monday, may 10, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3659 / 4000 RIEL First China export buoys hopes for mango’s future

Thou Vireak memorating the historic occasion. cultivation area now at around “Our company has a vision to ping containers in the Kingdom’s The official export came after the 100,000ha that yield over one million develop more facilities in mango maiden direct export of mangoes. THE private sector experienced a Chinese Customs Administration tonnes per season, he predicted a plantations to meet the export mar- “I am happy that we can export wave of renewed optimism that on April 26 officially approved a list rosy path forward for mango’s export ket. We will set up a drip irrigation mangoes directly to China, a major mango would become a valuable of 37 mango plantations and five potential, which he said would follow system similar to those in banana market in the region,” he said. agro-industrial export and prove packaging factories to export fresh a trajectory similar to bananas. plantations. We’ll also have a plant to Speaking at the ceremony, Minis- particularly attractive to investors, mangoes to China. He noted that the five packaging clean for packaging and a dried-man- ter of Agriculture, Forestry and Fish- after Cambodia on May 7 shipped Hun Lak, CEO of Rich Farm Asia Co plants approved by the Chinese Cus- go processing plant,” Lak said. eries Veng Sakhon voiced hope that around 100 tonnes of fresh mangoes Ltd, a local agricultural investor that toms Administration last month use Heng Sreng, general manager of the export volume of fresh mangoes to China, in the Kingdom’s inaugu- grows Keo Romiet mangoes in Kam- either hot water treatment (HWT) or Boeung Ket Planting & Indus- would continue to increase from ral direct export of the fruit to the pong Speu province, told The Post that vapour heat treatment (VHT) facili- trial Co Ltd, which invests in mango, year to year. East Asian market. direct exports to China would increase ties to sterilise their crops and exter- banana and natural rubber, was also “Sanitary and phytosanitary measures Cambodia and China jointly hosted a the market potential of the fruit. minate pests, and have a combined present at the May 7 ceremony. His ceremony in Phnom Penh that day, com- With a rapidly-expanding national capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year. company provided one of the ship- Continued – page 6 Capital set to shrink red zones in jab drive

Mom Kunthear ruary 20 community outbreak. The health ministry also HNOM PENH munic- reported six new deaths, bring- ipal governor Khuong ing the total to 120. Sreng said the author- The Ministry of National ities are looking into Defence’s vaccination working reducingP the size of the red group has immunised over zone areas from being imposed 350,000 people in the red on entire communes to desig- zones over the past eight days nating them at the village and in five districts – Meanchey, household level, as new Covid- Dangkor, Kamboul, Por Sen 19 cases in the capital have Chey and Russey Keo. dropped in recent days. Ith Sarath – Deputy Com- Sreng revealed these plans mander-in-Chief and Joint while inspecting the vaccina- Chief of Staff of the Royal Travel in the red tion campaign sites in the red Cambodian Armed Forces zone on the morning of May 9. who is heading up the red A couple of workers ride a scooter past the Chroy Changvar bridge as commuters cross the Tonle Sap River from Chroy Changvar district to Daun Penh district in the capital on Friday. HONG MENEA “I am evaluating with spe- zone vaccination effort – said cialists how to better con- on May 9 that the inoculation solidate control in the red process in the red zones was zones, and we saw that yes- generally going well and mov- terday there were only 200 ing along quickly as planned, Chinese rocket debris crashes into ocean more Covid-19 cases in though there were some dif- Phnom Penh, decreasing ficulties and complications A LARGE segment of a Chi- “After monitoring and anal- entered over the Arabian matched expert predictions from the over 500 per day due to the presence of Covid- nese rocket re-entered the ysis, at 10:24 [0224 GMT] on Peninsula at approximately that any debris would have seen previously,” he said. 19 in the area. Earth’s atmosphere and disin- May 9, 2021, the last-stage 10:15 pm EDT on May 8 [0215 splashed down into the ocean, “The point is that we will try He called on the vaccina- tegrated over the Indian wreckage of the Long March GMT Sunday]”. given that 70 per cent of the to place restrictions at the tion working group and local Ocean on May 9, the Chinese 5B Yao-2 launch vehicle has “It is unknown if the debris planet is covered by water. house or building level and authorities to work together space agency said, following re-entered the atmosphere,” impacted land or water.” Because it was an uncon- open the village to travel, only to accelerate vaccinations fevered speculation over the China Manned Space Monitoring service Space- trolled descent, there was closing down the places with and work even faster and where the 18-tonne object Engineering Office said in a Track, which uses US military widespread public interest Covid-19 positive patients. We more efficiently. would come down. statement, providing coordi- data, said that the location in and speculation about where are studying this issue and “People who do not live in Officials in Beijing had said nates for a point in the Indian Saudi Arabia was where US the debris would land. once we are finished, I will let the red zones have to be there was little risk from the Ocean near the Maldives. systems last recorded it. The launch of the first mod- you know more,” he said. patient because they will freefalling segment of the It added that most of the seg- “Operators confirm that the ule of China’s space station On May 9, the Ministry of eventually be vaccinated, but Long March-5B rocket, which ment disintegrated and was rocket actually went into the was a milestone in Beijing’s Health reported another 520 we will do it after we finish in had launched the first module destroyed during descent. Indian Ocean north of the ambitious plan to establish a Covid-19 cases, all but five of of China’s new space station The US military’s Space Maldives,” it tweeted. permanent human presence which were linked to the Feb- Continued – page 2 into Earth orbit on April 29. Command said the rocket “re- The segment’s descent in space. AFP

WORKERS, STUDENTS CAMBODIA PREPARED IN RED ZONES EXEMPT TO GRADUATE FROM FROM WATER CHARGES LDC STATUS: OFFICIAL nATIONAL – page 4 business – page 6 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National 55 drivers detained for UN rapporteur’s statement on trying to run red zones environmentalists’ trial ‘false’ with workers Nov Sivutha

Nov Sivutha HE Permanent Mis- sion of the Kingdom POLICE on May 8 impound- of Cambodia to the ed 42 vans and detained 55 UN Office in Geneva drivers and bus conductors denouncedT the statements who were transporting gar- by Professor Mary Lawlor, the ment workers out of the Red UN Special Rapporteur on Zone in Chaom Chao I com- the situation of human rights, mune of Phnom Penh’s Por regarding the trial of the ac- Sen Chey district in violation tivists from Mother Nature of the lockdown order. Cambodia (MNC). District police chief Morn On May 5, three MNC mem- Vuthy told The Post on May bers – Long Kunthea, Phuon 9 that of the workers trans- Keoraksmey and Thun Ratha – ported from the red zones, were sentenced to between 18 only 49 remained on vehicles and 20 months in prison and that were stopped while the fined four million riel by the others were pursued back to Phnom Penh Municipal court their places of origin. on charges of incitement re- He added that in the ve- lated to environmental issues. hicles were 55 drivers and Two days after the trial, bus conductors. He did not Lawlor issued a statement know whether they would be saying the activists had been quarantined as it is a mat- imprisoned since September ter for district governor Hem 2020 for attempting to pro- Darith to decide. tect Boeung Tamok Lake on Vuthy said the vehicles had the outskirts of Phnom Penh. come from different prov- “I am saddened to learn inces. The drivers had tried that three human rights de- to rush workers back to their fenders from MNC have been hometowns as Phnom Pen sentenced to 18 to 20 months was put into lockdown with in prison. Protecting the en- On May 5, three MNC members – Long Kunthea, Phuon Keoraksmey and Thun Ratha – were sentenced to between 18 and 20 months in prison and some areas designated as vironment peacefully is not a fined four million riel by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on charges of incitement related to environmental issues.supplied red zones. crime,” she said. The drivers, bus conduc- Cambodia’s permanent officially dissolved itself in ens those who break the law, It described Lawlor’s re- checked and understanding tors and workers are being mission to the UN said Law- 2017, but the organisation spread fake news and incite marks as inappropriate and national legislation and the detained at a school in the lor’s statement was false and continued on illegally exploit- violence and social division – an interference in the na- UN Charter, it said. district’s Kork Kanchhan misleading. ing the environmental move- all of which could potentially tional judicial system of a “Only a cautious approach commune. “Crime is crime and it can- ment until today and that the plunge Cambodia into chaos. sovereign state, saying the characterised by due diligence Darith could not be reached not be justified because it is in self-proclaimed human rights The Cambodian court con- demand for the government to these protocols will enable for comment on May 9. pursuit of other aspirations,” defenders are not entitled to ducted the MNC trial in a man- to arbitrarily release anyone states in general and Cambo- Municipal hall spokesman the press release said. break the law with impunity. ner that gave due process to is tantamount to an attack dia in particular to maintain Meth Meas Pheakdey said on The permanent mission’s It said Lawlor did not seem the defendants and convicted on the separation of powers their trust and cooperation May 9 that the drivers and statement said that Cambo- to recognise that the exercise them with concrete evidence, and the independence of the with this mechanism,” it said. workers would be taken to dia values all duly-registered of freedom of expression, as- not by hearsay. The fact is that judiciary that are guaranteed Cambodia reaffirmed the quarantine centres on May NGOs that are operating sociation and peaceful as- – in addition to the defendant’s under the Constitution. government’s steadfast com- 8 and not to court yet. After within the boundaries of law sembly carries with it special defence lawyers – representa- UN special rapporteurs are mitment to continue to ensure quarantine, city hall would and that, unfortunately, Pro- duties, responsibilities and tives from the foreign diplo- supposed to strictly adhere the free exercise of all rights decide how to proceed with fessor Lawlor seems to be limitations, as stipulated in matic corps and civil society to the “Code of Conduct” and and freedoms guaranteed the case. advocating the work of an the International Covenant organisations were physically “Manual of Operations of the under the Constitution and unlawful organization that on Civil and Political Rights. present in the courtroom and Special Procedure Mandate within the rule of law in the www.phnompenhpost.com commits crimes in the name Her failure to recognise that can attest to it being a fair and Holders”, which underline the best interests of all law-abid- check the post website of environmentalism. rights come with responsi- transparent judicial proceed- importance of establishing ing citizens, not any particular for breaking news The mission said MNC had bilities, it added, embold- ing, the mission said. facts which are duly cross- group, the permanent said.

ANNOUNCEMENT

UNDP is the leading United Nations organi- zation ghting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @ UNDP.

Consultancy : National consultant to analyze the Residents wait for their turn to get vaccinated against Covid-19 in Tuol Kork district’s Boeung Salang commune. hong menea multi-stakeholder dimension of SDG mainstreaming in Cambodia Contract Type : Individual Contractor (IC) 1M doses of Covid vaccine Duration : 30 working days Deadline : Extended to 13 May 2021 set to arrive on May 11-15 Continued from page 1 cinated in the five districts. Download Link : Meanwhile, the Ministry of https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=98608 the red zone. Labour and Vocational Training “Please do not worry that has vaccinated 124,424 workers UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity there won’t be enough vaccines, – including 4,589 foreigners – in because another one million their separate campaign from in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals doses will arrive on May 11 and April 7 to May 8. from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons May 15,” said Sarath. As of May 8, Cambodia has with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All The government started the vaccinated 1,718,708 people applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. vaccination campaign in the nationwide. The Kingdom plans All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous red zone on May 1 for people to vaccinate between 10 million reference and background checks. aged 18 years and older. Near- and 13 million of its total popu- ly 600,000 people will be vac- lation of 15.5 million. THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Drug cases Covid-19 cases at P Sihanouk prison drop 10% ‘may be from asymptomatic inmates’ in Jan-May

Voun Dara

HE novel coronavirus has now spread to Preah Sihanouk pro- vincial prison, with 34T detainees testing positive on May 8. According to an announce- ment by the provincial ad- Police arrest a man with drugs in ministration on May 9, some Kampong Cham province earlier this month. Police of the Covid-19 positive in- mates are Chinese nationals. Nov Sivutha They were among the 126 new cases in total – including factory IN THE first four months of workers, vendors and their fam- this year, the National Police ily members – reported in the arrested 5,323 people and coastal province on May 8. seized more than 600kg of The administration called drugs in 2,387 cases. This rep- on those who have had con- resents a 10-per-cent decrease tact with the new Covid-19 over the same period last year. patients to report to the local According to Ministry of authorities and be tested, and Interior’s Anti-drug Depart- to then self-quarantine. ment report seen by The Post General Department of on May 7, authorities cracked Prisons spokesperson Nout down on 3,572 drug crimes, Savna told The Post on May 9 arresting 7,041 people and that a working group from his confiscating 330kg of drugs in department is working on a the same period last year. solution to the problem. Anti-Drug department dep- “We are investigating the uty director In Song said on cause of the transmission. It May 9 attributed the drop in could be from the new de- Inmates at the Preah Sihanouk provincial prison. General department of Prisons drug offences to the lockdown tainees whom we put in the in the capital, towns, and some prison before they had any stages without any symptoms. He said that to prevent the court before they ever reach As of May 8, Preah Siha- provinces, especially in April. symptoms. At that time, we After they completed their spread of the disease in the a prison cell. nouk province had recorded Song said Cambodia is pur- did not have the rapid test 14-day quarantine, they were prison, the general depart- “If we test them before 2,310 Covid-19 cases with suing its fight against drug kits and we just placed them then placed in the prison and ment had written a request sending them to the prison, it 1,266 still undergoing treat- crimes despite Covid-19. in quarantine for 14 days. if they were still infected that to National Police chief Neth still poses some risk of trans- ment and nine fatalities, “Our authorities will con- “The new inmates may have could be the cause of trans- Savoeun to test all suspects mission, but at a much lower according to the provincial tinue to investigate and crack had the disease at its early mission,” Savna said. who are arrested and sent to level,” he said. administration. down on crimes,” Song said.

SBI LY HOUR Bank Launches Cross Border Money Transfer Service between Cambodia and Vietnam on RippleNet, utilizing DLT

hnom Penh, 7th May 2021: to quickly transfer out via our bank gies” through effective utilization of SBI LY HOUR Bank Plc., partnerships. Interestingly, this con- management resources and organic (Head office: Phnom Penh, nection allows customers who have coordination of business know-how hereafter “SBI LY HOUR Bakong Account, which is a mobile within the Group. PBank”) and Tien Phong Commercial payment system initiated by National About TPBank: https://tpb.vn/ Joint Stock Bank (Head office: Hanoi, Bank of Cambodia, to instantly make eng/ve-tpbank. TPBank is a Vietnam- hereafter “TPBank”) have started fund transfer from the account ese commercial bank established in the first Cambodia-Vietnam money directly to our Ripple Service. Besides May 2008. The Group has invested transfer service in real currency by the benefit to our customers, it’s a in the company in August 2009, utilizing RippleNet, provided by SBI good opportunity to enlarge local owning a 19.9% of shares. The bank Ripple Asia Co., Ltd (Head office: resource capacity by absorbing new uses advanced technology to increase Tokyo, hereafter “SBI Ripple Asia”), technology platforms and transfor- loan balances, particularly in the to provide a safe, fast and convenient mations.” retail sector. Its market capitalization services. Nguyen Hung, CEO of TPBank, touched over USD 1.29 billion at the SBI LY HOUR Bank is one of the stated as follows: end of March 2021. local fast moving commercial banks “Our cooperation with SBI LY About SBI Ripple Asia: https:// in Cambodia, initially operating HOUR Bank on the application of ripple.com/sbi-ripple-asia/. SBI financial services to customers after blockchain technology in cross Ripple Asia was jointly established obtaining a microfinance license in border money transfers marks a new by SBI Holdings and Ripple Labs Inc. 2012. Seeing its organization poten- milestone for enhancing our cus- in May 2016 to provide a settlement tial growth, SBI LY HOUR Bank ap- tomer experience and makes inter- SBI LY HOUR Bank Launches Cross Border Money Transfer Service between Cambodia and platform based on RippleNet for plied for the commercial bank license national money transfers via TPBank Vietnam on RippleNet, utilizing DLT. supplied customers in the Japan-centric Asian from the National Bank of Cambodia faster, more convenient and safer region. and obtained the license in March than ever before. As one of TPBank’s Ripple Asia, stated as follows: Tokyo Stock Exchange (the “Group”). About RippleNet: RippleNet is a 2020. Even though there is a recent shareholders, SBI Holdings, which is “The booming Cambodian The Group which headquarters in To- financial infrastructure that leverages global impact from Covid-19, SBI LY a financial leader actively investing economy is one of the most attrac- kyo, Japan currently has more than blockchain and XRP to deliver inno- HOUR Bank is still moving forward in a wide variety of technologies tive markets around the world. SBI 300 companies over 22 countries and vative solutions to a global network to fill the demand of urban and rural including fintech, AI and blockchain LY HOUR Bank has achieved steady regions in the globe. The Group glob- of partners. It is both decentralized people with low and middle income. as well as a pioneer in diverse fi- business success. The adoption of ally operates business in particular and standardized. This innovation As of the end of April 2021, SBI LY nancial services, provides significant new technology will further differen- segments such as Financial Services, enables RippleNet to work without HOUR Bank has 45 branches within support for TPBank in cross border tiate the bank from its competitors. Asset Management, Biotechnology, the overhead and constraints of 25 provinces nationwide. money transfers. Transactions are We will expand our collaboration to Healthcare & Medical Informatics legacy providers’ offerings, and to Mr. Soeurng Uth, CEO of SBI LY executed faster while ensuring safety include digital asset based on remit- and others. As of the end of March move money with the same speed HOUR Bank, expressed that “SBI LY and transparency and cash flows will tance services in the future.” 2021, the Group has consolidated and efficiency that information HOUR Bank is happy to cooperate still be legally transferred via foreign About SBI LY HOUR Bank: www. Total Assets of USD 65.1 Billion, moves today. with TPBank, which the SBI Holdings banks to Vietnam. At TPBank, trans- sbilhbank.com.kh. SBI LY HOUR Total Paid-in Capitals of USD 891.70 invested in. It absolutely benefits actions are ensured to comply with Bank Plc. is a subsidiary of SBI Million, and Total Revenues of USD For further information, please the Cambodian people to have such all domestic and foreign regulations Holdings (http://www.sbigroup.co.jp) 4.89 Billion. The Group is building contact: a real-time and low-cost money including anti-money laundering.” which was established in July 8, a stronger corporate organization • SBI LY HOUR Bank Plc. transfer. The customers would be able Adam Traidman, CEO of SBI 1999 and is a listed company in the by pursuing and exercising “syner- (855)12 862 821 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Workers, students in capital’s red Man jailed over land clearing in Mondulkiri zones exempted from water bills Om Bunthoeurn He added that officials seized evidence including Lay Samean THE Mondulkiri Provincial three pieces of machinery, Court has placed a man in pre- two motorcycles and one HE Phnom Penh Wa- trial detention for allegedly generator, all of which are be- ter Supply Authority clearing forest land while two ing retained at the provincial (PPWSA) announced other suspects were released. environment department. on May 8 that they Provincial court spokesman “We sent the case to court, willT not require workers and Meas Bros said on May 9 that and we are still searching for students from 870 locations in the three suspects were sent other relevant people,” he said. the red zones of Phnom Penh to court by environmental of- Forest activist Kroeung Tola and adjacent Takmao town in ficials on May 6. lauded the officials for en- Kandal province to pay their “The detained person is the forcing the law and detaining bills for March, April and May. owner of the machinery. He the offenders. PPWSA said the billing ex- cleared state land for owner- “When illegal land encroach- emption was at the behest of ship, while the two others are ers are arrested and brought to Prime Minster Hun Sen who just hired workers. So, they justice like this, I congratulate on May 8 appealed to PPWSA were released,” he said. and support the arrests. I rare- and Electricite du Cambodge Provincial Department of ly see such casese,” he said. (EdC) to show sympathy for Environment director Keo So- Article 62 of the Law on cash-strapped workers and pheak told The Post that envi- Natural Protected Areas stip- students in the red zones by ronment officials apprehended ulates that with such offenc- not charging them for utilities. the suspects while they were es, evidence is confiscated as “PPWSA will compromise on clearing land on May 4 in the state property and offenders the matter by paying the bills for forest Biodiversity Conserva- face a prison term of five to 10 water consumption for March, tion Corridors in Pou Krouch years and a fine of between 10 April and May for 870 rental PPWSA will compromise on the matter by paying the bills for water consumption for March, April and May village in Pech Chreada dis- and 150 million riel ($2,500 houses where factory workers for 870 rental houses where factory workers and students are staying. yousos apdoulrashim trict’s Sre Ampoum commune. and $37,000). and students are staying. These locations have registered with to build their rental properties, not collect rent from May until from hand to mouth,” he said. the PPWSA and are located in so they must also be facing their factories reopen. When their factories re- the red zones of Phnom Penh hardship. Landlords and banks “We actually already re- open, Huot said he will con- and Takmao town.” are also debtors and creditors. duced 30 per cent off the tinue to reduce their month On May 8, the prime min- But I hope that you all under- monthly rent since May of last rates by 30 per cent until the ister also called on landlords stand the common hardships year. To follow the recommen- situation has improved. to delay collecting rent from we are all facing,” he said. dations of the prime minister, On May 8, Hun Sen also workers if they have not re- Nou Huot, the owner of a I will not charge them. called on EdC to postpone ceived their wages. He urged rental house with 33 rooms “We can see that factories charging fees for electricity all landlords to lower monthly in the red zone of Trapaing have been closed and that consumption from workers rates to whatever extent pos- Thloeng 4 village in Por Sen workers have no jobs. How in the red zones in order to sible or forego collection of Chey district’s Chom Chao can we force them to pay rent? ease their burden. rent for one to three months. I commune, said due to the They stay only in one room like EdC director-general Keo “I know some landlords have hardship of the workers who me. I understand their situa- Rattanak could not be reached The men allegedly cleared land in the Biodiversity Conservation Corridors taken out loans from the bank are renting from him, he would tion and they are just working for comment on May 9. in Pech Chreada district’s Sre Ampoum commune. supplied Storms damage over 1,600 homes in first week of May Nov Sivutha storms coming from other Soeum Bunrith told The Post countries, which have caused that in the past few days, the MORE than 1,600 homes were strong winds that damaged province has been affected by damaged and five people in- property and homes. strong wind, thunderstorms jured by thunderstorms in “Generally, since mid-April, and lightning strikes that the first week of May, but no we have seen this natural have damaged many homes. one was killed, according to disaster affect public and However, Bunrith did not an official from the National private properties in many have specific data because the Committee for Disaster Man- provinces, such as Kampong damage was in many districts, agement (NCDM). Speu, Kampong Cham, Svay such as Rukhak Kiri, Thma Koul NCDM spokesman Seak Vi- Rieng, Oddar Meanchey and and Kors Kralor. Authorities are chet told The Post on May 8 that Koh Kong,”Vichet said. providing food and other relief The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has extended the ban on sales of alcoholic drinks in the capital for compared to the same period However, according to Vichet, material from the Cambodian two weeks until May 22. Hong Menea last year, the weather this year for the first week of this month, Red Cross to assist people af- was more severe due to the the thunderstorms were so fected by the storms. speed and strength of thunder- strong that some provinces “We provide them with items Capital extends alcohol sales ban storms, which Cambodia has were severely affected by heavy such as zinc roofs, mosquito not experienced for a long time. rains and strong winds, such as nets and blankets. Others also Vichet explained that the Battambang and Pursat. get rice and other material de- to May 22 as Covid-19 precaution current weather conditions Battambang Provincial pending on the seriousness of in Cambodia are affected by Administration spokesman the damage,” he said. Long Kimmarita tration in the May 8 directive. supported recent measures Phnom Penh governor which were enforced to ban THE Phnom Penh Municipal Khuong Sreng instructed the this type of advertising dur- Administration extended the capital’s 14 district admin- ing the community outbreak ban on the sale of alcoholic istrations to cooperate with of Covid-19. drinks for another two weeks the municipal Department of Tim Vora, executive director in the capital to contain Covid- Commerce to inspect estab- of the HIV/AIDS Coordinating 19. Civil society organisations lishments to ensure the imple- Committee, one of the nearly lauded the announcement and mentation of the directive. forty organisations, hailed the requested the administration “If any managers of markets, measures, saying the ban helps to ban sales permanently. owners of depots or restau- contain Covid-19 while drink- The ban is effective through rants fail to follow, administra- ing alcohol was widely recogn- May 9-22. tive and legal measures will be ised as a danger to society. “All markets, depots and enforced on them without any “Alcohol affects our health, restaurants have to continue exception,” he said. so we urge that alcohol ad- to temporarily suspend alco- In support of this ban, nearly vertising be reduced and holic drink sales in Phnom 40 civil society organisations stopped permanently. If the Penh. Any individuals who and associations on May 4 is- government thinks of people’s continue to sell, distribute sued a joint statement urging health, they should ban alco- and circulate alcoholic drinks the government to impose a hol advertising forever. So, this during this period will be permanent ban on alcoholic is a good directive as it could punished,” said the adminis- drink advertising. They also reduce deaths,” he said. A semi-collapsed house barely stands in Kandal province after being battered by stormy weather. supplied THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National​ Businesses Ministry wants told not to set Covid jabs as rapid antigen condition for employment HE Ministry of Labour tests put into and Vocational Training Ton May 8 told factory owners not to require vaccina- tion as a condition for workers use nationwide to return to the workplace in the capital’s designated yellow Mom Kunthear surgery and maternity ser- zones or Kandal province’s vices that are up to technical Takmao town, where most HE Ministry of Health standards to support patients businesses have been permit- has suggested that all who are positive for Covid-19 ted to reopen. public hospitals use in a responsible manner and The order, signed by minister Rapid Antigen Tests without discrimination. Ith Sam Heng, came just hours forT Covid-19 on general pa- These services should be after Prime Minister Hun Sen tients and while providing provided until non-Covid-19 told the ministry to work with emergency services to ensure health issues the patient is employers and insist that they safe delivery of health care. having are resolved before re- not make vaccination compul- In a letter dated May 8, ferring them to the Covid-19 sory for continued employ- health minister Mam Bun treatment facilities set up by The health ministry wants all public hospitals to use Rapid Antigen Tests for Covid-19 on general patients ment, thereby avoiding vaccine Heng said the ministry had the health ministry. and while providing emergency services to ensure safe delivery of health care. Yousos Apdoulrashim rushes and limiting unneces- noted that Covid-19 is now “Hospitals must continue sary exposure to the novel widespread and all hospital to ensure the sustainability of “Using the rapid tests is a from the nose are being taken. ous and the government has coronavirus. directors should pay attention essential health services for quick and convenient strategy On May 7, Cambodia Air- ordered rapid Covid-19 test Sam Heng told workers to inform to implementing prevention all patients who come to their and also allows us to reduce ways Co Ltd successfully trans- kits and other medical equip- the ministry immediately if they measures to control infec- facilities,” he said. transmission if we get fast re- ported rapid Covid-19 test kits ment helpful against Covid-19 face any such issue in returning tions while providing medical Heng Kim Ean, director of sults. Testing with a PCR takes and a large amount of related from Singapore, with plans to to work, adding that an inspection services to people in public Srey Santhor district referral 72 hours to get the results, but medical equipment from spend more on medical equip- team would be sent to the work- hospitals. hospital in Kampong Cham with a quick test we know in Changi Airport International ment to help those afflicted by place to investigate the case. “In order to increase the province, told The Post on 15 minutes,” he said. (CAI) in Singapore to Phnom the current epidemic. The minister also told factory health service’s efficiency and May 9 that his district now has “I think it is a good thing Penh International Airport, it “This is an important task owners to pay workers salary ensure regularity in public hos- 35 rapid Covid-19 test kits. that we have this method, and said in an announcement. for the country and the mis- for their work during the first pitals, the ministry would like The health department in it should be required for pri- “This is the first time that sion has been successfully two weeks of April by May 14. to recommend that all hospi- Kampong Cham province has vate health services to have as Cambodia Airways has trans- completed. During this out- Payments to workers stranded in tals use rapid antigen tests for already received training on well,” said Kim Ean. ported anti-Covid-19 medical break, Cambodia Airways red and orange zones should be Covid-19 to isolate patients if how to administer these tests, Kim Ean said this rapid test equipment to Cambodia since was booked for three flights made through banks, he said. necessary,” he stated. but these samples must also kit tests one person at a time our transition from passenger in a row to transport supplies He called on owners of Bun Heng continued that be tested again with a PCR to and can utilise samples taken flights to carrying cargo,” the as quickly as possible and rental units to show sympathy hospitals must prepare addi- be certain as to whether they from their nose and throat or airline’s statement said. we were able to successfully for workers and delay or waive tional separate rooms to pro- are positive or negative for even blood samples, but now The current pandemic situ- complete the flight missions,” rent payments. Voun Dara vide emergency treatment, Covid-19. in Cambodia only samples ation in Cambodia is still seri- said Cambodia Airways.

NOTICE OF TENDER For Construction Work

Date: 10 May, 2021 1. 7KH.RUHD,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RRSHUDWLRQ$JHQF\ .2,&$ &DPERGLD2I¿FH >3UH%LG0HHWLQJ@ 6. Language of Proposal: All documents shall be in English except the docu- invites prospective bidders for the Construction of “ Project for Establish- • 1RWH3UHTXDOL¿HG%LGGHUV2QO\ ments delivered by the government administration, bank, educational and ment of Business Incubation System between University and Industry in ‡ 3UHELG0HHWLQJ0D\at CKCC in Royal University SURIHVVLRQDORUJDQL]DWLRQVIRUWKHSURRIRI3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ&ULWHULDDQG%LG Cambodia ”. of Phnom Penh (The location is subject to be changed) Evaluation Criteria. 2. The Project is to be constructed with the grant aid of the Government of • Site Visit: Site Visit is not required Republic of Korea ‡%LGFDQEHSDUWLFLSDWHGHYHQLIWKH\GRQRWDWWHQGWKHELGGLQJEULH¿QJ 7. The .2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FH requires that Bidders and Contractors observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement and execution of such Brief of Bidding >%LG@ contracts. In pursuance of this policy, KOICA; - Bid Title: Project for Establishment of Business Incubation System • *Note: Attending a bid presentation is not mandatory (a) will reject a proposal for award if it determines that the Bidder recom- between University and Industry in Cambodia. • Place for Bid Submission: DW.2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FH mended for award has engaged in corrupt or fraudulent practices in - Contract Duration: 18 months from the effective(contract) date • Bid Closing (Submission): June 7, 2021, 18:00 at KOICA Cambodia - Estimated Budget: Approx. USD 2,746,477 (VAT excluded) 2I¿FH competing for the contract in question. - Summary of Construction Services • Bid Opening: June 8, 2021, 10:00DW.2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FH (b) will recognize such a Contractors as ineligible, for a period determined • Type: New construction by KOICA • Construction outline Currency of Financial Proposal (Bid Price): 8QLWHG6WDWHV'ROODU 86' - Gross Floor Area: approx. 2,299.26 m2 Currency of Contract: 8QLWHG6WDWHV'ROODU 86' 8. The .2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FHZLOOLQYLWHVHDOHGELGVIURP3UHTXDOL¿HGELGGHUV - Mechanical Room, Electrical Room & Generator Room, Meeting Consortium or Joint Venture is NOT allowed for this Bid. hall, ICT lab, Seminar Room, Septic Tank and etc. 9. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of amount equivalent to - Construction Duration:18 months from the contract of construction 3. Price proposal shall be equal or less than the ‘Estimated Price’ and equal Two point Five percent (2.5%) of the “Bid Price” with its guarantee period - Location: Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA or more than the ‘Minimum Price’. Any bid exceeding the above limita- from no later than Bid Closing Date (before June 7, 2021) to not earlier - Time zone: Cambodia time tion may result in rejection of its bid. than Thirty Days (30Days) after the Bid Opening Date (after June 8, 2021) *Note: For more information regarding the submission and resto- Employer: Korea International Cooperation Agency - ‘Estimated Price’ will be announced at the Bid Opening by a random draw ration of Bid Security will be included in RFP and its supplementary  .2,&$ &$0%2',$2I¿FH and ‘Minimum Price’ will be determined based on the announced ‘Esti- documents. Bid Type:,QWHUQDWLRQDO2SHQ&RPSHWLWLYH%LGGLQJZLWK3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ 34 mated Price’. 3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ 34 IRU%LG(OLJLELOLW\ - Details of Selection of the Successful Bidder, Eligibility Evaluation, De- .2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FHVKDOOQRWEHUHVSRQVLEOHIRUDQ\FRVWVRUH[SHQVHV • ,QWHUHVWHGDSSOLFDQWVVKRXOGREWDLQWKHSUHTXDOL¿FDWLRQGRFXPHQWV termination of ‘Estimated Price’ and ‘Minimum Price’ will be explained incurred by Bidders in connection with the preparation or delivery of bids E\YLVLWLQJ.2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FHRUVHQGLQJ(PDLOWLOO0D\ during the Pre-Bid Meeting. (Interested applicants are able to complementing the pre- TXDOL¿FDWLRQGRFXPHQWVWLOO0D\  3ULFHSURSRVDOE\ELGGHUVDQG¿QDOFRQWUDFWSULFHVKDOOEHH[FOXVLYHRI9$7 11. All bidders are expected to examine all instructions, forms, terms and spec- • 7KHSUHTXDOL¿FDWLRQGRFXPHQWVFDQEHUHFHLYHGE\HPDLO L¿FDWLRQVRIWKHELGGLQJGRFXPHQWV)DLOXUHWRIXUQLVKDOOLQIRUPDWLRQUH- Selection of the Successful Bidders: $VWKLVELGLVDSDUWRI2'$ 2I¿FLDO'HYHORSPHQW$VVLVWDQFH  quired by the bidding documents or submission of a bid not substantially • Selection by Lowest Bidding Price with Eligibility Evaluation. project between the Government of Republic of Korea and responsive to the bidding documents in every respect shall be at the Bidder’s ‡2QO\WKHSUHTXDOL¿HGELGGHUVDUHVXEMHFWWRELG .LQJGRPRI&DPERGLDWKLVSURMHFWEHQH¿WVH[HPSWLRQRI9DO- risk and may result in the rejection of the bid. • Eligibility Evaluation consist of Bid Price Evaluation of Seventy (70) ue Add Tax(VAT) according to MOU between countries, and Points and Performance Ability Evaluation of Thirty (30) Points. the Record of Discussion (RD) between KOICA and MoEYS. 12. Contact Information Total of One hundred (100) points 7KXV.2,&$&DPERGLDRI¿FHLVQRWUHVSRQVLEOHIRUDQ\9$7 .2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FH • Details of Selection of the Successful Bidder will be explained at discharge or refund. All inquiries regarding VAT exemption or Pre-Bid Meeting. $GGUHVV%RULWUD%XLOGLQJWK)ORRUV3UHDK1RURGRP 7KH5HTXHVW)RU3URSRVDOV 5)3 5)3ZLOOEHSURYLGHGWRWKHSUHTXDOL¿H tax refund shall be referred to MoEYS in case needed. %OYG  &RUQHURI6W bidders at the Pre-Bid Meeting Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang 1,Khan Chamkar Mon,Phnom Penh Instructions and Schedule: 5. The Request for Proposal (RFP) includes following documents but not limited to: Cambodia. * 1RWH5)3LQFOXGLQJEHORZGRFXPHQWVZLOOEHSURYLGHGWR3UHTXDOL¿HG%LG- 7HO)D[ ders at Pre-Bid Meeting. >3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ@ E-mail: DIULFDQMXQH#NRLFDJRNU / WK\GDNRLFD#JPDLOFRP Instructions to Bidders ‡  'LVWULEXWLRQ RI 3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ ,QVWUXFWLRQV DQG $SSOLFDWLRQ )RUPV SMZRR#KHHULPFRP &RQWDFW.2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FH Conditions of Contract including Contract Form Attention: Kim Jun Su, Deputy Country Director of KOICA ‡6XEPLVVLRQRI3UHTXDOL¿FDWLRQ'RFXPHQW0D\E\ at Bidding Forms .2,&$&DPERGLD2I¿FH $WWDFKPHQW 7HFKQLFDO6SHFL¿FDWLRQV'HVLJQ'UDZLQJV8QSULFHG%LOOVRI &DPERGLD2I¿FH ‡1RWL¿FDWLRQRI,QYLWDWLRQWR%LG0D\by E-mail 4XDQWLW\ %24WKHVWDWHPHQWPXVWEHVXEPLWWHGDWFRQWUDFt) 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 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 4,088 1.2186 6.4538 109.12 4.1120 1.3312 31.18 0.7775 1.2080 1.3917

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: May 7, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 16,600 16,640 16,660 16,560 2 GTI 4,420 4,400 4,500 4,360 3 PAS 13,880 13,460 14,380 13,400 4 PEPC 3,200 3,130 3,300 3,130 5 PPAP 15,260 15,000 15,360 14,700 6 PPSP 1,970 1,950 2,000 1,930 7 PWSA 8,240 7,840 8,360 7,820 ‘Agri-products Kingdom ‘ready’ to exit LDC status to account for Thou Vireak one of the government’s partners working jointly to materialise this 12% of exports’ ambodia is well-prepared goal through continuous administra- to minimise economic risks tive reforms and policies conducive Continued from page 1 when it graduates from its to the business environment. Least Developed Countries “As we grow and develop, we will have been playing an indispensable Cstatus, according to a senior official at graduate from LDC status, which is role as a bridge for agricultural prod- the Ministry of Commerce on May 7. indeed a welcome milestone, despite ucts to foreign markets,” he said. Four LDCs – Cambodia, Laos, losing some benefits such as prefer- The minister said Cambodia Indus- Bangladesh and Nepal – met at a vir- ential trade treatment unilaterally trial Development Policy 2015-2025’s tual workshop last week to explore given by the developed countries. main goal is related to the agricultural potential solutions for managing a “But this is not without a solution. sector – to boost exports of processed smooth exit from their UN designa- We appreciate and support the gov- agricultural products to 12 per cent of tions, discuss potential challenges ernment’s efforts in trying to maintain the total export volume by 2025. in the post-LDC era, and assess the better and broader investment and The inaugural shipment of fresh impact of Covid-19 on the textile market access through both bilateral mangoes to China “is another fruitful and garment sectors. and regional trade agreements. achievement that was born out of the Ministry secretary of state Pich “Skills development, productivity excellent cooperation between the Rithy participated as a speaker at improvement and internal adminis- Kingdom of Cambodia and the Peo- the event, which was co-organised trative reforms shall be our ongoing ple’s Republic of China”, Sakhon said. by the World Trade Organisation, job,” he said. According to the protocol on phy- UN, UN Department of Economic The Kingdom exported $2.410 bil- tosanitary requirements for fresh man- and Social Affairs, UN Conference lion worth of garments, footwear and go exports to China, signed by the min- on Trade and Development, and In- Cambodia is well-prepared to minimise economic risks when it graduates from its travel goods in the first quarter of this istry on June 9, the fruits must be of the ternational Trade Centre. Least Developed Countries status, according to a senior official at the Ministry of year, shrinking 6.48 per cent from the Keo Romiet variety, the most ubiquitous Rithy stressed the importance of Commerce on May 7. Yousos Apdoulrashim $2.577 billion posted in the corre- type found throughout the Kingdom. the garment sector in promoting sponding period of 2020, according to Cambodia exported 142,556 tonnes Cambodia’s economic growth, and pounding the impact of the Covid-19 free trade agreements,” Rithy said. data from the General Department of of fresh mangoes in the first four the benefits of preferential tariffs for crisis on garments and apparels. Garment Manufacturers Associa- Customs and Excise of Cambodia. months of 2021, up 239.13 per cent increased export volumes. “To address these challenges, tion in Cambodia deputy secretary- Analysed by category, garments from the same period last year, agri- He highlighted that ridding itself Cambodia has outlined policies and general Kaing Monika told The Post fell 6.43 per cent from $1.897 to culture ministry statistics show. of the LDC status could present eco- strategies so that the Kingdom can that private-sector development is $1.775 billion, footwear slumped As of 2020, mangoes are grown on nomic pains for the Kingdom, affect- strengthen its competitive position the engine of economic growth, and 7.33 per cent from $341 to $316 mil- 130,000ha in the Kingdom, of which ing tariff preferences, rules of origins, and prepare for a successful exit raises people’s living standards. lion, and travel goods – including 91,104ha (70.08 per cent) are har- investment attractiveness, competi- from the LDC status. These include “Everyone enjoys the fruit of this suitcases, backpacks, handbags and vested. Mango production reaches tive advantages and opportunities the diversification of export markets growth, not only the workers. Among wallets – declined 5.89 per cent from an average of more than 1.38 million for trade assistance, and hence com- through bilateral and multilateral other private sector players, we are $339 to $319 million. tonnes per season. EU, India agree to restart trade talks at virtual summit

The EU and India agreed on May 8 to new important chapter in our rela- by forcing Prime Minister Narendra EU leaders have expressed scepti- deals to protect investments and relaunch long-stalled trade talks in a tionship. We are the world’s two largest Modi to scrap plans to fly to Portugal cism about the initiative, insisting the regionally specific products. major push to boost ties at a video democracies. We are natural part- to see his European counterparts. first move is for countries to open up They also signed off on a “connectiv- summit held under the shadow of the ners,” European Council chief Charles But the 27-nation bloc and the to exporting doses. ity” partnership to reinforce infra- Covid-19 pandemic battering the Michel said. world’s largest democracy remain “We will be watching the evolving structure links and said they would South Asian giant. The devastating wave of infections determined to capitalise on growing EU position on this particular issue,” push to cooperate more on develop- “The EU and India are opening a sweeping India impacted the meeting momentum for closer relations. senior Indian official Vikas Swarup ing cutting-edge technology like arti- European Commission chief Ursula said. ficial intelligence. von der Leyen hailed the decision to The two vaccine-producing power- The negotiations on the trade deal restart trade talks after an eight-year houses did agree to try to work togeth- were halted after getting stuck on break as a “landmark moment”. er to make sure global supplies are issues such as cutting tariffs and EU countries have sent medical maintained and the world is better access for Indian workers to Europe. equipment and drugs worth an esti- prepared for future pandemics. An Indian official said there was no mated €100 million ($120 million) to “We agreed that defeating the Cov- timetable for when the fresh talks India as part of international efforts id-19 pandemic through global coop- would begin. to help it fight against the flood of eration and solidarity remains our It remains to be seen if India is now Covid-19 cases. priority and underlined our commit- willing to drop an approach viewed as Von der Leyen insisted that the bloc ment to work together to ensure a bet- deeply protectionist by the EU to seal “stands firmly at the side of India in ter, safer, sustainable and inclusive a deal this time round. this most challenging time” and recovery,” a joint statement said. Britain’s departure from the bloc has pledged that “further assistance will While the pandemic cast a dark also created another rival for Brussels follow”. cloud over the summit, the key as London makes its own play to bol- A top official at India’s external affairs announcement was the restarting of ster trade with India. ministry said Modi had pushed the EU talks for a wide-ranging free trade deal The British government on May 4 to support an Indian and South African that have been suspended since said it would start formal free talks proposal to suspend Covid-19 vaccine 2013. with India later this year after the two Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could push the EU to waive patents on Covid-19 patents after US President Joe Biden The two sides agreed to simultane- sides agreed an initial package to jabs. AFP threw his weight behind the plan. ously launch negotiations on separate boost trade and investment. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business FDI inflows propel forex At least 400 Thai firms eye Cambodia reserves to May Kunmakara ore than 400 Thai com- $21B at end panies are considering investing and doing busi- ness in Cambodia when of last year Mthe situation of the Covid-19 crisis eases, according to Cambodian ambas- Thou Vireak sador to Thailand Ouk Sorphorn. Sorphorn on May 7 virtually met with The narrower current account the Thai Subcontracting Promotion deficit and continued capital Association (Thai Subcon), a group of inflows from foreign direct more than 400 firms he described as investment (FDI) and other “innovative and industrial”. sources supported a continued During the meeting, Thai Subcon pres- increase in gross foreign-ex- ident Kiattisak Jirakajonvong said the change (forex) reserves, which association’s members were very inter- rose to $21.3 billion at the end of ested in the potential of Cambodia. last year from $18.8 billion at He requested the Cambodian embassy end-2019, the Asian Develop- in Bangkok to co-organise business meet- ment Outlook (ADO) report ings and tours at members’ factories and issued last week said. at Cambodia’s special economic zones to The report noted that the provide opportunities for the private sec- economy is forecast to expand tors of both countries to strengthen and by 4.0 per cent in 2021 and 5.5 expand bilateral cooperation. per cent in 2022. The economic Sorphorn welcomed the request and recovery in major trading part- briefed Thai Subcon delegates on eco- ners will support strong demand nomic diplomacy policy, with empha- for Cambodia’s merchandise sis on Thai Strategic Plan Plus One. exports and continued FDI He noted that the Cambodian gov- inflows. ernment has pulled out all the stops to Industrial production is support and improve Cambodia’s busi- expected to grow strongly, ness-investment environment and expanding by 7.1 per cent in market diversification. An industrial park in Kandal province’s Ang Snuol district. YOUSOS APDOULRASHIM 2021 and 7.0 per cent in 2022 on To advance towards this goal, he the back of a rebound in the gar- said, Cambodia has signed bilateral Cambodia and Thailand. two countries to the fullest extent and ed $1.148 billion in merchandise to ments, footwear and travel goods free trade agreements (FTA) with He noted that the CBC would also pro- woo Thai businesspeople and investors Thailand in 2020, down 49.49 per cent sector and growth in light manu- China and South Korea, and joined mote tourism and culture, and is aimed to Cambodia,” Sorphorn said. year-on-year, and imported $6.089 bil- facturing, it said. the Regional Comprehensive Eco- at meeting the two countries’ prime min- Trade between Cambodia and Thai- lion, down 14.80 per cent from 2019. Agriculture is also expected to nomic Partnership (RCEP) bloc. isters’ ambitions to increase trade volume land reached $7.236 billion last year, According to Sorphorn, Thailand is pick up, growing by 1.3 per cent The ambassador also brought up the to $15 billion after the Covid-19 crisis. tumbling 23.17 per cent from 2019, pri- among the nine largest investors in in 2021 and 1.2 per cent in 2022, Thai authorities’ decision to allow the “We laid out plans – the Thai business marily due to the economic disruption Cambodia, pumping $967.89 million underpinned by higher crop Cambodian Business Council (CBC) to council and the embassy have figured out of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to in foreign direct investment into the production after last year’s flood be set up in Bangkok to facilitate bilat- a plan to promote commerce and mod- the Thai Ministry of Commerce. country between 1994 and the end of damage, continued aquaculture eral trade and investment between ernise trade and investment between the Statistics show that Cambodia export- the third quarter of 2017. growth, and rising agricultural exports to China from a new bilateral free trade agreement. National Bank of National Committee for Sub National Tonle Sap Poverty Reduction and Smallholder The Council for the Develop- Cambodia (NBC) ment of Cambodia (CDC) director-general Democratic Development Secretariat Development Project (TS-PRSDP) Additional Chea Serey was reported that it had approved Financing (TSSD-AF) tapped on Thursday ADB Loan: 3570/8331 and Grant 0542 $85.88 billion in investment as an International Council Member projects as of end-2019 since it SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE was established in 1994. of Singapore-head quartered Global Invitation for Expressions of Interest for Consulting Services In 2019 alone, the CDC FinTech Institute 1) The Royal Government of Cambodia has received a Loan/grant from the Asian Development approved $9.40 billion worth of (GFI) at a virtual Bank, and Loan from the IFAD for the Tonle Sap Poverty Reduction and Smallholder Development investment projects, of which council meeting. Project –Additional Financing (TSSD-AF). The additional financing to TSSD (TSSD-AF) will expand mainland Chinese investors supplied activities on climate-responsive productive infrastructure from 196 communes in five provinces accounted for $2.75 billion. (Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and TboungKhmum), to Hong Kong ranked second at 271 communes in seven provinces, including the two additional provinces of Battambang, and $912.55 million, while Japan Prey Veng in the Tonle Sap Basin, and further develop an enabled environment for agricultural took third with $298.84 million. productivity, diversification, and climate resilience.1 The inclusion of women, smallholding farmers, Of the cumulative FDI and poor people will remain a priority. Consistent with the current project, the AF will enhance approved in 1994-2019, the larg- NBC’s Serey tapped agricultural productivity and improve access to markets, resulting in better livelihoods and higher est share was from mainland incomes in the project areas, with the added benefit of enhanced resilience to disaster and climate China (21.81 per cent), which in risks. the early years had been the for GFI council seat 2) The National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDDS) is source of extensive investment the Executing Agency (EA) for Component1, Component 3, along with the Ministry of Agriculture, in the fields of infrastructure, May Kunmakara Publishing Company.” Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is also the Executing Agency (EA) of the Project. resource development (such as Under her directorship, NBC The EA, NCDDS will recruit one (01) position of Social Safeguard Specialist for 20 months and natural rubber) and tourism. National Bank of Cambodia on October 27th launched an one (01) position of Road Engineer for 20 months for a Project life span on an individual basis in South Korea took the second (NBC) director-general Chea inter-bank mobile payment accordance with ADB’s Guidelines on the Use of Consultants: largest share at 6.16 per cent and Serey was tapped on May 6 as platform, known as the “Bakong 3) Qualifications and Experience: the UK placed third at 5.01 per an International Council Mem- System”, aiming to give a pow- The Social Safeguard Specialist must have a qualification and experience as follows: cent. ber of Singapore-headquartered erful impetus to rural financial At least a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized institution in social science Other major sources were Global FinTech Institute (GFI) sector development and nur- or other related fields and a minimum of five years of relevant experience in preparing, Malaysia (3.59 per cent), Japan at a virtual council meeting. turing financial inclusivity in implementing, and monitoring social safeguards work for donor funded projects and (3.13 per cent), Hong Kong (3.05 The appointment was in rec- the Kingdom. government institutions. He/she must have experience of working on the application of per cent), Taiwan (1.77 per cent), ognition for her achievements Bakong enables interopera- social safeguard due diligence procedures in at least two ADB financed projects and be fully Vietnam (2.31 per cent), Singa- in harnessing financial technol- bility between banks and finan- familiar with the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 including the requirement and pore (1.64 per cent) and Thai- ogy and innovation to create cial institutions that is safe and procedures for social safeguard compliance (resettlement and indigenous peoples). He/she land (1.54 per cent) – whose and unlock opportunities for cost-effective. must have good computer skills and have the ability to write well-structured reports. investment comes mainly from those underserved by tradition- According to Serey, Bakong is The Road Engineer must have a qualification and experience as follows: the garment sector. al models of financial services. a “backbone payment system” The Design Engineer Roads will have a Bachelor degree or higher in road engineering, civil Serey said in a Facebook post: with the primary objectives of engineering or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution and a minimum “Today I am very honoured to be enabling payments between of five years’ experience in design of rural roads and road structures. S/her should have appointed as an International banks and financial institutions, practical experience in the adoption of alternative road surfaces to mitigate the impacts of Council Member – along with improving the efficiency and climate change. He/she must be able to use CAD facilities in the preparation of designs and other very respectable individu- safety of the payment system, drawings. als in academia, and public and boosting financial inclusion 4) Interested individuals are requested to obtain detailed terms of reference and CV format from private sectors – of the Global and promoting cashless pay- the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 12:00 & 14:00 to 17:00 or contact Mr. Nop FinTech Institute, Singapore ments in the local currency. Novy at “[email protected]” University of Social Sciences. GFI pitches itself as “a global 5) Interested candidates should submit current curriculum vitae, including the names and contact “I was also pleased to witness professional credentialing information of three referees, to the address listed below by May 18th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. the MoU [memorandum of body dedicated to creating National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDDS) Administration Room, ground Floor; Ministry of Interior An aerial view of Phnom Penh understanding] signing greater collaboration, advoca- showing numerous high-rise between GFI and Journal of cy, ethics and knowledge for all Preah Norodom Blvd, Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Email: [email protected]; buildings. Hong Menea FinTech and World Scientific fintech professionals”. 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com World New Covid-19 deaths in India pass 4,000 EW Covid-19 deaths African countries to obtain sup- people hit private beaches, surged past 4,000 plies after months of resistance which on May 8 reopened for for the first time in by President Andry Rajoelina. the first time this year. India on May 8 in By May 8 the global pan- There were strict spacing None of the world’s worst out- demic had killed more than requirements in place, regu- breaks, as EU pressure mount- 3.2 million people since lar disinfection of deck chairs ed on Washington to end vac- emerging in December 2019, and toilets and no music at cine export limits and offer a according to a tally from offi- beach bars. concrete plan to lift patents. cial sources compiled by AFP. “We´ve been waiting very “I call very clearly on the Unit- Adding to Macron and long to be able to receive here ed States to put an end to export Merkel’s appeals, European all the tourists and citizens bans not only on vaccines but Council chief Charles Michel that want to sunbathe and en- on vaccine ingredients, which said the bloc was “ready to en- joy the sea,” Andreas Kondylis, prevent production,” Macron gage” and to discuss a US offer mayor of the southern Athens told reporters at an EU summit to suspend patent protection suburb of Alimos told AFP. in Porto. He was referring to a on vaccines “as soon as a con- The tourism-dependent de facto US ban on the export crete proposal” emerges. country hope to launch its of vaccine raw materials. But Michel, speaking in summer season next week. German Chancellor Angela Porto, added the EU doubted The global arsenal against Merkel said the EU had ex- the idea could be a short- the coronavirus expanded ported much of its own pro- term “magic bullet” and en- as the vaccine from China’s duction and the US should couraged “all the partners to Sinopharm became the first follow suit. facilitate the export of doses”. fully non-Western shot to get “I do not think that a patent India’s coronavirus death toll now stands at 238,270. AFP India, which reported more the green light from the WHO. waiver is the solution to make than 400,000 new infections on The WHO has already given more vaccines available to more gained momentum after the fect regarding vaccine sup- of July but Nkengasong said May 8 – experts fear official data emergency use authorisation people,” she said in Berlin. US announced surprise sup- plies for the continent. he hoped that date could be are a gross underestimate – now to vaccines from Pfizer-Bi- “Rather, I think that we need port for such a scheme to “We are watching in total brought forward. accounts for nearly half of the oNTech, Moderna, Johnson & the creativity and the power enable adequate vaccine sup- horror and disbelief what WHO president Tedros Ad- world’s new known cases. Johnson, and AstraZeneca. of innovation of companies – plies to fight Covid-19. is going on in India and we hanom Ghebreyesus told the Its coronavirus death toll In Japan, concerns remain and to me, that includes pat- In an AFP interview, World don’t expect that vaccines meeting that “what’s happen- now stands at 238,270. about the upcoming Tokyo ent protection.” Health Organisation (WHO) will be shipped out of India ing now in many other parts India’s eastern neighbour Olympics, with Japan’s vac- Earlier, Pope Francis had chief scientist Soumya Swa- anytime soon,” the Direc- of the world can happen in Pakistan began a nine-day cination programme moving focused on his desire to see minathan meanwhile said tor of the Africa Centres for our Africa if we let down our shutdown on May 8 targeting slowly. patent waivers to “allow uni- “early signs were missed [in Disease Control and Preven- guard”, while dubbing the in- travel and tourist hot spots, A coronavirus state of emer- versal access to the vaccine”. India] until it reached the tion, Cameroonian virologist equitable distribution of vac- mobilising its military to help gency in parts of Japan, in- He called for the temporary point at which it was taking Dr John Nkengasong, told an cines “not just a moral outrage. enforce the restrictions. cluding Tokyo, was extended suspension of intellectual off vertically”, meaning “it’s online meetings of African It’s also economically and epi- The aim is to stop its out- on May 7. property rights, condemning multiplying at a rate at which Union health ministers. demiologically self-defeating”. break from snowballing dur- But International Olympic the “virus of individualism” it’s very difficult to stop”. An African Vaccine Acqui- Earlier on May 8, Madagascar ing the upcoming Eid celebra- Committee vice-president John that “makes us indifferent to As India battles to stem the sition Task Team is hoping received its first batch of vac- tions at the end of the Islamic Coates was adamant on May 8 the suffering of others”. rising tide, Africa is fretting to acquire vaccines through cines through the COVAX global holy month of Ramadan. that the Games, slated to start The call for waivers has over a potential knock-on ef- its programme by the end sharing scheme, one of the last In Greece, thousands of on July 23, will go ahead. AFP Dozens hurt in second night of Jerusalem clashes DOZENS more people were injured ensure respect for law and order in ernment responsible for the unrest on May 8 as Israeli police fired water Jerusalem while allowing freedom of and voiced “full support for our cannon and rubber bullets to disperse worship,” he said in a meeting of heroes in al-Aqsa”. Palestinian protesters in annexed east security officials. Yair Lapid, an Israeli politician Jerusalem, a day after fierce clashes at The violence was the worst in years at attempting to form a coalition govern- the city’s al-Aqsa mosque. al-Aqsa, Islam’s third-holiest site after ment to replace Prime Minister Ben- The fresh violence, a day after more Mecca and Medina, located on the site jamin Netanyahu, backed the police. than 200 people were wounded at the Jews revere as the Temple Mount. “The state of Israel will not let vio- mosque, prompted international Palestinians have held nightly pro- lence run loose and definitely will calls for an end to the violence. tests in Sheikh Jarrah against an not allow terror groups to threaten Police said they dispersed the pro- attempt by Israeli settlers to take over it,” he tweeted. test in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbour- Arab homes. The al-Aqsa clashes drew sharp hood where demonstrators had On May 8, protesters chanted, rebukes across the Arab and Muslim thrown stones at security forces. waved Palestinian flags and threw world. On the border with the Gaza Strip, stones before police moved in. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip troops fired tear gas toward Palestinian Dozens of Arab Israeli protesters Erdogan denounced Israel as a “cru- protesters, as officials said three incen- also gathered across Israel in solidar- el terrorist state” in a speech in Anka- diary balloons were launched into ity with Sheikh Jarrah residents, hold- ra on May 8, calling on the UN to Israel, causing fires but no injuries. ing up signs that read “the occupa- intervene to “stop the persecution”. In Jerusalem, police said they made tion is terrorism”. Jordan condemned Israel’s “bar- three arrests for attacks on officers, A reporter for Israeli public TV baric attack” and Egypt, Turkey, Tuni- while Palestinians reported 13 other tweeted footage of a Jewish driver The Palestinian Red Crescent reported 53 people were injured in Saturday’s clashes in sia, Pakistan and Qatar were among arrests earlier in the day. whose car was attacked with stones Jerusalem. STR/AFP Muslim countries that blasted Israe- The Palestinian Red Crescent and windows shattered at the li forces for the confrontation. reported 53 people were injured in entrance to Sheikh Jarrah on May 8. Outside the Damascus Gate entrance Jerusalem, settlement activity, home Israel also drew criticism from Bah- May 8’s clashes in Jerusalem. Police blocked buses filled with Arabs to Jerusalem’s Old City, Palestinians set demolitions and acts of terrorism,” rain and the UAE, two countries that AFP journalists in Jerusalem said headed for Jerusalem from northern fire to a barricade before police on the state department said. signed normalisation accords with Israeli riot police had fired rubber Israel, saying they would not be allowed horseback dispersed the protesters. The EU called on the authorities the Jewish state last year. bullets, sound grenades and water “to participate in violent riots”. The Quartet of envoys from the EU, “to act urgently to de-escalate the Iran called on the UN to condemn cannon on Palestininans on May 8, Instead, hundreds marched on Russia, US and the UN expressed current tensions”, saying “violence the Israeli police actions, arguing that some of whom threw projectiles at highways leading to the city. “deep concern” over the violence. and incitement are unacceptable “this war crime once again proved to the police. One officer received a Thousands of worshippers stayed “We call upon Israeli authorities to and the perpetrators on all sides the world the criminal nature of the head injury, said police. on at al-Aqsa on May 8 for Laylat al- exercise restraint,” they wrote. must be held accountable”. illegitimate Zionist regime”. On May 7, riot police stormed al- Qadr (Night of Destiny), a peak of the The US – an Israeli ally whose tone Russia voiced “deep concern”, call- Tensions are expected to remain Aqsa mosque compound, after they Muslim holy month of Ramadan. has toughened under US President ing the expropriation of land and high in Jerusalem. said Palestinians threw rocks and The Islamist movement Hamas, Joe Biden – said it was “extremely property in the occupied Palestinian Israel’s supreme court is to hold a fireworks at officers. which rules Gaza, urged Palestinians concerned” and urged both sides to territories including east Jerusalem new hearing in the Sheikh Jarrah case Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin to remain at al-Aqsa until Ramadan “avoid steps that exacerbate tensions “a violation of international law”. on May 10, when Israelis mark Jeru- Netanyahu defended the police actions. ends, warning that “the resistance is or take us farther away from peace”. Palestinian President Mahmud salem Day to celebrate the “libera- “Israel is acting responsibly to ready to defend al-Aqsa at any cost”. “This includes evictions in east Abbas said he held the Israeli gov- tion” of the city. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST may 3, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World More than 30 killed in blast Trump’s DoJ got targeting Kabul girls’ school phone records of BLAST outside a girls’ journalists: report school in an area of the Afghan capital THE Trump administration happened,” the ACLU tweet- populated largely by secretly obtained the phone re- ed. “When the government Athe Shiite Hazara community cords of Washington Post jour- spies on journalists and their on May 8 killed more than 30 nalists who reported on allega- sources, it jeopardizes free- people including students tions of Russian meddling in dom of the press.” and wounded scores more, the 2016 US presidential elec- The justice department said officials said. tion, the newspaper reported it had followed “established The explosion rocked the on May 7, prompting concerns procedures” with the requests, west Kabul district of Dasht- over freedom of speech. the Post reported, citing a de- e-Barchi – a regular target of The Department of Justice partment spokesman. Sunni Islamist militants – as (DoJ) sent letters to three report- The letters did not specify residents were out shopping ers – Ellen Nakashima and Greg why the records were seized. ahead of next week’s Eid-al- Miller, and former Post reporter But, near the end of that pe- Fitr, which marks the end of Adam Entous – saying that it riod, the three wrote a story Ramadan, the Muslim holy had received work, cell or home about US intelligence which month of fasting. phone records “for the period suggested that Jeff Sessions, It comes as the US military from April 15, 2017 to July 31, who later became attorney gen- continues to pull out its last 2017”, according to the Post. eral under Donald Trump, had 2,500 troops from violence- The newspaper was “deeply discussed the Trump campaign wracked Afghanistan, de- troubled by this use of gov- with the Russian ambassador. spite faltering peace efforts ernment power to seek ac- They also wrote a story on between the Taliban and Af- cess to the communications the Obama administration’s ghan government to end a of journalists”, Post acting ex- efforts to counter Russian in- decades-long war. ecutive editor Cameron Barr terference in the 2016 presi- “More than 30 students and was quoted as saying. dential election. other countrymen have been “The Department of Justice US intelligence agencies killed, and over 50 more were Family members and relatives mourn inside a hospital while sitting next to the bodies of victims who died in a should immediately make have concluded Russia hacked wounded. The toll is rising.” blast outside a school in west Kabul. AFP clear its reasons for this intru- into the computer servers of interior ministry spokesman sion into the activities of re- the Democratic National Com- Tareq Arian told reporters. blamed the group for the The top US diplomat in Ka- “We are extremely concerned porters doing their jobs, an ac- mittee (DNC) during Trump’s Arian’s deputy Hamid blast, which took place near bul, Ross Wilson, called the by this violence in Kabul and tivity protected under the First campaign against Democratic Roshan told AFP that an in- the entry gate of Sayed al- blast “abhorrent”, tweeting: other parts of the country in Amendment,” he continued. rival Hillary Clinton. vestigation had begun into Shuhada girls’ school. “With scores murdered, this recent weeks, following the an- The American Civil Liberties Trump has played down Rus- the explosion. “This savage group [Tali- unforgivable attack on children nouncement of the withdrawal Union (ACLU) said the justice sia’s involvement in the DNC “I saw many bloodied bod- ban] does not have the power is an assault on Afghanistan´s of NATO troops,” it said. department had been “spy- leak, famously appearing to side ies in dust and smoke, while to confront security forces on future, which cannot stand.” The Dasht-e-Barchi neigh- ing” on the journalists “at the with Russian President Vladimir some of the wounded were the battlefield, and instead The EU delegation in Af- bourhood has been a regular whims of an administration”. Putin over his own intelligence screaming in pain,” Reza, targets with brutality and ghanistan condemned what target of attacks from Sunni “This should never have agency’s assessment. AFP who escaped the blast, told barbarism public facilities it said was a “despicable act Islamist militants. AFP, adding that most of the and the girls’ school,” he said of terrorism”. In May last year, a group of victims were teenage girls in a statement. “Targeting primarily stu- gunmen attacked a hospital who had just left the school. The Taliban has denied dents in a girls’ school, makes in the area in a brazen day- “I saw a woman checking carrying out attacks in Ka- this an attack on the future of light raid that left 25 people the bodies and calling for bul since February last year, Afghanistan. On young people killed, including 16 mothers her daughter. She then found when they signed a deal with determined to improve their of newborn babies. her daughter’s blood-stained the US that paved the way for country,” it said on Twitter. The hospital was supported purse after which she fainted peace talks and withdrawal of The UN Assistance Mission by the international medical and fell to the ground.” the remaining US troops. in Afghanistan (UNAMA) ex- charity Doctors Without Bor- Health ministry spokesman But the group has clashed in pressed its “deep revulsion” ders, which later pulled out of Dastagir Nazari said several near-daily battles in the rug- at the blast. the project. ambulances had been rushed ged countryside with Afghan And Pakistan’s foreign minis- No group claimed that at- to the site to evacuate the forces even as the US military try called the attack “reprehen- tack, but Ghani blamed the wounded, adding that some reduces its presence. sible” and vowed to support Af- Taliban and the jihadist Is- in the angry crowd had beat- The US was supposed to ghanistan in its peace efforts. lamic State group. en ambulance workers. have pulled all forces out by The Britain-based humani- On October 24, a suicide No organisation immedi- May 1 under a deal struck tarian organisation Emergen- bomber blew himself up at a ately took responsibility for with the Taliban last year, but cy, which operates a surgical tuition centre in the same dis- the attack, and the Taliban Washington pushed back the centre in Kabul, said it had trict, killing 18 people includ- denied involvement. date to September 11 – a move received 26 people wounded ing students in an attack that US intelligence believes that Russia meddled in the 2016 election, But President Ashraf Ghani that angered the insurgents. in the blast. also went unclaimed. AFP which brought Donald Trump to power. AFP Ransomware cyberattack shuts down major US pipeline system THE largest fuel pipeline system in in a statement on May 8. Texas to the populous East Coast refined petroleum products per day. “This underscores the threat that the US was forced to shut down its The Colonial Pipeline Company through 8,850km of pipeline, serv- The attack prompted calls from ransomware poses to organisations entire network after a ransomware ships petrol and jet fuel from the ing 50 million consumers. cybersecurity experts for improved regardless of size or sector. We attack, the operating company said Gulf Coast portion of the state of It said it had been “the victim of a oversight of the industry to better encourage every organisation to take cybersecurity attack” which involved prepare for future threats. action to strengthen their cybersecu- ransomware – attacks that encrypt “This attack is unusual for the US. rity posture to reduce their exposure computer systems and seek to extract But the bottom line is that attacks to these types of threats,” he said. payments from operators. targeting operational technology – The US was rocked in recent “In response, we proactively took the industrial control systems on the months by news of two major cyber- certain systems offline to contain the production line or plant floor – are security breaches – the massive threat, which has temporarily halted becoming more frequent,” said SolarWinds hack that compromised all pipeline operations, and affected Algirde Pipikaite, cyber strategy lead thousands of US government and some of our IT [information technol- at the World Economic Forum´s Cen- private sector computer networks ogy] systems. tre for Cybersecurity. and was officially blamed on Russia; “A leading, third-party cybersecu- “Unless cybersecurity measures are and a potentially devastating pene- rity firm was engaged, and they have embedded in a technology’s develop- tration of Microsoft email servers. launched an investigation into the ment phase, we are likely to see more The latter is believed to have affect- nature and scope of this incident, frequent attacks on industrial sys- ed at least 30,000 US organisations which is ongoing. We have contacted tems like oil and gas pipelines or including local governments and was law enforcement and other federal water treatment plants.” attributed to an aggressive Chinese agencies,” it said. Eric Goldstein, an executive assistant cyberespionage campaign. Colonial, based in the southern director at the US Cybersecurity and Both breaches appeared to be aimed state of Georgia, is the largest pipe- Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), at stealing emails and data but they also line operator in the US by volume, part of the Department of Homeland created “back doors” that could allow The Colonial Pipeline serves millions of customers on the US’ East Coast, including transporting 2.5 million barrels of Security, said CISA was “engaged” with attacks on physical infrastructure, Washington Dulles International Airport. AFP petrol, diesel fuel, jet fuel and other the company over the situation. according to The New York Times. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Myanmar junta designates shadow New Lao PM: Extension of government as a ‘terrorist’ group lockdown an

YANMAR’S junta declared on the night of essentiality May 8 that a group of ousted lawmakers run- A CONTINUATION of the existing Mning a shadow government would tough measures to contain the coro- now be classified as “terrorists”, as the navirus outbreak is essential, Lao military moves to tighten its grip over Prime Minister Phankham Vipha- a country in turmoil. vanh has said in a clear reference to Since the military seized power in the nationwide lockdown. a February 1 coup, detaining and The government has extended the ousting civilian leader Aung San Suu lockdown for another 15 days until Kyi, a nationwide uprising has re- May 20. fused to back down in its demands The overall number of Covid-19 for a return to democracy. cases remains high, the premier said Protesters continue to take to the in a statement issued on May 5. On streets daily, while a nationwide May 6, Laos recorded 105 new cases boycott by students and faculty as bringing the total number to 1,177 well as civil servants across various cases. The country is struggling to sectors has brought the country to a contain the current community out- shuddering halt. break of the virus which began in the Meanwhile, a group of ousted law- middle of last month. makers – many of them previously part “The government is aware that of Suu Kyi’s National League for De- extending measures will cause dif- mocracy (NLD) party – have formed a ficulties in people’s daily lives,” shadow “National Unity Government” Phankham said. “But we ask every- (NUG) to undermine the junta. one to understand the situation and On May 5, the NUG announced the to be patient so that we may control formation of a so-called “people’s de- and eventually overcome this virus fence force” (PDF) to protect civilians outbreak.” facing violence from the military. He pledged that the government By the night of May 8, state-run Ousted lawmakers from the National League for Democracy (NLD) party have formed a shadow ‘National Unity Government’ (NUG) would do all it could to create condi- television announced that the NUG, to undermine Myanmar’s junta. STR/AFP tions that would enable people to its people’s defence force, and an gradually normalise their lives as far affiliated group known as the Com- thorities have blamed on “instigators”. journalist who had interviewed a high- have been revoked for some TV sta- as possible. In addition, the govern- mittee Representing Pyidaungsu Previously, the junta had declared ranking representative was detained. tions – placing the country under an ment will introduce policies that will Hluttaw (CRPH) – the Burmese word the CRPH and NUG as “unlawful as- He faced terrorism charges, car- information blackout. reduce the payment of various fees. for parliament – were now classified sociations”, and said interacting with rying penalties ranging from three Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has “Although these policies won’t meet as “terrorist organisations”. them would be akin to high treason. years to life in prison. justified his February 1 power grab the requirements of all sectors and “We ask the people not to … support But their new designation as a “ter- While he was released not long af- by citing electoral fraud in Novem- people, it is the government’s inten- terrorist actions, give aid to terrorist rorist organisation” means anyone ter, the use of the counter-terrorism ber elections won by Suu Kyi’s NLD tion to help in these times of hard- actions that threaten the people’s se- speaking to them – including jour- law against journalists sparked fears party. ship,” he said. curity from the CRPH, NUG and PDF,” nalists – can be subjected to charges of a tightening noose around the But the regime’s efforts to suppress The government, the National said the evening news broadcast. under counter-terrorism laws. country’s embattled press. a growing anti-junta movement have Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention The announcement comes as spo- The Arakan Army – an insurgent Dozens of journalists have been brought only bloodshed, with securi- and Control and local taskforces radic bomb blasts go off more fre- group that had clashed with the mili- arrested in the wake of the coup, ty forces having killed more than 770 will follow up and closely monitor quently across Myanmar, especially in tary in conflict-wracked Rakhine state while media outlets have shut down civilians since February 1, according the situation with a view to easing commercial hub Yangon – which au- – held the designation last year, and a and various broadcasting licences to a local monitoring group. AFP restrictions in areas where the situ- ation is favourable. But restrictions will be toughened in places where the outbreak escalates, the prime minister said. HCMC aiming to be mega city at int’l level With the overall number of infec- tions remaining high, authorities HO CHI Minh City (HCMC) aims to city’s GRDP increased by 7.72 per cent The city has planned to build Ring nology development. City authorities have prepared makeshift hospitals become a smart urban area and the and its contribution to the country’s roads No 1, 2, 3, and 4 for a long time, should work with enterprises and across the country to ensure suffi- country’s driver of economic devel- gross domestic product (GDP) rose but construction has either not begun scientists in building a smart urban cient treatment facilities. In Vientiane opment by 2025, the city People’s more than 22 per cent. Its contribution or has not been completed. area, he added. alone, three makeshift hospitals with Committee Chairman Nguyen to the state budget increased more Vice-chairwoman of the People’s Dr Vu Thanh Tu An of Fulbright 1,200 beds have been prepared. Thanh Phong said at a conference than 26 per cent during the period. Committee in neighbouring Dong Vietnam University said that in the Phankham admitted that there held on May 6. Last year, the city’s economic Nai province, Nguyen Thị Hoang, said 2030-2045 period, infrastructure will were challenges undermining the The Vietnamese city’s gross regional growth rose by 1.39 per cent. Its that a bridge over the Dong Nai river include not only electricity, roads, government’s efforts to curb the domestic product (GRDP) per capita budget collections reached more should be built first. schools and health facilities, but also outbreak. He said some people is expected to reach $8,500 by 2025, than 371 trillion dong ($16.2 billion), The HCMC-Long Thanh-Dau Giay databases, information and commu- refused to be admitted to a health $13,000 by 2030 and $37,000 by 2045. contributing more than 25 per cent expressway should be expanded to nication systems, and the sharing of facility after testing positive for The city is also slated to become an to the national budget collection. 10-12 lanes from the existing four data as well as data security. Covid-19, which created problems economic, financial, commercial, sci- The proportion of domestic reve- lanes to ensure connections with the The city should strongly reform its for authorities in charge. In addi- entific, technological and cultural hub nue out of the city’s total budget col- future Long Thanh International Air- policies and improve the investment tion, the information provided is in Southeast Asia by 2030 and in Asia lection rose from 61.1 per cent in port, Hoang said, adding that the environment, An said. sometimes unclear so that officials by 2045. It is expected to be an attrac- 2016 to 71.4 per cent in last year. expressway has become overloaded. Moreover, the city should focus on spend a lot of time trying to trace tive global destination by 2045. Economist Tran Du Lich said traffic Other projects that need be com- developing the domestic market and people who test positive. In the last 45 years, the city has been infrastructure in the city is the most pleted are belt roads No 3 and 4; the the competitive capacity of local Some people continue to break the the largest urban area in population significant problem, adding that more Saigon-Nha Trang section of North- enterprises because more than 50 per rules on Covid-19 prevention meas- and economic scale in the country. linkages are needed to cities and prov- South high-speed railway; and a rail- cent of the country’s population will ures, as reflected by the fact that Within the 2016-2019 period, the inces in the southern region. way section from Tan Son Nhat air- become middle class by 2035. people in some places had organ- port to Long Thanh airport. If local enterprises do not take ised traditional festivals or gather- HCMC and Dong Nai province advantage of this trend, they will lose ings in violation of the rule on large also need to exploit local waterways, in the domestic market and “present public gatherings. In light of these she added. it to foreign enterprises”, An added. issues, the premier called for strict Vice-chairman of the People’s Com- Dr Nguyen Van Luan of the Univer- compliance with all government mittee in Tien Giang province Pham sity of Economics and Law said that guidelines. Van Trong said: “A regional develop- the city should maintain a growth The premier expressed heartfelt ment fund should be set up to call for speed of eight per cent each year in gratitude to everyone who had had capital for projects in the southern the 2021-2030 period. generously assisted the government region. The province wants to engage The city’s economic structure in the battle against the virus out- in collaboration, especially with should be changed to one of sustain- break. HCMC, to attract more capital to ability, including a focus on financial Central authorities have received build industrial clusters that would services, banking, tourism, com- 9.5 billion kip ($1.02 million), $13.18 include supporting industries.” merce and logistics. million and 4.68 million baht According to Lich, in the next 10 The quality of human resources ($151,000) from various entities for years, the city’s economy should be and the strong development of the the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines based on digital technologies. private sector should also be a focus, and supplies. In addition, friendly Dr Tran Mai Uoc of the Banking he said, adding that natural resourc- countries have provided equipment Ho Chi Minh City’s (HCMC) gross regional domestic product per capita is expected to University in HCMC said the city es should be exploited responsibly. worth hundreds of billions of kip. VIEN- reach $8,500 by 2025, $13,000 by 2030 and $37,000 by 2045. VIET NAM NEWS should issue more policies on tech- ASIA NEWS NETWORK TIANE TIMES/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Cambodia in solidarity www.phnompenhpost.com EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng Managing Editor against Covid-19 pandemic Sam Rith Deputy Managing Editor Phuon chansereivuth Opinion Chief of Staff Suos Yara Phak Seangly Business Editor ATIONS go through peri- May Kunmakara ods of easy and hard times. Deputy Business Editor A systemic crisis of mas- Sangeetha amarthalingam sive magnitude and scale Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Nof the Covid-19 pandemic tests Pan Simala national strength, cohesion, and resil- Senior Reporters ience. Some nations have become Meas Sokchea, niem chheng polarised in the face of the crisis Reporters while some have spiralled into deep Khouth Sophak chakrya, Kim Sarom, conflicts and failed states. A national Long Kimmarita, hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, crisis can either divide or unify a hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, voun Dara, country. It can be a process for trans- Roth Sochieata, orm Bunthoeurn, formative and robust nation-build- Lay Samean, Thou vireak, nov Sivutha ing. What a country is investing today Photographers in its struggle against the pandemic heng chivoan, hong Menea, hean Rangsey crisis defines the country’s future Web Editor national health and trajectories. Leang Phannara Like many countries, Covid-19 is a Digital Team national security threat for Cambo- Sous chanthy, Pang vichea, Suy Sovandy dia. It disrupts society, damages the SIEM REAP BUREAU economy, and threatens public Offi ce Manager health. As of May 8, Cambodia had Sophearith Blondeel recorded a total of Covid-19 infected PRODUCTION & PRINTING cases are 18,717, with 7,340 recover- Head of Desktop Publishing ies and 114 deaths. Despite the dev- nhim Sokphyrak astating impacts of the pandemic, Desktop Publishing Suon Savatdy, chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath Cambodians as a nation have come A man get vaccinated against Covid-19 as military medics administering the campaign are seen in the background. heng chivoan together performing their roles, tak- ing responsibility, and making contri- first Covid-19 death on March 11, receiving medical care and treatment government is accelerating the butions in ideas, skills and kind and and the daily infected cases have nationwide, Cambodia’s medical per- national campaign for mass inocula- cash to fight Covid-19 and rebuild the been three digits since late March, sonnel have proved this belief wrong. tion. According to the recently Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than veasna country. The pandemic crisis prompting the government to They remain committed to their duties released Strategic Plan for National strengthens national solidarity and enforce a curfew and a three-week- although some of them have contract- Vaccination Campaign against Cov- HEAD OFFICE civic participation. long lockdown of Phnom Penh and ed the novel coronavirus in the proc- id-19, the government aims to Post Media Co., Ltd. Due to space limitations, this arti- adjacent Takmao town in Kandal ess of performing their work. Staff at achieve socio-economic resilience The Elements Condominium Level 7, cle highlights the roles, commit- province before lifting it on May 6. the Institute Pasteur du Cambodge in through mass vaccination to create Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, ments, and efforts of the Cambodian Despite the seriousness and devas- Phnom Penh work both weekdays and herd immunity in Cambodia by the Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom government in mobilising resources tating impacts arising out of the Febru- weekends and on some days until end of 2021. As of May 8, Cambodia Penh, Cambodia and investing in national campaigns ary 20 outbreak, Cambodians have dawn in analysing thousands of daily had vaccinated more than 1.7 million Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 to save lives and steer the country demonstrated national resilience and tested samples to ensure timely people, ranking second only Singa- Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 out of the crisis. solidarity, and the government remains reports of Covid-19 positive cases. pore among ASEAN countries that SIEM REAP For a little over a year from when committed to safeguarding the nation Cambodia’s medical sector has also have implemented quick vaccination No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune the first Covid-19 case was detected against this once-in-a-lifetime pan- received assistance from the Samdech campaigns against Covid-19. Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 in the country on January 27, 2020, to demic crisis. The national and sub-na- Techo Voluntary Youth Doctors Asso- According to the Asian Cultural COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT the time before the February 20 com- tional authorities and different state ciation (TYDA). TYDA’s participation Council’s press release dated April 7 Chief Operating Offi cer munity outbreak, Cambodia was able institutions have been working in tan- and spirit of voluntarism have greatly 2021, Cambodia also received a good James ong Soon Teck to control the pandemic, with very dem to save lives and minimise the helped boost morale and relieve stress ranking from UNESCO as one of only Advertising Department low daily detection of new cases or negative impacts of the pandemic. and strain on the public health sector. 17 countries in the world that have giv- chap narith, 017 996 241 zero new cases on certain days. As of Prime Minister Hun Sen exercises The association has participated in en priority to vaccination against Cov- hun channet, 017 578 768 February 18, 2021, the country’s total leadership in monitoring the situation preparing 51 hospitals and field hos- id-19 for teachers. Cambodia’s vaccina- Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 infected cases were 484, with 470 and providing direction. Senior gov- pitals with a total capacity of more tion achievements are impressive and Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 recoveries and zero death. The coun- ernment officials held consultative than 4,300 beds for Covid-19 patients. have demonstrated the government’s Phon Sok chea, 012 717 404 try’s ability to contain the pandemic meetings with relevant state agencies Furthermore, TYDA’s members help relentless efforts in securing vaccines Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 was due to the government’s leader- until midnight to devise plans and prepare food for the patients. TYDA is for the Cambodian population while CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION ship, commitment, and decisive measures for implementation. The also a major force committing its the world is facing a short supply of Acting Distribution Manager actions with the cooperation of the police and Military Police have been members to the national Covid-19 vaccines. The bulk of vaccines that Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 mass population and other domestic Cambodia has secured came from dif- Circulation Supervisor and international stakeholders. ferent sources, through the govern- nou chanthy, 096 999 2828 The government also rolled out Covid-19 is a grave security threat, ment’s purchase and gracious dona- Yim veasna, 015 814 499 programmes, Emergency Cash Trans- tions from China and COVAX Facility. ADMINISTRATION fer and Cash for Work to minimise but how Cambodians have Diplomats, staff of diplomatic mis- Admin & HR Manager Pich Socheat the negative impacts of Covid-19 on sions and their accompanying family Assistants Admin & HR Manager the economy and poor and vulnera- responded is impressive and members, and members of UN agen- nhel Soaphea ble households. The government cies, international organisations, optimistic for the country’s future Financial Director allocated $25 million per month in international NGOs, foreign financial heang Tangmeng 2020 to the Emergency Cash Transfer institutions, and foreign business- Chief Accountant Programme, which distributed mon- working around the clock to enforce vaccination campaign. men have also benefited from the Sren vicheka ey to poor and vulnerable families the curfew and lockdown orders, Cambodian people have also dem- government’s vaccination campaign. Treasurers through IDPoor, an existing pro- which are generally peaceful and onstrated their civic duty and culture According to the Ministry of Health’s Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, gramme identifying and categorising orderly, thanks also to people’s coop- of sharing by making cash donations letters dated March 21 and April 5 cheam Sopheak, huy hamsovannary poor Cambodian households for gov- eration. The military has provided its of more than $56.9 million to the gov- and 10, a total of 3,133 foreigners and IT Manager ernment interventions. Cambodia’s medical, transportation and logistics ernment’s fund for vaccine procure- Cambodian nationals and their fami- Seng nak, vong oun relative success in controlling and resources to assist the national cam- ment. Their participation through lies of the above institutions had TO CONTACT US minimising the negative impacts of paigns to treat Covid-19 patients and donating this quite big amount of received vaccinations. [email protected] the pandemic was applauded by the immunise the population. money for the noble course of pro- Covid-19 is a grave national security [email protected] WHO representative to Cambodia, Cambodia’s medical doctors and tecting the nation is an encouraging threat, but how Cambodians have [email protected] and the country was ranked number personnel have demonstrated impres- sign and optimism for the country’s responded to it is impressive and opti- [email protected] 3 out of the 166 countries and sive courage and professionalism future. Joining with the people, the mistic for the country’s future. The www.phnompenhpost.com number 1 in Asia for its handling of despite being overwhelmed by the Queen Mother and the King have nation is in solidarity against the pan- © Post Media Co., Ltd Covid-19 in an international ranking rapid surge in infections. When Cam- graciously donated cash four times demic. The Cambodian government The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned report released in November 2020. bodia reported the first few cases, with a total amount of $3,700,000. led by Prime Minister Hun Sen has and printed by Post Media Co., Ltd. The The February 20 community out- there was a widely shared belief that Peace, political stability, and strong exercised inspiring leadership and high title The Phnom Penh Post in either break, or the so-called ‘February 20 the doctors and nurses would be pan- annual economic growth over the last responsibility in protecting the nation English or Khmer languages, its associ- event’, is a serious threat to public icked and run away from their duties if two decades have provided favoura- and enhancing the morale of caring for ated logos or devices and the contents of health because the number of infect- the active cases increased. However, ble conditions in supporting national one another during hard times. this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written ed cases has skyrocketed, over- more than one year into the fight resilience and solidarity amid the consent of Post Media Co., Ltd. whelming hospitals and medical against the pandemic and with more Covid-19 crisis. The writer is the director-general of the resources. Cambodia reported the than 10,000 Covid-19 patients now In moving forward, the Cambodian Asian Cultural Council (ACC) www.phnompenhpost.com 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Phare wins three international awards for record-setting marathon circus performance

Phare’s clowns perform on stage. Scott Sharick Phare’s circus performers show off their abilities in a world record attempt. Scott Sharick

Hong Raksmey The Stevie Awards’ judging commit- Cellcard – was crucial to raising funds tee this year was made up of CEOs and for supporting its educational pro- HARE Ponleu Selpak, the other corporate executives, entrepre- grammes. famed Battambang circus neurs, business school professors and “However, we still have to raise with its attached circus arts lecturers from a number countries in more than $100,000 to keep our pro- and art school and commu- the Asia-Pacific region including Chi- grammes alive for the rest of the year. nityP programmes, has just won three na, Japan and Australia. We hope this will inspire people to international awards – two Stevie A judge for the Stevie Awards was believe in us and support us. While Awards and one from the Hermes quoted as saying that “it is amazing Covid-19 rages across Cambodia, Creative Awards. that a non-profit organisation put we cannot earn income through our Phare has also been nominated together such a grand event”, re- normal circus shows,” Khawaja says. for the Stevie International Business garding Phare’s achievement. Founded in 1994 by a group of Awards, thanks to its success in win- “And what’s more, the way it was or- Cambodians who grew up in a refu- ning Stevie Awards for the Asia-Pacific ganised was really a great example of gee camp after surviving the Khmer region. thinking outside-the-box! Well done Rouge genocide, Phare Ponleu Sel- The Stevie Awards – which bills it- to Phare and please continue with pak is widely-recognised for its circus self as the “World’s Premier Business your mission to educate disadvan- performances and arts education Awards”, with judges that include taged children,” the judge said. programmes. “many of the world’s most respected Khawaja says: “I am incredibly “We hope that people will be in- Phare’s Sopha Nem has performed across the world and was the star of the executives, entrepreneurs, innova- proud of the whole Phare team, in- spired by the achievements of our award-winning documentary Cirque du Cambodge. Scott Sharick tors and business educators” – has cluding our volunteers, partners and performers to donate so that we can eight different awards programmes, performers, who created an event so keep going and help more disadvan- one of them being the Asia-Pacific powerful that it has won three major taged children rise above their cir- Stevie Awards. awards in less than a month.” cumstances and dazzle the world in Phare Ponleu Selpak executive di- Among the 29 countries in the 2021 the future,” Khawaja says. rector Osman Khawaja tells The Post: Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, more than The 24-hour show included acts “We will now progress through to 900 nominations from organisations from 31 different shows from Phare’s the next stage, which is competing across the region were considered 20-year circus history including acro- against the whole world in the Stevie this year. batics, magic, dance, theatre, clown- International Business Awards. “The eighth edition of the Asia- ing, music, contortion, singing, pup- “What’s wonderful about these Pacific Stevie Awards attracted many petry, breakdancing, live painting, particular awards is not just the en- remarkable nominations,” said Stevie unicycling, fire acts and more. couragement they give to our staff at Awards president Maggie Gallagher. The performers took to the stage a very difficult time, but the fact they “The organisations that won this in shifts, making sure there were no are awards focused on businesses year have demonstrated that they repetitions and that they were able to and on effectiveness,” he says. have continued to innovate and suc- take rests between performances. The goal is to work with more pri- ceed despite the Covid-19 pandemic, The live 24-hour circus show in Bat- vate sector businesses, which he and we applaud them for their perse- tambang was viewed by over half a notes are very active in supporting verance and creativity,” she said. million people online, both locals and the arts in many parts of the world. Phare also won a Gold Hermes Cre- international netizens. The Phare team. Jaime Gill “We hope our increased exposure ative Award for the marathon event. Heng Dara, perhaps Phare’s most here and in the International Busi- The Hermes Creative Awards are one famous clown, said that “it was an for the success of the world record- fact – has been held by Angkor Wat ness Awards will help us to meet new of the longest-running international incredible experience to be on stage setting event, with more expected to for the past thousand years or so. It partners in the private sector, who competitions for creative profession- knowing that people all over the come when Guinness finishes assess- is the world’s largest religious struc- could sponsor scholarships for disad- als in the world. world were watching Cambodia set ing the extensive evidence and Phare ture ever built – with an enclosed vantaged young people to attend our The Hermes award went to Phare’s this record”. hopefully becomes the official world area of over 160ha containing 72 arts vocational programmes, partner team along with their marketing part- Natacha Kim of France comment- record holder. monuments. on outreach events or even become ners at Box Clever Creative based out ed on Facebook: “You gave people While the live broadcast is sub- The Khmer language holds the re- long-term patrons of the Cambodian of the UK and the team at Cellcard in your community and around the stantive evidence that a new world cord for the most characters used in arts,” Khawaja says. that worked with Phare to sponsor world a once-in-a-lifetime show! record was sent, Khawaja says Guin- its script at 74, though some of them The final results of the International the event. “You are a model of the resilience ness will need to assess the event have fallen out of common usage. Business Awards will be announced in All of this international recognition and courage of the Khmer people. rigorously through witness state- The longest hand-woven scarf with August and a ceremony to celebrate stems from when Phare made history I hope you reach your goal to get ments, video, photography and a length of 1,149.8m was made in the regional awards winners will be earlier this year. Its 90 circus perform- through these tough Covid times and more, as they do take their book of Cambodia and announced by Guin- held online on July 14. ers succeeded in pulling off a 24-hour we will be able to watch many other records quite seriously. ness World Records in 2018, while Phare won a Silver Award for “In- circus performance to set the world performances in the future,” she con- “This process can take four months. in the same year Cambodia set an- novation in the Use of Events” and a record on March 7-8. tinued. If confirmed, this will be one of just 10 other world record for building the Gold Award for “Innovation in Non- “The event has now raised $130,000 Roisin Hansen, from Singapore, Guinness World Records that Cambo- longest dragon boat at 87.3m. Profit/NGO Events” for theirGuinness – with more than $30,000 coming commented: “Oh my goodness you dia holds – and the first new one set in For more information about Phare Book of World Record’s record-setting from over 4,000 individual Cambodi- guys are amazing! What a feat! What a three years,” Khawaja says. you can check out their website marathon circus performance earlier ans,” says Khawaja. privilege to bear witness to this.” Cambodia’s oldest record – pre- http://www.phareps.org or Face- this year. The record attempt – sponsored by The awards are early recognition dating Guinness and its awards, in book page: @phareponleuselpak. THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle Turkish lake with likely clues to Mars gains unwanted international fame

oasting azure waters and tion head Gazi Osman Sakar. white sands, a Turkish lake that NASA thinks hides se- ‘It’s alive’ crets about Mars threatens The lake is most famous for the toB become too popular for its own White Islands area with the brilliant good. sands, as well as endemic flora and Lake Salda gained international fauna such as the Salda seaweed renown when US scientists began fish. poking around in preparation for the There are also minerals of differ- Perseverance rover mission, which ent origin. NASA thinks one of them, has been beaming back videos from hydromagnesite, is similar to the car- the Red Planet since February. bonate minerals detected at Jezero The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Crater – a former lake on Mars that even posted a picture of the pristine the rover is now exploring. lake on its site before touchdown, The hydromagnesite sediments saying it might resemble what an along Lake Salda’s shoreline “are “aqueous” Mars looked like billions thought to have eroded from large of years ago. mounds called ‘microbialites’ – rocks Now, the 4,370h lake in Turkey’s formed with the help of microbes,” southwest has been picked by Presi- NASA said. dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of This all folds into the mystery about a project to create more green spaces possible life on Mars, in some micro- for public use. bial form a very long time ago. The news spells disaster for local There are many tectonic lakes like activists and lawyers, who fear that Salda across the world. the twin blows of NASA and Erdo- But what makes Salda unique, ge- gan’s interest could open the flood- ology engineer Servet Cevni said, gates to tourists. is the lake’s transformation into a NASA believes Turkey Salda lake could offer clues to a crater on Mars, but environmental activists fear the natural phenomenon Splashing around in its waters, the closed ecosystem with its own living with its bright white sand and sparkling turquoise waters is at risk. AFP sea of humanity could destroy the mechanism. very ecosystem that made the lake “Because it’s alive, it’s so sensitive planned People’s Garden by the lake. said, adding: “If we do, it won’t ever by the lake that employed 30 people special in the first place, campaign- to outside interventions,” Cevni told Sakar said some of the white recover.” before the coronavirus pandemic ers warn. reporters. sand has already been moved from The Lake Salda Preservation Asso- hit. “The future of the lake is at risk Yet that intervention is already the White Islands area to another ciation has seen its legal bid to can- Interest in the lake rose consider- if millions of people come,” said on its way in the form of nine small called People’s Beach for road cel the green spaces project rejected ably with the NASA mission, Kilickan Lake Salda Preservation Associa- buildings that have appeared near a construction. in court. said, noting that most of his visitors “The project should be cancelled,” Sakar is appealing the ruling and were foreigners who appeared to be Sakar said. “The lake cannot be pro- also campaigning for UNESCO to respectful of the lake. tected while it’s used.” put Salda on the world heritage list. “If there’s tourism, there’s life,” “Salda is dying,” Sakar said. Kilickan said. Court battle But campaigners are not the only “I would encourage tourism,” he Swimming is forbidden at the ones expressing concern. said, emphasising the importance of White Islands but people are still Aysel Cig, a goat-herder who lives ensuring visitors act responsibly. able to take a dip in other parts. in a village close to the lake, said The environment ministry said last Sakar’s association wants the lake things were more pleasant before month it would limit the number of off limits entirely for swimming to Salda gained its fame. visitors to the White Islands area to preserve its ecosystem. Instead, he “Our lake, our village was much 570,000 a year. proposes creating observation posts cleaner three, five years ago,” she Nearly 1.5 million people visited for visitors to see the lake. said. the lake in 2019, and 800,000 came “If single-cell organisms die, Sal- last year during lulls in coronavirus da is finished,” the engineer Cevni Responsible tourism restrictions. agreed. “Those White Islands won’t But besides dirt and foreign organ- But Nazli Oral Erkan, of the Burdur be renewed, that white structure isms, tourists also bring cash, which Bar Association’s Environment Com- won’t come together.” the locals around Lake Salda wel- mittee, said the proposed cap was The damage thus far can be re- come. not enough to protect the lake. Turkish goat-herder Aysel Cig (left) walks with her goats on April 9 near the shore of covered in 150 to 200 years if peo- Suleyman Kilickan, 60, worked in “Salda is like a natural museum,” the southwestern Turkey Salda lake, in Burdur province. AFP ple do not destroy it further, Cevni a cafe with plenty of outdoor seating she said. AFP Singapore lab cooks up Asian favourites, minus the meat

From faux-chicken satay to Flavour specialists and food Demand for sustainable beef curry slow-cooked in imitation beef rendang, a high- scientists in white coats work foods in Asia, while small com- coconut milk and spices). tech Singapore laboratory is with plant extracts at the new- pared to the West, is rising in It hopes to perfect the base replicating popular Asian dishes ly opened facility to create veg- tandem with greater awareness ingredients for such delicacies with plant-based meat alterna- etarian versions of tradition- about healthy eating and con- and market them to consumer tives to feed the region’s growing ally meaty dishes that taste like cerns about the environmental firms and supermarkets. appetite for sustainable food. the real thing. impact of meat consumption. The scientists use cutting- Plant-based burgers and edge technology to fuse nutri- chicken nuggets have already tion, texture, aroma and flavour found their way to the region, to create protein-rich, vegetar- but US food processing giant ian meat alternatives, mainly ADM is focusing its efforts on using soy and pea beans. dishes with more local Their products mimic beef, appeal. pork, chicken and seafood and “We work with local chefs, can be used in a wide variety of work with local customers to finished dishes. They also recre- really develop and tailor the ate processed meat products, taste to what’s needed here in such as faux ham and sausages. Asia,” said Dirk Oyen, the com- Asia is already home to some A guest has a meal during the launch of ADM’s Plant-based Innovation Lab in Singapore. AFP pany’s Southeast Asia vice plant-based staples, such as president and general manager tofu and tempeh, but ADM produced by cattle, as well as age-old eating habits to stiff for human nutrition. hopes to offer consumers a the logging of forests to make competition. “That’s really the key – so we broader, and more sophisti- way for pastures. Singapore is already home to can create the local taste.” cated choice. While demand for meat a host of local start-ups creat- The ADM lab has cooked veg- Worries about the environ- alternatives is growing in Asia, ing sustainable foods ranging gie versions of satay (grilled mental impact of eating meat companies like ADM still face from “lab-grown” seafood to This photograph on April 21 shows a demonstration in the flavour smell meat skewers served with a centre on the amount of meth- challenges, ranging from per- dumplings made with tropical testing room at ADM’s Plant-based Innovation Lab in Singapore. AFP peanut sauce) and rendang (a ane, a potent greenhouse gas, suading consumers to change fruit instead of pork. AFP 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

So come rain or shine, two 73-year-old Swedish twins have met every Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden. AFP Border divides – and unites – Swedish twins separated by Covid-19 hey haven’t been allowed to have each of whom own summer homes in Sweden, where other over to their homes for a year now life is cheaper – to such an extent that they sued because of Covid. So come rain or shine, the Norwegian state to get it to lift the mandatory two 73-year-old Swedish twins have met quarantine required when they return home. everyT Saturday, each on their side of the border, on a bridge that links Norway and Sweden. ‘A little party’ Every week, Ola and Pontus Berglund each The few motorists who use the bridge usually keeps well behind a thin, yet impassable line on smile or wave at the two grey-bearded gents sit- the ground, toting camping chairs, thermoses, ting in their chairs. sandwiches – and plenty of good cheer. Ola, a former nursing assistant who now spends “DIET TIME” “We’re not allowed to cross the border. I have to his time making scenery for a theatre, and Pon- stay 1m away on my side and he has to stay back tus, an artist and amateur ornithologist, have be- ACROSS 52 Big galoot 23 Marathoner’s gorge, briefly one metre on his side,” Ola explains, the little come local celebrities, with some people driving 1 “Hold on a ___!” 54 Nerve impulse locale 24 Kuwaiti, e.g. Norwegian and Swedish flags they’ve attached to up to five hours just to take their photograph. 25 Like a forest of firs 4 Young seal 56 Department store Neiman ___ the bridge fluttering in the wind. “That’s not very important to us. The important 28 Kind of column 9 Like an eyebrow 59 Mussolini, a.k.a. “il ___” 29 Bag-inspecting org. “So basically there has to be two metres be- thing to us is to be able to get together and talk 60 Courageous males tween us,” he says, pushing his chair back, sud- about whatever we want,” says Ola, sporting a 14 Ex-heavyweight champ 32 Bygone coins 65 “La ___” (Albert Camus novel) denly aware that he is too close. red bow tie “because it’s May 1st”. 15 Otherworldly 34 “Babe” or “Baby” follower 66 “Peanuts” blanket-carrier At his feet, painted on the road, is a simple From their privileged perch, the two have, on 16 Native New Zealander 35 Familia home 67 Anne’s twins? white line, the words “Norge” and “Sverige” on occasion, found themselves in the role of benev- 17 They’re bringing up baby 36 Turkish generals (Var.) 68 Some singing voices 38 Dog biter either side. olent smugglers – like the day when they deliv- 20 Ireland, formerly 69 Hunks of marble 39 More liberal than all others The pandemic has put a halt to the identical ered a puppy born in Sweden to its new family in 21 Pennsylvania state bird 22 Alp feature 70 Pig’s digs 40 Wrong, as plans twins’ weekly visits to each other’s homes. Norway. 41 Penn name? 26 Possess DOWN Ola lives in Halden, in southeastern Norway, That’s their fondest memory, they say. 42 Dada founder 27 Boozehound 1 Least dangerous where he moved almost 40 years ago for love, In more than a year, they’ve only missed their 45 Conqueror of Mexico 30 Big ___ Conference 2 “Seinfeld” gal while Pontus lives a half-hour drive away in the weekly rendezvous three times – because of 3 Fruit resembling a lemon 46 A head 31 Husk relative southwestern Swedish town of Stromstad. stubborn police who wouldn’t let them onto the 4 Diminutive 48 Collection of minute bubbles 33 Bacon units Instead, they come together here, at a more bridge. 5 “... and sat down beside ___” 49 Trip to the top or less respectful distance, on the old Svinesund Otherwise, they’ve kept to their schedule 35 Head cases? 6 Historical time period 50 Very small bridge that straddles a fjord between the two through blizzards or heatwaves, simply dressing 37 Eye part 7 When doubled, a celebrated panda 53 Gasoline, kerosene, etc. 55 Go on to say countries. for the weather. 38 Shocked 8 California’s San ___ Bay 42 Popular brews 9 Become (with “to”) 57 Ferrari, for one They’ve celebrated their 72nd and 73rd birth- Before the vaccination rollout, many elderly 58 Catamaran feature 43 A name of God 10 Informers, in slang days this way on April 20. reported feeling a sense of isolation during the 60 Fitness facility 44 Restore, as walls 11 Unified “It’s very strange but it’s become a need, a press- pandemic, as a result of having to shield them- 61 ___ Aviv 47 “Nobody doesn’t like ___ Lee” 12 Before, of yore ing need, because we used to see each other ev- selves from the virus. 13 Board member (Abbr.) 62 Biochemistry abbr. 48 Took a load off ery week and we wanted to continue that,” says “Each meeting has been a little party,” says 18 Make cutting blows 63 Butter holder 51 Butter unit Pontus from the Swedish side. Pontus, who is divorced. “For me who lives alone, 19 Makes blades shorter? 64 Suffix with “lion” “The pandemic hasn’t stopped us from seeing it’s really important to see Ola. Without that I’d be each other and for us, that’s a victory.” depressed.” Friday’s solution While the local restrictions have changed over Does he miss hugging his brother? the months as the virus situation has evolved, the “Yes,” he says with a contagious laugh. border has remained closed. “So sometimes I hug myself – since we’re iden- The closure has angered Norwegians – many tical.” AFP

Friday’s solution

Pontus (left) and Ola Berglund are seen while sitting the first one on the old bridge of Svinesund on May 1.AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Ganna back in pink Bayern more dominant after after Giro d’Italia win Italy’s Filippo Ganna won the like targeting the gold medal at 9th straight Bundesliga title opening stage of the Giro the Olympics Games.” d’Italia for the second straight Portuguese Joao Almeida of year on Saturday, powering to Deceuninck-Quick Step, who ayern Munich al- victory in the 8.6km time-trial was fourth on the stage behind ready have their through Turin. Norwegian Tobias Foss, set the eyes on a decade of World time-trial champion best time for the candidates for Bundesliga domi- Ganna of Ineos finished nearly overall victory, 17 seconds Bnance after winning the 10 seconds faster than compa- behind Ganna. league title for the ninth suc- triot Edoardo Affini of Jumbo– “It’s a good result,” said Alme- cessive season on Saturday, Visma in the race against the ida. “I felt good, which is impor- celebrating their success with clock. tant, and I’m very happy with a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Ganna, a native of the Pied- the gaps over the other riders Moenchengladbach. mont province in north-western in the general classification. It’s Robert Lewandowski scored Italy, last year won all the three good to start like this. We have a hat-trick to leave him on 39 time-trials in the race which a very strong team.” league goals this season – one took place in October due to the Almeida’s young Belgian short of Gerd Mueller’s all-time coronavirus pandemic. teammate Remco Evenepoel Bundesliga record – as the But the 24-year-old had suf- was seventh fastest on his return champions swept Gladbach fered from a recent slump in to competition nine months aside at the Allianz Arena. form, losing the time-trial on after plunging into a ravine dur- “We wanted to show on the the final day of Tirreno-Adriati- ing a horror crash on the Tour pitch that we are German co in Italy in March to end an of Lombardy last August. champions,” said Lewan- eight-race winning streak in the “I was very emotional at the dowski, who will “keep step- discipline stretching back to start, I had tears in my eyes,” said ping on the gas” in chasing August 2020. the 21-year-old. Mueller’s record. Ganna then went on to lose “I didn’t really think about the “Today was a great game, we both time-trials on the recent victory or the pink jersey. played really well and scored a Bayern Munich’s players and team members celebrate after they were confirmed as Bundesliga champions Tour de Romandie. “I just wanted to take advan- lot of goals.” for the ninth straight season on May 8. AFP “The Maglia Rosa looks to tage, to have a good time-trial. The emphatic victory leaves me even pinker this year than “Seventh place is fantastic. A Bayern 10 points clear of sec- dowski finding the bottom they beat Mainz on Sunday. sweeping his shot past Leipzig last year,” said Ganna, also a short time-trial is not some- ond-placed RB Leipzig, whose corner of the net with just un- Even without injured striker goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. four-time world champion in thing that favours me. I’m just 3-2 loss at Borussia Dortmund der two minutes gone. Erling Braut Haaland, Dort- Dortmund goalkeeper Mar- individual pursuit, after Satur- happy.” sealed Bayern the title, with Kingsley Coman struck the mund were 2-0 up early in the win Hitz did not come out day’s win. Race favourites Simon Yates two games left. post before Jamal Musiala’s second half thanks to goals for the second half after be- “I didn’t feel I was ready for this of Britain and Colombian Egan The players learned they pass picked out Thomas Mu- from Marco Reus and Sancho. ing injured colliding with his race Bernal both finished one-sec- were champions again while eller to slot in his 11th league Leipzig fought back through centre-back Manuel Akanji “My morale wasn’t great after ond apart, but over 20 seconds still warming up following goal of the season, then Le- a Lukas Klostermann header just before the break and was the Tour de Romandie. Now it’s adrift of Almeida, who finished Dortmund’s victory. wandowski volleyed home his and Dani Olmo’s equaliser, replaced by Roman Buerki. back up! fourth in the Giro last year. “It was a bizarre situation. second on 34 minutes. only for Sancho to grab the Dortmund doubled their “It’s never easy to bounce back, Sunday’s second stage is also We were just getting ready, Kingsley Coman made it 4-0 winner. lead just six minutes after the some said I wasn’t going to be in Piedmont, covering 179km when we realised that we were before the break, then won a The two clubs meet again interval with a superb piece competitive. between Stupinigi near Turin champions,” said Bayern cap- penalty which Lewandowski on Thursday in the German of skill from Sancho, who cut “It’s not possible to always win to Novara over plains which tain Manuel Neuer. converted in the 66th minute Cup final at Berlin’s Olympic inside after a Raphael Guer- in a season that includes 60 to should again suit the sprinters. Board member Oliver Kahn to leave him one goal short of Stadium. reiro pass and fired in off the 70 days of racing with big goals AFP has alread challenged Bayern Gerd Mueller’s historic mark, “We showed a lot of mo- far post. to secure a 10th title in a row. before Leroy Sane added a rale, the game had absolutely The visitors pulled a goal “We watched the Leipzig late sixth. nothing to do with the final in back on 63 minutes when game together, the atmo- Julian Nagelsmann, the 33- Berlin, but of course we want Emil Forsberg floated in a cor- sphere was great,” said Kahn. year-old coach who will leave to win on Thursday too,” said ner and Klostermann steered “You don’t get used to it, it’s an Leipzig to replace Flick at Reus. his header past Buerki. incredible achievement. Bayern next season, offered Dortmund hope to have Leipzig drew level when “Now we can do something a terse “congratulations on a Haaland back from a thigh South Korea striker Hwang next season that no team in the deserved title” to his future problem before the final, and Hee-chan broke clear of Dort- world has ever done: become employers. even with their top-scorer mund defender Mats Hum- champions 10 times in a row.” watching from the stands, the mels and squared for Olmo The only blot on a near- Sancho double hosts still raced into the lead who tapped home from close perfect night for Bayern was Earlier, England winger Ja- after less than seven minutes. range. a red card for Tanguy Nianzou don Sancho netted twice as Reus span out of Lukasz However, Sancho snatched for a clumsy tackle 15 minutes Dortmund’s win lifted them Piszczek’s pass, sprinted be- all three points when he flicked from time. into the Champions League hind the defence and took the ball to Guerreiro, took a Bayern wasted no time in places, but Eintracht Frank- a beautiful back-heeled ball return pass and slotted in to Team Ineos rider Italy’s Filippo Ganna competes in the first stage of the hitting their stride, Lewan- furt can retake fourth spot if from Thorgan Hazard before hand Bayern the title. AFP Giro d’Italia 2021 cycling race, a 8.6km individual time trial on May 8. AFP Beale double sends Racing 92 third after Top 14 win

Australia full-back Kurtley two minutes of each other in the in the competition,” Beale World Cup, said he had yet to Parra opened the scoring after kicked the conversion two days Beale said Saturday’s 45-19 win first half as the Parisians moved said. speak to Australia coach Dave seven minutes before Beale’s after he was named in the Brit- over Clermont was “important” above the visitors thanks to the “I’m still kind of starting to Rennie about a Test return. quick-fire double at the Paris La ish and Irish Lions squad for the in their hunt for the Top 14 bonus point, with three games find my place. As a team it was “I’ve had not contact back Defense Arena, which has also summer’s tour to South Africa. play-offs as he scored two tries left of the regular season. a great opportunity to press for- home but that’s OK. I’ll keep been used as a vaccination cen- With eight minutes left Rus- and set up another to send his “It was important to have that ward.” working hard here with Racing,” tre since Monday. sell left the field for a head inju- side third. win tonight because it puts us It was a chastening day, how- he said. The former Waratahs play- ry assessment after a tackle on Beale’s efforts came within in a good position to go further ever, for European Champions “I’m very blessed to be at a maker benefitted from a lovely Clermont’s Japan full-back Cup finalists La Rochelle and special club with some special Teddy Thomas break for his first Kotaro Matushima and failed to Toulouse. players and I will keep working before taking his tally to six tries return to the field. La Rochelle lost 32-22 at hard and hopefully I will be able in 19 games this term from a “He’s alright,” Beale said of Montpellier after making 15 to put my best foot forward Finn Russell pass shortly after. Russell. “I think he just wanted changes from last weekend’s when the time is right.” Racing led 31-19 at the break a rest for 10 minutes at the semi-final win over Leinster. Racing coach Laurent Travers as Thomas and Kevin Le Guen end.” Top 14 leaders Toulouse also made 10 changes from last crossed, with Fiji prop Peni Elsewhere, Elton Jantjies, a changed their starting line-up weekend’s home derby loss to Ravai responding for Cler- member of South Africa’s World after their last-four victory over Stade Francais, looking to avoid mont. Cup-winning squad in Japan in Bordeaux and lost 44-10 at Tou- a fifth straight league defeat. 2019, scored seven points in 73 lon. Travers’ Clermont counter- Russell head injury minutes on his Pau debut in the Louis Carbonel scored two of part Franck Azema, who will Beale turned the provider in 47-7 hammering of already- Toulon’s five tries and kicked 19 leave after 11 years at Stade the second half, freeing France relegated Agen. points as his side moved into Marcel-Michelin at the end of centre Gael Fickou for his first The result saw Pau move out the play-off spots. the season, handed a first Top Racing try since joining from of the relegation play-off spot, Stade Francais last month. leapfrogging Bayonne after the Racing92’s Australian scrum-half Kurtley Beale (left) vies for the ball Meanwhile, Beale, 32, who 14 start to 18-year-old Austral- with Clermont’s Japanese wing Kotaro Matsushima during the French made the last of his 92 Wallabies ian lock Miles Amatosero. Winger Donovan Taofifenua Basques’ 47-22 home defeat by Top 14 rugby union match on May 8. AFP appearances at the 2019 Rugby Clermont scrum-half Morgan also scored as Scotland’s Russell Bordeaux-Begles. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST may 10, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Chelsea beat Manchester City to delay Premier League title party helsea forced Manchester Guardiola was frustrated at the City to put their Premier manner of his side’s defeat -- just League title party on hold their fifth loss of the season -- but on Saturday, winning 2-1 to they have a huge 13-point lead over strengthenC their grip on a top-four second-placed Manchester United. place as Liverpool kept their Champi- “We missed our chance in the last ons League qualification hopes alive. minute of the first half for the pen- Victory for City in a rehearsal for alty, but we were in a good position,” the Champions League final would he told Sky Sports. have confirmed them as English “We conceded a goal, suffered for champions for the third time in four 15 minutes, then reacted well, but in years but they must wait for their in- the end they scored.” evitable coronation. On the missed spot-kick, Guar- Hundreds of City fans had gath- diola said: “I have always said to him ered outside the empty Etihad Sta- (Aguero), take one decision and take dium hoping to spur their team on it full convincing, so he decided to do to victory. it this way. I have nothing to add.” As supporters spilled into the road and blue flares were lit, the coaches Chelsea threat carrying the players needed to slow Tuchel’s in-form team ended City’s down to get through the crowds as dreams of a historic quadruple by they made their way to the ground. beating them in the FA Cup semi- Pep Guardiola’s men were on the final last month and they once again right track when Raheem Sterling proved tricky opponents. gave them the lead but Hakim Ziyech Guardiola made nine changes levelled in the second half and Mar- from the side that saw off Paris Saint- cos Alonso grabbed the winner in the Germain in midweek while Chelsea dying seconds. made five changes following their Sergio Aguero could have made triumph over Real Madrid. his side’s task much easier on the Sterling broke the deadlock shortly stroke of half-time but saw his ca- before half-time, tucking home after Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (second left) vies with Manchester City’s French defender Aymeric Laporte (left) and its sual Panenka spot-kick easily saved a poor touch from Aguero following a Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo (second right) during the English Premier League football match on Saturday. AFP by Edouard Mendy, with Guardiola pass from Gabriel Jesus. turning away in frustration. City should have gone into the break substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi had Aguero had converted from the spot. was delighted to see his team back The win lifts the Londoners into two goals in front after Jesus won a a goal ruled out for a marginal offside “If they score the penalty maybe to winning ways following two costly third spot above Leicester and six spot-kick when he was bundled over before Sterling had a penalty appeal it is over before it starts -- at 2-0 you draws, with Sadio Mane and Thiago points clear of fifth-placed WestH am by Billy Gilmour but Argentine striker turned down. have no chance to come back,” the Alcantara both finding the net at An- with just three games left for Thomas Aguero squandered the chance. Alonso slotted home the winner Chelsea boss said. field. Tuchel’s side. As the second half wore on the visi- in stoppage time after Timo Werner “I was impressed by the reaction Speaking about his side being in Outgoing champions Liverpool tors started to establish a foothold pulled the ball back to complete and the performance in the second the race for the top four, he told the beat Southampton 2-0 in the late and they equalised just after the hour the turnaround but City could be half. If you want to steal all three BBC: “We are, kind of. It’s not impos- kick-off to stay in the mix for the top mark when Cesar Azpilicueta picked crowned champions as early as Sun- points here after being down, you sible but it’s difficult. We will give it a four but a 3-1 defeat at Leeds was a out Ziyech, who drilled home from day, if Aston Villa beat United. need a bit of luck, decisions from the try and see where we get to.” hammer blow for managerless Tot- the edge of the area. Tuchel admitted the match would referee.” Earlier, Crystal Palace beat already tenham. The finish was frantic. Chelsea have had a different complexion if Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp relegated Sheffield United 2-0. AFP Inter celebrate Serie A title with 14th consecutive home win

With thousands of fans cele- of coronavirus restrictions but joy to them.” the scoring after just four min- to watch them play We’ve had lost 2-1 to Spezia at home brating outside the San Siro thousands of ‘Nerazzurri’ sup- Sampdoria players formed a utes latching onto an Ashley brought back credibility to this in January, but hit back against stadium and a guard of honour porters celebrated outside the guard of honour as the newly- Young cross. club.” the relegation-threatened side onto the pitch, Inter Milan cel- San Siro. crowned champions took to Alexis Sanchez added two to extend their unbeaten run to ebrated their first Serie A title in “The satisfaction is immense,” the pitch after sealing their more in a 10-minute first half Napoli move second 12 consecutive games. over a decade with a 5-1 victory said Conte. 19th ‘Scudetto’ and first since spell, either side of Balde send- Napoli beat Spezia 4-1 to Polish midfielder Piotr Zielin- over Sampdoria giving Antonio “It’s natural that we and our 2010 recently. ing scoring off a rebound. move second, 15 points behind ski finished off a Giovanni Di Conte’s side a record 14th suc- fans are now so desperate to Claudio Ranieri’s ninth- Substitute Andrea Pinamon- Inter, and keep in the Champi- Lorenzo pull-back after 15 cessive home win. celebrate something that we’d placed Sampdoria did not spoil ti added another after the hour ons League chase, but Lazio’s minutes and then provided the Saturday’s match took place been waiting for so long to do. the party with Keita Balde scor- with Lautaro Martinez com- hopes of elite European foot- cross for Nigerian internation- behind closed doors because “We’re happy to bring this ing the only goal for the visitors pleting the rout from the pen- ball took a knock with a 2-0 loss al Victor Osimhen to score the after 35 minutes. alty spot with 20 minutes to go at Fiorentina. second eight minutes later. “Inter played on the wings of to seal victory against a side Napoli were one point ahead Osimhen completed his first enthusiasm,” said Ranieri. Inter had lost against earlier of three teams – Atalanta, Serie A brace before the break “They played a great match.” this season, just one of two Juventus and AC Milan – who off a Lorenzo Insigne free-kick Ranieri, who led Leicester to defeats. were tied on 69 points before to bring his tally to seven goals the 2016 Premier League title, Since losing against Sampdo- they played last weekend. in as many games. said his Genoa side had wanted ria, Inter have gone 18 games Lazio are sixth, five points off The 22-year-old has scored a to mark the occasion with a without defeat and have now the top-four having played a total of 10 goals in 21 games guard of honour. won 14 games in a row at home games less. played this campaign, having “I told the players it would be for the first time. Dusan Vlahovic scored twice been sidelined with injury. nice to celebrate as they do in The entire team celebrated for Fiorentina to bring his tally Roberto Piccoli pulled a goal England and they immediately under the ‘Curva Nord’ tribune to 21 goals this campaign, and back for Spezia after an hour agreed with me,” he said. usually occupied by Inter push the Tuscany side away but Osimhen was on hand to Inter’s top scorer Romelu fans. from the relegation zone. roll the ball across for Hirving Lukaku and other players who “We continue to do excep- “There are a lot of regrets,” Lozano. The goal was con- played a key role in the title suc- tional things, we have 85 points said Lazio coach Simone Inza- firmed after a VAR viewing. cess stayed on the bench with and haven’t lost since the away ghi. “In the changing rooms the Napoli lost all-time record Conte opting to start with some game against Sampdoria,” said faces were sad, now we have to goalscorer Dries Mertens to an Sampdoria’s Japanese defender Maya Yoshida (left) and Inter Milan’s players who had been less Conte. gather strength and start ankle injury in the second-half Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez go for a header during the Italian present during the season. “The boys continue to again.” just seven minutes after the Bel- Serie A football match on Saturday. AFP Roberto Gagliardini opened impress, and it’s a real pleasure Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli gian came off the bench. AFP