Published by the Cabinet of Samdech —————— MP of Kandal Prime Minister

Issue 60 http://www.cnv.org.kh January, 2003

28 January 2003 17 January 2003 Addressing the Government –Donor Monitoring Meeting Addressing the Closing of Commerce’s Annual Meeting

“… It is a great honor and has exerted its best in imple- pleasure to address the Annual menting the government's poli- Meeting of the Ministry of cies and reform agenda - espe- Commerce, and thus partici- cially that of open and free pate in the review of the Min- trade policy. Indeed, this has istry's 2002 performance as contributed to the reduction of well as set its objectives and poverty among the Cambodian workplan for 2003. people.

In behalf of the Royal Govern- In 2002, the Cambodian econ- ment of and my omy achieved economic own self as Prime Minister, I growth of 5% despite suffer- sincerely congratulate the ing serious flooding, droughts Ministry of Commerce for its and the negative impacts of commendable performance world insecurity and economic On January 23, 2003, Samdech Hun Sen is warmly welcomed by the and successes achieved in stagnation. elderly people during the inauguration of bridges 24 and 25 on the Na- 2002. tional Road 6A that are built with the Japanese financial assistance. Exchange rates have been sta- The Ministry of Commerce (Continued on page 3) “... Please allow me to warmly ment will also highlight the welcome all Your Excellen- strengths, weaknesses and 14 January 2003 [Unofficial Translation] cies, the representatives of challenges of the reform proc- Ad-lib Address on Roads and Bridges Construction in Khsach Cambodia’s development part- ess. As a result we will be Kandal District, Kandal Province ners who are participating in able to work out more effec- At the groundbreaking cere- gratitude to the venerable head this important meeting. This tive and efficient action plans mony to build in the district of monk of Prey Baing pagoda dialogue marks another mile- and measures to sustain and Khsach Kandal, Kandal prov- for offering us the place to stone in the continuing drive accelerate our efforts in fruit- ince three roads and eleven organize the ceremony and to of the Royal Government of ful momentum. bridges, Samdech Hun Sen our people whose residences Cambodia and the donor com- made the following selected situated along the three roads munity to act decisively in In this regard, I am pleased to and translated address: to be built for their support to implementing the reform inform you all that on 20 De- the initiatives. I also wish to agenda, which we jointly cember 2002, the Royal Gov- ... I am very pleased today for thank the Ministry of Econ- agreed upon at the Consulta- ernment adopted the National having a chance to return to omy and Finance, for which tive Group Meeting here in Poverty Reduction Strategy the district of Khsach Kandal we have here the presence of Phnom Penh last June 2002. (NPRS). The NPRS sets our to preside over the ground- HE Senior Minister Keat directions in development gov- breaking ceremony for which Chhon, our people, the mili- Indeed, we meet at a crucial ernance over the next three three roads and eleven bridges tary engineering team as well juncture in Cambodia’s his- years. This important docu- are being constructed. This is a as Kandal's public works of- tory. Our “Economic Govern- ment was prepared in exten- scarce opportunity and it is fice for the collaboration in ment” has been in office for sive consultation with all gov- also not by chance to have a (Continued on page 5) 50 months. Thus it is appropri- ernment ministries and agen- construction site of this size ate that we make a candid as- cies, the National Assembly for the improvement of infra- sessment of our achievements and Senate, the donor commu- In This Issue structure aimed at generating and performance against set nity, NGOs, the private sector the economic growth and re- 1) Government-Donor Monitor- goals. This exercise is impor- and most especially the poor ing Meeting — P.1 ducing poverty among our 2) Commerce’s Meeting — P.1 tant, since through it we will themselves. people. May I take this oppor- 3) Khsach Kandal’s Roads & learn from the experiences of tunity to first of all express my Bridges — P. 1 implementation. The assess- (Continued on page 2) 4) Zoo in Koh Kong — P. 7

Mailing Box: Cambodia New Vision (CNV), P.O. Box 158, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; e-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 855-23 219898; Fax: 855-23 360666/219869 January 2003 • Cambodia New Vision

(Continued from page 1) Within the Second Term of the cooperation between Cambo- The current issues have Royal Government, this is the dia and its development part- emerged from the repeatedly Even as we take note of the last opportunity jointly with ners. These topics include: hostile, faulty, unfair and de- advances made so far, we do Cambodia’s development part- Governance Reform, Legal structive attitude and behavior recognize that much more ners for stocktaking and dia- and Judicial Reform, Fiscal of the current forestry moni- remains to be done, by all of logue on Cambodia’s reform Reform, Social Sector Re- toring agent, adversely affect- us together, to implement the programs. Due to the conduct forms, Public Administration ing the national integrity and strategies, policies, programs of the national elections on 27 Reform, and Reform in Natu- credibility of the Royal Gov- and measures set out in the July 2003, the next CG may ral Resources Management. ernment and especially the NPRS. These actions include need to be set toward the end interests of the Cambodian concrete steps to be taken to of 2003 or even early in 2004. Indeed, you are all aware that people. Such behavior has improve governance, build up forestry is right now a very hot ultimately led the former part- national capacity and further Thus it is necessary that at this issue that has increasingly ners to lose mutual trust and coordinate and fine-tune our time we will discuss achieve- caught the attention of the confidence. The state of affairs development programs. As a ments and performance of the public during the last few has now degenerated beyond major step, we have decided Royal Government not only weeks. May I take this oppor- repair. This situation is akin to that to avoid overlaps in devel- during the last six months, but tunity to ensure clear under- the joint process necessary to opment directions, the next to take an overall view of per- standing of this issue right at the choice of one’s life-long NPRS and the third Socio- formance over the last 50 the outset of our dialogue. I partner or spouse. The Royal Economic Development Plan months of the current man- hereby reaffirm that the Royal Government considers all our (SEDP III) will be merged into date, covering the continuous Government will not make a development partners not only a single strategic document. efforts exerted by the Govern- step backward, but will con- close friends but as relatives. ment, reflecting its firm com- tinue to be steadfast and re- Certainly, close friends and This will to enhance owner- mitment in implementing and mains strongly committed to relatives will not force their ship and further mainstream accelerating the reforms re- reform of the forestry sector. fellow friends and relatives to participation in the develop- gardless of difficulties and suffer a bad marriage where ment, implementation and challenges, especially during Thus the Royal Government the partners no longer love nor monitoring of poverty reduc- the election year. has no intention whatsoever, trust each other. tion activities in Cambodia. to suspend nor to cease the In this sense, I emphasize that process and mechanism of We will discuss the details of Moreover, we have decided we have decided to extend our forest crimes monitoring. The the forestry issue in the agenda that the Supreme National discussions from only half a Government remains commit- on the reform of natural re- Economic Council (SNEC) day to a full day. We should ted ensuring the continuity of sources management. As I and the Council for Social take note that detailed discus- this mechanism and to the have stated on many occa- Development (CSD) will sions have already taken place nationwide implementation of sions, the Royal Government henceforth be the key bodies at the working group meetings a strong, effective, credible does not consider the acts of responsible for the formulation prior to today’s dialogue. and reliable system of forest monitoring, constructive criti- of national policies and strate- monitoring. I believe, this is cism, and recommendations by gies for poverty reduction. As before, we will listen to the our common objective, to donors as burdensome condi- Executive Summaries of the which we have all agreed, and tionalities. Indeed, I urge my The SNEC will exercise its topics discussed in the work- which serves as the basis for colleagues here and all devel- role, as it has already been ing groups to be presented by continued cooperation and opment partners to continue performing, in support of the the representatives of the partnership between the RGC the tradition of close dialogue, Prime Minister in the area of Royal Government and the and the development partners. and therefore discuss issues development strategy and pol- donor community. I and my and challenges of Cambodia’s icy. Thus the SNEC will serve colleagues from the Royal In exercising its management reforms in a candid and frank as the Prime Minister’s "Think Government will be here the of the current situation, the manner. Tank", contributing to the whole day to listen carefully to Royal Government has pro- NPRS2 with regard to overall the presentations and discus- posed a flexible, constructive We welcome constructive strategy and policy formula- sions. We will be grateful for and compromise solution, that suggestions and opinions and tion. The CSD will serve as a your concrete recommenda- a new monitoring agency be consider these as the caring focal point for technical coor- tions and suggestions and will sought and appointed without concerns of the development dination and manage the con- carefully consider all these for disrupting the process forest partners. And, like before, my sultation and participation adoption and implementation. crimes monitoring and other colleagues and I will be happy processes, as well as monitor- reforms in the forest sector. to answer your questions and ing of operational activities Today, we will discuss the provide comments on any is- and implementation of the important reforms undertaken I believe all of you can under- sues that require clarifica- strategy. by the Government and the stand the roots of this problem. tion…□

Page 2 January 2003 • Cambodia New Vision

(Continued from page 1) dia has resulted from devel- sion, Cambodia has so far even more than in the past ble while inflation maintained oped countries opening their conducted three rounds of year. at around 3.3%. The growth of markets to Cambodian prod- bilateral and multilateral nego- our country's economy has ucts. Such advances have tiations with other WTO mem- 3. Preparation of the Trade been driven by the continuing been won despite almost three bers. Code high growth in manufacturing, decades of civil war and coun- industry, construction and trywide peace attained only We expect that Cambodia will The strengthening and im- tourism. since the end of 1998. achieve membership in the provement of the efficiency of WTO during the WTO Minis- the free market mechanism via Manufacturing, especially of Indeed, Cambodia’s perform- terial Meeting scheduled in the development of the legal garments has been growing ance has been praised by the Cancun, Mexico in September framework for trade should be very fast, employing more international community. 2003. speeded up. than 223,000 workers. Those workers received about USD In general, pro-poor trade pol- Thus I urge H.E. CHAM An appropriate and transparent 160 million in wages in 2002. icy should aim to sustainable PRASITH, the leader of Cam- legal system is a key factor promote growth through the bodia’s WTO Negotiating that encourages investors and Given these excellent results, promotion of both domestic Team to settle all the remain- businessmen to be confident many countries and interna- and international trade. ing issues so that Cambodia about doing business in Cam- tional financial institutions can definitely be recognized as bodia. have praised Cambodia and Trade policy that favors the a WTO member in this 2003. the RGC for the outstanding poor focuses on the following A sound legal system should performance in social develop- key aspects: For regional integration, Cam- ensure the free and fair com- ment and economic reforms. bodia shall continue her coop- petition among all producers (a) The promotion of exports eration with the other ASEAN and businessmen. There are 13 The Ministry of Commerce using the GSP and MFN members toward the establish- pieces of draft legislation that has played an active role in status of Cambodia; ment and taking advantage of have been proposed by the such successful performance. AFTA. MINISTRY OF COM- Yet we have so much more (b) The acceleration of the MERCE. work to do. integration of Cambodia Cambodia shall also support into the world economy expansion of economic coop- These are being reviewed by In order to further promote the through accession to eration between ASEAN and the government and the two development of trade and the WTO and promoting its dialogue partners such as legislative bodies. When com- economy, I wish to take this cooperation with ASEAN China, Japan, the United pleted within two years, these opportunity to share with all of and between ASEAN and States and India. laws will help ensure that you some specific and con- its dialogue partners to Cambodia will have an ade- crete recommendations for diversify market access The MINISTRY OF COM- quate system of trade laws and further action: for Cambodia's products; MERCE should further pro- regulations consistent with mote other bilateral trade co- WTO agreements. 1. Trade Strategy for Pov- (c) The promotion of local operation opportunities espe- erty Reduction production through cially with the US, the EU, The MINISTRY OF COM- measures that support Canada, Japan and the Repub- MERCE should make full use Poverty reduction is a continu- the development of small lic of Korea to continue the of all current technical assis- ing task that cannot be com- corporations or SMEs in expansion of the market for tance to facilitate integration pleted in a short period. Most agro-processing, fisher- Cambodian exports. and speed up work on the poor Cambodians are farmers ies, textiles and tourism, above-mentioned bills. in the rural areas. especially in the country- Cambodia has effectively used side. its GSM and MFN status to 4. Cambodia- Eco- Among the 49 least - devel- promote production, exports, nomic Cooperation oped countries, Cambodia is 2. Continued Integration employment and income gen- one of three countries with into the Regional and World eration for the Cambodian In 2003, MINISTRY OF commodity exports in excess Economy for International people. COMMERCE, as Chair of the of USD 1 Billion since 2000, Market Access Cambodia - Thailand Joint enabling more than 200,000 Thus I call on the Ministry of Committee, should further workers from rural areas to The Royal Government of Commerce and other con- promote the implementation of work in the 200 garments and Cambodia continues its efforts cerned institutions to work key joint projects already footwear factories. in integrating Cambodia into even harder to maximize use agreed, including the establish- regional and world economy. of these special trade treat- ment of the Export Processing This achievement of Cambo- ments to increase our exports (Continued on page 4) In preparation for WTO acces-

Page 3 January 2003 • Cambodia New Vision

(Continued from page 3) proper usage. fault. The Ministry of Commerce Zones in Koh Kong, Pai Lin has performed in Human Re- and Poi Pet, the establishment Moreover, actions should be Furthermore, companies source Development very of wholesale export malls for taken to prevent fake trade- should review their staffs to well. exporting and various tourism marks, including prevention, uncover those involved in cor- projects. monitoring and implementa- rupt practices and shift the The Ministry has conducted tion of measures on imports, blame to civil servants. many training courses, semi- 5. Triangle Economic Coop- production and circulation to nars and workshops for its eration: Cambodia, Vietnam ensure compliance with the 8. Export Promotion for officials in topics such as: and Laos Law on Trademarks and Acts Creation of Jobs for Cambo- English and Japanese lan- of Unfair Competition. dians guages, modern accounting, Ministry of Commerce should free market economics, com- play a leading role in the Finally, the Ministry of Com- The Ministry of Commerce mercial law, computer literacy, analysis and planning of the merce should work to further has contributed considerably product quality education, development of trade in the build the capacity of national to creating jobs for Cambodi- property and intellectual triangle area between Cambo- laboratories which certify the ans. rights, and ASEAN and WTO dia, Vietnam and Laos. quality of products. affairs. So far more than 220,000 peo- The outcomes of such analysis 7. Administrative Reform ple have found work in the As I have said many times, the and plans will in the future be and Decentralization Policy garment sector. Each month, year 2003 is the fifth and last used to promote the area into investors pay USD$15 million of the second term of the RGC sustainable, secure develop- The Ministry of Commerce in wages for garment workers. after the 1998 elections. The ment zones that will greatly has set its mission statement efforts to rehabilitate and de- help reduce poverty among as: "Year 2002: the Year of Now, we need to provide velop our nation, which just our people in the area. Decentralization and Deregu- training so that Cambodians achieved full peace a mere lation". can take over the jobs cur- four years before, have not 6. Quality Control of Prod- rently held by more than 3,000 been an easy task. ucts While the Ministry of Com- foreign experts in Cambodia. merce has already achieved I am encouraged by the Minis- Products meant for commerce significant progress, much Starting 2003 the EU and Can- try of Commerce's objectives and trade must be controlled more work is required in order ada will provide Cambodia and tasks for 2003 set by this for quality and safety. This that its delivery of public serv- with preferential treatment, Annual Meeting. I wish H.E. work has been performed well ices can quickly catch up with absolutely free of taxes and Cham Prasith the best as by the CAMCONTROL of other countries in the region. quotas for Cambodian prod- Leader of Cambodia’s WTO the Ministry of Commerce. ucts entering their markets. Negotiating Team, imbued The Ministry of Commerce with creativity and responsibil- In recent years we have ob- and other concerned institu- This is another opportunity ity as he has consistently served a dramatic decline in tions must study ways to use that will foster production, shown. the circulation of sub-standard computerized systems to re- exports and jobs for Cambodia and spoilt products in Cambo- duce administrative work- on a sustainable basis. The Royal Government of dia. Thus control measures loads. Cambodia is confident that the should be applied to all prod- 9. Upgrading of Ports Ministry of Commerce is ef- ucts, importers, transport com- I also urge, once again, all fectively implementing the panies, producers and sellers. ministries and institutions to To further advance trade with government's policy agenda, completely eliminate the prac- countries in the region, I ask transforming those policies Consumer education is crucial tice of taking bribes or impos- the Ministry of Commerce, into a reality. to the public’s understanding ing illegal charges since these Ministry of Public Works and of the effects of use of poor badly affect the competitive- Transports and other con- The RGC is committed to en- quality products, especially of ness of our traders and pro- cerned institutions to conduct suring trade liberalization, free food. ducers and impede the devel- a thorough and detailed study flow of products, strengthen- opment of the national econ- on the promotion of ports such ing overseas trade relations Moreover, the Ministry of omy as a whole. as Koh Kong, Sré Ambel, Keo and the integration of Cambo- Commerce should ensure that Phus, Kampot and Keb into dia into the region and the products such as fertilizers, I also call on all private com- international ports. world. pesticides and other potentially panies to stop paying illegal harmful products bear labels in fees to "bad officials". Indeed, 10. Human Resource Devel- This will definitely bring the the that pro- those who pay bribes as well opment benefits for our people freeing vide key information on as take bribes are equally at them from the poverty...□

Page 4 January 2003 • Cambodia New Vision

(Continued from page 1) as I promised that if the bridge been the priority. In our judg- was this soldier named San is broken by flood I would ment, this area could be threat- and he fought defending the implementing this project. immediately rebuild it. The ened by flood. In rainy season, barrack at Prek Tameak until Without the support from the bridge was inaugurated in this area is inundated with he became Sak Pram. It was a Ministry of Economy and Fi- March or April of 1990. We only spots of high land sur- tough battle because it is the nance and its experts, we may noticed later that the section of rounded with water like is- belt that protected the capital not be able to gather budget road from the bridge to the lands. I am always present of Phnom Penh. Just now HE for a construction of this size, commune of Viheasuor was before anyone else when the Governor Tep Nunnry men- which cost in all Riel 12 bil- constantly damaged. By late area is affected by serious tioned of the development lion... The construction has 1995 and early 1996, I have flood in order to deliver relief, projects in the western side of partially started and will be raised money from friends taking for instance the flood in Kandal – Angsnuol and Kan- using up to 100 road-building abroad of about US$ 100,000 2000 and 2001. dalstoeung including also the machineries. HE Kong Eang to repair the road. In just a district of Kongpisey of Kom- of the military engineering short while, the flood in 1996 ... Taking into consideration pong Speu and Khan Dangkor team of the Department of washed it away. In 2000, the the three roads and eleven of Kandal. We also have the Logistics of the Ministry of Asian Development Bank bridges to be built, we have construction site of road 21 National Defense just said that through the Ministry of Rural planned to use up to 462 me- between Kandal and the bor- roads and bridges in this area Development offered to build ters of Bailey or cost us in all der of Vietnam. We may have were built in the 1970s using two concrete bridges but they about 40 kilos of gold. HE to seek to finish the five kilo- outdated machineries because two were washed away right Keat Chhon, one of the ex- meters left as ADB does not in those days money was used away. perts who did the study of the have fund to finish it. We have for purchasing modern weap- road system in the Kingdom of to provide pre-financing to the ons for the fight and not mod- ... Also I could remember Cambodia, has a wide knowl- Public Works of Kandal to ern construction machines. about my trip to the district of edge of the potential of the bridge the remaining five kilo- Therefore the roads and Pearaing (which on the other area and the need for road meters. So around Phnom bridges built at that time were side of the Small River). It was access. Also in the Japanese Penh we have three big con- not able to sustain in face of in 1984 during the Pchum Ben study recently, Prek Tameak struction sites – the road and destructive war and flood. Day. I traveled by speedboat has been selected as the point bridge construction site here in and joined the people in the where a bridge has to be built. Khsach Kandal, the construc- ... I wish to recall a bit about area in their boat racing cere- But because we have not got tion site in the western side of my trip in 1989 to this area. I mony in the small river. I have the road built yet, the bridge Phnom Penh and the National was traveling on a motorbike a lot of memories in the area has been built at the Tonle Bet Road 21 between the border under a heavy rain. It is known and I could be said to be the in Kompong Cham instead. with Vietnam and Takhmao. to all that riding the motorbike only Prime Minister in this Otherwise we would have a Aside from this we have so under rain is better than riding world who had traveled the bridge across the Mekong at many construction sites it when the rain stops because longest distance by motorcy- Prek Tameak rather than in throughout the country that are its wheel would be caught by cle. I also came to the Kam- Kompong Cham. Before they in operation. This is what I mud. My itinerary at that time pong Popil commune with the used to say "Prey Nokor falls, would say the implementation was first Prek Tameak and late HE Sin Song to observe Phnom Penh disappears, Bat- of the locomotive strategy for from there to the district of place to build the bridge of tambang destroyed, Angkor the economic growth and pov- Srey Santhor of Kandal. Re- Kompong Popil and its con- Wat is happy." Now we could erty alleviation... I would not turning from Srey Santhor, I struction in 1993. I also came change the saying to give my agreement to the argu- came by and stayed one night with him to put the bridge into "Kompong Cham unites, ment that economic growth in the commune of Sanlong of use as well. Phnom Penh is happy, Battam- could be achieved without the district of Khsach Kandal. bang is beautiful, and Angkor having to pay attention to the We then had to cross a water- ... Development efforts in this Wat has fun." Kompong construction of roads and way by a ferry which was one area have not been sufficient Cham has now linked between bridges. We should at least made of two boats and moved in comparison to those poten- its eastern and western side think of four priorities – water, by hand pulling the string tials. This area has a combined because of the Kizuna Bridge. roads, electricity and human which is tied to ether side of potential of the district of Overall, the period as envis- resources. They all have equal the waterway. I have decided Khsach Kandal of Kandal and aged by the saying has gone importance and we have to re- in consultation with the Minis- the districts of Peareang and and what we have left is the prioritize according to the real ter for Transport and Commu- Srey Santhor of Prey Veng. sermon in every pagoda. situation of each place. Where nication and the Governor of The gap so far has been the there already has been water, Kandal in those days to build lack of road link and transpor- ... Take for instance this area road should become the first the Preah Kunlong Bridge in tation. It is also true to mention before was full of gunfire and priority, and vice versa. The place of the ferry. The bridge about other needs like water it is the hottest battlefield be- four priorities are the areas for survived consecutive floodings damn or dike, but road link has tween 1974 and 1975. There (Continued on page 6)

Page 5 January 2003 • Cambodia New Vision

(Continued from page 5) Senior Minister Keat Chhon, commutable by road in both of retaliation in their minds – I who, in his old age of 69, had rainy and dry seasons. Along- will take from the rich to give which investment should be made a trip to visit the road side with this about 4,000 hec- to the poor, if I win. This made. Take for instance this construction site at Preah Vi- tares of rice field could also be would create trouble again. area could become another hear near the border with cultivable. The second road is We should be afraid of the rice bowl for Cambodia when Thailand. He is doing so be- linking between Vihearsuor to repetition of the experience we we put into perspective the cause he has sensed the focus the commune of Bakdao with had in the Pol Pot regime. As existing potential for agricul- of the Prime Minister on roads the total length of 15.800 kilo- for school buildings, one of ture of Khsach Kandal, Srey and bridges construction. He meters. It contains three the current achievements, de- Santhor and Peareang com- had gone to the most difficult- bridges – Prey Baing I (30 spite the fact that there has bined. So far we have not access area. meters), Prey Baing II (21 been anti-propaganda, I wish made sufficient investment in meters) and Prek Tahuy (36 to say that children of any per- this area yet. Look at the mat- ... We are also having this meters). This should facilitate son could go to study in those making handicraft. This area problem of population growth traveling by our people in schools. I do not care about could provide the mat for use to tackle for as the number of Peareang to Phnom Penh. The their cursing but their children throughout the national market population grows while there third road is about 3000 me- have to study hard and become and also for export to other are increasing demands for ters in length containing a good students. If they learn countries as well. They are residential and cultivation bridge about 27 meters linking and refrain from cursing one needed in restaurants in Japan. land. In retrospect of the situa- Preah Sre to the commune of another it is even better for all. But because we do not have tion we have broaden the in- Sithor. We will use up to 103 All we should practice is per- the means of transport, to sup- frastructural development be- construction machineries and forming good deed. I used to ply them to the market is un- yond the capital and its sur- they are no outdated machines think that like when we had feasible. So today we have rounding to the provinces of as in 1970s. before 54 political parties, if come to put into practice the Preah Vihear, Uddor each one builds our people one locomotive strategy, which Meanchey, Ratanakiri, Mun- ... We are now living in the thousand water wells, we should lead to economic dulkiri, Kratie, and Stoeung- culture of peace and all sorts would have 54,000 wells in growth and poverty allevia- treng. We have to redress the of weapon are forbidden. As the whole country. tion. situation where sometimes we now we have good road condi- have too high population rate tion, we notice new signboards ... Let me make one thing ... A country needs to have in a less available land area of different parties displayed. clear. Today we have these road access – small, big and and low population rate in the They are welcome to do so as roads covered with red coarse average sizes, and canals of all highly available land area. we all are living in a demo- soil. My vision is that based on sizes. It is no different to a Among many reasons, absence cratic society. The road is not the potential that we have human body which has to of communication and road built for just one or two par- learned, if I were to be en- have all sizes of veins. Any access is one of them. This ticular person but for all –non- trusted to lead the Government damage in one vein would situation has slow down the politician, politician – good in the third term after the gen- cause trouble to the rest. This productive and trade activities. and bad ones too. Just now I eral election on July 27, 2003, is not only what we say where Today for the district if am blessed to be winner on all, I would make this road as- there is road there is hope, but Khsach Kandal, we could but let me win in a situation phalted and declare it the Na- it is a vital factor of either foresee the interaction and that we all are coexisting tional Road 8. The NR 8 is one's body or country. For so interrelation among the dis- peacefully. Before each side linking Prek Tameak through long in the past the veins have tricts of Kandal, Prey Veng made claims to have destroyed Kompong Popil, the district of been damaged, and our coun- and Kompng Cham provinces so and so number of tanks, Pea Reang, Prey Veng Prov- try has fallen into the underde- through the construction of the bridges and lives. We do not ince to the NR 11 at Thmor veloped situation. So now we afore mentioned three roads. say that anymore but so and so Kor. It should be 60 kilome- have to rebuild all roads and number of lives that have been ters in all. It should be realized bridges that existed before the ... The three roads have a total saved from death rate of chil- in the term 2003-2008. We war. We have put out a vision distance of 26.800 kilometers. dren from polio, from HIV/ have got the foundation ready that all asphalted roads in the The first road is eight kilome- AIDS, etc. We are in the cul- for asphalting later. This is Sangkumreastr Niyum must be ter in length and stretching ture of peace what else we taking place in the second re-asphalted by 2005. We also from the Preah Kunlong should say about destroying. term, in the third term one have to build roads to other Bridge to the commune of So if we win we also have to more NR would be existing in places where roads are needed Chey Thum and containing leave room for those who lose the culture of peace era. Some because the number of popula- four bridges – Kaaong I (51 to survive in peace. We must people might hint that Hun tion has grown more than be- meters), Kaaong II (51 me- not practice this saying "when Sen is making an electoral fore. Let me take this opportu- ters), Pannao (51 meters) and the water rises, the fish eats campaign. Well how about all nity to express my sincere O Yim (51 meters). We have ants and vice versa." Some of you (opposition figures) are thanks and appreciation to HE to make the area linked and people have borne the concept (Continued on page 7)

Page 6 January 2003 • Cambodia New Vision

25 January 2003 [Unofficial Translation] (Continued from page 6) than trying to break open the Inaugurating a Zoo in Cambodian People's Party doing it everyday. Some of internal affairs... Please do not During his visit to the prov- thank Oknha Ly Yong Phat you even said that if you win force me to use my DIFID ince of Koh Kong, Samdech and Madame for various con- you would confiscate from the strategy. DIFID has in fact Hun Sen inaugurates a zoo tributions they made in realiz- rich to give them to the poor. been the strategy to eliminate called the Safari World and ing achievements in the form What I am saying is just if I the Khmer Rouge. Well it is made the following selected of investments in infrastruc- were re-elected for the third not a secret anymore. DIFID is ad-lib address. tural development – roads, term, I will asphalt the road an abbreviation from these schools, hospitals as well as between Prek Takeak and terms – D for Divide, I for ... Today my wife and I, ac- Buddhist pagodas for the sake Thmor Kor, the NR 11, and Isolate, F for Finish, I for Inte- companied by our grand-child of our society and people. It is make it the NR 8. I do not grate and D for Develop. May have come to join you all to indeed a model of resource think it is wrong to say so. I I warn you that do not force officially inaugurate the Safari sharing between those who are am now declared to be the sole me to change the last D from World Zoo in Koh Kong. It is rich to those who are poorer CPP candidate again for the Develop to Destroy. So all indeed a new achievement and it could be seen as an in- post of Prime Minister. Some political parties should refrain among various others that are vestment in job creation and people said this has happened from breaking the CPP and taking shape in Cambodia in financial contribution into the because Hun Sen moved his pay more attention to your this time of peace culture. national budget. army around. I found that own affairs as trying to split groundless and warned them CPP would result in a bad … This zoo was built in just ... Since I have this chance to that they should bother with omen for your own...□ two years but it has proven to be in Koh Kong province, their internal problem rather us that it is an international please allow me to speak standard zoo with the facility about what happened in the to cater to the needs of tour- past in this place. First I would Minister for Foreign Affairs Cambodia was punished in ists. Tourism will offer us jobs talk on some background of and later in early 1985 when I general term. If we were to and will also absorb some of HE Tea Banh. Originally he became the Prime Minister, I close the trade route between our people's products… May I was not Tea Banh but Mr. Tea have met with various diplo- Koh Kong and our neighbor, take this opportunity to ex- Sangvang. He was arrested mats. especially with Thailand at press my sincere thanks to the and sent to a place for shoot- Khlong Yai, it was not Thai provincial and district authori- ing to death. One man next to … I would write a book about people who would suffer from ties as well as our people for him was shot to death while he all those meetings and I am that action but our people in the contributions they made in was pretending to be shot be- sure it will sell well. There are Koh Kong instead. At that bringing about various fore him. As they (soldiers) always conflicts of ideas in moment if we were to be weak achievements and I also thank thought he was dead already, politics. In time of hot war and the Khmer Rouge took Mr. President of Duty Free they took no care of him and along the Thai-Cambodia bor- control of the area, we would Shop for his personal efforts he escaped into the forest der, I issued a policy of neu- never gain it back. But we so far. while the soldiers were dig- tralization of Thai armed were lucky that in those days ging holes. Since then he be- forces and administration in our military officials who have ... Last year I came here to came Tea Banh (Banh in gradual preparation for a rela- 50% political blood and 50% inaugurate the 1900-meters Khmer means shot or shoot). tion to take place and the pol- military blood accepted my bridge, second only to the Ki- His background presents us a icy has brought about Koh order… zuna Bridge across the Me- bitter history in the province. Kong's life as we have seen kong River. The two bridges HE Say Phuthang was then a here today. The then Gover- ... Neutralization of the Thai are not precedent in our coun- leader of the rebellion move- nors – HE Rung Plam Kaisan army and administration try's thousands of years his- ment in this area in 1974. In and the current parliamentar- brought us very favorable con- tory. What we have seen real- their retreat HE Tea Banh was ian Ay Khan, may well re- ditions. I could take five points ized here today stemmed out getting married at point 207 at member some of the recom- to prove that here – Koh of the efforts made by all of the Thai-Cambodian border, mendations to shut off rela- Kong, Pailin, Poi Pet, Preah our people, investors, for and I could recall that there is tions with Thailand here. Vihear and An Seh. Among which the environment of pro- a jackfruit tree. the five, as HE Tea Banh, Ke gress and jump-forward of ... My wife and I came to visit Kimyan and Pol Saroeun economy as well as in other ... I wish also to share a politi- the area in order to study the could remember, we had man- fields have been achieved after cal experience when our situation, after which I dis- aged to control all of them the war ended and the peace neighbor wanted to transfer a agreed with the recommenda- except Pailin. What is impor- culture comes. May I take this situation from war to peace. In tion to close relations with tant is that we controlled four occasion to express in my own between 1979 and 1985, espe- Thailand because by doing so out of five... I used to travel by name as well as in our local cially late 1984, I was then we would suffocate our people speedboat at around 3am from authorities of all levels to Deputy Prime Minister and in Koh Kong by the time that (Continued on page 8)

Page 7 January 2003 • Cambodia New Vision

(Continued from page 7) you that we have bridged the made in Koh Kong and we we believe there is abundance Koh Kong to Khlong Yai in border between Cambodia and have to transport them to Siha- of oil and gas... Thailand order to continue my trip to Thailand by the 1900-meters noukville for export. This hosted six to seven million Pataya to participate in the bridge already and we have would increase the transport tourists a year and if among meeting in preparation for the improved the road condition of cost. To solve this problem we them about half extend their setup of the Supreme National NR 48 already except that it have to build a seaport in Koh visits to Cambodia, it would Council (SNC) in Tokyo. It has yet to be asphalted and to Kong, in Sre Ambel and in be a positive sign. Some of the was then in 1990 and in Japan have four more bridges to be Kompot. The port in Sre Am- Thais wanted to see Angkor it was under Prime Minister built. My Thai counterpart, a bel could be used for export- Wat, and now we have in- Kaifu. So SNC was initiated in good friend of mine, HE ing animals -- cattle. The port vested in building an airport in Bangkok but was setup in To- Thaksin Shinawatra, agrees to here would host tourists for a Koh Kong. People in Trat do kyo. I would call it a success build us the four bridges and visit to waterfalls and other not have to travel to Bangkok of the policy not to confront to offer us concessional loan entertainment. to take a flight to Siemreap but enemy in all direction at one to asphalt the NR 48 at the travel to Koh Kong instead to time. If in that time we fought total length of 158 Kilometers. ... This is what I say we all are take a flight to Siemreap… On Pol Pot while created problem What remains to be done is to transforming the battlefields their way back they may also with Thailand we would have complete the paper procedure. into development areas – Koh buy some products home. We a worse battle. We would have We have the hope of seeing Kong, Pailin, Kamreang, also think of doing the same the worst time still if only Thai the road along the sea that Phnom Proeuk, Melay, Sam- for tourists from Vietnam. I army fired artillery shell in connects to Sihanoukville, peoloune as these areas started also have a vision for ASEAN support of the Khmer Rouge Kompot and to Vietnam. It selling corns and other crops + India or South Asia that our army. will be the shortest road con- to Thai markets based on the package tour could also in- nection of the three countries agreement between Thailand clude South Asian countries, ... There was one time we in the Sub-Mekong Region. and Cambodia. If we were to particularly India as we have shelled into Thai territory be- ship crops to Phnom Penh HE Ambassador here today. cause Khiev Sam Phan came ... The industrialized zone Ne- before export, we would lose a for a ceremony in Khai Phu. ang Kok will be built in this lot. The area of Preah Vihear ... We should not seek to be Well the war is over now and area and we are looking for is in operative moment in be- enemy with anyone and what a political solution has been investment from Thailand both ing transformed from battle- we have sought for them to do found. Taking this opportunity in finance as well as in tech- field into development zone... in return is what they can I wish to clarify that An Seh nology. Cambodia has market really do and that is to respect and Preah Vihear were lost to in Japan, China and in some … We have sought to make our territorial integrity and the Khmer Rouge because of other countries but Cambodia friends and to have coopera- sovereignty of Cambodia. We UNTAC (United Nations has not got products to send tion with our neighbors – want no land from anyone and Transitional Authority in them to. Thailand in the west, Vietnam we would neither trade any Cambodia). We had retained in the east and Laos in the pieces of our land. We will try our control but UNTAC could … I wish you look into proc- north. Yesterday we have to keep the size of land that the not control them and the essing industry for export from opened the 22nd ASEAN Cambodian history has left us. Khmer Rouge soldiers fought Cambodia taking the benefit of Tourism Forum in Phnom I would not go to take Kampu- and tied the UNTAC soldiers. its GSP and MFN. Cambodia Penh to which the ten ASEAN chea Krom and I would not do has got lots of markets but has member states and the repre- the same for Surin. These … To take them back was not not got enough products to sentatives from China, Japan lands have lost in the past hun- that easy as shell would fur- supply them. So we should see and Korea have participated. dreds of years and I would not ther deteriorate the temple this as a complementary deal. We ended not only internal do that but take care of the condition. My vision currently Taking this time I wish to give conflict but also benefit from remaining Cambodia left by is to transform all previous a recommendation to Oknha the end of the cold war era and our history. Some people may battlefields into development Ly Yong Phat to open your move in speed into the region- want to nurture the problem areas. These areas called Ne- vision for seaport as I have alization and globalization era and for these people I would ang Kok, Cham Yeam were declared a few days ago so that a complementary state say that one may tame the dol- just battlefields. Take for in- "open-water policy." This of being in the relations will phin to dance, the monkey to stance in this place before we means that we should no bring us progress. fight but one may not be able had just a few artillery pieces longer depend on just one sea- to tame human of this sort (to in defense of some islands but port at Sihanoukville because ... As for the sea in front of us, change their minds). No one is we no longer need them as we our export and import poten- the Royal Government is mak- blinder than a man with good now invite tourists to come see tial would be limited. ing speedy negotiation with all eyes but pretend to not see and Dolphins dance instead... parties concerned in the spirit with good ears but not to … Let's see a scenario in of sharing profit from the hear...□ ... Just now I have told all of which we have our products overlapped zone in the sea that

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