79 per cent 117.05 billion dong. system will be conducted in handle international finance has so far been paper-based closely with Southeast Asia and to 75.5 billion dong. Meanwhile ANV and IDI Vietnam as soon as this deals and nonlife insurance information, the system will India part of its growth strategy Although the company fore- remained flat to close Friday autumn, and eventually companies. standardise shipping, customs as it seeks to stand up to the casts profit this year to fall by at 15,700 and 3,660 dong with expanded to cover the entire The new system will use block- clearance and other transac- Sino-US battle for high-tech 72 per cent to 200 billion dong, market caps of 1.99 trillion and ASEAN region. chain technology, which offers tion records that companies supremacy. THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN it only achieved 38 per cent of 833.18 billion dong. VIET NAM About 20 large private com- better security by storing and have managed individually. (JAPAN)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK the plan in the first half. NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World NK’s Kim sends aid Kozhikode crash raises questions to border city locked NDIA’S civil aviation minister on Sat- urday warned against speculation over the cause of a disaster in which down over Covid-19 at least 18 people died after an Air IndiaI Express jet overshot a runway in a NORTH Korean leader Kim and coal from the first day of storm and plunged down a bank. Jong-un has ordered the dis- the lockdown of the city, not- Critics have raised questions about tribution of aid to the border ing that the love shown by the potentially dangerous conditions at Ko- city of Kaesong after the area Supreme Leader knows no zhikode airport in the southern state of was locked down last month bounds”, it added. Kerala, where the Boeing 737 crash-land- to fight the coronavirus, state Last month, Pyongyang ed with 190 passengers and crew aboard. media said on Sunday. said a defector who left for The plane’s black box recorders have The authorities raised the South Korea three years ago been recovered and will be examined as state of emergency to the returned on July 19 by “il- part of the investigation. maximum level for the city legally crossing” the heavily Reports have said the pilots made two at- last month, saying they had fortified border dividing the tempts to land in the fierce winds and rain discovered the country’s first two countries. before the crash, while opposition politicians suspected virus case. The man showed symp- highlighted warnings that had reportedly A train carrying goods ar- toms of coronavirus and was been made about the Kozhikode runway. rived in the “totally blocked” put under “strict quarantine”, Minister Hardeep Singh Puri acknowl- city of Kaesong on Friday, the the authorities said, but the edged that issues had been “routinely official Korean Central News North has yet to confirm red-flagged” by the civil aviation author- Some 149 people were still in local hospitals after the crash of the special flight from Dubai to ity about the runway used in the crash bring back Indians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic. afp The Supreme Leader has but they had been “addressed” by the airport owner. at Kozhikode as the jet landed. “All that we could hear were screams all made sure that emergency He added on Twitter: “I will encourage Indian media quoted air traffic con- around. People were soaked in blood every- measures were taken for all to exercise patience and refrain from trol officials and a flight tracker website where, some had fractures, some were un- making speculative observations bor- as showing the Boeing 737 twice circled conscious,” said resident Fazal Puthiyakath supplying food and medicines dering on the irresponsible.” and started to land before it crashed at who was among the first at the scene. Some 149 people were still in local the third attempt. Local taxi drivers and traders joined Agency (KCNA) reported. whether he tested positive. hospitals after the crash of the special The jet repeatedly jumped up and airport rescuers to free people from the KCNA said: “The Supreme If confirmed, it would be flight from Dubai to bring back Indians down in buffeting winds before the land- wreckage in the dark and wet. It took Leader has made sure that the first officially recognised stranded by the coronavirus pandemic. ing, survivors told Indian television. three hours to clear all the injured and emergency measures were case of Covid-19 in North The jet plunged more than 10m down Passenger Renjith Panangad, 34, re- bodies, officials said. taken for supplying food and Korea, where medical infra- an embankment and broke in two. Res- called the plane touching the ground The flight was one of the hundreds in medicines right after the city structure is seen as woefully cue officials said it was “a miracle” that and then everything went “blank”. recent months to bring home tens of was blocked, and this time he inadequate to deal with any fuel that leaked did not catch fire. “After the crash, the emergency door thousands of Indians stranded abroad saw to it that lots of rice and epidemic. Kozhikode is considered a tricky airport opened and I dragged myself out somehow,” by the coronavirus pandemic, many of subsidy were sent to the city.” The nuclear-armed North as it is built on a hill and has a “table-top” he said from a hospital bed in Kozhikode. them in Gulf countries. Kim had been concerned closed its borders in late runway with a steep drop at one end. “The front part of the plane was gone – it Kerala’s health minister KK Shailaja “day and night” about the January as the virus spread in In 2017, a Spicejet Bombardier Q-400 was completely gone. I don’t know how I asked all those involved in the rescue to go people in Kaesong as they neighbouring China. plane carrying 75 people came off the made it but I’m grateful. I am still shaken.” into isolation because of the risk of catch- continue their “campaign for It imposed tough restric- same runway when it was wet and hit The impact was so brutal that the nose ing the coronavirus from passengers. checking the spread of the tions that put thousands of lights on the edge. of the jet finished about 20m from the The last major plane crash in India was malignant virus”, it said. people into isolation, but Kerala has been hit by deadly floods back half. in 2010 when an Air India Express Boeing He “paid deep attention to analysts say the country is and landslides in recent days and heavy Most of the fatalities, who included the two 737-800 from Dubai to Mangalore over- the supply of food, edible oil, unlikely to have avoided the rains had been falling for several hours pilots and four children, were in the front. shot the runway killing 158 people. AFP living necessities, electricity contagion. AFP Sino-US ties plunge further over Hong Kong sanctions

CHINA on Saturday slammed The Treasury Department ment: “Today’s actions send game industry and one of the the US for imposing “barba- announced it was freezing the a clear message that the Hong world’s richest companies. rous” sanctions in response US assets of Chief Executive Kong authorities’ actions are China condemned the to Beijing’s crackdown in Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor unacceptable.” move as “arbitrary political Hong Kong, capping a dra- and 10 other senior officials, The US measures come manipulation”. matic week of deteriorating including Luo Huining – the three months ahead of the The new restrictions sent Ten- relations between the world’s head of the Liaison Office. November election in which cent shares tanking as much as two biggest economies. It accused the sanctioned Trump, who is behind his ri- 10 per cent at one point in Hong In the toughest US action individuals of being “directly val Joe Biden, is campaigning Kong trade on Friday, wiping al- on Hong Kong since China responsible for implementing hard on an increasingly stri- most $50 billion off its market imposed a sweeping new se- Beijing’s policies of suppres- dent anti-Beijing message. capitalisation. curity law on the territory, sion of freedom and demo- As public disapproval has Trump’s order claimed Tik- Washington on Friday im- cratic processes”. grown for his handling of the Tok could be used by China to posed sanctions on a group The move criminalises any pandemic, Trump has piv- track the locations of federal of Chinese and Hong Kong US financial transactions oted from his previous focus employees, build dossiers on officials – including the city’s with the sanctioned officials. on striking a trade deal with people for blackmail and con- leader Carrie Lam. In a short statement, Luo said China to blaming the country duct corporate espionage. The move came after Presi- he welcomed the blacklisting. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam was included on a list of Chinese officials for the coronavirus crisis. TikTok has repeatedly de- sanctioned by the US. afp dent Donald Trump’s ad- “I have done what I should On Thursday, Trump made nied sharing data with Bei- ministration forced Chinese do for the country and for Hong Macau Affairs Office said the mous city. good on previous threats jing. internet giants TikTok and Kong,” he said. “I don’t have a sanctions list “rudely tram- Since then, Hong Kong against WeChat and TikTok WeChat is a messaging, WeChat to end all operations dime’s worth in foreign assets.” ples on international law” authorities have postponed – two Chinese-owned apps social media and electronic in the US, in a twin diplomat- The Hong Kong government and “will be nailed to the his- elections, citing the corona- with major audiences that US payment platform and is re- ic-commercial offensive set described the sanctions as toric pillar of shame forever”. virus pandemic, issued ar- officials say pose a national ported to have more than a to grow ahead of the US presi- “shameless and despicable”. Facebook barred Lam and rest warrants for six exiled security threat. billion users, with many pre- dential election in November. “We will fully support the the 10 other sanctioned offi- pro-democracy activists and In an executive order, ferring it to email. China on Saturday criticised central government to adopt cials from advertising on the launched a crackdown on Trump gave Americans 45 The latest US actions follow the sanctions as “barbarous countermeasures,” it said in a platform, with a spokesperson other activists. days to stop doing business a protracted battle over Hua- and rude”. statement. saying on Saturday it had “a le- US Secretary of State Mike with the platforms, effectively wei, the Chinese network and “The ill intentions of US The city’s commerce secre- gal obligation to take action”. Pompeo said the security law setting a deadline for a po- smartphone giant accused by politicians to support peo- tary Edward Yau warned that Beijing’s security law was violated promises made by tential, under-pressure sale the Trump administration of ple who are anti-China and the “savage and unreason- imposed late in June, fol- China ahead of Hong Kong’s of TikTok to Microsoft. being a tool for espionage. messing up Hong Kong have able” sanctions could have lowing last year’s huge pro- 1997 handover that the city The move also threw into Huawei on Friday said it been clearly revealed,” Bei- blowback for American busi- democracy protests in Hong could keep key freedoms and doubt the US operations of would end production of its jing’s Liaison Office in Hong nesses in Hong Kong. Kong, sending a political chill autonomy for 50 years. WeChat’s parent firm,T encent, flagship smartphone chips Kong said in a statement. China’s Hong Kong and through the semi-autono- Pompeo said in a state- a powerful player in the video due to US sanctions. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Singapore director charged in scandal A COMPANY director has been charged in Singapore with falsifying letters linked to scandal-hit German pay- ments giant Wirecard AG, according to court docu- ments, as the fallout from the firm’s collapse spreads further around the world. The fintech company filed for insolvency in June after admitting that €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) missing from its accounts did not exist, revelations that stunned Germany and drew compar- isons with the Enron accounting scandal. R Shanmugaratnam, direc- tor of a business administra- tion firm in Singapore at the centre of investigations into the case, has been charged with falsifying letters showing it held money in escrow for Wirecard. The 54-year-old from Cita- delle Corporate Services Pte Ltd claimed in the letters in 2016 and 2017 that the firm held amounts ranging from €30 million to around €177 million in accounts on behalf Hundreds in Thailand rallied against the arrest of two pro-democracy leaders – the latest outburst of anger in a movement increasingly vocal in its demand for reforms. AFP of Wirecard, according to court documents seen on Friday. But the accounts did not hold such amounts and the Flash-mob protesters hit streets of letters were produced with the “intent to defraud”, according to the charges, filed last month. Shanmugaratnam could not Bangkok over the arrests of activists immediately be reached for comment. FLASH mob of hundreds took Monument on July 18. tentious rally three weeks earlier. Thailand’s controversial lese majeste Authorities in Singapore last to Bangkok’s streets on Sat- Human rights lawyer Anon Numpa, Crowds cheered and applauded the law, which protects the monarchy month launched an investiga- urday to protest against the 35, and activist Panupong Jadnok, 24, speakers on stage in the pouring rain, and its King Maha Vajiralongkorn tion into Citadelle and anoth- arrest of two pro-democracy were released on bail on Saturday af- many holding up the three-finger from criticism. er company over suspicions activistsA – the latest outburst of anger ternoon, on condition they would not protest salute inspired by The Hunger Carrying a sentence of up to 15 years they falsified accounts. Shan- in a movement increasingly vocal in its repeat the alleged offences. Games movie franchise. per charge, it is one of the harshest mugaratnam is the first per- demand for reforms in Thailand. On his release outside the city’s “If we burn, you burn with us,” said laws of its kind in the world, making son to face charges. The kingdom has seen near-daily criminal court, Anon said he would one placard, continuing the theme. open scrutiny of the royal family vir- Wirecard’s woes began in rallies in recent weeks with mainly abide by the terms. Another referenced the musical Les tually impossible. January last year with a series young protesters denouncing the He told waiting reporters: “Our de- Miserables with a sign reading: “This No charges have so far been filed of Financial Times articles government of former military leader mands for a re-writing of the Consti- is the song of angry people”. under the draconian law against the alleging accounting irregu- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. tution and a rejection of the coup are Former military leader Prayut held protesters. larities in its Asian division, Two protest leaders were arrested constitutional.” onto power after a national election Thailand’s economy has been headed by chief operating on Friday evening on eight charges, But the bail decision did not deter last year, but the protesters regard his rocked by the coronavirus pandemic, officer Jan Marsalek. including sedition and breaking coro- a flash mob of around 1,000 protest- government as a legacy of a royalist laying bare the inequalities of a soci- German and Philippine navirus rules about gatherings at a ers taking over a major junction in the junta regime. ety perceived to favour the elite, pro- authorities want to question rally held at Bangkok’s Democracy Thai capital, the largest since the con- Some have even dared challenge military establishment. AFP Marsalek as part of separate investigations into Wirecard, but his whereabouts are unclear. Last month, Philippines Secretary of Justice Menardo Philippine gov’t faces protracted pandemic Guevarra said immigration officers falsified records to MUCH as the Philippines serve our resources for suc- per cent are critical. also be complemented by the vestment grade credit profile show he briefly visited the would like to knock out ceeding rounds of this fight.” Dominguez said the 140- passage of the pending Corpo- that has enabled us to borrow country after being sacked. Covid-19, which has brought The Department of Health’s to-165-billion-peso ($2.9-3.4- rate Recovery and Tax Incen- money here and abroad at Entries in the Bureau of the economy to a recession, data suggests there are several billion) stimulus package un- tives for Enterprises (Create) relatively lower cost.” Immigration database show the country’s chief economic rounds more to go as it tallied der the envisioned Bayanihan bill, which will slash corporate Also on Saturday, Acting Marsalek arrived in the Phil- manager urged prudence in 4,226 new Covid-19 cases on to Recover as One Law, the re- income tax from 30 per cent – Secretary of Socioeconomic ippines on June 23 – the day public spending in case of a Saturday, bringing the total cord 4.5-trillion-peso nation- the biggest in Southeast Asia Planning Karl Kendrick Chua after he was fired – and left for protracted pandemic. count to 126,885. al budget for next year and – to 25 per cent, retroactively said the state planning agency China on June 24. Secretary of Finance Car- The death toll also increased the Duterte administration’s effective to July. National Economic and De- But CCTV footage, airline los Dominguez III said in a to 2,209 as 41 more patients sustained investments in in- Foregone revenues from the velopment Authority, which manifests and other records statement: “When Senator succumbed to the severe re- frastructure were designed to lower tax rates under Create he heads, was spearheading prove Marsalek was not in the Pacquiao trains for a fight, spiratory disease. hasten recovery. had been estimated to reach 42 the task force on Covid-19 re- country on those dates, Gue- he prepares for 12 gruelling More than half, or 2,669, of While critics complained billion pesos this year – tax sav- covery via the “Recharge PH” varra said in a statement. rounds. the new infections still came that the stimulus package ings which Dominguez hopes programme. The firm’s troubles exploded “As there can be no knock- from Metro Manila. Laguna was too small to recover the would be reinvested by firms Chua said “the government in June when long-time audi- out punch that cuts our fight was a far second with 285 cas- trillions of pesos in economic to revive their operations. will focus on rebalancing its tors Ernst & Young said they short before a vaccine is de- es, followed by Cavite (154), losses and the millions of jobs He added: “The economy priorities from saving lives were unable to find the €1.9 veloped, the government’s Cebu (125) and Rizal (118). lost, Dominguez said Baya- is in good shape to mount a from just the Covid-19 virus billion, and that they had been ability to sustain the fight de- The number of active cases nihan 2 included “targeted strong recovery soon enough, to saving lives from Covid- fed false statements. AFP pends on our fiscal stamina. climbed to 57,559, of which support for unemployed in- given the positive metrics 19 and other factors, such as “We have the resources 91.4 per cent are mild, 7.3 per dividuals and the hardest-hit – such as benign inflation, hunger and other diseases.” www.phnompenhpost.com necessary to endure this chal- cent are asymptomatic, 0.7 strategic industries”. a peso that is the strongest PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS check the post website for breaking news lenge, but we must also con- per cent are severe and 0.6 Moreover, the package will currency in Asia and high-in- NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Time to end the nuclear menace www.phnompenhpost.com START” treaty retains verifiable EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Opinion caps. Its extension for five years Ly Tayseng Antonio Guterres would buy time to negotiate new Executive Editor-in-Chief agreements, including by potential- Joshua Purushotman HIS month marks the 75th ly bringing in other countries pos- Managing Editor Post Khmer anniversary of the atomic sessing nuclear weapons. Sam Rith bombing of Hiroshima and Next year, the UN will host the T Deputy Chief of Staff Nagasaki, when humanity learned of Review Conference of the Treaty on Phak Seangly the devastation a single nuclear the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Business Editor bomb can unleash. Weapons (NPT), one of the most suc- May Kunmakara The lingering suffering caused to cessful international security agree- Deputy Business Editor the survivors, the hibakusha, should ments. It contains the only treaty- Sangeetha Amarthalingam give us daily motivation to eliminate based commitments undertaken by Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk all nuclear arms. They have shared the five largest nuclear-armed coun- Pan Simala their stories so the horror experi- tries to pursue the elimination of Senior Reporters enced by Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear weapons and imposes verifia- Meas Sokchea, Niem chheng will never be forgotten. Yet the nucle- ble obligations not to acquire or Reporters ar threat is growing once more. develop nuclear weapons. Its near Khouth Sophak chakrya, Kim Sarom, A web of agreements and instru- universal membership means the vast Long Kimmarita, Khorn Savi, Hin Pisei, ments has been constructed to pre- majority of the international commu- Soth Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, Sous Yamy, vent the use of these uniquely nity is bound by these commitments. Thou Vireak destructive weapons and ultimately to The NPT Review Conference is an Photographers eliminate them. But that framework A mushroom cloud of the atomic bomb dropped by the B-29 bomber Enola Gay over the opportunity to stem the erosion of the Heng chivoan, Hong Menea has idled for decades and is starting to city of Hiroshima. Handout/Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum/US ARMY/AFP international nuclear order. Web Editor erode. The potential that nuclear Fortunately, most UN member Leang Phannara weapons will be used – intentionally, horrific human and environmental in global arsenals are vastly more states remain committed to the goal Webmasters accidentally or as a result of miscalcu- consequences. This relic of a former destructive than the bombs dropped of a world free of nuclear weapons. Sous chanthy, Pang Vichea lation – is dangerously high. age should be confined there forever. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Any use This is reflected in the 122 countries SIEM REAP BUREAU Fuelled by mounting international Only a legally binding, verifiable pro- would precipitate a humanitarian dis- that supported the adoption of the Offi ce Manager tensions and the dissolution of trust, hibition on all nuclear testing can aster of unimaginable proportions. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Sophearith Blondeel relations between countries that pos- achieve this. It is time to return to the shared Weapons. They understand that the PRODUCTION & PRINTING sess nuclear weapons are devolving The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- understanding that a nuclear war can- consequences of any use of nuclear Head of Desktop Publishing into dangerous and destabilising Ban Treaty has proven its worth, yet not be won and must not be fought, to arms would be catastrophic. Nhim Sokphyrak confrontations. As governments lean some States have still to sign or ratify the collective agreement that we We cannot risk another Hiroshima Desktop Publishing heavily on nuclear weapons for secu- the treaty, preventing it from fulfilling should work towards a world free of or Nagasaki or worse. As we reflect Suon Savatdy, chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath rity, politicians are trading heated its full potential as an essential ele- nuclear weapons, and to the spirit of on the suffering of the hibakusha, let Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna rhetoric about their possible use and ment in the framework to eliminate cooperation that enabled historic us view this tragedy as a rallying cry devoting vast sums of money to nuclear weapons. progress towards their elimination. for humanity and recommit to a HEAD OFFICE improving their lethality, money that Along with climate change, nuclear The US and the Russian Federa- world free of nuclear weapons. THE would be much better spent on weapons represent an existential tion, as the possessors of some 90 NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK peaceful, sustainable development. threat to our societies. Most of the per cent of nuclear weapons, are For decades, nuclear testing led to roughly 13,000 nuclear arms currently expected to lead the way. The “New Antonio Guterres is the UN secretary-general Post Media Co, Ltd. The Elements Condominium Level 7, Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Lessons from Beirut explosions Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 AMMONIUM nitrate explo- Before the explosion, a fire the explosion in Beirut, such According to the Interna- ties in Colombo, Sri Lanka, SIEM REAP sions have caused other acci- had been reported from the regulations are often not tional Maritime Organisation, discovered more than 100 No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune dents, too, in the past, and it is vicinity and as scientists tell properly implemented. The 97 ships have been aban- abandoned containers laden Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 for this reason that most coun- us, energy applied to ammo- other factor to be considered doned since 2017 at ports with clinical waste that may COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT tries have stringent regulations nium nitrate as from a fire is that hazardous material is around the world after their have included human Chief Operating Offi cer on storage of the chemical. makes the molecule unsta- routinely shipped around the owners found them either remains. A leak from the con- James Ong Soon Teck While the explosion that ble. While it is inert in normal world, and both mishandled unprofitable to operate or tainers triggered a public Advertising Department rocked Beirut last week, kill- circumstances, poorly stored as well as illegally traded. found it difficult to pay fines health panic. chap Narith, 017 996 241 ing more than 100 people and ammonium nitrate can Not surprisingly, abandoned imposed for transgressions. As Lebanon grapples with Hun channet, 017 578 768 devastating large tracts of a explode if it set off by a fire. containers of hazardous chem- There is, however, no reliable the aftermath of the deadly Prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 city that has over the years In 1947, a ship carrying icals are often found in ports, estimation of the number of explosion in Beirut, including Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 seen more than its share of ammonium nitrate had as at Chennai where nearly 700 containers that may have huge public anger with the Phon Sok chea, 012 717 404 violent deaths, was excep- caught fire when docked in tonnes of ammonium nitrate been abandoned at ports government, it is important to Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 tional, there may be nothing Texas, and the resultant has been lying since 2015, around the world or indeed of revisit the rules of maritime CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION quite as surprising about the explosion destroyed 1,000 when it was seized after being how many are packed with security, especially the penal- Acting Distribution Manager Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 circumstances that led to it. buildings and killed more found to be of explosive grade hazardous material. ties for abandoning vessels Circulation Supervisor From most accounts, the than 500 people. and not fertiliser grade as According to some reports, and containers, and improper Nou chanthy, 096 999 2828 explosion was triggered by Ammonium nitrate explo- claimed by the importer. large numbers of containers transportation and storage of Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 2,750 tonnes of ammonium sions have caused other acci- While international mari- containing waste – a lot of it hazardous materials. If these ADMINISTRATION nitrate, lying in storage in dents, too, in the past, and it is time security is largely con- illegal such as un-recyclable measures are not taken, and Admin & HR Manager Beirut port since 2013 when for this reason that most coun- centrated on piracy or terror- plastic and at least some of it expeditiously, no lessons Pich Socheat the vessel that had transport- tries have stringent regulations ism, the prevention of port hazardous – is shipped to would have been drawn from Assistants to Admin & HR Manager THE STATESMAN ed it was found unseaworthy on storage of the chemical. accidents does not get the Asian ports and abandoned. the Beirut tragedy. Nhel Soaphea (INDIA)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK and its owner abandoned it. But as was made clear by importance it deserves. Just last year, port authori- 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 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Stylish Slek Chak bags help empower women

Kheng Sokkunthea underprivileged communi- ties, especially income-less LEK Chak, or man- housewives, Putheary says. grove palms, evoke “When I saw a fabric bag at images of Kampot an overseas social enterprise province, where the shop, I suddenly thought of localS plants which grow along the rich natural resources the river have long been used back home that could be for everything from rural con- made into something like structions to wraps for tradi- this.” tional snacks. Putheary imagined a bag Lately, the palm leaves have made from the unique Slek been turned into a fashion Chak plant and she saw an item, thanks to the creative opportunity. While it has efforts of Madam Chnai, a so- been used for a variety of ap- cial enterprise which was es- plications before, it had yet to tablished to help local house- become a fashion statement. wives achieve a sustainable “In Cambodia, people are salary. selling handcrafted bags Slek Chak, also known as Nypa made from water hyacinth, fruticans in the scientific com- but most of the raw material munity, is often used to wrap is imported from other coun- the traditional Khmer cakes tries. I then thought of Slek commonly found in Kampot, Chak, an easy and durable imparting a unique fragrance leaf to make into bags,” she to the local delicacies. says. It is also used to build In 2018, Madam Chnai thatched roofs and walls for started as an online shop to rural countryside structures. advertise her Slek Chak bags The long and slender plants and their popularity grew mostly grow in rivers close to as travellers took an interest the sea and are widely used to and posted pictures on Ins- make souvenirs by locals in tagram. Oudong Mountain in Kandal Demand became high province. enough that Putheary opened At Madam Chnai, women a small shop in Phnom Penh weave the leaves into differ- which displays bags made ent patterns at their homes, specifically by housewives Madam Chnai sells a range of handcrafted goods including customised shopping bags, laptop bags and beach bags ranging from $5 to $25. supplied which they customise by from Kandal. adorning them with flowers “The women who make of choosing unique styles,” comes too dry, you can spray and embroidery at the cus- Slek Chak bags for me say Putheary says, adding that some water on it. If you keep tomers’ request. that they are pleased that the customers have the option to it this way, it will last long,” These creative crafts are the handicraft is gaining popu- chose from different weaving she says. brainchild of Chheun Put- larity. They’re happy to earn styles, patterns and sizes. Slek Chak can be woven into heary, an entrepreneur and more to support their family The bags require careful shoulder bags, handbags, lap- social activist who set out to as more people buy them,” concentration and skill. A de- top bags, baby accessory bags add sustainable and environ- she says. signer can only make three and shopping bags. The price mentally-friendly products In the past, Putheary’s simply-designed bags per day. depends on size and style and to her collection of arts and worked at NGOs to support Additional decorations are of- ranges from $5 to $25. crafts products. women with HIV and disabled ten created with recycled ma- A basic laptop bag or a The 35-year-old believes people. She also ran a mas- terial such as leftover fabric shopping bag costs $10, a that creating sustainable sage parlour which hired vi- and lace from seamstresses. purse or pencil holder is sold handicrafts can benefit mi- sually impaired people before Unlike some bags made at $5, while beach bags are norities and vulnerable wom- she opened Madam Chnai to from plants which cannot be priced around $20. en by giving them the chance assist the rural community. washed, Slek Chak bags can Putheary says she priced the to have a stable job. She says The beige-coloured bags be cleaned with water. Put- items to be affordable while Weaving Slek Chak requires patience and skill. supplied this can reduce discrimina- can be decorated with differ- heary advises customers to also ensuring the workers can tion, poverty, and violence ent flowers, string, laces and use them with care so they sustain their livelihoods. community. Madam Chnai is located at against women in Cambodia. fabric. Customers can also can last several years. “I urge people to add local “Customers are assured of No 35, Street 8B, O’Bek Ka’am “I have seen many craft request individual styles with “It is a handcrafted bag that handmade products to their having trendy items as they commune, Sen Sok district, shops in other countries. They customised names. needs a bit of care. For exam- lifestyle. If they continue to contribute to local business- Phnom Penh, behind Mid- sell sustainable and environ- “We also provide tailored ple, if it gets stained or dirty, support us, we’ll be motivat- es that help empower rural town Mall. For more informa- mentally-friendly souvenirs services to allow the cus- you can wash it. If you leave it ed to create something fash- housewives and earn them tion contact 093 318 866 or that are locally made to help tomer to enjoy the freedom unused for a while and it be- ionable and beneficial to our income,” she says. 012 545722.

Slek Chak can be found growing along rivers in Kampot province. post staff Chheun Putheary opened her shop in Phnom Penh after her online store proved successful. supplied THE PHNOM PENH POST August 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Email: [email protected] Socialite 13 Ministry, Post Media ink MoU to boost education The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and Post Media Co Ltd on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost education in Cambodia. Post Media is the owner of The Phnom Penh Post which is published in English and Khmer. In a ceremony presided over by minister Hang Chuon Naron, the MoU was signed by the ministry’s Department of Information and Asean Affairs director Seng Janine and Post Media publisher and CEO Ly Tayseng. Based on the agreement, The Post will provide a page in its English and Khmer versions to the ministry to publish education-related articles on the first Wednesday of each month or once every two weeks depending on requirements. ean Rangsey H ean photos photos

CP supports food, funds to New Hope orphans Vice President of CP Cambodia Co. Ltd. Thanachit Sriboonlue last Thursday led management and staff in joining the contestants of the 19th edition of the Freshie Girl and Boy Cambodia talent show to serve lunch for orphans with the NGO New Hope for Cambodian Children. The CP team handed out their delicious fried chicken, meatballs and hotdogs during the visit to Soben village in Kampong Speu province’s Samrong Tong district. They also donated funds to orphans living with HIV/Aids. CP Cambodia has been operating across the whole of Cambodia for more than 20 years in fields including animal food production and animal husbandry, as well as operating food businesses and other retail concerns.

Cheers as TwoBirds opens up brewery TwoBirds held the soft opening of their craft brewery and bar at the Factory in the capital’s Chak Angre Leu commune on Sunday night. A sizeable crowd tucked into a sizzling barbecue and played pool, darts, table football and beer pong – while of course enjoying the brewery’s finest quality German craft beers from the stylish new bar. Master brewer Bernd Kirsch and his son Connor were on hand to pour the perfect glass of “pure

S U PP LI E D handmade excellence”. S U PP LI E D “We are opening our brewery to the public because we want everyone to be a part of the craft beer experience ,” said Connor Kirsch, TwoBirds’ general manager. photos photos photos 14 Socialite Email: [email protected] THE PHNOM PENH POST August 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com

Cambodia, Malaysia to enhance military ties Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia Eldeen Husaini said he expects a joint military drill with Cambodia to happen next year, while military courses under the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP) could be brought directly to the Kingdom. Eldeen revealed the plan during a lunch gathering with alumni and participants from Cambodia who received military training under the MDCP. He said the military programme would continue to be provided to Cambodia.

While military cooperation between the two nations is currently strong, he added, it could be improved. Rangsey H ean “Even though the cooperation and agreements are there, I can still see potential for us to grow even closer. We plan to offer more courses and hold military exercises together with Cambodia,” Eldeen said. photos photos

Enjoy authentic Khmer fare at Meatophum With the rescheduled Khmer New Year holiday approaching, travellers along National Road 6 in Kampong Thom town should take advantage of Meatophum restaurant’s authentic Khmer food, warm friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. Patrons can re-imagine the past glories of the Angkor Empire as they enjoy Khmer dishes made with fresh local ingredients and fish from the nearby Tonle Sap lake.

SCIA holds safe drive-through for students Music could be heard last Monday as Singapore Cambodia International Academy (SCIA) held a drive-through parade at their campus to mark the start of their new academic year. The parade – held with

S U PP LI E D the strictest safety measures – started at 3pm with a steady stream of cars passing through for around 45 S U PP LI E D minutes. Parents drove their children around the campus as school leaders, teachers and administrative staff holding balloons and posters bearing heart-warming messages cheered and waved flags. photos photos photos THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Lifestyle Japanese judogi firm Thinking caps weaves a traditional trade with ‘soul in it’

More than a century in business, Kusakura vintage weaving machines still turn out judo uniforms and the company is the only certified supplier to make its own materials. afp “WHAT A CROCK!” UDO uniforms are made tradition for the next 10, 20 or teacher wears the firm’s ju- all over the world, but just 100 years,” he said. dogi and he finds the uniform ACROSS 53 Application entry 23 Hand cream ingredient a handful of suppliers are Once the fabric is woven from lighter than others. 1 Cold War initials 55 Full or half dives 24 Africa’s Sierra ___ designated by the sport’s cotton, it is handchecked by J “I hope that during com- 5 Puts on a few pounds 58 A nest on a cliff 26 Like some training international federation. And employees looking for stains or petition it will help me have 10 Bell emanation 62 Wall safe feature 27 Reproductive organs of those, just one weaves its other irregularities, then care- this lightness and be able to 14 Dashboard dial, for short 65 Ill-fated son of Adam 28 Many a family car own materials. fully cut and sewn, with adjust- quickly bring out techniques,” 15 “The game is ___” 66 Cognizant 30 Go inside Founded over a century ments made down to the order he said. 16 Troll’s larger kin 67 Fencer’s weapon, sometimes 32 Gambler’s words of lament ago, Kusakura in the western of a single millimetre. 68 Enjoy the banquet 33 Where some pilgrims flock More than a sport 17 Challenging way to race Japanese city of Kashiwara, The firm, with its S logo sig- 20 Auburn hair dye 69 More cunning 34 Don’t leave at the doorstep has stuck with the much nifying Japan’s national tree For some employees at Ku- 21 Like the moon 70 Poor grades 37 Plastic-wrap brand more laborious and time- sakura or cherry blossom, sakura, judogi production and 22 Gem with a play of color DOWN 40 Spoiled, as food consuming process, handling produces 150,000 judogi a sales is more than just a job. 25 Ceylon and green, for two 1 Mormon state 41 Latvian capital not only weaving, but cutting year. Veteran salesman Kazunori 26 Kramden’s vehicle 2 Savory spice 42 The boss’ “echo” and sewing. But just 17,000 are made in Ohira, who has practiced judo 29 Downwind at sea 3 CAT procedure 47 Maxi’s opposite But its president Masahiko Japan using fabric from vin- since he was 10, still swaps 31 American Express or Kia product 4 Zoo behemoth 48 Concert settings, at times Miura says the additional tage and modern looms. A his business suit for a judogi 35 Nibbled on 5 It may be natural or noble 52 Fish with a big net work is worth it. tiny handful use fabric woven – made by Kusakura of course 36 They sound batty 6 Back, at sea 54 Sought lampreys “It’s very hard to describe, exclusively on the heritage – to teach children judo after 38 Many microbrews 7 Extremely small amount 55 Asia’s largest desert it’s not just about machines machines. work. 39 It’s produced under pressure 8 Pitched a perfect game against 56 Revival meeting shout weaving, there is a soul in it,” These high-end judogi He also goes personally to 43 Today’s Persia 9 Not mono 57 Command to a dog he said. called “Dojin”, or master, sell follow up on the sale of ju- 44 Spooky 10 Guiding principle 59 You can skip it “We’ll never let go of weaving for 50,000 yen ($470) a set, dogi to a club at a local high 45 ___-fi 11 They often clash 60 Slurpee rival 12 Parabolas, e.g. so long as we make judogis.” while uniforms made in China school and watches the chil- 46 The art of film 61 ___ out a living (just gets by) 13 What to spend in Albania 62 Love-’em-and-leave-’em type The judo uniform, or judo- by the firm range from 10,000 dren when they participate in 49 Car wash supplies 18 Smell in “Apocalypse Now” 63 Anger gi, comprises a white jacket yen to 23,000 yen for more se- tournaments. 50 Soak up some rays 19 Applaud 64 “ ___ the ramparts ...” secured by an obi or belt and 51 Grass roots environment? white trousers. It’s very hard to At Kusakura, which began Friday’s solution as a weaving and sewing com- describe, it’s not just pany in 1918, the fabrics for about machines weaving, the top-of-the-line judogi are woven by decades-old looms there is a soul in it with yarn-carrying wooden shuttles that jet across verti- rious competition sets. “I’ve been in charge of chil- cal threads. The firm has about 30 per- dren here for over 20 years,” The venerable machines are cent of the judogi market in the 44-year-old said. part of a long tradition for the Japan and exports to around “You can’t be sure until you firm, but keeping them run- 20 countries, though the see them in matches if you ning is also not easy because coronavirus pandemic has delivered the right size of ju- the models are no longer pro- stalled shipments. dogi,” he said. duced. At Kusakura’s Tokyo show- “It’s always on my mind . . . That means Kusakura em- room, dozens of judogi are It’s my occupational hazard ployees are always on the hung for customers to try, that I have to go and see the Friday’s solution lookout for spare parts, of- with samples washed at least matches.” ten scrambling to snatch up three times to show how the Respect is a key plank of pieces if they hear of a textile fabric will shrink. judo, and students are ex- company closing down. Many customers want a pected to show it for their uni- tighter fit, leaving opponents forms, as well as the parents A prized lightness less material to grab onto, who paid for them, and op- Production chief Yoshifumi but the International Judo ponents who help them grow Hayakawa says the fabric wo- Federation has strict rules stronger, Ohira explained. ven by the vintage machines on length, width and other “It’s considered ugly to just stands out, with customers details, said Atsushi Ebisawa, stride over judogi or an obi often commenting on its deli- who manages the showroom. laid on the floor,” he said. cate texture. Javier Pallejero, a 32-year- “In Japan, judo is still more “We want to keep produc- old Spaniard visiting the like a ‘martial art’ than just a ing our fabrics with this long showroom said his ‘sensei’ or sport.” afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST august 10, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Bayern poised for Barcelona in Champions League matchup REBLE-CHASING Bayern Friday in Lisbon for a place in the Munich are relishing their semi-finals. Champions League quarter- Lewandowski netted a penalty final against Barcelona in with just 10 minutes gone at the Al- LisbonT after Robert Lewandowski lianz Arena. netted twice to seal a 4-1 home win Winger Ivan Perisic then doubled over Chelsea on Saturday in the last Bayern’s lead before England striker 16, return-leg tie. Tammy Abraham tapped home a “The anticipation is enormous. loose ball to give Chelsea brief hope. Barcelona has a good team with very However, replacement midfielder good players, but if you look at the Corentin Tolisso put the result beyond last few weeks, we can fly to Portugal doubt when he fired home a Lewan- Barcelona’s Lionel Messi controls the ball against Napoli in a win but questions persist about their chances against Bayern. afp with a lot of confidence,” said Bayern dowski pass with 14 minutes to go. defender David Alaba. “I am really happy with how we “We have to perform well and alty for his 12th goal in seven Cham- Mason Mount forced Neuer into a Lewandowski, the Champions played over the 90 minutes, the first show our quality as a team against a pions League games. low save early in the second half, while League’s top-scorer, bagged his 12th 30 minutes we shut Chelsea out,” good Barcelona side, it’s a big game He turned provider on 24 minutes Bayern lost defender Jerome Boateng and 13th goals in Europe this season said Bayern head coach Hansi Flick. for everybody.” as Bayern kept up the pressure. to a leg injury with an hour gone. and played a part in all four Bayern This was a world-class display After Mateo Kovacic lost posses- He was replaced by Niklas Suele as goals in Munich on Saturday. from Lewandowski who added a late Early penalty sion near the halfway line, the ball Perisic made way for Brazil playmak- Leading 3-0 from the first leg at header to his pair of assists. After a ruthless display in the first was worked to Lewandowski who er Philippe Coutinho. Stamford Bridge in February, before He is now four goals short of Cris- leg, Bayern picked up where they left squared for Perisic to fire home. Flick also changed both defensive the coronavirus pandemic halted the tiano Ronaldo’s record of 17 Champi- off six months ago. Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was midfielders,T hiago Alcantara and Josh- competition, Bayern progressed 7-1 ons League goals in 2013/14. They took the lead when Serge linked with a move to Munich at the ua Kimmich, for the final 20 minutes. on aggregate. “It’s not a goal of mine,” said Le- Gnabry, who scored twice in Lon- start of the season, beat Manuel Neu- It paid off two-fold as moments “We can be pleased, it was our first wandowski when asked about Ron- don, spotted the run into the box of er on 28 minutes only for the goal to later Tolisso, on for Alcantara, made game for a month and it’s not easy to aldo’s record. Lewandowski, who was tripped by be ruled out by VAR for an offside. it 3-1 when he turned home Lewan- keep the rhythm,” added Alaba. “We have a few more games in the Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero. However, Chelsea pulled a goal dowski’s pass on 76 minutes. “We have prepared for this for the knock-out round and I am just as hap- The Poland striker was initially back just before half-time. Alvaro Odriozola, on for Kimmich, last two weeks and you could see the py creating goals as scoring them.” flagged offside, butA V R ruled oth- Bayern goalkeeper Neuer could only then supplied the silky cross on 84 result.” The Poland star was also coy when erwise. parry a shot by Hudson-Odoi and Abra- minutes which Lewandowski headed The Bundesliga and German Cup asked about a rivalry with Barcelona Caballero was booked and Lewan- ham tapped home the loose ball on 44 home for his 53rd goal in 44 games champions will meet Barcelona next star Lionel Messi. dowski converted the resulting pen- minutes to make it 2-1 at the break. this season. afp Woakes sparks England to ‘brilliant’ Pakistan victory

CHRIS Woakes hit an unbeaten this team, I’m going to have to 294-4 against New Zealand 84 as England came from be- be better,” he admitted. in 2008 and 231-3 against the hind to beat Pakistan by three But Buttler, who led England West Indies in 2004. wickets in the first Test at Old to a stunning one-wicket win Trafford on Saturday. over Australia with an unbeat- Collapse England were struggling in en century in a one-day inter- Earlier, England lost four pursuit of a victory target of national on this ground two wickets for 31 runs in slipping to 277 after collapsing to 117-5 years ago, put the pressure 117-5, with Root and Ben Stokes on the fourth day. back on Pakistan with the bat. both falling in the collapse. But man-of-the-match Buttler, whose father was ad- Root made 42 before he Woakes, who had helped drag mitted to hospital on Friday but nicked Naseem to Babar Azam England back into this contest has since been released, told Sky in the slips. with 2-11 in just five overs late Sports: “We [England] turned up Stokes had guided England on Friday, and fellow World today still with a lot of belief.” to an astounding one-wicket Cup winner Jos Buttler turned Pakistan captain Azhar Ali win over Australia from a the tide with a stand of 139. praised Buttler and Woakes by seemingly hopeless position “It was a brilliant chase,” saying: “They changed the mo- with a brilliant century in the said England captain Joe mentum of the game and un- third Ashes Test last year. Root at the presentation cer- fortunately we couldn’t reply to But there was no repeat of his emony. whatever they threw at us.” Headingley heroics on Saturday “I couldn’t be more proud of Buttler’s fifty came off just when he fell for just nine, with the lads. 55 balls, with seven fours, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Riz- “That partnership with Woakes no slouch in a 59-ball wan holding an excellent catch Woakesy and Jos was magnifi- fifty he completed by cover- after Stokes got a thin glove to a cent. Chris Woakes hit an unbeaten 84 as England came from behind to beat Pakistan at Old Trafford. afp driving Naseem Shah for the Yasir googly that bounced. “One thing you can never eighth boundary of his innings. Pakistan resumed on 137-8, doubt in our dressing room just 13 more runs to win at a Victory meant England had innings deficit of over a hun- It was Woakes’s highest a lead of 244. is the character. I am really sun-drenched Old Trafford. won an opening Test for the dred runs. Test score since his hundred Yasir struck a quickfire 33, proud and pleased that has But there was still time for Eng- first time in six series. against India two years ago. with Pakistan adding 32 in 16 shone through today.” land to lose their seventh wicket Defeat was tough on Yasir, ‘Not good enough’ Although Woakes is known balls on Saturday before they Nevertheless, with just 21 when, with four more needed, who took eight wickets in the “If I take those chances, to be vulnerable to the short were dismissed for 169 in their more runs needed, Buttler was Stuart Broad was plumb lbw on match. we’re not chasing 270-odd,” ball, Pakistan did not pitch second innings. lbw (leg before wicket) for 75 the sweep to Yasir. Wicketkeeper Buttler had a Buttler told BBC Radio’s Test short to the all-rounder until England will now try to after trying to reverse-sweep Woakes, however, finished poor game in the field, twice Match Special. he was well set. complete their first series win leg-spinner Yasir Shah. the match with an edged missing Shan Masood on 45 “I know it’s not good enough Only twice has a team chased over Pakistan in 10 years with By the time Pakistan left-arm boundary off Afridi as England during the Pakistan opener’s as an international wicket- more than 200 to win in the victory in the second Test fast bowler Shaheen Afridi took went 1-0 up in a three-match 156 that was instrumental in keeper...If I am going to con- fourth innings of a Test at Old at Southampton starting on the new ball, England needed campaign. leaving England with a first- tinue to be a wicketkeeper in Trafford, with England making Thursday. afp