Friday, june 25, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3693 / 4000 RIEL

NATURE ACTIVISTS HONEY GI, ‘AMBOK’ CRUSHING CLIMATE ARRESTED ON LEGAL SET TO BE OFFICIALLY IMPACTS TO STRIKE BASIS, MINISTRY SAYS RECOGNISED IN 2021 SOONER: UN REPORT national – page 3 business – page 7 world – page 10 UN expert holds first meet with Sar Kheng

Lay Samean

MINISTER of Interior Sar Kheng expressed hope that the newly appointed UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cam- bodia, Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn, will work closely with the government in fulfilling his mandate. Muntarbhorn was appointed as the UN special rapporteur in March 2021 to replace Rhona Smith. Sar Kheng and Muntarbhorn held their first talk on June 24 during which both sides discussed the general Covid-19 situation in Cambodia. “At the start, Sar Kheng wel- comed and applauded Muntar- bhorn’s appointment as the UN special rapporteur. He hoped that – based on his experiences and knowledge – [Muntarbhorn] will make positive contributions and cooperate well with the govern- ment and interior ministry. “[This is] to ease his mandate Oh my cod! fulfilment as the special rappor- A man pokes at one of many snakehead fish (Channa micropeltes) drying on racks under the tropical sun in northern Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district near the western banks of the teur as well as Cambodia’s fulfil- Tonle Sap River, on Thursday. HENG CHIVOAN ment of its international duties on human rights effectively,” Sar Kheng said in his Facebook post. Muntarbhorn told Sar Kheng that he had been to Cambodia many times as a researcher and hoped that as special rapporteur he could hold frank talks with the Industrial sector begs for government and relevant stake- holders in order to solve common concerns in a constructive way. Muntarbhorn brought up specific topics of concern for discussion Covid pandemic reprieve with Sar Kheng, including Cambo- dia’s crowded prisons and deten- tion centres, achieving more open May Kunmakara put an unfair burden on employers guidelines related to Covid-19. ation in Cambodia (GMAC) secre- space for democracy and civil soci- in financial distress triggered by the “The launch of the Action Plan tary-general Ken Loo told The Post ety, the amendment on the Law on NDUSTRY sector representa- pandemic, they said. on Measures to Control Covid-19 at that GMAC expresses appreciation Associations and Non-Governmen- tives and international busi- In a June 15 letter, the Phnom Factories and Enterprises in Phnom for the ad-hoc and medium- and tal Organisations (LANGO), and the ness chambers in Cambodia Penh Municipal Administration Penh aims to ensure the welfare, safe- long-term measures to control the government’s post-pandemic have urged the government to highlighted the urgency of the vi- ty and livelihood of staff, workers and spread of transmission across the emergency responses. Itake steps to mitigate some of the rus’ spread throughout the capital’s other employees as well as produc- capital’s factories and manufac- With regards to the measures the consequences of Covid-19 control industrial businesses, which it said tion sustainability of factories and turing enterprises. government put in place in measures felt at factories and man- was fuelled by, among other things, enterprises in Phnom Penh, through However, some of the procedures response to the pandemic, Sar ufacturing enterprises. communal living arrangements, col- the determination of necessary mea- outlined in the plan are beyond these Kheng said the government had Fallout from efforts to contain the lective transportation, congregation sures,” read the letter, signed by mu- industrial businesses’ technical novel coronavirus have placed a tre- at haphazard food stalls, and non- nicipal governor Khuong Sreng. Continued – page 2 mendous strain on production and compliance with Ministry of Health Garment Manufacturers Associ- Continued – page 7

PREDICT THE SCORE TO WIN EXCITING PRIZES UEFA EURO 2020 CONTEST STARTING FROM: 2PM, JUNE 25, 2021 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Poipet vendors told Official: Public participation to remove carts, stalls a must to prevent lockdown off public pavements Voun Dara Voun Dara “When the deadline comes, the town hall will take admin- UBLIC involvement THE Poipet town administra- istrative measures and will not in the prevention of tion in Banteay Meanchey be held responsible for any Covid-19 has less- province has notified market damages or losses,” it warned. ened and another stall owners, vendors and peo- Poipet town governor Keat lockdownP was the only way to ple who are doing business on Hul said on June 23 that in gen- curb its spread if a large-scale public pavements to stop sell- eral, people in town had built community outbreak re- ing and displaying goods and verandas on public pavements turns, said Ministry of Health dismantle all constructions en- around some markets for sell- spokeswoman Or Vandine. croaching on the pavements. ing goods, thereby leading to Speaking to the media on In a notice on June 23, it said traffic jams and detrimentally June 24, Vandine said the gov- the authorities had observed impacting the town’s beauty. ernment and health ministry that some market stall own- “Our town hall has notified had already introduced the ers and vendors have been them to withdraw from [pub- necessary measures to pre- doing business and selling lic] pavements, pull down vent the spread of Covid-19, goods on public pavements canvas awnings built over but what was missing is public and that these activities were public pavements, maintain participation. If preventative detrimental to public order the town’s beauty and environ- practices are ignored and an and the beauty of downtown. mental sanitation and avoid outbreak occurs, the only so- Thus, in order to maintain causing traffic jams,” he said. lution is another lockdown. public order and avoid traffic Hul said the authorities “I see some people are care- jams on the roads, the admin- wanted to avoid difficulties less now. They don’t wear istration requires everyone to when the town is developed masks and they gather in pub- stop selling goods on public further and the roads are wid- lic places, I have witnessed pavements. ened in the future. that [behaviour]. Please un- Market owners have to stop Sum Chankea, provincial derstand that when you are allowing vendors selling veg- coordinator for rights group not infected with the disease, Vendors crowd the sidewalk near Beoung Trabak market in the capital’s Chamkarmon district. In a directive etables, fruits, fish and meats Adhoc, supported the notice, you can say it is fine. But when on June 24, the Phnom Penh municipality orders that improvised markets must remain shut. hong menea to set up outside of their mar- saying the country needs to you get it, you will understand ket compounds and to pre- take these steps to further its hardship,” she said. they actually had. There was that the antibody rapid test is sures must remain closed. pare facilities for them to use development. But he request- To avoid another lockdown no over-the-counter medi- not necessary for those who The announcement said in an orderly and hygienic ed that authorities enforce that will only affect the econ- cine available to treat the dis- have already been vaccinated. those who break health mea- manner, the notice said. the law carefully in order to omy and businesses, she said ease, she stressed. WHO did not recommended sures and the instructions of At the same time, anyone do- avoid any serious impacts on public participation is a must. The health ministry early this taking this test because it is not market management, such as ing business on public pave- people’s rights. Vandine, who is also head week banned the distribution recognised by the organisation. mask wearing, hand sanitis- ments have to pull down their “The country needs to have of the national commission and sale of Covid-19 antibody Separately, the Phnom Penh ing and safety distancing, will stalls and verandas built on the clean cities with wide roads and for Covid-19 vaccination pro- rapid testing kits that have not Municipal Administration be fined between 200,000 and pavements and dispose of them good infrastructure so that things gramnme, appealed to the been registered or recognised announced on June 24 that one million riel ($50 and$250) properly while cooperating with do not become anarchic and dis- public not to purchase medi- by the government. The ban private markets in the capital as stated in an inter-ministe- local authorities to maintain or- orderly. But authorities have to cation for self-treatment as it came after four Facebook ac- that are clean and have imple- rial prakas dated March 19. der, the notice added. look at situations where people poses health risks. She said counts advertised the kits. mented preventative mea- Also, those who violate the “All market owners, vendors have been using a location for some people who believe they World Health Organisation sures can reopen starting June ban on gatherings in mar- and those doing business on the years now. What policy do au- are infected attempted this (WHO) representative to Cam- 25. However, those that have kets will be fined up to two pavements have 14 days from thorities have for making repa- without knowing what illness bodia Li Ailan said on June 24 not put in place these mea- million riel. June 24 to July 7 to comply. rations to them?” he said. Rapporteur, CHRC to Prach Chan chosen as new NEC chair continue cooperation Lay Samean

Continued from page 1 AstraZeneca vaccines, mar- PRACH CHAN, former head keted as CoviShield. of the National Assembly’s shown an abundance of cau- Responding to Muntar- (NA) Human Rights Commis- tion by introducing preventive bhorn’s concerns about LAN- sion for Complaints, Investi- measures ranging from raising GO, Sar Kheng said the govern- gation and Relations and for- public awareness to lockdowns ment sees NGOs as partners mer Member of Parliament to vaccination campaigns. The and encourages them and for Tbong Khmum province, government had also intro- their representatives to con- was chosen by NA members duced social assistance pro- tinue working together with to be the new Chairman of the grammes for people affected the government on an amend- National Election Committee by Covid-19. ment request. (NEC) to replace former NEC Regarding concerns about Muntarbhorn said he took chairman Sik Bun Hok, who overcrowding at prisons, Sar note of what Sar Kheng told resigned from the post citing Kheng said the ministry is him as being valuable infor- poor health and old age as the making an effort to expand mation on these topics and reason for his departure. prison facilities to address the regarded what they discussed The announcement by the issue, especially given the con- as the basis for future consid- NA of the results of the 6th text of Covid-19. erations regarding these session of the National As- “The interior ministry is matters. sembly of the 6th legislature currently applying some oth- Also on June 24, Muntar- on June 24, chaired by NA er measures to ease condi- bhorn met via video confer- President Heng Samrin, said National Assembly members vote on NEC chairmanship on June 24. national assembly tions such as working with ence with Cambodian Human that this session was held the Ministry of Justice on the Rights Committee (CHRC) with a total of 82 out of 125 sion for Complaints, Inves- and neutrality in its service to “Evaluating whether an in- possibility of early release or president Keo Remy to discuss members in attendance. tigation and Relations of the the electorate. dividual is independent or not release on bail for detainees similar topics. “The NA voted in favour of NA and Senate, resigned that “Any individual managing before they take office is not who have committed less- “Both sides expressed their HE Prach Chan as the new office and the NA then voted this institution must make a valid judgment. The proper serious crimes or those who commitment to continue this Chairman of the National in Sar Chamrong as chairman sure this institution becomes way to judge independence have almost served their cooperation and dialogue on Election Committee unani- and Suon Rindy as secretary an independent and neutral is linked to the work that the entire sentences for lesser human rights. CHRC presi- mously, with 82 votes,” the for that commission. institution to gain the trust NEC is implementing and crimes, placing them under dent Keo Remy requested that statement said. Korn Savang, Comfrel of all stakeholders, including the principles set by law and court supervised release,” Sar the special rapporteur write Men Kuon was elected by Monitoring and Advocacy the people,” he said. whether it is in accordance Kheng said. a report for the CHRC and the National Assembly to be Coordinator, said he would NEC deputy secretary-gen- with the law or not. If it’s in He said the ministry had give his recommendations in the Member of Parliament for not comment on the quali- eral Sorm Sorida told The Post line with the law then it’s not cooperated with the Ministry a balanced manner that Tbong Khmum province, re- fications of the new NEC that no matter what institu- important what institution of Health to respond to any reflects the challenges and placing Chan. chairman, but he said the tion the chairperson comes the chairperson belonged to. Covid-19 cases in the prisons efforts of the government According to the statement, selection process was not from, the NEC would continue The important thing to judge by separating detainees, within the Cambodian con- Chan, who was serving as transparent enough. to function robustly to ensure is whether the NEC’s work is in undergoing rapid testing and text,” CHRC said in a press Chairman and Secretary of However, he urged the NEC the rule of law in accordance accordance with the law and vaccinating prisoners with the statement. the Human Rights Commis- to ensure its independence with the Constitution. the constitution,” he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Community Activists charged ‘on legal basis’ accused of Khouth Sophak Chakrya HE Ministry of Interior land grabs has rebuffed a joint state- ment by roughly 70 NGOs demanding the release of threeT Mother Nature activists who in K Thom have been charged with plotting Long Kimmarita and insulting the King. In response to the June 23 joint THE Kampong Thom Provincial Court statement, the ministry detailed the prosecutor has summoned four com- history of Mother Nature Cambodia, munity members for clarification after an environmental watchdog it dis- three plaintiffs accused them of grab- solved on September 15, 2017, at the bing people’s land to incorporate it request of the organisation leader into community property. The accused dated August 23, 2017. have denied the allegations. The ministry said the activists – Sun Prosecutor Sin Virak summoned Ratha, Yim Leanghy and Ly Chan- Khuon Pet, Oeur Sour, Mai Mam and daravuth – had taken refuge under Khieu Khoy to testify on June 25 and 28. the label of Mother Nature Cambodia “Please present yourself for ques- to commit illegal activities. tioning regarding the complaint filed The trio were arrested and sent to the by Suon Chea, Thlok Bunthan and Phnom Penh Municipal Court on June Meng Houy about the theft of land in 19 and a day later were charged with Nipech commune’s Daun Chhouk conspiracy and insulting the King. village in Kampong Svay district’s Ny “Mother Nature Cambodia does Pich commune in June, 2014.” not exist [as an organisation] and no In early June of this year, 11 members longer has the legal capacity to carry The three activists were sent to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on June 19 and were charged a day later. LICADHO of O’Plalok forest community in Kam- out its work in the Kingdom. pong Svay district’s Nipech commune “However, with the support of Ale- Cambodia faces from natural re- ting undue stress on their families that based on video evidence seized were indicted by the provincial court, jandro Gonzalez-Davidson, a Span- source exploitation and environmen- and depriving them access to prompt on May 14, Gonzalez-Davidson and some were imprisoned for nine iard who was expelled from Cam- tal degradation. legal counsel, the NGOs said. chaired an online meeting with the days before being released on June 18. bodia by the interior ministry on “Advocating for human rights and Ratha, Chandaravuth and Leanghy three activists where he used insult- Khieu Khoy – president of the Tra- February 23, 2015, these three acted demanding that the authorities pro- were then brought to the Phnom Penh ing words against the King and the peang Lpak forest community and to ‘incite disunity and abuse the Con- tect the environment are not crimes Municipal Court and questioned by head of the government. a member of O’Plalok community stitution with the intention of caus- and jailing the country’s future gen- the prosecutor on June 19 and then The ministry further stated that the forestry network who was sum- ing social insecurity and affecting na- eration of environmental defenders charged on June 20 with conspiracy activist’s actions in the past were not monsed and detained – told The Post tional stability, and thus the relevant imperils us all,” they said. and insulting the King. The news of done for the cause of loyalty to the pro- on June 23 that the dispute occured authorities needed to take action in The joint statement said Ratha their detention, the NGOs said, was tection of natural resources and the at the end of January when commu- accordance with the laws in force.” and Chandaravuth were arrested on leaked to the media even before they environment, but rather embedded nity members stopped machinery On June 22, a group of around 70 Phnom Penh’s riverside along with were conveyed to their lawyers. They with malicious tactics aimed at incit- being used to clear more than 72ha NGOs issued a joint statement de- Seth Chhivlimeng, who was later said this further undermined the ac- ing unrest, mobilising forces to revolt of community land. nouncing actions taken by the au- released. It said the three were only tivists’ right to a fair trial. and creating chaos in the country. He added that his community was thorities and municipal court against documenting runoff from drainpipes The NGOs requested that the au- The ministry also cited the activ- recognised by the Ministry of Agri- the three activists. They alleged that along the river. thorities release the activists and drop ists’ confessions to the judicial police culture, Forestry and Fisheries with it was part of a “targeted” and outra- At the same time, Koh Thom district all charges against them. “We, the un- as legal basis for the charges. the agreement of the Forestry Admin- geous persecution of frontline envi- authorities in Kandal province sum- dersigned community and civil society “They did act under the label of the istration in 2004. It was also recog- ronmental defenders and grassroots moned environmental activist Yim groups, demand the immediate release Mother Nature environmental move- nised by local authorities to protect activists by the government. Leanghy for questioning and then of the arrested environmental activists, ment, but in truth they want an up- the community. He hoped the court The civil society groups have called detained him before transferring him the dropping of all charges, and a halt rising to overthrow the government would solve the dispute fairly and on the authorities to stop imprison- to Phnom Penh. to the relentless repression and per- in a manner that is contrary to the return the land to the community. ing activists and to start heeding the The whereabouts of the four activ- secution of the environmental move- principles of the multi-party liberal “It is very unfair for me and the calls of youths who they said are on ists were not made public for at least ment,” said their joint statement. democracy enshrined in the Cambo- community because we volunteer the frontlines documenting the risks 24 hours after their initial arrest, put- However, the interior ministry said dian Constitution,” it said. to serve the common goo​d and pro- tect forest land for th​e state in line with the agreemen​t and announce- ment of the ministry and forestry law. We have testified and denied [the accusations] two to three times, China asked to train infrastructure engineers but the provincial court still sent me to prison,” he said. Lay Samean Sun Chanthol and Chinese bodia MoU [memorandum port to improve capacities of rently 191 students enrolled. “As soon as I left prison, there is a Minister of Transport Li Xi- of understanding] on coop- Cambodian engineers. But the institute is still in its new summons concerning the same THE Ministry of Public aopeng on June 22. eration to help teach Cam- Ministry spokesman Vasim infancy, having been estab- case ... I am certain that this lawsuit Works and Transport has The talks came before the bodian engineers to build Sorya told The Post on June lished this year. aims to arrest all community members reached out to its Chinese second UN Global Sustain- roads, bridges and many 23 that Cambodia has many Um Vutty, founder and and send them to prison and prevent counterpart for assistance able Transport Conference other infrastructure proj- good engineers, but the honorary president of the them from reclaiming the community in training local engineers scheduled for October 14- ects,” Chanthol said. number had yet to match the Cambodian students’ asso- forest land,” Khoy continued. on construction of roads, 16 this year in Beijing. They Most universities in Cam- country’s rapid growth. ciation in China, suggested Provincial department of agricul- bridges and other infra- also discussed building ca- bodia were not focused on “In fact, we have many en- that the government incor- ture director Pen Vanrith and For- structure as the nation is pacities of engineers. this skill, he added. gineers but they are old. We porate Cambodian universi- estry Administration head Keo Oma- developing at a fast pace but “We ask for support and According to Chanthol, have many young civil engi- ty graduates in engineering lis could not be reached for comment has a shortage of human re- assistance in the form of some technical institutes and neers, but there are not many into the state framework so on June 23. sources in this sector. many skills from our friend universities in China intend- who are trained in the con- that they can contribute to The Post could not contact the The request was made China. In particular, allow- ed to cooperate with Cam- struction of bridges, roads and national development. plaintiffs for comment. during a virtual bilateral ing professors and techni- bodia’s Techo Sen Institute ports ... The more projects we “The government or inter- Provincial court spokesman Say meeting between minister cians under the China-Cam- of Public Works and Trans- undertake, the more human ested ministries should of- Veasna told The Post on June 23 that resources we lack,” he said. fer them an opportunity to both sides had filed complaints He added that in general work on state projects in a against each other. there are many institutes special framework because He urged the two sides to appear in under the Chinese transport they have engineering skills. court to testify, saying the prosecutor ministry that can train Cam- “I call on the government will thoroughly study the case. bodian engineers. to encourage them to use In addition to the summons of four “We can cooperate with their knowledge for devel- community members, Veasna said an institute or university in opment through ministries the court had also summoned the China and enter a MoU to and institutions because three plaintiffs who claimed to be send Chinese teachers to they are good at language owners of the land to appear in court Cambodia or dispatch Cam- and techniques,” he said. for clarification according to the bodian students or teachers According to Vutty, more countersuit by the community. there to learn from them. It than 2,000 students are He said if the matter is consistent, is our request for assistance studying courses provided the court will combine the lawsuits with training,” he said. by universities in China, into a single case to make it easier for Sorya noted that Cambo- both online and in class. the court to handle. dia’s Techo Sen Institute of More than 500 students are Public Works and Transport in civil engineering and the www.phnompenhpost.com plays a part in training peo- rest are in mechanics, mine check the post website ple to build roads and bridg- engineering, oil, roads, for breaking news A view of the construction of Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway on June 21. public works ministry es in Cambodia with cur- bridges and railroads. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn (right) greets his UK counterpart Dominic Raab at foreign Ministry showcases ministry on Wednesday. Foreign ministry prehistoric paintings in Cardamom cavern

Orm Bunthoeurn and scientific research. Vanchan said promotion of THE Ministry of Environ- the cave may draw enough ment is producing a video interest for researchers to to promote rock paintings visit the cave and study the found in a prehistoric cave paintings. located in the Central Carda- “The paintings are ancient mom National Park in Pursat . . . Technically such images province, which is scheduled date back more than 3,000 for completion on June 26- years. We will not know for 27. Archaeologists claim the sure unless there is a clear cave is thousands of years old study, because we need to do with paintings similar to ones data analysis, not just look at found in Egypt. the pictures,” he said. Sok Sopheap, the report Vanchan continued that producer from the ministry, the paintings were made us- said the video is less than 10 ing red paint and etchings to minutes long and included give a physical appearance. footage of the cave site tak- Most importantly, there are en by drones, the ancient pictures of wildlife such as paintings, flora and fauna. elephants, deer and wild The video aims to attract boar. Sokhonn lauds UK for aid tourists. He noted that the paint- “We want to advertise [the ings in this cave are not very Ry Sochan eign ministry’s press statement tives to address the pandemic. key target regions. cave] to attract visitors, es- clear, but it is a highlight of released after the meeting. He also confirmed that Prime Britain’s relations with Cam- pecially after the Covid-19 the park that reveals the INISTER of For- “They shared a common Minister Hun Sen will attend bodia are both bilateral and crisis. The broadcast will lives of ancient people who eign Affairs and desire to further strengthen the forthcoming UN Climate multilateral. The multilateral also help to protect the cave knew how to use elephants International Co- and expand bilateral relations Change Conference (COP26) to mechanism is an ASEAN-UK and improve the livelihoods and lived with wildlife in the operation Prak and cooperation in various be held in Glasgow, Scotland. relationship that the UK wants of people in the area and re- area. MSokhonn thanked the UK gov- fields of mutual benefit – es- Raab reaffirmed the UK’s to elevate further by becoming duce deforestation, which is Vanchan, himself an ar- ernment for continuing to pro- pecially the economy, trade, support for the ASEM13 Sum- an ASEAN dialogue partner. a crime,” he said. chaeologist, hopes that vide assistance to Cambodia in education, mine clearance, mit hosted by Cambodia on “As Britain leaves the EU, it Lim Vanchan, office head at the cave will encourage re- the areas of education, mine health and the environment,” November 25-26. wants to become a dialogue the heritage area department searchers of prehistory to clearance and the Extraordi- the statement said. Asian Vision institute direc- partner with Cambodia and under the ministry’s General study the age of the paint- nary Chambers in the Courts Sokhonn expressed apprecia- tor Chheang Vannarith told with ASEAN. Cambodia, Department of Local Com- ings. He also hopes the cave of Cambodia (ECCC). tion for the UK’s contribution The Post on June 24 that hav- which next year will be the munities, said the cave paint- can attract tourists who like Sokhonn made the remarks of £1 million to the Covid-19 ing left the EU, Britain is now chair of ASEAN, also has an ings were old but he could to relax within the protect- during a meeting with his UK ASEAN Response Fund and seeking strategic trade and important role to play in pro- not yet conclude how old ed area and are looking for counterpart Dominic Raab on encouraged more support from economic partners. South- moting ASEAN relations with they were. Determining the different places to enjoy as June 23, according to the for- the UK for other ASEAN initia- east Asia, he said, is one of its Britain,” he said. age must involve technicians well. ANA: 800 homes repaired across Angkor Park in 2021 Long Kimmarita

THE Apsara National Author- ity (ANA) said that in the first half of this year their commu- nity team had allowed people in the Angkor Archaelogical Park area to repair more than 800 houses and build light constructions, while nearly 1,400 more requests were still under examination. In a Facebook post on June 23, ANA said there were outstand- ing requests in various districts –119 in Prasat Bakong; 213 in Angkor Thom; 120 in Puok; 191 in Siem Reap town; and 193 in Banteay Srei. There are also 29 requests to the ANA community Apsara Authority meets with people about fixing their homes in Angkor team from those residing out- Park in Siem Reap province. apsara national authority side of the Angkor park area. “In the first semester of 2021, Angkor park area, ANA said. replace them with new ones in the ANA community team has “The team will continue its the same location with ANA’s ... examined requests and goals of disseminating [infor- permission. They can make allowed for repairs and small mation] and educating people requests without having to pay constructions [to take place] in to understand about the ANA’s a fee, but the construction of five target districts/town in and role and the duty of [caring for] new houses was not allowed. outside the Angkor Park. There the land in the protected areas “So far, it has been good because are 1,399 requests, 865 of which of the Angkor park and the people submitted application were granted,” it said. procedures for applications forms correctly and according to Additionally, the team had for home and building repairs legal procedures. But there are joined in some humanitarian in the park in a more effective still offenders building [things] and religious works to assist and timely manner,” it said. clandestinely. Our team just some elderly people, disabled ANA spokesman Long Kosal bans and pulls down those con- persons, sick children and said that under the law, people structions according to legal impoverished families by pro- who have lived for a long time in principles,” he said. viding them with money and the first and second protected Kosal added that houses in items of daily necessities. areas of the Angkor park can the Angkor area had increased They had also joined other continue to live there and will in number because of growing programmes in those commu- not be evicted from their homes. population in the area, and the nities and met with residents. He added that those villagers ANA was now taking a head- They addressed requests in 112 can repair or dismantle their count of people to keep records villages inside and outside the condemned homes and up to date. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National​ Traffic accidents cost 1.7% of GDP

Mom Kunthear is behaviour that determines loss of life in traffic accidents,” said Nick HE cost of road traffic ac- Beresford. cidents in Cambodia was Ministry of Public Works and Trans- found to be $466.8 million port secretary of state and NRSC gen- for 2019, or 1.7 per cent of eral secretary Mean Manvy, said that annualT Gross Domestic Product, ac- the NRSC strongly believes that the cording to a National Road Safety information in this report along with Committee (NRSC) and the United the findings from the study on eco- Nations Development Programme nomic cost will provide important (UNDP) press release on June 23. insights for making effective road The report on the re-estimated safety initiatives and policies. cost of traffic accidents in Cambo- “This allows the Royal Government, dia was the first in 10 years. NGOs and private entities work- The press release said that of the ing on strengthening road safety in total cost, 88.8 per cent is due to Cambodia to contribute to reducing loss of life and associated lifetime traffic accidents and the number of earnings. deaths and injuries.” she said. The NRSC and UNDP launched The reduction of traffic acci- this updated report on road traffic dents can be achieved by factoring accidents in Cambodia and eco- in cause, location, timing, and the nomic impact using the Road Crash economic cost of accidents and re- and Victim Information System sponding through the implementa- (RCVIS) 2019 data. tion of action plans, reinforcement It added that deaths caused by traf- of traffic laws, improvement of fic accidents had increased nearly transportation infrastructure, and 25 per cent from 2009 to 2019, high- the implementation of awareness- er than the population growth of 17 raising efforts, said Manvy. per cent for the same period. In 2020, there were a total of 3,179 “Three-quarters of fatalities are traffic accidents, a 23 per cent de- motorbike users, followed by pe- crease of 942 from the total of 4,121 destrians, family car users, and accidents which occurred in 2019, goods vehicle users. Over 80 per according to the report of Interior cent of all registered vehicles in- A man is injured in a road accident in Tuol Svay Prey commune of Phnom Penh’s Boeung Keng Kang district on June 22. HENG CHIVOAN Ministry issued earlier in 2021. volved in road accidents were mo- It said the reduction in traffic torbikes. Most fatalities occurred Human error caused about 98 per compared to 2018,” the report said. thorough analysis has been com- accidents in 2020 has lowered the on national roads and within the cent of crashes, and 16 per cent of “Furthermore, only 10 per cent of pleted on such a large database of number of fatalities by 335, down capital.” The report revealed. the accident victims died. casualties could reach a hospital in traffic accidents. 17 per cent from 2019 when ac- Behaviour is the main contribu- The report highlights the need for less than 30 minutes, while most ca- “It’s given us some real insights as cidents claimed the lives of 1,981 tor when assessing fatalities, and a faster emergency response. sualties reached hospital at least 1 to what is associated with deaths on people. In 2020, the death toll has there are four factors that cause “More than 80 per cent of fatali- hour after an accident.” the road. It is not really about being dropped to 1,646. The number of deaths: use of alcohol and drugs, ties occur at the scene. Only 35 per Nick Beresford, UNDP resident young or being male. It’s about alco- accident-related injuries also de- speeding, ignoring traffic rules, cent of casualties received first-aid, representative said in the press hol, drugs, ignoring traffic rules, and creased by 1,455, or 24 per cent, and using phones while driving. representing a decline of 24 per cent release that this is the first time a phone use while driving. In short, it from 6,141 to 4,686. Request for school reopening rejected Voun Dara tutions expressed hopes that Moniroth will see the difficul- THE Ministry of Education, ties they are facing and will Youth and Sport has rejected allow schools to reopen. a request by private educa- Heng Vanda, director of the tion institutions to reopen Vanda Institute of Accounting schools but will refer it to and chairman of the Cambo- Minister of Economy and Fi- dian Higher Education As- nance Aun Moniroth, who is sociation, said the education also chairman of the Stand- ministry understands the dif- ing Committee of the Na- ficulties private schools are tional Committee for Com- facing and will try to assist bating Covid-19. and make them sustainable. Education ministry spokes- But the ministry, he said, is man Ros Soveacha told The also facing a trade-off as the Post on June 23 that the re- pandemic situation remains quest along with draft in- critical. structions for private schools “We are very sad when we on integrated teaching and go to a school or university learning for the academic that has been quiet for al- year 2020-2021 will be for- most two years. Seeing this warded to the finance minis- situation, we have almost no ter for a decision. strength to enter the school. The decision to keep We cannot continue like this, schools closed was an- otherwise the school will be nounced during a virtual closed [permanently],” he meeting on June 23 between said. the education ministry and “It is now almost payday for private education institution employees, and they [schools] leaders to discuss the pro- have to spend $200,000 a posal submitted on June 16. month. Where can they get “The education ministry money from? maintains its position that Pech Bolen, president of the it will continue to suspend Federation of Education Ser- public and private educa- vices in Cambodia, echoed tion institutions throughout Vanda’s concerns. the country until further no- “Private schools have re- tice,” Soveacha said, adding quested His Excellency Aun that for the time being, these Porn Moniroth to examine institutions must continue the possibility of reopening teaching online and follow private schools through a va- procedures the ministry has riety of study methods such put in place. as the combination of online Representatives and lead- classes and classroom les- ers of private education insti- sons,” he said. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,095 1.2293 6.4688 110.87 4.1625 1.3437 31.86 0.7577 1.1945 1.3964

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: June 24, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 13,200 13,340 13,340 13,160 2 GTI 4,180 4,200 4,200 4,100 3 PAS 14,420 14,600 14,600 14,420 4 PEPC 3,190 3,190 3,200 3,120 5 PPAP 15,100 15,180 15,180 15,100 6 PPSP 2,200 2,220 2,230 2,200 7 PWSA 7,080 7,160 7,160 7,040 Cambodia, UK mull trade facilitation MoU Hin Pisei he said, adding that exporters imports mainly consist of of Cambodian merchandise cars and machinery. ambodia and the also stand to capitalise on the In February, Cambodian UK are consider- UK’s trade agreements with Minister of Commerce Pan ing entering into the EU. Sorasak acclaimed the UK’s a memorandum “If Cambodia manages to considerable contributions ofC understanding (MoU) on strike more MoUs with the UK, to the Cambodian economy Trade Facilitation to further that’d make more Cambodian and human resource devel- boost bilateral trade, un- goods marketable and bolster opment via financing for the derpinned by the Southeast competitiveness,” he said. expansion of priority sec- Asian country’s preferential Following the result of a tors – especially education, market access under Britain’s referendum held in 2016, the economy and trade – and the Generalised Scheme of Pref- UK’s divorce from the EU on provision of the trade prefer- erences (GSP), the Ministry of January 31, 2020 – commonly ences that came into effect Foreign Affairs and Interna- known as Brexit – gave Britain when the Brexit transition pe- tional Cooperation said in a the freedom to set an inde- riod ended. press release. pendent trade policy. He said the government At a June 23 meeting with his The UK government has “has made great efforts to British counterpart Dominic since committed to increase reform institutions and regu- Raab, foreign minister Prak access to UK markets for de- lations for economic integra- Sokhonn highlighted the im- veloping countries, as Cam- tion and has shown a strong portance and positive nature bodian agricultural products will to expand trade partner- of past and present Cambo- gain more support and mar- ships through the establish- dia-UK diplomatic relations, ket share. ment of free trade agreements and thanked the UK govern- Britain’s foreign minister Dominic Raab (left) met his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn on Wednesday. Prior to the December 31 with major trading partners ment for including Cambodia FOREIGN MINISTRY expiration of the transition in the region”. in the GSP programme. period following the UK’s de- Cambodia-UK trade The ministry said: “The two mine clearance, health and and other incentives, as well Lim Heng told The Post that parture from the EU, Britain reached $877.54 million last ministers agreed on the im- the environment. as AFTA [ASEAN free trade any bilateral or multilateral announced that it would pro- year, down by 17 per cent from portance of dialogue on trade “They agreed on the need agreement], RCEP [Regional MoU or trade agreements vide GSP benefits to Cambo- $1.05728 billion in 2019, com- related issues. They shared to advertise business op- Comprehensive Economic with the UK would be very dia, along with more than 40 merce ministry data show. a common desire to further portunities in Cambodia in Partnership], Cambodia- beneficial to Cambodia, as a other countries. Cambodia exported $826.16 strengthen and expand bilat- order to encourage more UK China FTA [free trade agree- major buyer of Cambodian The greater part of Cambo- million worth of merchandise eral relations and coopera- investors to choose Cambo- ment], Cambodia-Korea FTA goods. dia’s exports to the UK com- during the period, down 15.48 tion in various fields of mu- dia as a destination, taking frameworks,” it said. The UK imports loads of prise garments, footwear, bi- per cent year-on-year, and im- tual benefit, especially the into account of Cambodia’s Cambodia Chamber of Cambodian textile products, cycles, milled rice and other ported $51.38 million, down economy, trade, education, potentials resulting from tax Commerce vice-president bicycles and milled rice year, agricultural products, while 35.60 per cent year-on-year. $13.M e-bike plant planned for SEZ in Svay Rieng

Thou Vireak “We will facilitate the provision of driving Cambodia’s exports to con- public services to them to serve the tinue growing earlier this year. LEISGER (Cambodia) Co Ltd plans to factory project,” Pharith said. First, Cambodian Minister of Com- build a plant to manufacture electric Hong Vanak, director of Interna- merce [Pan Sorasak] called on buy- bicycles, batteries and other compo- tional Economics at the Royal Acad- ers to continue ordering goods from nents, in a special economic zone emy of Cambodia, previously noted Cambodia. (SEZ) of the southeastern province of that free trade agreements (FTA) with “Second, we’ve developed buyer Svay Rieng. China and South Korea, as well as the confidence. And third, Cambodia is The Council for the Development Regional Comprehensive Economic one of the largest exporters of bicy- of Cambodia (CDC) on June 23 said Partnership (RCEP) agreement, will cles, with a wide market,” he said. it had approved a final registration contribute to reeling in investment According to Thay, Cambodia has certificate for Leisger Cambodia’s to the Kingdom. six bicycle factories – all based in Svay $13.9 million venture in “Sin Bavet “We will have more inflows of investors Rieng’s SEZs. Special Economic Zone”, and is into Cambodia in the future,” he said. In 2019, the CDC approved $9.40 expected to create 251 jobs. The Kingdom exported $527.8 million billion worth of investment projects, Provincial deputy governor Ros worth of bicycles and spare parts last of which mainland Chinese investors Pharith said he welcomes all invest- year, up by 27.78 per cent from 2019’s accounted for $2.75 billion. Hong ment projects in the province, which $412.49 million, and imported $8.38 A proposal for a $13.9 million electric bicycle assembly plant in Svay Rieng province Kong ranked second at $912.55 mil- he pointed out boasts notable trade million from Japan, China, Taiwan, Viet- was approved on Wednesday. pixabay lion, while Japan took third with potential as it borders Vietnam. nam, the US and Thailand, down by $298.84 million. “We have not received this informa- 19.33 per cent year-on-year, according up by nine per cent from 1.26 million in Ministry spokesman Seang Thay told As of June 14, 6,164 businesses with tion yet, but we believe this invest- to Ministry of Commerce data. the previous year. The Post last month that the US, UK, over $2.6 billion in capital have been ment will create more jobs for the While no figures were available for the According to Bike Europe, Cambo- Europe and Canada topped the list of registered with the government’s people,” he said, ascribing this number of bicycles exported in 2020, dia has become the leading supplier buyers of Cambodian-assembled bicy- online Business Registration Platform “achievement” as an “effort of the sen- online trade publication Bike Europe of bicycles to the EU since 2017, over- cles, followed by Japan, China, South in just one year since its launch on ior government leadership to attract reported that the Kingdom shipped out taking Taiwan, which held the posi- Korea and ASEAN countries. June 15, 2020, according to the Min- foreign investors to Cambodia”. more than 1.42 million bicycles in 2017, tion for more than two decades. “There were three main factors istry of Economy and Finance. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business GI honey, rice flakes’ official recognition in 2021: ministry Thou Vireak dry and pounded by mortar and pestle into flakes and char- HE Ministry of Com- acteristically eaten during the merce will officially Kingdom’s annual water fes- recognise “Mon- tival, the ambok’s registration dulkiri Wild Honey” as a collective trademark was asT a domestic geographical revealed at the General Assem- indication (GI) and “Ambok bly of Ambok Kampong Thom Kampong Thom” as a col- producers on February 16. lective trademark this year, a Suon Vichea, director of breakthrough that will boost the ministry’s Department of production at all levels and Intellectual Property Rights, expand international sales defines collective trademarks of the products, according to as signs that distinguish spokesman Seang Thay. products by geographical ori- Made in the northeastern gin, industry, quality or other Made in the northeastern province’s forested areas from the Apis dorsata bee, the 'Mondulkiri wild honey' was registered by the ministry as a province’s forested areas from common characteristics. domestic geographical indication (GI) on January 29. WWF the Apis dorsata bee, the hon- They are registered un- ey was registered by the min- der an owner, he told The chains, improve system- erate income for the com- riel ($15) per litre and resells it lective trademarks, he said, istry as a domestic GI on Jan- Post, usually an organisation atic quality control, produce munity and also help prevent at 70,000-75,000 riel after re- expressing hope that the pro- uary 29, becoming the fourth composed of businesses, high-quality products and, honey fraud from other areas.” moving moisture and wax. cess would be completed in such commodity after Kam- merchants and profession- eventually, open the doors to Phary said she believes the Harvested between March the near future. pot pepper, Kampong Speu als from the same industry international markets. official ministerial announce- and June each year, Bophat According to Thay, the min- palm sugar and the pomelos or geographical region that Thay said: “The growth of ment will also encourage more noted that Mondulkiri wild istry is also preparing to draft a grown in Kratie province’s pools resources, shares in- GI products and collective companies to order honey honey is characterised by its joint regulation governing the Koh Trong commune. formation and provides other trademarks also has a positive from the community. With do- unique type of sweetness and use of collective trademarks Once officially recognised by benefits for its members. effect on other sectors – such mestic market demand on the fragrance, as well as its high and internal regulations the ministry, the honey’s newly Ministry spokesman Thay as tourism through identity rise, she plans to buy 600kg of viscosity. of steamed balut from Sre acquired GI status will offer told The Post that his minis- and territorial image, help- honey this year, she said. Thay said the ministry plans Ronong commune in Takeo protection for appellations of try would announce its offi- ing to improve the quality of “Although we do not yet have to register other products as province’s Tram Kak district, origin linked to specific geo- cial recognition of Mondulkiri the products and structure of orders from companies for ex- collective trademarks, such as as well as Pursat oranges. graphical locations and associ- wild honey and Ambok Kam- production chains.” port to foreign markets, I hope “Nom Banh Chok Siem Reap” The ministry has been ated qualities, reputations and pong Thom within the year, Srov Phary, who buys of Mon- the official announcement will – a local variety of rice noodle working with the World In- characteristics. The designa- in what he called an initiative dulkiri wild honey directly from boost orders from companies associated with Siem Reap tellectual Property Organisa- tion also promotes knowledge of minister Pan Sorasak. the community, welcomed the for export,” Phary added. province’s Preah Dak com- tion (WIPO) and the Agence transfer and skills develop- Thay said Cambodia stands honey’s official recognition as According to Mondulkiri mune – and the silver-copper Francaise de Developpement ment across generations. to economically benefit from a GI product, voicing hope that Wild Bee Conservation Asso- sculpting typical of Kampong (AFD) on similar themes for And the “Ambok Kampong the value-added production of the commodity would have ciation (MWBCA) president Luong and Koh Chin com- Kampot salt and “Fleur de Thom” brand will be associ- GIs and collective trademarks. a strong market domestically Kernh Bophat, the association munes in Kandal province’s Sel” (flower of salt), he said. ated with Sankoa commune GI and collective-trade- and abroad. harvested more than 60 tonnes Ponhea Leu district. “Fleur de Sel” is a type of in the western reaches of mark registration is also an “We have been looking for- of Mondulkiri wild honey in The ministry has been pre- salt mainly associated with Kampong Thom province’s important tool to encourage ward to this for a long time,” each of 2019 and 2020. paring the relevant docu- the northern coast France that Kampong Svay district. the community to strength- she said. “This is a great thing, He said the MWBCA buys ments to pave the way for forms as a delicate, flaky crust Made by frying cooked rice en and expand productions which will add value and gen- honey from members at 60,000 official recognition of the col- on the surface of seawater. Covid curbs ‘a complex balance of health, economy’

Continued from page 1 training, as well as the Phnom Penh stakeholders in the private sector, to governor to kindly help ensure the iron out their concerns around the abilities to ensure their effective imple- continuation of the government’s measures in advance,” he said. mentation, he said. policy on expenses covering Covid-19 American Chamber of Commerce He noted that Point B5 poses the tests, quarantine and treatment – to in Cambodia president Anthony first challenge – allocating locations be borne by the government in or- Galliano told The Post that the mea- as potential coronavirus test sites, der to mitigate some of the measures sures to contain and mitigate the quarantine areas or light Covid-19 mentioned,” Loo stressed. spread of Covid-19 have always been treatment centres. Cambodia Footwear Association and will continue to be a fine and “Most factories or enterprises do president Ly Kunthai echoed Loo’s complex balance of ensuring the not have suitable locations to prop- concerns over repercussions for the health and safety of the population erly implement quarantine measures industrial sector stemming from and its workforce, and maintaining or light Covid-19 treatment in accor- Covid prevention measures. economic stability and growth. dance with the government’s health “We do appreciate the strict mea- “Hopefully these new regulations measures,” Loo said. sures to combat Covid-19. However, will not deter investment in the sec- These businesses cannot provide the measures place an additional tor, as we live in a new world with the day-to-day accommodation, layer of burden on us and would greater concern of health and safety food and other supporting services undermine production if applied,” of workers,” he said. for workers or employees in quaran- he said. “[Still], we do hope that the As of March 31, there were 746 tine or receiving light treatment for government and the Phnom Penh factories and 4,985 small-scale the disease, he stressed, while sug- municipal governor will help relax and cottage industries registered gesting that a sizeable portion would Industrial sector staff, workers and other employees have the freedom to find a proper some of these measures for us.” in Phnom Penh, creating 476,359 rather self-quarantine at home. place to eat after work, says an official of the Kingdom’s garment trade body .HONG MENEA European Chamber of Commerce direct jobs and tens of thousands “Factories also cannot bear the full in Cambodia advocacy manager more indirect jobs, the adminis- expense of quarantine and light patient Employers have no right, power either, pointing out that employees Noe Schellinck told The Post that the tration’s letter said, adding that the treatments, in addition to the burden or legal authority to outright ban have the freedom to find a proper trade body’s members were discuss- Cambodian Investment Board had of worker and employee salaries where people from selling foods, beverag- place to eat after work. ing the measures, but that further logged 34 new factories in the capi- there is no production,” Loo added. es, groceries or other goods around “To ease this burden and ensure details were needed to successfully tal during January-March. Point B9 bars slapdash food, bever- their businesses, he said. sustainability of production at fac- carry out the action plan. “Despite the circumstances sur- age and other such stalls from selling Point B10 bars staff, workers and tories and enterprises for export – in “There are many practical ques- rounding Covid-19, the business and inside and nearby the compounds other employees to leave the prem- support of the Cambodian economy tions and concerns that would need production of almost all factories and of factories or manufacturing enter- ises to eat, he said, adding that em- – GMAC would like to request the to be resolved. We wish the Phnom enterprises are still running as nor- prises, he said, citing the municipal ployers have no right or legal power ministers of economy and finance; Penh Municipal Administration had mal, and only a few have suspended administration’s letter. to ban people from going out to eat health; and labour and vocational arranged prior consultations with operations,” the letter read. Box 2:

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VWURQJ With the onslaught of Cambodia’s trade treaty with China and a quota- SHUIRUPDQFHE\H[SRUWRULHQWHGPDQXIDFWXULQJDQGDUREXVWUHFRYHU\RIfree entry into United Kingdom, as GRPHVWLFGHPDQG well as the anticipated ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Eco- 7RUHDFKXSSHUPLGGOHLQFRPHVWDWXVE\9LHWQDP·VGHYHORSPHQWPRGHOLVVHWWRFKDQJHWRDNQRZOHGJHnomic Partnership (RCEP) in Janu- ary next year, trade investments in non-traditional segments are start- EDVHGGLJLWDOL]HGJUHHQHFRQRP\In ingthe to emerge.transition years, the country will need to see major investments in human capital, Both investment and export trends LQQRYDWLRQDQGJUHHQLQIUDVWUXFWXUHWRLQFUHDVHSURGXFWLYLW\SXUVXLQJDQHYHQPRUHUHVLOLHQWDQGNQRZOHGJHEDVHGHFRQRP\have shifted as non-garment manu- facturing segment represented a 9LHWQDPLVFRPPLWWHGWR L LPSURYLQJWKHTXDOLW\RIlarger share of the market PDUNHWHFRQRP\LQVWLWXWLRQVDQGJRYHUQDQFH LL GHYHORSLQJKXPDQ since the pandemic. Seemingly, the National Bank of capital, science, technology and innovation;Cambodia (iii) (NBC)further stated thatintegrating the into the global economy; and (iv) continuing to improve effort of economic diversification the transport, energy and IT infrastructurecould and be illustrated green by and the increase resilient megacities. in foreign direct investment (FDI) to non-garment industries, which is expected to slowly expand. Cambodia’s economy is projected to recover,Sectors, such expandingas travel goods, en- modestly at 4 percent in 2021. +RZHYHU&DPERGLD·VJURZWK ergy, electrical parts, vehicle spare PRGHO³FKDUDFWHUL]HGE\DQDUURZH[SRUWEDVHZLWKDKLJKFRQFHQWUDWLRQRIparts, among others, have recently SURGXFWVDQGPDUNHWVPDVNHGE\DSUHFULVLV emerged as newly attractive indus- tries for foreign investors. VXUJHLQFDSLWDOLQÁRZVZKLFKIXHOHGDFRQVWUXFWLRQDQGUHDOHVWDWHERRPPD\QRORQJHUEHVXVWDLQDEOHLQWKHVKRUWWRORQJHU“With appropriate support, these industries could boost the diversifi- term. Unless the country’s structural weaknessescation in the are manufacturing addressed, sector the economy will likely follow a new trajectory (a new normal), in the medium term,” the central H[SDQGLQJRQO\PRGHUDWHO\LQWKHSRVWSDQGHPLFZRUOGbank said in its Financial Stability Review 2020. It added that the government had taken advantage of technological advancement by digitalising several Figure B2.1. Vietnam’s exports publicFigure services, including B2.2. those Cambodia’s re- exports Figure B2.3. Driven by electronics, lated to trade, investment and busi- The garment sector will remain a key economic sector. Hong Menea GLYHUVLÀHGFRQVLVWLQJODUJHO\RI  nessremain registration. heavily dependent on Vietnam’s exports performed very While noting that financial tech- tem, had “grown remarkably”, the advancement could reduce cost diversify the Cambodian economy agro-processing sectors with FDI nology,garments especially the payment sys- NBC mentioned that technological ZHOOand enhance productivity with im- away from its current heavy reliance amounting to $110 million. high-value-added products proved innovation, which are the on garments in its non-agricultural Contributionkey factors to attracting more to FDI. exportsexports,” growthhe said. Structural weaknesses Cambodia’s exports remain heavily Dr Jayant Menon, visiting senior The World Bank, in its latest eco- In a similar development, ex- (percentagefellow at the Institute ofpoint) Southeast nomic update, equally noted that ports for non-garment goods have dependent on garments Asian Studies (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak the lure of the FTAs had pushed increased. Data by the World Bank Institute) found that the nexus be- up the value of approved projects, showed that in the first four months Garments (% of goods exports) tween trade and investment has funded by FDI, in the real sector. of this year, exports of bicycles and Electronics exports (% of total) 90 been strengthened inElectronics, an era of in- machinery,The expansionand equipment underpinned a combined vehicle, electrical, and Total goods exports (y/y, percent change, RHS) ternational productionTextiles networks and garments diversification of FDI project that electronic parts rose 32.3 per cent 80 and global supply chains. were previously focussed largely and 16.4 per cent, respectively, year- Electronics exports (y/y, percent change, RHS) Modern trade agreementsFishery products like in the construction and real estate on-year. 70 RCEP,60% of which CambodiaToys/sports is a sig- requsector,isites which garnered $1.8 billion “Exports of garment and textile 70% 120% natory, do as much Furniture to encourage worth of investments in 2019, only products no longer accounted for investment as they doOther trade by re- to record a plummet at $140 million the majority of merchandise ex- 60% 100% 60 ducing40% trade costs and addressing last year. ports. The share of garment exports behind the border issues.Total In recent times, FDI poured into in total goods [excluding gold] ex- 50% 80% 50 The harmonising of rules and reg- sectors such as energy, healthcare, ports declined to 45.6 per cent in ulatory20% converge – key features of telecommunication, garment, trav- the first four months of 2021, down 40 RCEP – will assist in plugging Cam- el goods, and agriculture, including from 52.2 per cent in 2020 [and 57.6 40% 60% bodia more deeply into global sup- agroprocessing industries, adjusting per cent in 2019],” the bank wrote. 30 ply0% chains. to changes in domestic economic That being said, garment, travel 30% 40% Menon opined that the adoption and external demand conditions. and footwear (GTF) industry re- 20 of a single rule of origin, another key While the largest component of mains the mainstay for Cambodia, 20% 20% objective-20% of RCEP, will further assist approved FDI project value at $1.8 contributing 17 per cent to gross 10 in the process of integrating into billion in 2020 went to the tourism domestic product in 2019. 10% 0% global supply chains. sector, despite taking a hit in the However, external demand shocks -40%“The benefits to Cambodia aris- pandemic, non-garment indus- in the past year and domestic chal- 0 ing from these measures will greatly tries such as energy, healthcare lenges including the closure of fac- 0% -20% outweigh the impacts from tariff re- and telecommunication came in tories due to the spread of Covid-19 Jul-19 Jul-20 Jan-20 Jan-19 Jan-21

ductions on goods alone. Sep-19 second with investmentsSep-20 totaling reduced output. Mar-20 Mar-19 May-20 May-19 Nov-19 Nov-20 2017 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2018 2019 2020 Characterised by a narrow export

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 “In this way, mega-regionals like $1.4 billion.

Source: Haver Analytics. Apr-21 RCEP if implemented faithfully can The garment sector received $220 base, Cambodia’s growth model ex- Extract: Cambodia Economic Update, June 2021 (World Bank) attract the kind of FDI required to million followed by agriculture and hibited weaknesses “years before Source: +DYHU$QDO\WLFV Source: +DYHU$QDO\WLFV Source: +DYHU$QDO\WLFV Note: 5+6 ULJKWKDQGVFDOH

22 CAMBODIA ECONOMIC UPDATE | JUNE 2021 RecentRecent Economic Economic Developments Developments and and Outlook Outlook

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WhileWhile havinghaving aa relativelyrelatively smallsmall HIIHFWHIIHFW UHVXOWLQJ UHVXOWLQJ IURP IURP 86&KLQD 86&KLQD WHQVLRQV WHQVLRQV44 shareshare ofof 3.23.2 percentpercent ofof totaltotal merchandisemerchandise exportsexports ChinaChina and and Vietnam Vietnam are are expected expected to to grow grow (excluding(excluding gold),gold), exportsexports ofof electricalelectrical parts,parts, wirewire VWURQJO\LQ³E\SHUFHQWDQGSHUFHQWVWURQJO\LQ³E\SHUFHQWDQGSHUFHQW andand accessories, accessories, and and vehicle vehicle parts parts reached reached US$456 US$456 UHVSHFWLYHO\³ZKLOHUHVSHFWLYHO\³ZKLOH WKH WKH UHVW UHVW RI RI WKH WKH UHJLRQ UHJLRQ LV LV million,million, growinggrowing atat 18.118.1 percentpercent inin 2020.2020. ExportsExports expectedexpected toto growgrow byby onlyonly 4.44.4 percent.percent. Conversely,Conversely, ofof bicyclesbicycles alsoalso accelerated,accelerated, reachingreaching US$527US$527 countriescountries withwith thethe weakestweakest performanceperformance werewere thethe million,million, expandingexpanding atat 27.727.7 percentpercent inin 2020.2020. onesones that that depend depend on on earnings earnings from from tourism tourism rather rather GoodsGoods exports exports have have recovered. recovered. Merchandise Merchandise thanthan exports exports of of manufactured manufactured goods, goods, especially especially (excluding(excluding gold) gold) exports exports grew grew at at 12 12..22 percent percent electronics.electronics. LQWKHÀUVWIRXUPRQWKVRILQWKHÀUVWIRXUPRQWKVRI DespiteDespite risingrising Cambodia’sCambodia’s merchandise merchandise exports exports have have shippingshipping costs,costs, exportsexports ofof GFTGFT products,products, whichwhich adaptedadapted to to changes changes in in external external demand demand bottomedbottomed out out in in January January 2021, 2021, contracting contracting by by conditionsconditions andand thethe shareshare ofof garmentgarment exportsexports 13.213.2 percent percent y/y, y/y, havehave recovered recovered since, since, growing growing inin totaltotal goodsgoods (excluding(excluding gold)gold) exportsexports declineddeclined atat 1010..22 percentpercent andand 2727.8.8 percentpercent inin MarchMarch andand toto 45.45.SHUFHQWLQWKHÀUVWPRQWKVRISHUFHQWLQWKHÀUVWPRQWKVRI   AprilApril 2021,2021, respectively.respectively. ExportsExports ofof bicyclesbicycles grewgrew downdown from from 52.2 52.2 percent percent in in 2020 2020 (and (and 57.6 57.6 percent percent DWDW   SHUFHQW SHUFHQW GXULQJ GXULQJ WKH WKH ÀUVW ÀUVW IRXU IRXU PRQWKV PRQWKV RI RI   LQLQ     ÀJXUH ÀJXUH     ([SRUWV ([SRUWV RI RI   JDUPHQWV JDUPHQWV DQG DQG 2021,2021, comparedcompared toto 27.827.8 percentpercent inin 2020.2020. DuringDuring textiles)textiles) nono longerlonger accountedaccounted forfor thethe majoritymajority ofof thethe samesame period,period, combinedcombined vehicle,vehicle, electrical,electrical, andand Cambodia’sCambodia’s goods goods exports exports as as of of April April 2021 2021.. electronicelectronic partsparts exportsexports grewgrew byby 16.416.4 percentpercent andand AsAs the the country’s country’s goods goods exports exports adjusted, adjusted, the the 18.218.2 percent,percent, respectively.respectively. declinedecline in in GFT GFT goods goods exports exports in in the the second second Cambodia’sCambodia’s manufacturing manufacturing exports exports to to the the DQGWKLUGTXDUWHUVRIZDVSDUWO\RIIVHWDQGWKLUGTXDUWHUVRIZDVSDUWO\RIIVHW UnitedUnited StatesStates roserose byby risingrising exportsexportsRecent ofof Economic agriculturalagricultural Developments commodities,commodities, and Outlook processedprocessed agricultural agricultural products, products, newly newly emerging emerging TheThe United United States States (U.S.) (U.S.) remained remained Cambodia’s Cambodia’s manufacturedmanufactured productsproducts36.7 percent (electrical,(electrical, of total electronic,electronic, GFT exportsandand inQXPEHURQHH[SRUWPDUNHWZKLFKFRQWLQXHGQXPEHURQHH[SRUWPDUNHWZKLFKFRQWLQXHG 2020, up Cambodia’s exports to the EU)7 is mainly behind Recent Economic Developments and Outlook vehiclevehicle parts, parts, including includingfrom 31.9 bicycles), bicycles), percent and in and 2019. the the rest Total rest GFTtoto expand expand exports inin 20202020the .. sharp TheThe U declineU.S..S. marketmarket of Cambodia’s capturedcaptured exports to the to the U.S. market rose to US$3.5 billion or 3.6 36.7 percent of total GFT exports in 2020, up market.Cambodia’s Similarly, exports while to the Cambodia’sEU)7 is mainly exports behind of percentTHE PHNOM PENH POST y/y june 25, increase, 2021 www.phnompenhpost boosted.com in part by the bicycles to the U.S. market doubled,9 reaching from 31.9 percent in 2019. Total GFT exports the sharp decline of Cambodia’s11 exports to the FigureFigure 4:4: GoodsGoodsGXW\ exportsexports DQG inin TXRWD  thethe Figure IUHHFigure DFFHVV 5:5: DecliningDeclining SURYLGHG shareshare E\ ofof WKH FigureFigureUS$147 6:6: millionCambodia’sCambodia’s in 2020, exportsexports bicycle exports to the EU to the U.S.11 market rose to US$3.5 billion or 3.6 market.S pecia Similarly, l while​​ Rep Cambodia’sort exports of regionregionU.S. acceleratedaccelerated Generalized System ofgarment garmentPreferences exportsexports (GSP) inin recoveredrecovered the pandemicpercent hit”, the World y/y Bank increase, boosted in part by the marketbicycles declined to the by U.S. 3.9 market percent, doubled, reaching reaching US$275 (YTD, (YTD,said. y/yy/y percentpercent Declining sharetotaltotal of goodsgarmentgoods (excluding(excluding exports in (contribution (contribution toto exportexport programThe industrial sector. The focused onGSP program, granted in 2016, Cambodia’s exports recovered the cut-make-trimGXW\ DQG process, which TXRWD  IUHH DFFHVV SURYLGHG E\ WKH million.US$147 million in 2020, bicycle exports to the EU change)change)the bank remarked as “the lowest gold)gold)total goods exportsexports growth,growth, percentagepercentage hasvalue-added U.S.boosted section Generalized of the Cambodia’s entire (excludingSystem exports of gold) Preferences of exports travel (per goods (GSP)cent) (contribution to export growth, percentage point) value chain” for nearly three de- (percent) (percent) market declinedpoint)point) by 3.9 percent, reaching US$275 suchcades, leveraging as on luggage, an unskilled backpacks, handbags, and )',LQÁRZVVWDUWHGWRUHFRYHU labour programforce and comparatively. The low GSP program, granted in 2016, million. 7070 minimum wages then. OtherOther products products AgricultureAgriculture & & processing processing AgricultureAgriculture & & processing processing FFooootweartwear & & travel travel goods goods VietnamVietnam 5CambodiaCambodia wallets.It foundhas that boosted the+RZHYHUOHJDODXWKRUL]DWLRQIRUWKH*63 country’s exter- Cambodia’sElectricalElectrical & &exports vehicle vehicle parts parts ofF Footravelootweartwear & & travel goodstravel goods goods 6060 nal competitiveness eroded, partly $WWUDFWHGElectricalElectrical & & vehicle vehicle E\ parts parts WKH GarmentsGarments QHZO\ & & te textxtilesiles VLJQHG IUHH WUDGH ThailandThailandcaused by rapidlyChinaChina rising wages— GarmentsGarments & & te textxtilesiles 4040)',LQÁRZVVWDUWHGWRUHFRYHUOtherOther products products 5050 programmade worsesuch by a dollarised asexpired luggage,econo- on December backpacks, 31, handbags, 2020, and and is my—and exacerbated by challenges agreements, the value of approved projects 5 101000 6 3030 4040 pendingin doingwallets. business U.S. and+RZHYHUOHJDODXWKRUL]DWLRQIRUWKH*63 investment congressional approval. $WWUDFWHG E\ WKH QHZO\ VLJQHG IUHH WUDGH climate reforms. 2020LQWKHUHDOVHFWRUÀQDQFHGE\)',H[SDQGHG The vulnerabilities,program however, expired were on December 31, 2020, and is 3030 masked by a surge in capital inflows 7KHagreements, H[SDQVLRQ the XQGHUSLQQHG value of approved D GLYHUVLÀFDWLRQ projects RI  Inin the pre-coronavirus contrast, crisis period total GFT goods exports6 to the 1010 2020 to largelypending finance the U.S. construction congressional approval. and real estate sector. 00FDILQWKHUHDOVHFWRUÀQDQFHGE\)',H[SDQGHG projects, which were earlier concentrated 1010 (8“With the PDUNHW collapse of the tourism IHOO VLJQLÀFDQWO\5050 FRQWUDFWLQJ E\ sector and a stalled construction 7KH H[SDQVLRQ XQGHUSLQQHG D GLYHUVLÀFDWLRQ RI  boom, In the pandemic contrast, has exposed total GFT goods exports to the -10-10largely in the construction and real estate sector 00 35Cambodia’s percent, structural weaknesses,” reaching only US$2.6 billion in the World(8 Bank stated. PDUNHW IHOO VLJQLÀFDQWO\ FRQWUDFWLQJ E\ -20-20FDI projects, which were earlier concentrated -10-10 2020.As the pandemic The raged E.U. on, themarket accounted for 27.5 percent to the energy, healthcare, telecommunication, country’s goods exports adjusted. -30-30largely in the construction and real estate sector -20-20 The World35 Bank percent, observed that the reaching 00 only US$2.6 billion in garment, travel goods, and agriculture sectors ofdecline incombined GTF goods exports in theGFT exports, down from 38.2

second and third quarters of 2020 to the energy,Jul-20 Jul-20 healthcare, telecommunication, Jan-20 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-21

The E.U. market accounted for 27.5 percent Jun-20 Jun-20 Sep-20 Sep-20 Feb-21 Feb-21 Feb-20 Feb-20 2020. Oct-20 Oct-20 Apr-21 Apr-21 Apr-20 Apr-20 Mar-21 Mar-21 Mar-20 Mar-20 Dec-20 Dec-20 Aug-20 Aug-20 May-20 May-20 Nov-20 Nov-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-20 Jul-19 Jul-19 was partly offset by rising exports (including agroprocessing industries), adjusting Jan-21 Jan-21 Jan-20 Jan-20 Jan-20 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-21 Jan-19 Jan-19 Sep-20 Sep-20 Sep-20 Sep-20 Sep-19 Sep-19 percent in 2019 (and 42.6 percent in 2018). The Mar-20 Mar-20 Mar-21 Mar-21 Mar-20 Mar-20 Mar-21 Mar-21 Mar-19 Mar-19 May-20 May-20 May-20 May-20 May-19 May-19 Nov-20 Nov-20 Nov-20 Nov-20 Nov-19 Nov-19 of agricultural commodities, pro- garment, travel goods, and agriculture sectors cessed ofagricultural combined products, newly GFT exports, down from 38.2 combinedemerging manufactured EU products and UK market accounted for 34.9 to changes in domestic economic and external Source: Cambodian authorities. Source: Cambodian authorities. Source:Source: +DYHU$QDO\WLFV +DYHU$QDO\WLFVsuch aspercent electrical, electronic, in 2019 and Source:(andSource: Cambodian Cambodian42.6 percent authorities authorities in 2018)... The Source:Source:(including Cambodian Cambodian agroprocessing authorities authorities.. industries), adjusting percentvehicle parts, including of bicycles. total GFTExtract: Cambodia exports, Economic Update, June remaining 2021 (World Bank) below Extract:demand Cambodia Economic conditions. Update, June 2021 (World Bank)The tourism sector, however, Note:Note: 1. 1. Cambodia’s Cambodia’s exports exportsThis, it said, exclude exclude helped maintaingold gold a Note:Note:to 1. 1. changes Cambodia’s Cambodia’s in exports exports domestic exclude exclude economic gold gold and external 16.7 percombined cent year-on-year growthEU and27.8 per UKcent in April market despite the riseaccounted nificantly, contracting for 34.9 by 35 per garment sectors, including aqua- in terms of technical upgrades in H[SRUWV<7'H[SRUWV<7' \HDUWRGDWH\HDUWRGDWHtherate of share Cambodia’s recordedof the mer- U.S.in shipping market costs. of 36.7cent, percent. reaching only $2.6The billion in culture,continued agriculture and agriculture- to receiveassembly lines,a relatively manufacturing of large portion of chandisepercent exports in 2020, of assuming total The GFT US market exports, continued to be remaining2020, the World Bank below said. processingdemand industries. conditions.electrical The components, tourism and car wir- sector, however, gold exports were included. Cambodia’s number one export Its share slipped to 27.5 per cent “As an agriculture country, we ing, particularly in the special eco- negative“While having a impact relatively small ofmarket, the representing pandemic 36.7 per cent andof combined the GTF partial exports from 38.2 have(approved) the ability to increase ourFDI ca- nomic projects. zones, thanks toIn investments 2020, total approved share ofthe 3.2 per share cent of total of mer- theof totalU.S. GTF marketexports in 2020 of with a36.7 per cent percent. in 2019 and 42.6 The per cent in pacitycontinued and make Cambodia to a source receive from Japan a and relatively South Korea. large portion of withdrawalchandise exports [excluding of gold], the value EU’s of $3.5 billion, Everything from 31.9 per 2018. But Arms of agricultureSURMHFW product, À[HG and a source DVVHW “These efforts YDOXH would make ÀQDQFHG us E\ )', LQ 44 World World Bank Bank 2021a. 2021a.exportsnegative of electrical parts,impact wire cent of in 2019, the the World pandemic Bank said. and the partial to feed(approved) the world. For instance, FDI our moreprojects. competitive in In the sectors 2020, oth- total approved and accessories, and vehicle parts It was boosted in part by the duty-free Clinging to garment rice is qualified to be recognised in- er than garment. So we prepare by preferentialreachedwithdrawal $456 million, growing treatment, of at access,the provided EU’s by effective the USEverything Generalised sinceHowever, But Ministry August Arms of Commerce ternationally,”Cambodia’s Sovicheat said. real increasingsector the skillsrose and capacityto US$3.6 of billion, or a 18.1 per cent in 2020. Exports of System of Preferences programme – undersecretary of state Penn Sovi- UnderSURMHFW his ministry, À[HGthe Cambodi- DVVHW our labour force YDOXH to be ready ÀQDQFHG for In- E\ )', LQ 12,bicycles 2020 also accelerated, (affecting reaching granted approximately in 2016 – which resulted in 20cheat maintainedpercent thatCAMBODIA CAMBODIA Cambodiaof an Integration ECONOMIC ECONOMIC Trade Strategy UPDATE UPDATE (2019- dustrial | | 4.0JUNE JUNE and to catch2021 2021 up with our1919 $527 million,preferential expanding at 27.7 per treatment, the growth of export in effective luggage, back- will since“cling” on to garment August as it is still 2023)SHUFHQW\HDURQ\HDULQFUHDVH ÀJXUH Cambodia’s prepares the country for real grad- sectorASEAN members,” rose he explained. to US$3.6 billion, Chinaor a cent in 2020,” the bank pointed out. packs, handbags and wallets. an important component of total uation via policies, measures and an As such, it is “not the time” to As for12, the January-April 2020 period (affecting this At the sameapproximately time, Cambodia’s ex- exports. 20 percent of action plan that have been outlined abandon the garment sector or “not year, exports of bicycles grew 32.3 ports of bicycles to US market dou- He contended that there is a need in oneSHUFHQW\HDURQ\HDULQFUHDVH ÀJXUH  of the chapters. pay much attention” because the China per cent year-on-year compared to bled to $147 million in 2020 while to diversify exports and markets, “We are preparing ourselves in GTF export volume remains size- 27.8 per cent while combined ve- exports to the EU declined by 3.9 and steer away from dependence agricultural processing in order to able, he said. hicle, electrical, and electronic parts per cent to $275 million. on preferential treatments in the export [more] rice, cassava, rubber But, he stressed, Cambodia needs exports climbed 16.4 per cent and In recent years, the growth of ex- long run as Cambodia is on its way and fish. We captured a big market to be more competitive in produc- 18.2 per cent, respectively. ports to the US has bolstered the to graduating out of the least devel- like China and soon it will be South tivity in the garment segment and FigureThat being said, 7: exports Approved of GTF expanding FDI loss in exportsproject to the EU, opedFigure country status. 8: Rising Korea,FDI although projects we have already Figureensure product 9: quality )',LQÁRZVWR to inspire which bottomed out in January this made worse by the 20 per cent tar- Before that though, Cambodia started exporting products like man- confidence in supply in order to be year, contractingFigure 13.2 per 7:value cent Approvedyear- expandediff withdrawal FDI under the project Everything has Figure to become more8: going competitiveRising togoes FDI even beforeprojects the FTA is signed,” Figurepart of the global 9: supply)',LQÁRZVWRCambodia chain. and on-year, showed some recovery, But Arms scheme last August. in the other sectors, therefore focus Sovicheat said. “We have to adhere to Internation- growing 10.2 per cent in March and Last year, the EU market fell sig- on development is needed on non- Preparation efforts are being made al Labour Organisation’s code that (YTD,value y/y expanded percent non-garmentgoing to there is no sweat Cambodia shop9LHWQDPIROORZHGD operation and and child labour so that we don’t Approved FDIchange) project (YTD, valuey/y percent expanded industriesnon-garment undermine the trust9LHWQDPIROORZHGD ofsimilar our custom- trend Rising FDI projects going to non-garment industries ers,” he said. (YTD, y/ychange) percent change) (US$industries billion) Sovicheat concededsimilar (3mma, that it would trend y/y) (US$ billion) be a challenge training an inten- (US$ billion) sive labour force and (3mma, diversifying y/y) 250% the market following the bilateral 3.0 trade treaties butCambodia it was crucial for Vietnam (RHS) 250% posterity. 200% 2.53.0 1400“We% are lookingCambodia at India, Eurasian Vietnam (RHS) 160% Economic Union and UK for FTAs. 2.5 1400% 160%140% 200% 2.0 1200This% is one of our strategies, which 150% 140%120% 1.52.0 1200is % to diversify to new markets, un- 150% 1.5 1000derstand% what is needed as well as 120%100% 1.0 1000diversify% our products,” he said. 100% So it stands, that although the gar- 100%80% 0.51.0 800% 100% 800ment% business is “up and down”, 80%60% 0.5 600confidence% in the sector will prevail, 50% 0.0 and all that needs to be done is to 60%40% 50% 0.0 600% 400reintegrate,% whether after Covid-19 40%20% or even by living with the virus, by Mining Mining Mining 400% Tourism Tourism Tourism Garment Garment 0% Garment 20%0% Mining Mining Mining developing new strategies. Tourism Tourism Tourism 200% Garment Garment 0% Garment 0% 200“Because% we have been doing this -20% Wholesate/retail Wholesate/retail -50% Wholesate/retail for0% a long time, we have the exper- -20% Wholesate/retail Wholesate/retail Wholesate/retail tise0% [in garment manufacturing] and -40% -50% -40% -200%we cannot simply drop it and turn -60% -100% -200%to something we might not know -60% Construction and real estate and Construction Construction and real estate and Construction -100% real estate and Construction much about. Non-garment manufacturing Non-garment manufacturing Non-garment manufacturing Construction and real estate and Construction Construction and real estate and Construction Construction and real estate and Construction Agriculture &Agriculture food processing Agriculture &Agriculture food processing Agriculture &Agriculture food processing Non-garment manufacturing Non-garment manufacturing Non-garment manufacturing “So, everything has to be done at Agriculture &Agriculture food processing Agriculture &Agriculture food processing Agriculture &Agriculture food processing Jun-20 Jun-19 Jun-18 Jun-17 Jun-16 Jun-15 Jun-14 Sep-20 Sep-19 Sep-18 Sep-17 Sep-16 Sep-15 Sep-14 Mar-20 Mar-19 Mar-18 Mar-17 Mar-16 Mar-15 Mar-14 Dec-19 Dec-18 Dec-17 Dec-16 Dec-15 Dec-14 Dec-20 Jun-20 Jun-19 Jun-18 Jun-17 Jun-16 Jun-15 Jun-14 Sep-20 Sep-19 Sep-18 Sep-17 Sep-16 Sep-15 the same timeSep-14 – increasing capacity Mar-20 Mar-19 Mar-18 Mar-17 Mar-16 Mar-15 Mar-14 Dec-19 Dec-18 Dec-17 Dec-16 Dec-15 Dec-14 2018 2019 2020 Dec-20 Jun-20 Jun-19 2018 2019 2020 Feb-21 Oct-20 Feb-20 Oct-19 Apr-20 Apr-19 Dec-20

Dec-19 in agriculture and electrical sectors Aug-20 Aug-19 Jun-20 Jun-19 Feb-21 Oct-20 Feb-20 Oct-19 Apr-20 Apr-19 Dec-20 Dec-19 Aug-20 Aug-19 and garment. But clinging to gar- ment is one of the strategies while Source: Cambodian authorities. we prepare for graduation and di- Source:Note: YTD = year-to-date. Source:Source: Cambodian authorities. Source: Source: Cambodian Cambodian authorities authorities. . Source: Cambodian Cambodian authorities authorities.. Source:versify exports&DPERGLDQDXWKRULWLHVDQG+DYHU &DPERGLDQDXWKRULWLHVDQG+DYHU including non-gar- Extract:Note: CambodiaNote: <7' Economic<7' \HDUWRGDWH Update, \HDUWRGDWH June 2021 (World Bank) Extract: Cambodia Economic Update, June 2021 (World Bank) AnalyticsAnalyticsment manufacturing,”. . he added. Note:Note: 5+6 5+6 ULJKWKDQGVFDOHPPDULJKWKDQGVFDOHPPD   PRQWKPRYLQJDYHUDJHPRQWKPRYLQJDYHUDJH

5 56HHKWWSVNKXVHPEDVV\JRYGXW\IUHHDFFHVVWUDYHOJRRGVPDGHFDPERGLD 6HHKWWSVNKXVHPEDVV\JRYGXW\IUHHDFFHVVWUDYHOJRRGVPDGHFDPERGLD 6 6HHKWWSVZZZFESJRYWUDGHSULRULW\LVVXHVWUDGHDJUHHPHQWVVSHFLDOWUDGHOHJLVODWLRQJHQHUDOL]HGV\VWHPSUHIHUHQFHV6 6HHKWWSVZZZFESJRYWUDGHSULRULW\LVVXHVWUDGHDJUHHPHQWVVSHFLDOWUDGHOHJLVODWLRQJHQHUDOL]HGV\VWHPSUHIHUHQFHV 7 For7 more For more details, details, please please see seehttps://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=2113. https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=2113.

20 CAMBODIA ECONOMIC UPDATE | JUNE 2021 20 CAMBODIA ECONOMIC UPDATE | JUNE 2021 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com World Crushing climate impacts to hit sooner: UN

limate change will fun- understand. damentally reshape life on A dozen temperature trip wires have Earth in the coming decades, now been identified in the climate even if humans can tame system for irreversible and potentially planet-warmingC greenhouse gas emis- catastrophic change. sions, according to a landmark draft Recent research has shown that report from the UN’s climate science warming of two degrees Celsius could advisers obtained by AFP. push the melting of ice sheets atop Species extinction, more widespread Greenland and the West Antarctic – disease, unliveable heat, ecosystem with enough frozen water to lift oceans collapse, cities menaced by rising seas 13m – past a point of no return. – these and other devastating climate Other tipping points could see the impacts are accelerating and bound Amazon basin morph from tropical to become painfully obvious before a forest to savannah, and billions of child born today turns 30. tonnes of carbon leech from Siberia’s The choices societies make now will permafrost, fuelling further warm- determine whether our species thrives ing. or simply survives as the 21st century In the more immediate future, unfolds, the Intergovernmental Panel some regions – eastern Brazil, South- on Climate Change (IPCC) says in a east Asia, the Mediterranean, central draft report seen exclusively by AFP. China – and coastlines almost every- But dangerous thresholds are closer where could be battered by multiple than once thought, and dire conse- climate calamities at once – drought, quences stemming from decades of heatwaves, cyclones, wildfires, flood- unbridled carbon pollution are un- ing. avoidable in the short term. But global warming impacts are also By far the most comprehensive cata- Deforestation, drought and fires in the Amazon could transform part of the rainforest into a grassland.AFP amplified by all the other ways that logue ever assembled of how climate humanity has shattered Earth’s equi- change is upending our world, the raising the question of whether hu- Earlier models predicted we were and 130 million more could experi- librium. report reads like a 4,000-page indict- manity is sowing the seeds of its own not likely to see Earth-altering climate ence extreme poverty within a decade These include “losses of habitat and ment of humanity’s stewardship of the demise. change before 2100. if inequality is allowed to deepen. resilience, over-exploitation, water ex- planet. “Life on Earth can recover from a But the UN draft report says that In 2050, coastal cities on the “front- traction, pollution, invasive non-na- But the document, designed to in- drastic climate shift by evolving into prolonged warming even beyond 1.5 line” of the climate crisis will see tive species and dispersal of pests and fluence critical policy decisions, is not new species and creating new ecosys- degrees Celsius could produce “pro- hundreds of millions of people at risk diseases”, the report says. scheduled for release until February tems,” it says. “Humans cannot.” gressively serious, centuries’ long from floods and increasingly frequent There is very little good news in next year – too late for crunch UN sum- There are at least four main take- and, in some cases, irreversible conse- storm surges made more deadly by ris- the report, but the IPCC stresses that mits this year on climate, biodiversity aways in the draft report, which may quences”. ing seas. much can be done to avoid worst-case and food systems, some scientists say. be subject to minor changes in the Last month, the World Meteoro- Some 350 million more people living scenarios and prepare for impacts that The draft report comes at a time of coming months as the IPCC shifts its logical Organisation projected a 40 per in urban areas will be exposed to wa- can no longer be averted, the final global “eco-awakening” and serves focus to a key executive summary for cent chance that Earth will cross the ter scarcity from severe droughts at 1.5 takeaway. as a reality check against a slew of ill- policymakers. 1.5-degree threshold for at least one degrees Celsius of warming – 410 mil- Conservation and restoration of so- defined net-zero promises by govern- The first is that with 1.1 degrees Cel- year by 2026. lion at two degrees Celsius. called blue carbon ecosystems – kelp ments and corporations worldwide. sius of warming clocked so far, the cli- For some plants and animals, it That extra half-a-degree will also and mangrove forests, for example The challenges it highlights are sys- mate is already changing. could be too late. mean 420 million more people ex- – enhance carbon stocks and protect temic, woven into the very fabric of A decade ago, scientists believed that “Even at 1.5 degrees Celsius of warm- posed to extreme and potentially le- against storm surges, as well as pro- daily life, and deeply unfair – those limiting global warming to two degrees ing, conditions will change beyond thal heatwaves. viding wildlife habitats, coastal liveli- least responsible for global warming Celsius above mid-19th century levels many organisms’ ability to adapt,” the “Adaptation costs for Africa are pro- hoods and food security. will suffer disproportionately, the re- would be enough to safeguard our fu- report notes. jected to increase by tens of billions of Transitioning to more plant-based port makes clear. ture. A warming world has also increased dollars per year with warming greater diets could also reduce food-related And it shows that even as we spew That goal is enshrined in the 2015 the length of fire seasons, doubled than two degrees,” the report cau- emissions as much as 70 per cent by record amounts of greenhouse gases Paris Agreement, adopted by nearly potential burnable areas, and contrib- tions. 2050. into the atmosphere, we are under- 200 nations who vowed to collectively uted to food systems losses. Thirdly, the report outlines the dan- “We need transformational change mining the capacity of forests and cap warming at “well below” two de- The world must face up to this reality ger of compound and cascading im- operating on processes and behaviours oceans to absorb them. grees Celsius – and 1.5 degrees if pos- and prepare for the onslaught – a sec- pacts, along with point-of-no-return at all levels – individual, communi- It warns that previous major climate sible. ond major takeaway of the report. thresholds in the climate system ties, business, institutions and govern- shocks dramatically altered the envi- On current trends, we’re heading for Tens of millions more people are known as tipping points, which scien- ments,” it says. “We must redefine our ronment and wiped out most species, three degrees Celsius at best. likely to face chronic hunger by 2050, tists have barely begun to measure and way of life and consumption.” AFP Russia says fired warning shots at UK navy destroyer

Russia on June 23 said it fired Incidents involving Western open fire. was “undertaking a gunnery According to Moscow, the inci- to constructively consider our warning shots at a British navy aircraft and ships are not uncom- The HMS Defender “was given exercise” and had provided prior dent took place off the coast of proposals to de-escalate ten- destroyer in the Black Sea after it mon at Russia’s borders, espe- a preliminary warning that weap- warning of its activity. Cape Fiolent on Crimea, which sions and reduce the risk of violated the country’s territorial cially during heightened ten- ons would be used if the state After announcing that it had Russia annexed from Ukraine in unpredictable incidents”. waters, but the UK denied the sions with Washington, Brussels borders of the Russian Federation fired warning shots at HMS 2014, also claiming the penin- The US periodically sends incident had occurred. and London, but rarely result in were violated. It did not react to Defender – a T45 destroyer – sula’s coastal waters. warships to the region in a show the warning”, the Russian defence Russia’s defence ministry sum- The Royal Navy said earlier this of support for Ukraine, often ministry said, according to Inter- moned Britain’s military attache, month that HMS Defender had drawing protests from Russia. fax news agency. Interfax reported. “peeled away” from its strike Ukraine’s foreign minister The ministry added that “a The defence ministry then group conducting NATO opera- Dmytro Kuleba on June 23 border patrol ship fired warning released a statement denounc- tions in the Mediterranean to slammed Russia’s “aggressive shots” and a Su-24 aircraft ing the “dangerous actions” of carry out “her own set of mis- and provocative policy” in the dropped four bombs along the HMS Defender, describing the sions” in the Black Sea. Black Sea region, describing it on destroyer’s path. It said that the incident as a “gross violation of On June 23, UK defence secre- Twitter as a “constant threat” to ship then left Russian waters. the UN convention” and calling tary Ben Wallace said in a state- Kiev and its allies. But the UK’s defence ministry on London to conduct an inves- ment that HMS Defender had At the height of tensions over swiftly denied that the incident tigation. been carrying out a “routine Ukraine this spring after Russia had happened. Meanwhile, foreign ministry transit from Odessa towards built up troops on its border and “No warning shots have been spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Georgia across the Black Sea”. in Crimea, Moscow stepped up fired at HMS Defender. The said Britain’s ambassador to Rus- Earlier on that day, President military exercises in the Black Royal Navy ship is conducting sia would be summoned over Vladimir Putin said Russia was Sea and Washington warned it innocent passage through the incident. “concerned” about the NATO would send two warships. Ukrainian territorial waters in “We qualify this as a gross Brit- build-up near Russian borders. Those ships were never dis- accordance with international ish provocation that runs coun- Addressing an international patched, as Russia pulled back The HMS Defender, seen here off the coast of England in 2019, has law,” the ministry said. ter to international law and Rus- security conference in Moscow, its forces and the tensions eased. been carrying out missions in the Black Sea this month. AFP London said it believed Russia sian law,” she said. Putin said the alliance “refuses AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 World Indonesia extremists fund jihad with donation scams GENEROUS Indonesians March said they had seized been traced to jihadist training donating their spare change to more than 500 boxes suspect- camps in ultra-conservative the poor and needy are unwit- ed to be funding pipelines for Aceh province and the East In- tingly helping finance deadly the Islamic State (IS) group and donesia Mujahideen, a radical terror attacks and jihadist radicals linked to al-Qaeda. group blamed for beheading training camps, in a scam that The seizure, weeks before four Christian farmers on the has netted big money for an IS-inspired married cou- island of Sulawesi last month. extremist groups. ple blew themselves up at a They are also used to help Former radical Khairul church on Good Friday, was families of radicals jailed or Ghazali once spent his days the tip of the iceberg. killed by Indonesia’s counter- visiting restaurants, conve- A JI militant arrested last year terror squad, and police sus- nience stores and supermar- admitted that one foundation pect they have been used to kets to drop off charity boxes, linked to the notorious terror pay for jihadist trips to Syria. wearing an official-looking group was running more than It has proved a dependable uniform to avoid suspicion. 20,000 boxes nationwide, po- way for extremists to raise Passers-by would slot in lice said at the time. funds under the radar with one coins and crumpled banknotes There are no official figures box raising about $350 every A 12-year-old girl receives the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine at the Jewish Federation/JARC’s offices in in the belief that they were on the number of illicit char- six months or so, Ghazali said. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in the US.AFP helping the impoverished, or- ity boxes around Indonesia, “It is more convenient and phaned children or maybe a but experts believe they are in risk-free,” he added. “There’s Palestinian aid organisation. every city and region across no chance of bloodshed like But Ghazali’s boxes secretly the sprawling Southeast Asian in a robbery.” belonged to Jemaah Islamiyah Heart inflammation a archipelago. Ghazali spent five years (JI) – the notorious network “This is not new but the in prison for mastermind- behind Indonesia’s deadliest scale of it, which is now mas- ing a 2010 bank heist – once terror attack, the 2002 Bali sive, is something new,” said a staple funding source for nightclub bombings. Jakarta-based security ana- extremist groups – that left a risk of shots for teens “People can’t tell the differ- lyst Sidney Jones. Most Indo- security guard dead. ence between these and other nesian terror groups now rely It was around this time that S HEALTH authori- low, they are still higher than If a person develops myocar- charity boxes,” said Ghazali, “overwhelmingly” on domes- terror groups began turning ties plan to update what would be expected in ditis after their first dose, they 56, who now runs an Islamic tic funding to pay for day-to- their back on robbery and other official guidance these age groups and research- will be advised to defer their boarding school and tries to day operations, she said. risky crimes in favour of more about administering ers are studying possible bio- second dose until more infor- de-radicalise former extremists. Terror groups have also covert fundraising methods. mRNAU Covid vaccines to ado- logical triggers. mation is known. “The money collected is usually raised cash from member and Illicit boxes are usually linked lescents and young adults after “Myocarditis is a rare disease While children are less affect- used to pay for terrorism.” sympathiser donations, on- to foundations backed by ex- finding a likely link to rare cases but it’s not a new disease, it’s ed by Covid than adults, the With little outside funding, line fundraising and launder- tremist groups, or their sym- of heart inflammation, but say been around for a while,” Mat- virus has still hospitalised more hardline Islamist groups de- ing money through legitimate pathisers – and registered with the overall benefits still “clearly” thew Oster, a member of the than 3,000 under-18s in the US pend on the charity box scam businesses, such as Indonesia’s authorities to appear legitimate. outweigh the risks. CDC’s Covid vaccine task force and led to more than 300 to pay for operations across many palm oil plantations. They’re required to report in- The decision was announced told the meeting, noting the deaths, according to official Indonesia, the world’s big- Ghazali said: “But the at- come and some revenue usual- during a meeting of experts con- estimated background rate of data. Some 2,700 people under gest Muslim-majority nation, tacks that have happened ly does go to charitable causes. vened by the Centres for Disease myocarditis is about 0.8 per 30 have died from Covid. which has suffered a series of after the Bali Bombing have But that is after money is si- Control and Prevention (CDC) 100,000 children per year. Messenger RNA vaccines hotel bombings and other at- been mainly funded through phoned off to fund extremist on June 23 that reviewed 323 Oster said the illness was have been proven to be tacks over the years. charity box funds.” operations. confirmed instances of myocar- thought to be caused by virus- extraordinarily protective North Sumatra police in Funds from the scam have University of Indonesia ter- ditis and of pericarditis, inflam- es in some cases, although against the disease. Pfizer’s rorism expert Ridlwan Habib mation of the lining surrounding there could be other triggers. Covid vaccine is currently told AFP: “So, there are actually the heart, among people under “It does appear that mRNA authorised for ages 12 and up orphans or poor people being 30 following vaccination. vaccine may be a new trigger while Moderna’s is authorised taken care of through these “Fortunately it’s an extraordi- for myocarditis,” he said. for those 18 and over. boxes, but it’s a cover up.” narily rare event, and when the According to the CDC, for Beyond protecting children The cash nature of dona- event happens it’s generally every million second doses from the immediate risks of tions makes it tough for au- quite mild,” Henry Bernstein, a given to 12-to-17 year old boys, Covid, paediatricians also want thorities to root out shady paediatrician at Cohen Chil- 5,700 Covid cases, 215 hospi- to shield them from possible organisations. dren’s Medical Centre in New talisations, 71 ICU admissions long term impacts such as long Ghazali said: “That’s how York and member of the expert and two deaths across 120 Covid and a rare but very serious they can survive for years by panel, told AFP after the meeting. days would be prevented by post-viral complication called raising money this way with- He added he would continue vaccination. Multisystem Inflammatory Syn- out being noticed.” to strongly advise parents to Between 56 and 69 cases of drome in Children (MIS-C). And the scheme’s success vaccinate their adolescents. myocarditis would be expect- There are also worries the means that extremists are Of the 323 cases, 309 were ed as a result of the vaccines. new variant Delta might be likely to keep manipulating hospitalised, 295 were dis- “Currently, the benefits still more harmful to children than the goodwill of Indonesians, charged, nine remain hospi- clearly outweigh the risks for past strains. who are among the world’s talised with two in intensive Covid-19 vaccination in adoles- Ahead of the meeting, Mon- most generous in terms of care, and there is no outcome cents and young adults,” CDC ica Gandhi, an infectious dis- charitable giving. data for five cases. scientists said in a presentation. eases and public health expert “Indonesians like to donate The cases are predominantly The CDC and Food and Drug at the University of California money and they’ll give away among males, most occur after Administration (FDA) plan to San Francisco, pointed out that 2,000 or 5,000 rupiah [15 to the second dose, and there are update their advice and warning the US has gone beyond some 35 US cents] without thinking no confirmed deaths. labels to reflect the potential risks. other countries’ recommenda- twice,” said Sofyan Tsauri, a The data is current as of June If a person develops pericardi- tions on vaccinating teens. former militant familiar with 11, when more than 50 million tis after their first dose, they These include Germany and the scheme. doses of both the Pfizer and should wait until their symp- Israel, which only recommend “But it can be a danger- Moderna mRNA vaccines had toms clear and consult their doc- vaccinating adolescents who are ous habit because you don’t been administered to people tor before getting a second dose, at high risk, while Britain is still Hardline Islamist groups depend on a charity box scam to pay for operations across Indonesia, which has suffered a series of hotel know how the money is being aged 12-29 in the US. according to the draft guidance examining the data and hasn’t bombings and other attacks over the years. AFP used.” AFP While the case numbers are which will soon be finalised. yet reached a decision. AFP Antivirus entrepreneur found dead in jail ANTIVIRUS software pioneer A spokeswoman for the Cata- erately failed to file tax returns dead in his cell at the prison. John McAfee was found dead lan branch of the legal body between 2014 and 2018, “Guards and medical staff in his jail cell in Spain on June which oversees Spain’s courts, despite earning millions from intervened immediately to 23, officials said, shortly after the General Council of the Judi- consulting work, cryptocur- perform resuscitation meas- a court approved his extradi- ciary (CGPJ), also confirmed that rencies and selling the rights ures but doctors eventually tion to the US where he was McAfee had been found dead in to his life story. certified his death,” the state- wanted for tax evasion. his cell at around 7:00pm (1700 If convicted, he could have ment added. The 75-year-old was found GMT) of an apparent suicide. faced up to 30 years in prison. Spain’s National Court earlier dead in his cell in the Brians 2 McAfee has been in jail in In a statement, Catalonia’s on June 23 said it had approved penitentiary near Barcelona Spain since he was arrested at regional justice department McAfee’s extradition to the US. “apparently from suicide”, a Barcelona airport in October said only that an investigation The decision could still have spokeswoman for the prison last year, just as he was about was opened after an unnamed been appealed and the extra- system in the northeastern to board a flight to Istanbul. 75-year-old inmate facing dition needed approval from John McAfee was accused of failing to pay tax on €10 million ($12 Catalonia region said. He is alleged to have delib- extradition to the US was found the Spanish cabinet. AFP million) of earnings. AFP 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Singapore, Vietnam mull easing travel curbs

ingapore and Viet- wait for them to be ready.” The two ASEAN countries are nam are looking at In the meantime, the foreign also signatories of the RCEP, gradually relaxing travel minister said both countries another free trade agreement curbs for business and are engaged at the staff level to (FTA) that was signed last year tripsS to selected tourist sites work on a mutual recognition between all 10 ASEAN countries in the next few months, Singa- of vaccine certificates and test- and their partners in the region porean foreign minister Vivian ing results to build confidence – Australia, China, Japan, South Balakrishnan said on June 23. towards border reopening. Korea and New Zealand. However, such plans will de- In new rules announced on The RCEP countries account pend on how fast Vietnam can June 23, travellers from Viet- for 30 per cent of global gross vaccinate its population. nam are subject to a 14-day domestic product (GDP) and He was speaking at a doorstop quarantine in Singapore at have a population of more via Zoom at the conclusion of a dedicated facilities beginning than three billion people, mak- four-day visit to Vietnam capital on June 28, with a mandatory ing the deal the largest FTA in Hanoi, where he met newly-ap- antigen rapid test on the third, the world. pointed President Nguyen Xuan seventh and eleventh day after Balakrishnan’s trip is the first Phuc, Prime Minister Pham arrival. Previously, they would by a foreign minister since Minh Chinh and Deputy Prime have to undergo a 21-day stay- Vietnam’s leadership transi- Minister Pham Binh Minh. home notice. tion in April. He said the two nations share Vietnam has suspended the During the trip, he met the a similar strategy to contain the entry of all foreigners except chairman of the Communist pandemic such as the need for diplomats, investors, experts Party of Vietnam Commission intensive testing, quarantines and skilled workers. for External Relations Le Hoai and mass inoculation. Balakrishnan said Vietnam Trung and discussed ways to Vietnam has also imposed has also expressed interest Singapore’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan speaking during a meeting with Hanoi Party Committee strengthen party-to-party rela- strict measures such as shut- in Singapore technology like Secretary Dinh Tien Dung on Tuesday. SINGAPORE FOREIGN MINISTRY tions, the Singaporean foreign ting non-essential businesses breathalyser test kits, adding ministry said. and restricting gatherings even that the city-state will help AN-China Foreign Ministers’ ments, global developments, nam-Singapore Industrial Balakrishnan also met Ha- before it began to battle its source and evaluate. Meeting earlier this month that superpower rivalry”. Park, which is said to have at- noi Party Secretary Dinh Tien worst outbreak. On the Myanmar crisis, he there had been “no real sign of The Singaporean foreign min- tracted $14 billion in invest- Dung, with whom he discussed That started in late April said both governments reiter- meaningful political dialogue istry said in a statement on June ments and created more than city-to-city cooperation in ar- from a church cluster in Ho Chi ated calls for violence to cease and negotiation”. 23 that Balakrishnan and Viet- 270,000 jobs in Vietnam. eas including urban solutions Minh City and factories in the and for dialogue to begin. The conflict, which started nam’s deputy prime minister Balakrishnan and Minh also and smart city development. country’s North. “Vietnam and Singapore stand after the army seized power on expressed their commitment discussed regional develop- “Concluded a busy and fruit- Only about two per cent of its ready to do what we can with- February 1 and removed Aung to strengthen economic and fi- ments, including deepening ful visit to Hanoi – a 1000 year 98 million population are vac- out interfering”. San Suu Kyi’s elected govern- nancial cooperation under the economic integration through old city with lots of history cinated. ASEAN leaders in April agreed ment, has left at least 870 Singapore-Vietnam Strategic the Comprehensive and Pro- and culture. Was honoured to Balakrishnan said: “We have on a five-point consensus at a people dead, according to the Partnership, which will mark its gressive Agreement for Trans- be the first Foreign Minister also discussed in the next few special summit in Jakarta, call- Assistance Association for Po- 10th anniversary in 2023. PacificP artnership (CPTPP) and to visit after the new Vietnam- months, hopefully by the end of ing for Myanmar to stop vio- litical Prisoners activist group. Despite the pandemic, bi- the Regional Comprehensive ese leadership was elected,” the year, how we can gradually lence and start dialogue with Balakrishnan said Singa- lateral trade grew by 0.1 per Economic Partnership (RCEP). Balakrishnan said in a Face- and safely liberalise particularly its opponents in a process that pore and Vietnam share the cent last year. Singapore has a Singapore and Vietnam are book post on June 23. on business travel, and perhaps will be facilitated by a special same position that ASEAN cumulative investment of over among 11 countries that have “I look forward to continue on selected tourist sites.” ASEAN envoy, aided by the centrality and unity must be $56 billion in more than 2,600 ratified the PC TPP, a free trade strengthening partnerships, “But the key thing first is ASEAN secretary-general. maintained and that “it is projects, the statement noted. alliance that came into force and deepening the reservoir Vietnam needs some time Balakrishnan has acknowl- even more important for ASE- This year also marks the in 2018 after former president of trust and goodwill we have to step up its vaccination edged the slow progress so AN rules to be accentuated [in 25th anniversary of the es- Donald Trump withdrew the in Vietnam.” THE STRAITS TIMES programme – so we will far, saying at a Special ASE- view of] the regional develop- tablishment of the first Viet- US from the partnership. (SINGAPORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Philippines’ ex-president ‘Noynoy’ Aquino dies at 61 FORMER Philippine president nen, who was Aquino’s former peace nents as a fortunately surnamed Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, the negotiator with Muslim rebels, under-achiever with no administra- reserved scion of one of Asia’s most expressed “profound sadness” over tive or business experience. famous political families, died on the former leader’s death. They also said he had little to show June 24. He was 61. “I knew him to be a kind man, driv- for the more than a decade he spent Aquino, who was in office from 2010 en by his passion to serve our people, as a congressman and senator. to 2016, was the only son of the late diligent in his duties, and with an But the chain-smoking Aquino blos- former president Corazon Aquino and avid and consuming curiosity about somed during the election campaign her assassinated husband, senator new knowledge and the world in gen- into a confident public speaker and the Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, both revered eral,” Leonen said. nation’s leading critic of his predeces- for leading the struggle to restore Aquino, who was succeeded by sor, Gloria Arroyo, who was arrested for democracy in the archipelago nation. President Rodrigo Duterte, waged an corruption after she left office. President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokes- anti-corruption campaign during a The Aquino family name was man announced Aquino’s death term that ushered in key economic stamped into Philippine political his- hours after local media reported the reforms. tory through tragedy. former leader had been rushed to a Unusually for the conservative Military personnel shot dead Manila hospital. Catholic country, Aquino remained “Ninoy” Aquino at Manila airport in “We commiserate and condole with a bachelor throughout his life. 1983 as he returned from US exile to the family and loved ones of former lead the democracy movement president Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Powerful family name against dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Aquino III as we extend our condo- Aquino was born on February 8, The event shocked the world and lences on his untimely demise,” presi- 1960, to one of the country’s wealth- ignited the non-violent “People Pow- dential spokesman Harry Roque said. iest land-owning political families. er” movement that toppled Marcos. “We are grateful to the former presi- A latecomer to the presidential race The martyred politician’s widow, dent for his contributions and services in 2010, he declared his candidacy only Corazon, led the revolution and suc- to the country and we ask our people after his mother’s death from cancer ceeded Marcos as president in 1986. to offer a prayer for the eternal repose the previous year had plunged the Aquino had a bullet lodged in his of the former chief executive.” country into mourning, and demon- neck – one of five that struck him Details about the unmarried politi- strated the power of the family name. when rebel soldiers attacked the cian’s death were not announced. He made fighting corruption his presidential palace in 1987 in a coup The Aquino clan was expected to mantra, capitalising on his family’s attempt against his mother. issue a statement shortly. clean reputation, and vowed to Unlike Duterte, Aquino put the Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin reduce the poverty afflicting a third Philippines’ long-running dispute tweeted his “grief over the death of a of the population. with China over competing claims sea-green incorruptible”. His administration delivered aver- to the South China Sea at the top of He said Aquino was “brave under age annual economic growth of just his foreign policy agenda. armed attack, wounded in crossfire, over 6.0 percent, the highest since the He launched a landmark case with a indifferent to power and its trap- 1970s, handing the country invest- UN-backed tribunal to challenge Bei- pings, and ruled our country with a ment-grade status – but poverty jing’s claims to most of the sea, which puzzling coldness but only because remained endemic. ruled in favour of the Philippines. But he hid his feelings so well it was Aquino, who earned an economics Beijing rejected the decision. A child holds a placard showing a magazine cover with the portrait of former Philippine thought he had none”. degree from the elite Ateneo de Manila Aquino is survived by four sisters. President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino, son of democracy icon Corazon Aquino, in Manila Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leo- University, was long mocked by oppo- AFP on May 4, 2010. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Opinion

Renew and ramp up action to www.phnompenhpost.com EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng address noncommunicable diseases Managing Editor Sam Rith Deputy Managing Editor Opinion Phuon Chansereivuth Poonam Khetrapal Singh Chief of Staff Phak Seangly Business Editor ONCOMMUNICABLE dis- May Kunmakara eases (NCDs) kill 41 mil- Deputy Business Editor lion people globally every Sangeetha Amarthalingam year, more than a third of Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Nthem prematurely. The four major Pan Simala NCDs – cardiovascular diseases, can- Senior Reporters cer, chronic respiratory diseases and Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng, Mom Kunthear diabetes – account for over 80 per Reporters cent of all premature NCD deaths, of Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, which 85 per cent occur in low- and Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Hong Raksmey, middle-income countries, including Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, Roth Sochieata, in the WHO Southeast Asia region. Orm Bunthoeurn, Ry Sochan, Key NCD risk factors such as tobac- co use, physical inactivity, harmful Lay Samean, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha use of alcohol and unhealthy diets Photographers also contribute to and exacerbate Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey mental health disorders, such as Web Editor depression and anxiety. Amid the Leang Phannara ongoing Covid-19 response, the time Digital Team is ripe for all countries in the region Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy to accelerate action to prevent, detect Desktop Publishing and control NCDs, and bring treat- Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath, ment to everyone who needs it. Than Veasna People living with NCDs are at SIEM REAP BUREAU higher risk of severe Covid-19-related Offi ce Manager illness and death. They are among Sophearith Blondeel several groups who have been partic- PRODUCTION & PRINTING Nhim Sokphyrak ularly affected by the pandemic, An Indonesian woman getting her blood sugar level checked at a laboratory in Jakarta. The four major NCDs – cardiovascular diseases, which has been marked by the inter- cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes – account for over 80 per cent of all premature NCD deaths, of which 85 per cent occur Commercial and Graphic Designer action of SARS-CoV2 infection with a in low- and middle-income countries, including in the World Health Organisation’s Southeast Asia region. afp Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith broad range of NCDs, which are themselves mediated by social and ities require targeted attention. essential, however, must cover surro- eating and abstinence from tobacco economic disadvantage. First, taking full advantage of new gate advertising, which aims to culti- and other unhealthy products. Amid ongoing waves of infection, initiatives. For example, in April, WHO vate brand loyalty among the young. Achieving whole-of-government, HEAD OFFICE WHO will continue to support coun- launched its Global Diabetes Com- Third, strengthening action to whole-of-society buy-in is essential. Post Media Co., Ltd. tries in the region to aggressively pact, which aims to ensure all people address NCDs within health systems, Policymakers should intensify The Elements Condominium Level 7, respond, while also enhancing health can access quality diabetes diagnostic especially on the frontlines. The engagement with key actors across Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, equity and maintaining essential tools, medicines and other medical region’s 2016 Colombo Declaration sectors, and also seek-out the Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom health services, including for NCDs. products, without financial hardship. emphasises the need for all people to insights and perspectives of people Penh, Cambodia High-impact innovations such as The region has in recent years have access to quality, integrated living with NCDs, who can best iden- Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 telemedicine, extended prescrip- made significant progress on increas- NCD services at the primary level, tify existing gaps. WHO is committed Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 tions, and door-step delivery of med- ing access to quality-assured insulin, including healthy lifestyle counsel- to amplifying the voice of affected Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 icines must continue to be leveraged, however barriers persist, especially ling, targeted screening for early populations, and to ensuring they are SIEM REAP and all at-risk groups actively for the most vulnerable. In coming diagnosis, and quality medicines and invited to partner on, and continue No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune encouraged to get vaccinated, in line months, the Compact is set to drive medical devices for effective NCD to co-create, people-centred policy Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 with national deployment and vacci- new innovations in technology and management. solutions. COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT nation plans. pricing, which all countries in the All countries in the region have Renewed and ramped up action Chief Operating Offi cer The region’s progress against NCDs region must harness and apply to made tremendous progress in each against NCDs cannot wait. Amid the James Ong Soon Teck must not be halted, much less reversed. maximum effect. of these areas and more, which Covid-19 response, WHO will contin- Advertising Department Since 2014, the region has intensified Second, implementing “best buy” WHO’s new Operational Framework ue to provide all countries in the Chap Narith, 017 996 241 action to prevent and control NCDs as interventions that we know work. for Primary Health Care can help region critical support in all areas of Hun Channet, 017 578 768 a flagship priority. All countries contin- Evidence shows that by increasing accelerate throughout the Covid-19 health, including NCDs, a pressing Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 ue to implement national multisectoral taxation of unhealthy products, poli- response, recovery and beyond. threat to health, well-being and sus- Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 NCD action plans. Even amid the Cov- cymakers can drive down consump- People-centred policy is the need of tainable development. Paing Patrya, 081 872 202 id-19 response, they remain committed tion, enhance overall health, and the hour. By intensifying community Together, we must reduce NCD risks Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 to achieving the global 2025 and 2030 reduce individual and public health outreach and engagement, policy and ensure all people have access to CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION NCD targets. costs. In the process, they will makers can ensure people from all quality care and treatment that is Acting Distribution Manager Most countries have developed increase fiscal revenue, which if allo- walks of life understand the signs and equitable, comprehensive and afford- Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 national mental health policies, cated toward health, will help achieve symptoms of NCDs, and how to get able. Every opportunity must be Circulation Supervisor which must continue to be a health and economic recovery from tested and treated. Crucially, they can grasped, and every innovation har- Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 strengthened in the months and Covid-19 that is more equitable, resil- also increase health and NCD literacy nessed. No one can be left behind. THE ADMINISTRATION years to come. For the region to ient and sustainable. more generally, inspiring people to JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Admin & HR Manager protect and defend its many gains, Restrictions on the marketing of take preventive action, such as regular Pich Socheat The writer is WHO regional director and to catalyse more, several prior- unhealthy products are likewise and adequate physical activity, healthy Assistants Admin & HR Manager Nhel Soaphea Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT & Networking Vong Oun

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omen may hold up half sity researcher who studies the rela- the sky, but when it tionship between gender and urban comes to designing the planning. public spaces and Wbuildings in which they live, their Janis Joplin voices have too often been silenced. She estimates that in most coun- A visionary project in Vienna aims tries “the percentage of women in the to turn that notion on its head, with a decision-making process at between suburb in the Austrian capital five and 10 per cent at most”. designed by and for women. As well as being heavily involved in It exemplifies how the city is trying the design of the new buildings in to make urban space more inclusive, Seestadt, women also take centre from brighter lights to broader pave- stage when it comes to naming the ments that make room for pushchairs, new streets. and how female architects and design- The philosopher Hannah Arendt, ers are driving the change. singer Janis Joplin and children’s book The new Seestadt district has been heroine Pippi Longstocking are just a in the throes of development since few of the names to grace the new 2012, a sprawling building site on the addresses. city’s eastern edge that is projected to The district is also hosting a new expand from its 8,300 population now exhibition showcasing female archi- to 20,000 by 2030. tects that runs until October 15. Giant letters on hoardings around According to architect Carla Lo – some of the construction sites pro- who herself has contributed designs claim “Women build the city”. for one of Seestadt’s interior court- By turning the focus on the role of yards – Vienna’s planning policies women in urban design, Vienna is have been refreshed since Kathrin helping to highlight the still dominant Gaal in 2018 became the first woman role men play in shaping the built to head the city’s powerful housing environment. department, overseeing an annual People walk next to the subway station in Vienna’s suburb Seestadt designed by and for women. AFP The developers and bankers who budget of more than €1 billion ($1.2 often make the crucial decisions billion). ders go out for projects,” Lo says. “Ninety-two per cent of streets in “We have here an example of [Chi- when it comes to urban development “Since she has been there, sud- Having given her input to the devel- Vienna are named after men,” he nese architect] Lu Wenyu, her hus- are still overwhelmingly male, says denly the particular needs of single opment of Seestadt, Gaal says she says, adding: “This doesn’t reflect his- band won the Pritzker Prize, even Sabina Riss, an architect and univer- mothers are considered when ten- wants the exhibition there to encour- tory or the present. though they always built projects age other women “to make their “That’s why almost all locations here together – and that was in 2012.” visions reality”. are named after women, from the The first woman to break the Pritzker’s worlds of art, politics, economy and glass ceiling after 25 years of male prize- Bright lights, safer city architecture,” he says. winners, was Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha The desire to cater to women’s needs As in many other fields, women Hadid in 2004, for the Contemporary can be seen in many facets of Vienna’s have long been active in shaping Arts Centre in Cincinnati, Ohio. modern city planning, from the urban spaces but have rarely been Several others followed: Kazuyo brighter street lights and more exits at accorded the credit or fame that male Sejima in 2010, Carme Pigem in 2017, sports venues to help women feel counterparts enjoy. Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNama- safer, to provision of better toilet facil- As long ago as 1912, a project for a ra in 2020 and Anne Lacaton in 2021. ities. garden city won an international com- Some of the work highlighted in the In residential design too there are petition for the design of the new Aus- exhibition is in the many countries such innovations as common rooms tralian capital Canberra. where urban populations are con- shared between several flats to keep While it was American architect tinuing to swell as a result of migration prices low and encourage families to Marion Mahony Griffin’s renderings from the countryside. collaborate for childcare. that impressed the jury, most of the In Tehran, a 270m long pedestrian At the exhibition, visitors can learn credit went to her husband. walkway created by Leila Araghian about the often overlooked achieve- was used by four million of the city’s ments of 18 female architects, artists ‘Viewpoints of all’ inhabitants the year after it opened and urban planners from across the “Even today, women are written out in 2014 and has since won several world. of projects,” Czaja’s co-curator Katja prizes. For co-curator Wojciech Czaja, the Schechter said, citing a relatively Large panels proclaim the slogan ‘Women build the city’ next to some of the building Lo says that in Seestadt and further sites that will eventually contain 12,000 new housing units, at Vienna’s suburb Seestadt, show fits the ethos reflected in Sees- recent case involving architecture’s afield “we need the viewpoints of all Austria. AFP tadt’s street names. most prestigious prize. who make up society”. AFP Manhunt underway after India thieves take cow dung A massive manhunt is underway in central Chhattisgarh buys bovine dung from dairy India after a gang of robbers stole nearly a tonne farmers at 200 rupees per 100 kilogrammes of cow dung from a village, police said. under a state scheme to produce vermi-com- Villagers in the central state of Chhattisgarh post. complained to police last week after more than In recent years, many Indian states have been 800 kilogrammes of poo disappeared from their encouraging farmers to sell cow poo for organ- storehouse. ic farming. Police said the gang struck at night, breaking There has also been an increased demand for into the depository in Korba district’s Dhurena cattle waste for eco-friendly products such as village and fleeing with their pungent plunder earthen lamps and for religious purposes. estimated to be worth some 1,600 rupees Some Hindus consider cows sacred and use ($22). the animals’ dung and urine for medicines and “We have questioned some suspects but no other holy practices. arrests have been made yet,” local police officer In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hin- Harish Tandekar said on Wednesday. du-nationalist government invested five billion He added that it was not clear how the sus- rupees into research into developing medicines pects had been able to transport such a large and personal-hygiene products from cow dung amount of faeces, or why they had stolen it. and urine. “Investigations are continuing and every The government is looking to encourage the effort is being made to find the culprits,” production of toothpaste, shampoos and mos- Tandekar said. quito repellents from cow dung and urine. AFP A woman carries cow dung as she walks on a rice field on the outskirts of Srinagar in November last year.AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST june 25, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Lifestyle Thinking caps

French Etoiles (star dancers) of the Paris Opera Ballet Hugo Marchand and Dorothee Gilbert dance for Maely in the intensive care child unit of the Hopital Necker-Enfants Malades AP-HP in Paris. AFP Paris Opera dancing stars bring happiness in children’s hospital n an intensive care unit, an intubated always hope these children go to sleep that boy is watching intensely as two star night dreaming of dance.” “VEGGIES FIRST” dancers from the Paris Opera twirl be- “In their looks, we see little sparks, curios- fore him in shimmering costumes. ity, maybe some admiration, or maybe just I“We’re going to do a promenade, an ara- ‘What on earth are these people up to?’” ACROSS 62 To the manor born 27 English river to the Trent 1 Concert take 64 Complexion description 29 Hair holder besque, a porte poisson,” says dancer Hugo laughs Gilbert. 68 Golden Horde member Marchand as he pulls off some elaborate 5 “___ boy!” (“Nice going!”) 31 Get a handle on ‘UN of Dance’ 9 Polliwog, for one 69 Oft-scraped body part 32 “... lived happily ___ after” moves with his partner Dorothee Gilbert 14 Rental car option 70 Italian wine center 33 Nothing special around the bed and beeping machines. In her bed, 15-year-old Maely smiles as 71 Unwritten tests 15 Thailand neighbor 34 Waffles no more “We just came to say a little hello,” he says she watches Marchand jumping across the 72 Respond to a bore 16 Operating room substance, once 35 React to a haymaker as they depart, and the child gives a small corridor. 17 Good way to get one’s point across 73 Nasty expression 36 Asian princess wave of acknowledgement. “We are like giant frogs,” he tells her. 20 Baseball miscue DOWN 38 Chilly The dancers move from room to room, “There’s no talking in ballet?” the young girl 21 Wrangler alternative 1 Be slack-jawed 41 Silent, as a mime dressed in the green and gold costumes of asks. 22 Cleans one’s plate 2 Keep from happening 42 Basic impulse the “La Bayadere” ballet – with added surgi- So the dancers show her some pantomime. 23 Crosshairs image 3 Beauty pageant accessory 43 Lounge around cal masks – joking with caregivers and get- “I’m the swan queen,” says Gilbert, making 26 You can make light of it 4 Take to a dance 48 All dried up ting some bemused expressions from the a crown above her head with her hands. 28 List items 5 ’80s sitcom about an alien 50 Its atomic number is 30 patients. “We see the positive effect on some of the 30 Falsifies a bit 6 T-shaped cross 34 Hockey’s Bobby 51 Not knowing right from wrong In one room, it’s a baby watching them, patients,” says Fabrice Lesage, head of the 7 Bridge-crossing fee 37 South American empire of yore 53 Like some investments eyes wide as Gilbert’s pirouette sets her dress intensive care unit. “We see them smile when 8 Colorado ski spot 39 Machine control system, for short 55 More than heavy fluttering. they no longer smiled before. It gives them 9 “Seinfeld” uncle 40 Sources of rowdy criticism 56 Old school board They are in the Necker-Enfant Malades energy to get better.” 44 Barbershop quartet member 10 One caring for a patient 57 ___ no good Hospital as part of the “What Dance Can Aurelia Sellier, who founded the association 45 Bit of kelp, e.g. 11 Three-toed bird of the pampas 58 Getting warm, in a game Do Project” organised by a Swiss-French as- in 2018, says she was inspired by choreogra- 46 Debate position 12 It may be under a jacket 59 Computer fare 47 Arrows’ mates 13 Word with “fine” or “visual” sociation, which aims to empower children pher Theo Ndindwa who took dance classes 61 “Diff’rent Strokes” actress Plato 49 Italian fast food 18 By that reasoning though dance, especially those affected by into a township in South Africa and argued 63 Kuwaiti leader 52 Change directions suddenly 19 Boat bottom scraper poverty, exile or illness. for dance as a force for social change. 65 Many mins. equal them 54 Martian moon 24 Work with a blue pencil Its field of operations never stops growing, It works with some 30 volunteers and al- 66 “So, what else is ___?” 57 Remove, as a knot 25 Island nation near Fiji from an orphanage in Morocco to a dance ready has connections in places like Tunisia 60 Get ___ of (throw out) 67 Foxy place? school in New Zealand to hospitals in Paris and Kenya, where children “are very aware of and Zurich. being excluded from the rest of society and Thursday’s solution “We see how it lifts them out of their com- can find affirmation in the posture of dance,” plicated daily lives,” said Marchand, adding Sellier said. that he likes the opportunity to “feel useful”. “Our goal in five or 10 years is to have an in- “The thing that moves me the most is ternational federation with local associations managing to bring them a bit of lightness. I . . . a sort of United Nations of Dance!” AFP

Thursday’s solution

French ballet dancer of the Paris Opera Ballet Dorothee Gilbert says goodbye to a child after dancing for him. AFP wednesday’s results THE PHNOM PENH POST, june 25, 2021 Slovakia 0 - 5 Spain

Sweden 3 - 2 Poland

Germany 2 - 2 Hungary

www.phnompenhpost.com/sport Portugal 2 - 2 France

Record Ronaldo rescues Portugal as Germany leave it late to avoid exit ristiano Ronaldo equalled Alvaro Morata’s effort was saved by the all-time international Martin Dubravka. scoring record with his However, a calamitous error by 109th goal for Portugal as Dubravka allowed Spain to go ahead theC reigning champions scraped into on the half-hour as the goalkeeper the last 16 of Euro 2020 on Wednesday palmed into his own net as a Pablo night along with Germany and Spain. Sarabia shot hit the bar and dropped The Portugal captain netted a pair back down. of penalties in a 2-2 draw with world Aymeric Laporte then scored his champions France in Budapest to first goal for Spain since switch- send his team through as one of the ing international allegiance from four best third-placed sides on a dra- France, making it 2-0 right on half- matic night in Group F. time. Germany needed an 84th-minute The 2008 and 2012 European equaliser from Leon Goretzka to res- champions ran away with the game cue a nervy 2-2 draw with Hungary in the second half as Sarabia and Fer- in Munich, setting up a heavyweight ran Torres scored. showdown with England at Wembley Juraj Kucka’s own goal made it 5-0 next week. as Spain equalled the biggest winning The 36-year-old Ronaldo gave Por- margin in the history of the European tugal the lead just after the half-hour Championship. mark with his first spot-kick, be- “We’ve shut a lot of mouths up. fore France hit back through Karim We’ve played some great football and Benzema’s two goals either side of had more luck than in the first two half-time. games,” said Laporte. But, with Portugal heading out as Sweden led Poland 2-0 in Saint Pe- it stood with Hungary leading Ger- tersburg, Emil Forsberg scoring an many, Ronaldo converted another early opener and then firing in for penalty on the hour to help send his brace after great work from Dejan Portugal through to a clash with top- Kulusevski. ranked Belgium. In between Lewandowski had con- Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his second penalty for Portugal against France in their Euro 2020 Group F match at “We did everything I wanted us to Puskas Arena in Budapest on Wednesday night. AFP trived to miss a sitter, twice heading do [in the 4-2 defeat] against Ger- off the bar in quick succession when many,” Portuguese coach Fernando 2018 World Cup, twice coming from ing a Germany shirt and waving a as they swept through to a tie against it seemed easier to score. Santos said. “The result was clearly behind against Hungary to advance large rainbow flag evaded security Croatia, while Ukraine progressed But the Bayern Munich superstar fair.” as runners-up. to invade the pitch, running in front without playing and will face Sweden. showed his worth with a stunning His fifth goal of the group stage ex- Adam Szalai gave Hungary a shock of the lined-up teams before being Having already qualified, Sweden strike to reduce the deficit and then tended his record tally of Euro goals early lead and although Germany tackled by stewards and led away. secured top spot only after scoring an 84th-minute equaliser, a scoreline to 14 and drew him level with former drew level through Kai Havertz in the The build-up to the match had late to win 3-2 against Poland, for that would have allowed Spain to win Iran striker Ali Daei, in his 178th in- second half, Andras Schaefer soon been overshadowed by the fallout whom a Robert Lewandowski double the group. ternational match. put the visitors back in front, only to from Uefa’s decision to block plans was not enough in Saint Petersburg. Poland needed to win themselves France finished top of the group on be eliminated by Goretzka’s late goal. by Munich authorities to light the Spain had drawn their first two to go through but instead Sweden five points and will take on Switzer- “We made mistakes but fought and stadium in rainbow colours. matches in the competition despite won it in the fourth minute of added land in the first knockout round. showed superb morale,” said Germa- having home advantage in Seville, but time as substitute Viktor Claesson “It was a fight, it wasn’t easy,” France ny coach Joachim Low. Spain hit their stride coach Luis Enrique warned on the eve made it 3-2. coach Didier Deschamps said. “I know “It was not for the faint-hearted. Spain found their form at the right of facing Slovakia that his team were Meanwhile those results allowed very well that a new competition will Now it will a real highlight to play time, crushing Slovakia 5-0 in Seville “like a bottle of cava that is about to Ukraine – who played their final be starting from the last 16.” against England at Wembley.” to qualify for the last 16 as runners- be uncorked”. Group C game on Monday – to go Germany narrowly avoided a re- Just minutes before kick-off at up of Group E behind Sweden. For the second consecutive game through as one of the best third- peat of their group stage exit at the Munich’s Allianz Arena, a fan wear- Spain benefited from two own goals they contrived to miss a penalty as placed teams. AFP knockout stage

Round of 16 Round of 16

Seville Glasgow 2AM, 28 June 2AM, 30 June Belgium Portugal FINAL Sweden Ukraine

Quarter-finals London Quarter-finals 2AM, 12 JULY Round of 16 Munich Rome Round of 16 2AM, 3 July 2AM, 4 July London London 2AM, 27 June 11PM, 29 June Italy Austria England Germany Semi-finals

Round of 16 Round of 16

Bucharest London London Budapest 2AM, 29 June 2AM, 7 July 2AM, 8 July 11PM, 27 June France Switzerland Netherlands Czech Republic

Quarter-finals Quarter-finals

Round of 16 St Petersburg Baku Round of 16 11PM, 2 July 11PM, 3 July Copenhagen Amsterdam 11PM, 28 June 11PM, 26 June Croatia Spain Wales Denmark