N U MB E R 3461 ssue I

Thursday, july 9, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL Impact on Kingdom’s rice

ADB approves unclear as US mulls tariffs

$250M credit May Kunmakara global advocate for all segments of USA Rice submitted a petition to the Information seen by The Post on the US rice industry, testified at the Office of the US Trade Representative Wednesday said as part of the 2020 An- for Kingdom’s HE US is deciding whether to US International Trade Commission (USTR) in March, which has since moved nual Review for modification of the GSP remove rice from its General- (USITC) hearing late last month, sup- forward into the formal review process. programme, the Trade Policy Staff Com- covid response ised System of Preferences porting the removal of rice from a list “US rice continues to face adversity in mittee (TPSC) has decided to accept national – page 4 (GSP) programme as growth of eligible commodities under GSP. export markets where domestic indus- certain product petitions for review. inT imports is affecting US farmers. USA Rice said the US has long pro- tries claim import-sensitivity and use “USTR accepted the petition to re- It is unclear at the moment how such vided GSP benefits to developing tariffs and non-tariff barriers to entry. move rice products from GSP. It’s under a move would impact Cambodia. Al- countries, providing duty-free access, “It is time to acknowledge that US- consideration. USITC held a hearing though the Kingdom is technically not a though it is only for parboiled rice. grown rice is also import-sensitive on whether rice should be removed. GSP recipient, it receives duty-free access For LDCs like Cambodia and Myan- and therefore we respectfully request “USITC will submit a confidential as a least-developed country (LDC). mar, all rice is eligible for duty-free ac- the removal of GSP benefits for rice USA Rice Federation (USA Rice), a cess into the US. imports,” the petition said. Continued – page 7

Washington Hung out to dry: Exports of GTF told to ‘mind dip 5.4% in first own business’ half of this year over freedom business – page 6 MOSCOW has told the US embassy to “mind your own business” after Washington’s diplomatic mission raised concerns about curbs on me- dia freedom in Russia. Rebecca Ross, the spokeswoman for the US embassy, on Tuesday expressed concern about a clamp- down on journalists in Russia. “Watching arrest after arrest of Rus- sian journalists – it’s starting to look like a concerted campaign against #MediaFreedom,” she tweeted. Brazil president “Mind your own business,” the Russian foreign ministry tweeted in gets Covid-19 as response late on Tuesday. Earlier that day the FSB security us prepares for agency, the successor to the Soviet- era KGB, arrested a respected for- who withdrawal mer journalist, Ivan Safronov, 30, on WORLD – Page 10 suspicion of state treason. Overloaded His detention sparked uproar among A woman rides a motorbike without a helmet as traffic police stop an overloaded truck in Phnom Penh. The Ministry supporters and journalists who say his of Public Works and Transport found over 280,000 overloaded vehicles in the first six months of this year.HONG MENEA sTORY > 3 arrest is punishment for his coverage of Russia’s defence sector. A member of Safronov’s defence team, Yevgeny Smirnov, said the for- mer journalist, who used to work for Trade, slaughter of dogs banned Kommersant and Vedomosti news- papers, is suspected of cooperating Khouth Sophak Chakrya most loyal and valuable pet to humans tion will be taken against offenders. with Czech intelligence since 2012. because they protect homes, farms “The unlawful hunt, purchase and The FSB investigators believe that THE Siem Reap provincial Depart- and other animals. Kimsoth noted that slaughter of animals will be seri- the Czech intelligence acts under the ment of Agriculture, Forestry and they are also used by the military. ously punished by the provisions of guidance of the US, Smirnov said. Orders flock for Fisheries has warned it will take legal “[But] over the last few years, the Articles 112, 113 and 115 of the Law The FSB claims Safronov collected action against vendors that continue increase in the buying, selling and on Animal Health and Production confidential data about the Russian Buddha prints to trade, buy, sell and slaughter dogs. slaughtering of dogs for food has been [LAHP],” he said. military, defence, and security, and According to the department’s an- alarming. This is a sign that there has Under Article 112, anyone caught handed it over to the intelligence of on religious nouncement on Monday, these acts been a decline in humanitarian val- buying, selling or slaughtering dogs a NATO member country. have been banned. ues. The spread of rabies and other without permission shall be subject to a On Wednesday, Kremlin spokes- memorabilia Department director Tea Kimsoth diseases from region to region also fine of up to seven million riel ($1,700). man Dmitry Peskov insisted again said that since ancient times, dogs affects public health,” he said. that Safronov’s arrest was not relat- lifestyle – page 13 have been regarded by many as the Kimsoth confirmed that legal ac- Continued – page 3 ed to his work as a journalist. AFP

THE PHNOM PENH POST UNAIDS: Little progress National News in fight against HIV/AIDS Inside page 2 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Families told Officials break up to register for Kem Ley cash handouts gathering Soth Koemsoeun Voun Dara total, $564 million was spent through mechanisms as in- CHAMKARMON district HE government has terventions. authorities on Wednesday called on poor fami- The remaining $600 million stopped 20 youths and 10 lies to apply to com- was spent on business recov- monks from gathering to com- mune authorities for ery through the provision of memorate the fourth anniver- evaluationT to receive financial credit or credit guarantees sary of political activist Kem support during the Covid-19 for private-sector loans. The Ley’s murder at a Caltex petrol crisis. A $300 million budget amount does not include any station at the Bokor traffic light has been planned for imple- deductions for taxes. in the capital’s Tonle Bassac mentation within a year. Ministry of Social Affairs, commune. Ministry of Economy and Veterans and Youth Rehabili- Ministry of Economy and Finance secretary of state Vongsey Visoth (centre). Hean Rangsey Authorities also took a Finance secretary of state tation secretary of state Sam- 30-year-old man named Khan Vongsey Visoth said this on heng Boros said in the 14 days have already received their families that enter the cash ister, Samdech Techo [Hun Chanthorn away for question- Wednesday at a press confer- from the date the grant was money please collect your subsidy programme in the Sen], who is leading the fight ing after they saw him enter ence on measures to promote announced on June 24, the second phase money from second round,” he said. against Covid-19. the petrol station wearing a economic growth and cash government has subsidised July 25 until August 24. This is Visoth said Cambodia’s “The second is the policies t-shirt with a photo of Ley subsidies for poor and vul- 90 per cent of poor families, the government’s second aid situation is well under con- and measures that we have printed on it. nerable families. or 500,000 out of more than to poor families. trol compared to some other carefully considered and are Boeung Trabek commune Visoth said the government 560,000. “The subsidy funding has countries. flexible in, according to the police chief Hong Chantheng has budgeted $1.164 billion “The people remaining not ended in the first phase “There are three factors that context. The third factor is told The Post on Wednesday to assist with the social im- from the first phase should yet. In the current situation, have given us a controlled the people’s participation in that the youths and monks left pact of the disease and help get their subsidy money be- we believe there may be an situation. The first is the compliance with the govern- the petrol station area after the private sector. Out of the fore July 24. Poor families who additional 30,000 to 40,000 leadership of our Prime Min- ment’s guidelines,” he said. being advised by local author- ities to do so. District authorities had pre- viously banned such com- memorations. Chantheng said: “A man wear- UNAIDS warns Asia targets won’t be reached ing a t-shirt with Kem Ley’s pic- ture entered Caltex petrol sta- Khorn Savi if Covid-19 severely disrupts people, sex workers, and people tion. We allowed him to go back HIV services. who inject drugs. home after an hour of question- A NEW report by UNAIDS “There has been progress in HIV-positive people have ing. We just educated him and shows little progress is being the region where new HIV infec- been discriminated against in made him sign a contract. made to fight HIV/AIDS in tions have been reduced by 12 general and the outbreak of the “We did not detain him just Asia and the Pacific region. per cent since 2010, with reduc- Covid-19 pandemic has posed because he wore that t-shirt. The onset of Covid-19 has tions in Cambodia, Myanmar, barriers to them receiving treat- He did not do anything that also impacted AIDS response Thailand and Vietnam. ment and other health needs. caused social disorder. He said and could disrupt it more as “However new HIV infec- National AIDS Authority he was riding his bicycle along lockdowns have had a big effect tions are on the rise in Pakistan (NAA) Secretary-General that road. He saw the crowd on women and girls, according and the Philippines,” the Chhim Khin Dareth could not and went to see it. He did not to the UN programme in a report said. yet comment on the report, know anything,” he said. report released on Tuesday. UNAIDS said in Asia and the saying that he has yet to see it. District governor Theng Sot- UNAIDS warns that because Pacific, only three countries, However, he said there are an hol and district police chief Yin achievements have not been Australia, Cambodia and Thai- estimated 73,000 AIDS cases San could not be reached for shared equally within and land, have achieved the 90–90– in Cambodia. comment on Wednesday. between countries, global 90 HIV treatment targets. The rate of new infections At a district administration Villagers have an HIV test in Battambang province. HENG CHIVOAN HIV targets set for 2020 will The report said that 98 per cent last year, he said, was 0.5 per press conference on Tuesday, not be reached. and double down to reach related illnesses last year. of new HIV infections occurred cent, and that over 61,000 peo- the petrol station’s owner The report warns that even those that are still left behind. More than one-quarter of among key populations and ple had tested for the virus. Of requested authorities to help gains made could be lost and According to UNAIDS, 300,000 new HIV infections were their sexual partners, including the number, 99 per cent had ensure that business ran nor- progress further stalled if coun- people were newly infected with among young people aged 15 gay men and other men who received treatment. mally and there were no dis- tries fail to act with urgency HIV and 160,000 died of AIDS- to 24. The numbers could grow have sex with men, transgender “The rate of receiving treat- turbances. ment services is high and we In line with the law, the set a 95-95 target to be administration said it will take achieved by 2025. measures to ban gatherings in “This means 95 per cent of the area as per the request of people know they are HIV the petrol station owner. Fur- positive and have tested for thermore, public order and the virus, and 95 per cent of security needed to be upheld. those tested receive antiviral According to protest laws, treatment,” he said. those who want to express He said the outbreak of Covid- opinions must go to Freedom 19 has not affected service deliv- Park, Chantheng said. eries for AIDS patients because The Ministry of Health also it is delivered separately. For the banned all types of gatherings dispensation of medicine, the in the country due to the Covid- patients can use them for three 19 pandemic. The district months and some can use them administration said they had no for six months. choice but to enforce the laws. UNAIDS is urging countries Thon Ratha, an environ- to increase investment in both mental activist who joined the diseases. commemoration said on All international sources of Wednesday that youths and HIV funding declined by 63 monks planned to gather and per cent from 2010 to 2019, pray for the soul of Ley who including a 14 per cent drop in was killed on July 10, 2016. US bilateral funding, a 28 per Ratha said it was interrupted cent decline in global fund by the authorities who said contributions and a 28 per they could not hold a gather- cent decline in funding from ing. The owner of the station, other international sources. he said, also requested help to The declines mostly affected maintain public order and HIV prevention services for key security. populations, which are heavily “I am sorry about this but I dependent on international think our action was not ille- funding, while domestic resourc- gal. We did this just to give es often prioritise funding for opinions and join social work,” HIV treatment and care. he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National ‘People are Ministry tackles overloaded vehicles exposed Soth Koemsoeun

N THE the first six to deadly months of the year, offi- cials from the Ministry of Public Works and Trans- diseases’ Iport found over 280,000 over- loaded vehicles during road Continued from page 1 inspections, said a report by the ministry’s overload con- Article 113 stipulates that trol committee dated July 6. second-time offenders will be The report also said the Gen- fined between 10 and 15 mil- eral Department of Customs lion riel. Article 115 dictates and Excise warned the owners that those who continue to of 846 cars which were seized break the law even after two over the last four years that the offences face a prison sen- vehicles will be sold if they do tence of two to five years and not collect them and pay fines a fine of 10 to 50 million riel. and taxes they owe. Tan Pannara, the director- Officials inspected general of the Department of 1,094,397 cars during the first Animal Health and Produc- six months of the year. Of that tion at the Ministry of Agri- total, 281,244 (26 per cent) culture, Forestry and Fisher- were overloaded. ies, said the ban covers the The ministry’s undersecre- whole country. tary of state and chairman of “At the moment, we are work- the overload control commit- ing with the World Animal tee Seng Chhuon said a work- Health Organisation and other ing group planned to set up partners to enforce the law to more inspection stations and prevent the trading and slaugh- improve some existing ones. A man rides his motorbike without a helmet past a traffic police officer in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district. HONG MENEA ter of dogs for food,” he said. “We advised station officials Chum Vanthy, who owns a to strengthen work perfor- and Finance announced on ers of vehicles with steering pay the rest of their taxes and 55 of the Customs law. dog meat stall in Chak Angre mance by adhering to working Wednesday that owners of wheels on the right side have fines as well as an additional The department would commune in Phnom Penh’s ethics and cooperate well with seized vehicles and goods to fulfil two conditions. 30 per cent of their total fine then put them up for public Meanchey district, has been relevant partners,” he said. who evaded taxes must pay First, they must make a 70 to receive a receipt for vehicle sale to collect income for the selling roasted dog since Chhuon said the six-month them and collect their vehi- per cent deposit on their tax registration. This is in line national budget. the end of last year. He said period was the first time the cles. If they don’t, the vehicles bills and fines and change the with laws and regulations, the A department official who choosing to support his live- committee worked together and goods would be sold. steering wheels to the left side notice said. asked not to be named said lihood with this business was after transport minister Sun A notice issued by the de- of their vehicles. The notice said if owners of some of the goods seized had not easy. Chanthol changed its staff. partment dated July 8 said Secondly, owners have to vehicles and goods fail to fulfil been confiscated as long as “I have done a lot of busi- The General Department owners have 60 days to pay show Customs and Excise their obligations, their prop- four years ago. He said they ness, such as selling balut of Customs and Excise of their taxes and fines to re- officials proof they changed erty would be considered un- were domestic goods which [eggs with baby ducks inside], the Ministry of Economy trieve their vehicles. Own- their steering wheels and claimed under Articles 54 and have not yet been taxed. roast beef and stir-fried rice and pin noodles, but they haven’t been as good as sell- ing dog meat. This business can improve my family’s life. I earn between 80,000 to Future Forum and KAS 100,000 riel per day,” he said. Vanthy said he bought dogs from a trader in Sa’ang Prek launch Cambodia 2040 Touch area, in Kandal prov- ince’s Sa’ang district. Raw dog Niem Chheng meat cost him 10,000 riel per kg and he can sell it for be- FUTURE Forum and Germa- tween 16,000 and 18,000 riel. ny’s Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung He sells roasted dog for three (KAS) will launch their second times the price he pays for the edition of Cambodia 2040 on meat, at 5,000 riel per dish. Thursday, this time focused on Concerning the ban, Vanthy culture and society. said: “I can close this shop Police said the suspect was depressed and wanted to kill his wife. He The Cambodia 2040 series and go back to my old busi- bought firecrackers and designed a grenade from them. police put out by the think tanks looks ness but I wish the authorities at how Cambodia will evolve would enforce the law trans- over the next 20 years and cov- parently. Don’t just ban small Man attempts murder, ers factors influencing positive shops like us and take no ac- and negative scenarios. tion against the big stores.” The publication is put According to a 2019 report injured by own grenade together with a collection of by Four Paws, a global animal Kim Sarom come back, he said. experts using a single meth- welfare organisation based Bora said the suspect was odological framework to set in Vienna, Austria, approxi- A SUSPECT in a Kratie hospi- depressed and wanted to kill out potential scenarios that mately three million dogs are tal is being kept under police his wife. He bought firecrack- Cambodia is likely to confront slaughtered for meat every observation after he suffered ers and designed a grenade two decades from now. It year in Cambodia. injuries when attempting to from them. His wife did not includes best-case scenarios The Cambodia 2040 series put out by the think tanks covers factors The organisation found throw a grenade into his in- come back, so he kept the and key factors needed to influencing positive and negative scenarios. Future Forum that Cambodia has the high- laws’ house. grenade in the forest. achieve the result, said their est number of human rabies The grenade exploded in his On Sunday, the suspect took press release. digitalisation and foreign pol- tices, and outdated education infections in the world due to hand and caused injuries to his son with him to stand in “The question of how to icy at KAS. methods. a lack of canine vaccinations. him and his son at Kbal Dam- front of his in-laws’ house. The achieve the ideal scenario is He said the book brought “It highlights the struggle of Each year, rabies kills more rei commune, Sambor district. grenade exploded in his hand. part of the publication, as is the together young Cambodian thousands of young Cambodi- than 800 people in Cambodia. Kbal Damrei commune dis- The fire then burned his body possibility of business as usual academics and their visions of ans to find an identity in a dig- The report said extreme trict police chief Cheuk Bora and right hand. His son who was in 2040 as an analytical con- the Kingdom’s future. The ital, globalised and, at the cruelty to animals, illegal ac- said on Wednesday that the standing behind him also got cept. This illustrates the hypo- book series is divided into same time, traditional Cambo- tivities such as pet theft, and suspect Thea Thy, 42 and his burned on his hand, he said. thetical outcome if current three parts: Economic devel- dia,” Hor said. rabies transmissions are in- four-year-old son were burned. It is 10km from the scene to practices continue,” it said. opment; society and culture; The book is meant to inspire herent in the dog meat trade. “The police are guarding the road and the suspect was The chapters in the second and governance. The final young and old Cambodians “Coupled with the unsani- him at the hospital. They will not able to escape after the volume are focused on culture instalment will be launched by and address issues in order to tary conditions found at res- build a case and send the sus- incident. People rushed to and society. Topics include the end of the year. design a Cambodia they feel taurants and slaughterhous- pect to court after he gets bet- the scene and took the sus- Cambodian identity, culture, “It is about playing with sce- comfortable living in, he es, this means that people are ter,” he said. pect to the Kratie Referral and legacy; gender equality and narios on how Cambodia said. being exposed to potentially Bora described the sus- Hospital, he said. sexual reproduction; education; might look like in 2040. This “The book is about potential deadly diseases. pect as an unemployed alco- “The suspect said he aimed health; food; media; cashless volume is special because it and what can be achieved “If Cambodia seriously holic with an eight-year-old to kill his wife. He could not Cambodia; and tourism. addresses the struggles of when generations of Cambo- wants to eradicate human ra- daughter and a four-year-old find his wife so he took the The 240-page book has 10 young Cambodians, in par- dians and internationals strive bies, the dog meat trade sim- son. His wife went to work in grenade to kill her parents,” authors, according to Robert ticular when it comes to gen- for change and betterment,” ply cannot be ignored,” the another province and did not Bora said. Hor, programme manager for der stereotypes, gender injus- Hör said. report said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National ADB approves K Speu to reclaim national park land

$250 million Long Kimmarita in the village but the two were accused of destroying fences KAMPONG Speu province and occupying the land. is set to reclaim land in the ACNCIPO director Chea Covid-19 loan Kirirom National Park after Hean, who is investigating accusations from locals that the case, told The Post on Long Kimmarita Cambodia launched a environmental officers had Wednesday that all parties comprehensive response encroached on 2ha of it. are usurpers. HE Asian Develop- to Covid-19 in March, with The statement came from “They sign occupation let- ment Bank (ADB) on an initial package totalling provincial governor Vei Sam- ters transferring ownership to Wednesday approved $815.7 million, or 3.2 per cent nang who vowed to get to the other residents, making the a $250 million loan to of projected gross domestic bottom of the matter. letters overlap. Environment helpT the Cambodian govern- product (GDP) in 2020. The dispute began when a officials don’t know how to ment respond to the Covid-19 It included health system letter containing the thumb- deal with illegal practices. pandemic by strengthening support to prepare for a po- prints of nearly 20 residents This is a problem,” he said. the healthcare system and in- tential surge in cases and to was sent to a commune chief Hean said when the inves- creasing social assistance to sustain workers and enterpris- claiming that the signatories tigation is completed, he will the poor and vulnerable. es during the pandemic. It also are witnesses in Chambak build a case file to request the An ADB press release said included a capital injection of commune’s Thmei Village. provincial governor reclaim the loan provides economic $150 million to support bank The letter claimed that the land as state property. stimulus to businesses, in- lending to small and medium- ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa said the pandemic threatens to Heng Sokha, a Kirirom Na- The provincial governor cluding small and medium- sized businesses. undermine Cambodia’s progress in poverty reduction. adb tional Park official in Thmei said the province must re- sized enterprises. The stimulus package further Village and his son-in-law claim the land. “This assistance will help includes $300 million for deliv- plan that focuses on support- unaware of the ADB loan in Mang Sovan Tara, an official “Don’t quarrel over state the government mitigate the ery of cash grants to poor and ing Cambodia’s economic re- detail or for what purpose the in Bek Chan commune in land. When they pretend to adverse health, social, and vulnerable households in the covery and fiscal sustainabil- loan would be used. Kandal province, had taken quarrel like this, they let the economic impacts of the government’s ID Poor database. ity,” he said. He said overall government 2ha in the disputed area. authorities solve it. Once we pandemic. This database has 2.4 million The ADB’s Covid-19 Active spending falls into two cate- Chea Tit, the deputy head solve it, we set aside land to “Cambodia is highly vulner- poor households and is being Response and Expenditure gories – current spending and of the Kampong Speu Depart- these people or those people. able to the negative impacts of expanded to include those that Support (Cares) Programme development spending. ment of Environment in charge “But in fact, that land be- Covid-19 due to its open econ- have been impacted by Covid- is funded through the Covid- “First is current spending for of the Kirirom National Park, longs to the state. Be in- omy, narrow economic base, 19, said the press release. 19 pandemic response option which we have enough. There told The Post on Wednesday formed that we don’t support and highly mobile population. ADB president Masatsugu (CPRO) under the ADB’s Coun- is no problem in paying sala- that he and a working group anyone – officials, generals, “The ADB expects Cambo- Asakawa said Cambodia has tercyclical Support Facility. ries. The second is investment were investigating the case. the people. State land has to dia’s economy to contract by a record of sound macro- CPRO was established as part spending on public services. A Fresh News report on Sun- be reclaimed,” Samnang said. 5.5 per cent in 2020 due to the economic management, but of the ADB’s $20 billion expand- “We have stopped some day said that Sokha and Sovan He said after Prime Minister decline in tourism; lower ex- Covid-19 threatens to un- ed assistance programme for investment spending be- Tara had disputes with resi- Hun Sen announced recently ports of garments, footwear, dermine progress in poverty developing member countries’ cause of the Covid-19 crisis. dents over the land in Thmei that the government would and travel goods; and a slow- reduction, especially among pandemic response, which was Besides, we need money to Village until the residents no- grant land occupation rights to down in construction activity. vulnerable groups such as announced on April 13. be released to other areas as tified the authorities. citizens who have long lived on The downturn risks push an women and migrant workers. Government spokesman needed to help the private The complaint came after state land, some opportunists additional 1.3 million people “This loan is part of the Phay Siphan told The Post sector stabilise the economy,” Sokha and Sovan Tara showed a had secretly built houses in the into poverty,” it said. ADB’s long-term engagement on Wednesday that he was he said. letter of buying and selling land Kirirom National Park area. THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Sar Kheng addresses Ex-CNRP activist’s plea heard land rows in Kingdom Kim Sarom Court of First Instant is right under the law. I would keep Long Kimmarita lem. I am the one to suffer HE Supreme Court the judgment of the Appeal consequences, waiting to deal on Wednesday heard Court,” he argued. DEPUTY Prime Minister and with the problems. Honestly, arguments on wheth- Mas’ lawyer Sam Sokong ar- Minister of Interior Sar Kheng this is the issue,” he said. er to uphold or dis- gued that his client appealed has told officials to prepare a On Wednesday, Sar Kheng missT the sentence of former to the Supreme Court because master plan for land manage- sent a letter to all governors in Cambodia National Rescue he is dissatisfied with the de- ment in the Kingdom, espe- the country to encourage them Party (CNRP) member Kong cision of the Court of Appeal, cially in economic centres. to prevent land encroachment Mas who was imprisoned for which is unfair. He expressed concern that in protected areas. one year and six months for “He just wrote to criticise land issues will be complicated Administrations under the insulting Hun Sen in a Face- but not insult as the court in future, especially disputes national level must prevent book post. mentioned. In a democratic among high-ranking officials. land stealing which will cause Court documents say the country, a citizen has the Sar Kheng gave his instruc- land disputes, he said. then 32-year-old Mas created right to expression. He asked tions on Tuesday at a meeting “We have to observe and five Facebook accounts and people not to turn out for the on road safety results during manage all situations related used them to post offensive election if there is no CNRP,” the first six months of the year. to land in protected areas. It messages about government he said. He asked that the ver- He told the Ministry of is a serious ban on new forest leaders from April to October dict against his client be over- Land Management, Urban land or state land stealing. We 2018. He was charged with turned. Planning and Construction to must use administrative mea- incitement and insults and Mas’ wife Kol Sath said out- prepare specific land titles in sures and legal measures thor- found guilty in 2019 under side the court that since her some areas to prevent future oughly,” he said. Articles 495 and 502 of the husband was detained, she difficulties. The ministry also said local Criminal Code. has faced many hardships, “Land management units authorities must confirm or The trial judge sentenced including raising her 10-year- have prepared master plans properly sign on related docu- Mas and the Court of Appeal old daughter. for some areas. If we do not ments concerning land owner- upheld the verdict. The Su- She said the case is very un- think about it now, it will be ship in line with existing laws. preme Court will issue a deci- fair to her husband because complicated in the future. On July 3, Prime Minister sion on July 15. he saw something not good in “I raise the example of Preah Hun Sen instructed three Trial Judge Nhoung Thol society and should have the Sihanouk, which is an eco- ministries and provincial au- read the facts before Supreme right to express his thoughts nomic centre. Some people thorities to allocate and pro- Court Judge You Yuthara, Former court-dissolved CNRP member Kong Mas. Kim Sarom as a citizen. encroached on land and the vide ownership certificates to prosecutor Pen Sarath and She said her husband has issues have yet to be tackled. citizens who have occupied Mas’ lawyer Sam Sokong. zens of a democracy. It is the commit a crime. Mas filed an another case from 2019 in Svay They all have high positions. I protected land for a long time. Judge Thol said Mas had cre- regime of Hun Sen that kills appeal, but on March 23, the Rieng province for criticising do not know how high, I only Am Sam Ath, the deputy di- ated five Facebook accounts forests.” Court of Appeal upheld the the Romeas Haek district gov- know they have high posi- rector of monitoring at Licadho, and used them to criticise the The court also heard that Phnom Penh Court of First In- ernor who subsequently filed tions,” he said. applauded the government’s ef- government. after he was detained, the stant’s ruling. a complaint. He said while he did not forts to tackle land disputes. The judge read the con- police found 100,000 leaflets Prosecutor Chum Somban The Svay Rieng court im- have any land in Mondulkiri “Preparing a master plan in tents of Mas’ Facebook posts, in the province which also argued before the court that prisoned Mas for 15 days for province, powerful people those areas also can reduce which included: “Citizens, aimed to incite chaos. Mas confessed about his writ- “defamation and incitement have competed with one an- land disputes. Ordinary citi- please rise up and topple Mas was sentenced on Oc- ten text on social media. of citizens to hate public of- other to occupy land there. zens are not able to encroach the government. We all bring tober 18, last year, and im- “So, the decision of the ficials” and made him pay a “There are a lot of people on thousands of hectares down this regime” and “It is prisoned for one year and Court of Appeal to uphold the fine of 5,000,000 riel ($1,219). competing to take land. I am while the rich and powerful Hun Sen who deprived citi- six months for incitement to judgment of the Phnom Penh the one who feels the prob- people can,” he said. Minister: Prepare disaster response Khorn Savi ning strikes killed 35 people, injured 64 and destroyed 711 MINISTER of Health Mam houses while damaging over Bun Heng has told governors 4,000. of all towns and provinces to NCDM spokesman Khun instruct the heads of health Sokha told The Post on departments to prepare for Wednesday that rainstorms upcoming natural disasters. and lightning caused 50 per Bun Heng’s letter, dated July cent fewer deaths and inju- 7, said seasonal fluctuations ries compared to the first six and climate change are caus- months of last year. ing frequent disasters such as Sokha said river water levels heatwaves, thunderstorms, start to increase each July and lightning, strong winds, cy- there will be floods in Sep- clones, droughts and floods. tember and October. But so He said they can harm or kill far, the levels have not risen citizens as well as damage in- much and the Ministry of frastructure. Water Resources and Meteo- “I request excellencies of rology has not forecast any the provincial board of gov- floods as yet. ernors to advise me and the “Climate change is not just director of the health depart- a problem for Cambodia, it ment to be fully prepared in is a global problem. For the advance for a timely and ef- small and poor countries, it’s fective response to save the very impactful. health of the people who will “Some provinces have ex- get affected,” he said. perienced droughts and The minister stressed that some have been flooded. We health departments should should proceed with caution be ready to prepare working because from now on, it’s dif- groups to rescue and treat vic- ficult to predict the weather tims. He emphasised ensuring in advance as it’s consistently services for pregnant women. changing,” Sokha said. Also, the health departments He said droughts generally shall cooperate with relevant occur during rainy season, authorities and organisations due to late rains, or a short to prevent the spread of dis- rainy season, which also eases, especially Covid-19. causes water shortages in The minister’s letter came some provinces while irriga- after the National Commit- tion is still limited. tee for Disaster Management The NCDM said only about (NCDM) found that during 25 per cent of Cambodians the first six months of the have access to information year, rainstorms and light- before a disaster occurs. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,090 1.3603 7.0167 107.55 4.2745 1.3957 31.23 0.6940 1.1281 1.2531

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: July 8, 2020 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 17,920 18,060 18,100 17,900 2 GTI 3,200 - 3,200 3,200 3 PAS 15,680 15,720 15,800 15,680 4 PPAP 11,520 11,520 11,520 11,520 5 PPSP 2,330 (SQ) - 2,330 2,330 6 PWSA 5,600 5,600 5,680 5,520 Hung out to Bids soon for pivotal dry: Exports of project in GTF dip 5.4% Thai EEC THAILAND’S Ministry of Dig- ital Economy and Society is expected to sell bid documents in the first half this month to develop Digital Park Thailand in the much- Thou Vireak turned to manufacturing face touted Eastern Economic Cor- masks, which are currently in ridor (EEC), the ministry’s AMBODIA exported high demand in the interna- permanent secretary Ajarin $3.784 billion worth tional market. Pattanapanchai said. of garment, textile “Without government mea- The ministry had initially and footwear (GTF) sures to relieve the investment started making the docu- productsC to the international burden and uphold factories, ments available in June last market in the first half of this closures will ramp up,” he said. year, but no bidders picked year, dipping 5.4 per cent from Notwithstanding the drop them up as they were report- the same time last year, Min- in GTF exports logged in the edly waiting to see progress istry of Labour and Vocational first half, finance ministry The Kingdom exported $3.784 billion worth of garment, textile and footwear (GTF) products in the first half in the high-speed railway of this year. pOST STAFF Training spokesperson Heng permanent secretary of state project linking three interna- Sour said on Wednesday. Vongsey Vissoth underscored an markets accounting for travel bags may either remain The NBC figures revealed tional airports. He was speaking at a press the substantial growth in ship- 60 per cent. stable or fall. that the Kingdom imported Since the train project has conference on government ments of bicycles and milled The Kingdom exported “So far, there are no orders some $22.34 billion worth of already clinched the winning Covid-19 response measures rice seen during the period. 495,341 bicycles worth $119 for the garment sector con- goods last year while it ex- bid, the ministr y has returned at the Ministry of Economy He told the conference: million to European markets firmed, save for certain pre- ported only $14.63 billion – to the plan of selling the doc- and Finance. “Garment exports to Euro- and 223,912 bicycles worth ventative medical and health- causing some $7.76 billion in uments. She said this time the Sour said: “The root cause pean markets were down but $44 million to the US market. care products. trade deficit. ministry expects to spend for the slump is the repercus- those to the US have come Garment Manufacturers As- “The Covid-19 virus has re- The central bank’s figures three months in selecting sions generated by Covid-19, roaring back, which is why our sociation in Cambodia (GMAC) sulted in major disruptions showed that the year-on-year qualified bidders and plans resulting in orders incremen- exports dropped a smidge.” president Van Sou Ieng told to human lives as well as the growth rate in imports was 18.6 to award the contract within tally drying up. This down- Data from the finance min- The Post in May that the in- business environment and the per cent last year, while exports this year. turn not only affects the gar- istry’s General Department crease in GTF exports seen in global supply chain,” he said. lagged at 12.7 per cent. The ministry believes at least ment sector in Cambodia, but of Customs and Excise show the first four months was only A National Bank of Cambo- Cambodia’s major exports two major investors are keen the whole world.” that 876,612 locally-assem- temporary, and was buoyed by dia (NBC) report released on of textiles, shoes, rice and bi- on the project, construction In the first half of this year, bled bicycles worth $197 mil- buyer orders made prior to the March 4 said Cambodia’s trade cycles were overshadowed by for which should begin next 450 garment and footwear lion pedalled into the inter- Covid-19 outbreak. deficit with the rest of the imports in oil, vehicles, con- year and it should go into factories in Cambodia sus- national market in the first “There will be a drop in gar- world continued to widen last struction materials, food and operation by 2022. pended work, while 83 facto- five months of this year. ment exports in the coming year to $7.76 billion, a more beverage, and raw materials The zone should be fully ries closed, he said. This was up 26 per cent on months. I believe that foot- than 31 per cent increase com- for the manufacturing sector, occupied within five years. Of these, he said, 10 have a yearly basis, with Europe- wear exports will sink, while pared to the previous year. the report said. The project, expected to cost four billion baht ($128 mil- lion), occupies 113.44ha in Chonburi province’s Sri Racha district, with Phase I covering 19.2ha. The entire project PM to oversee China FTA signing in August comprises basic infrastruc- ture, smart facilities, under- May Kunmakara expected to grow more than the aver- Management Co Ltd, told The Post last upside in the trade relations between ground electricity cables as age annual growth rate of 20 per cent month that the bilateral opportunity is the two countries. well as fibre-optic cables. PRIME Minister Hun Sen will lead a seen in 2017, 2018 and 2019. massive economically for the Kingdom, “But only if China expands it appetite She said this zone is just delegation of high ranking officials to “Foreign direct investment [FDI] is but more of a long-term geopolitical for Cambodia’s products beyond rice 3km from the Sri Racha high- sign the Cambodia-China Free Trade also expected to dramatically increase strategic gambit for China. and consumer goods,” said Galliano. speed train station and a Agreement (FTA) next month, the Min- and become a prime source of income He said: “Cambodia will benefit by He said Cambodia needs to diversify transport system will be set istry of Commerce said. and jobs for Cambodians.” playing a significant role in China’s its export economy and the key trade up to connect the station with This, it said, will provide Cambodia Ministry of Economy and Finance expansion plans and influence in the benefit will be Chinese FDI with signifi- the Digital Park. The author- a gateway to the world’s second largest permanent secretary of state Vongsey region, primarily through infrastruc- cant investment in the Kingdom through ities aim to woo top global and Asia’s largest economy, heralding Vissoth told a press conference on ture investment, expansion of special infrastructure, real estate, financial serv- universities to set up cam- a new chapter for the Kingdom. Wednesday that Hun Sen and Chinese economic zones, and by building Cam- ices, manufacturing and retail. puses at this venue. Early last month, technical working leaders will witness the signing cere- bodia’s manufacturing production “The attraction of an FTA for China is The park will cater to six kinds groups from the two countries com- mony on August 12 in Beijing. The base as an export hub to the US and more investment in Cambodia rather of digital investment, namely pleted the third round of FTA negotia- prime minister plans to arrive in the the rest of the world. than the export of goods and services hardware and smart equip- tions, solving the remaining issues in Chinese capital prior to the date. “Presently, China’s economy is slow- from Cambodia to China,” he said. ment, software, digital services the agreement text and approved in He said: “The commerce ministers of ly recovering and Cambodia is in the The FTA is expected to boost bilat- and design, communications principle the market access of goods both countries will announce the depths of the struggling Covid-19 eral trade to $10 billion by 2023. Bilat- equipment, digital content and and services. results upon completion of the ratifica- economy. eral trade volume between the two digital infrastructure. The Inter- The ministry said: “If the two coun- tion process of the FTA within the next “As the world progressively returns countries reached $7.4 billion in 2018, net of Things (IOT) Institute try’s leaders approve the agreement few months.” to normal, and as free trade agree- a 22 per cent increase compared to will also take up 4.8ha in the text and the market access that was Anthony Galliano, the CEO of finan- ments materialise and are implement- 2017’s $6.04 billion, commerce minis- park. THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS proposed, exports from Cambodia are cial services firm Cambodia Investment ed, Cambodia can expect significant try data show. NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Japan calling for closer digital Customs monitor cooperation with ASEAN bloc says will focus on APAN views ASEAN as a ramp up investment in such origin frauds in VN potential strategic partner assets. in the crisis-proofing of its With the value of ASEAN’s VIETNAM’S General Depart- components and 12,000 sets of Jeconomy, whose vulner- digital economy projected ment of Customs will focus on kitchen cabinet accessories. abilities such as an over-reli- to surge with a rising middle cracking down on origin frauds Of note, a firm established in ance on Chinese imports and class, Japan should work close- and illegal transhipment as 2018 in Ho Chi Minh City was domestic manufacturing were ly with the region to promote violations are becoming more found to provide fake certifi- exposed during the Covid-19 rules-based trade in the digital rampant and complex as the cates of origin to about 30 en- pandemic and past natural sphere, the white paper said. country integrates more deep- terprises with a total exported disasters. More dangerously, amid an ly into the global economy. goods value of more than 600 To this end, it will connect explosive demand for medical The department’s Post- billion dong ($26 million). funds, technology, know-how supplies, many countries had Clearance Inspection Depart- Currently, only the Vietnam and business networks with imposed export restrictions on ment director Nguyen Tien Chamber of Commerce and the increasingly digitalised items such as personal protec- Loc said this at conference on Industry and the Ministry of ASEAN, Japan said in its an- tive equipment and surgical the fight against origin fraud Industry and Trade are autho- nual economy and trade white masks. on Monday in Hanoi. rised to provide certification paper released on Tuesday. At least 80 countries and re- He said origin fraud and ille- of origin. A senior official at Japan’s gions had implemented export gal transhipment were being Anti-smuggling and Inves- Ministry of Economy, Trade The white paper said that with the value of ASEAN’s digital economy restrictions of some kind as of committed to avoid the US’ tigation Department director and Industry told The Straits projected to surge with a rising middle class, Japan should work closely April, World Trade Organisa- tariffs on Chinese products Nguyen Hung Anh said inves- Times: “We must construct a with the region to promote rules-based trade in the digital sphere. tion figures show. and enjoy preferential tariffs tigations into the case were XINHUA NEWS AGENCY system that is hard to break by This could widen a rich-poor on products from Vietnam. still ongoing. precisely locating the choke- eration to overcome a growing the country is to natural disas- divide and potentially worsen With the escalating Sino- Regarding the alleged ori- points and procuring materi- distrust of global agreements ters, citing the shock to supply a crisis, with medical systems US trade war, tariffs on prod- gin faking of Global Vietnam als from many countries, while and institutions, as the crisis chains during the Great East in the developing world much ucts originating in China and Aluminium Company Lim- supply chain diversification has made abundantly clear the Japan Earthquake in 2011. less ready to cope. exported to the US rose by ited with a goods value of more will also enhance the security vulnerability of international Thus, there needs to be a And without extending any about 7.5 per cent to 285 per than $4.3 billion, Loc said the of food and energy.” supply chains and the lack of shift from a system that prides help to such countries to con- cent, a huge difference with inter-sectoral investigation on In the 618-page white paper, resources to deal with a major economic efficacy to one that trol the spread of the corona- tariffs on products originat- the case was completed but did Japan said “divisive forces” health crisis. is more crisis-proof, to avoid virus, any easing of travel re- ing in Vietnam, Loc said. not found sufficient grounds that have become apparent It has encouraged Japanese situations where a missing cog strictions in future could well He said the customs watch- to conclude the company vio- in the Covid-19 pandemic, companies to diversify their in the machine freezes entire lead to Covid-19 being again dog found a number of cases lated established regulations. such as protectionist emer- supply chains from China back industries like electronics and spread in countries that have of origin faking and illegal The customs watchdog asked gency measures like trade home and to ASEAN, after a automobiles, the official said. already put a lid on the crisis. transhipment, adding that Ba Ria-Vung Tau province’s restrictions, are unproductive breakdown in its manufactur- The white paper noted that The report also said it was origin faking happened most customs department to closely to overcoming the worst eco- ing lines when China enacted Japanese affiliates procure over not feasible for countries to often in the sectors of elec- watch the company’s alumin- nomic crisis since the Great a wide shutdown in February, 75 per cent of vehicle parts from maintain a full capacity of tronics, garments, footwear, ium storage in the southern Depression. choking imports from China Chinese suppliers, while more medical supplies for an emer- bicycles, wood, iron and steel province with a weekly report The white paper said: “What by 47 per cent from last year. than one third of its parts for gency during normal times, and solar panel products. to ensure these products would is clear is that a pandemic on The ministry official said the ICT (information and commu- but there has to be a business Products were imported not be sold in the domestic mar- a global scale cannot be re- policy was not born out of an nications technology) electron- continuity plan to ensure sta- from China for minor pro- ket or would ensure origin rules solved only by protectionist anti-China response but that ics equipment is also from its ble supply that is not affected cessing in Vietnam then ex- when shipped out of Vietnam. measures in one’s own coun- of a need for more flexibility in neighbour. by international politics. ported to the US to avoid the Loc said the customs de- try, despite the growing dis- times of crises. While admitting that its in- The ministry official sug- tariffs, he said. partment would enhance trust of the existing multilat- He added that it was unwise vestment on the digital front gested that an international The department’s statistics inspection to prevent origin eral framework.” for Japanese companies to was still inadequate, Japan inventory of such items could show that the customs watch- faking, especially when the Japan, in its report, urged have manufacturing lines only said the Covid-19 pandemic be set up. THE STRAITS TIMES (SINGA- dog found 24 cases of origin fak- EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agree- greater international coop- in Japan, given how vulnerable provides an opportunity to PORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK ing out of 76 cases investigated, ment comes into force at the confiscating 3,590 bicycles, beginning of next month. VIET more than 4,000 sets of bicycle NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Putting rice in GSP a ‘boon for small farmers’

Continued from page 1 this. We have been supplying mostly or- farmers growing jasmine rice,” he said. ganic jasmine rice and special aromatic Ministry of Commerce spokesman report to USTR by August 31. USTR is rice to Asian communities in the US. Seang Thay told The Post that Cambo- expected to issue a ruling on or before “It would surely have an impact on ex- dia has never received GSP from the US October 31, and becomes effective on or ports to the US considering that we are an for rice. “Presently, we only get GSP on before November 1,” the TPSC said. LDC country and our competitiveness is travel goods which will expire by the end It said the countries affected are Thai- still low. I ask the US to consider putting of this year,” he said. land, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Vietnam, Cambodian rice in the GSP. It would be a Cambodia’s milled-rice exports Argentina and Cambodia. boon for our small farmers,” Saran said. gained 41 per cent to 397,660 tonnes Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) pres- He said Cambodia exported around in the first half of this year from the ident Song Saran said as an emerging 2,000 tonnes of jasmine rice to the US 281,538 tonnes shipped in the same market for rice exports, he will organise last year and 2,000 tonnes in the first six period last year, data from the Minis- a meeting to deal with the issue. months of this year. “The volume may try of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisher- The customs watchdog will focus on cracking down on origin frauds “We will have a committee meeting on be small but it has an impact for small ies said. and illegal transhipment. customs.gov.vn/viet nam news

Signs of crude oil price stablising as global economies rev again Crude oil has become the most barrier to the entire oil industry, combat the pandemic. However, timism over the production and important source of energy for with economies around the globe some US reports have lamented effectiveness of such a vaccine. modern economies to propel slowing down significantly. that economic activities are yet to Based on the prevailing sce- their industries. But price vola- In recent weeks, US oil produc- reach the levels prior to the Covid- narios, the price of oil is likely to tility in the global market can be tion dipped sharply from 13 mil- 19 outbreak. hover in the range of $38 and $45 disruptive, especially to growing lion barrels to 10.5 million barrels Some positive signs are visible. per barrel this month, as demand economies. After a major crash per day following a meeting of US manufacturing data suggests from major oil consuming coun- in oil prices earlier this year, the US President Donald Trump with that the American economy is on tries rises again. Covid-19 crisis has further hurt major oil producers – Russia and a growth trajectory, with US ex- If a much sought-after vaccine the oil sector. OPEC members including Saudi ports witnessing an upturn for the is successfully produced before Last month, the CEO of French Arabia – to slash oil production to first time in 2020. end of the year, it would likely be international oil and gas giant To- stablise prices. Trump has announced that the another boost for crude produc- tal, Patrick Pouyanne, said it aptly In the meantime, business ac- US will have a Covid-19 vaccine tion, with oil prices possibly find- – the impact of the coronavirus tivities and services in the US by end of this year, and senior ing a bullish trend and spiking to Golden FX Link Capital busniess manager pandemic has became a major have resumed after the pause to health officers have expressed op- around $43 to $60 per barrel. Long Samnang a l Advertori 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

Crumbling prices, rent ruffle condo segment Hin Pisei $11.12 for affordable units, Keng Kang I commune and sinking 5.71 per cent. the Grand Condo 7 project HE prolonged decline In the first quarter, high-end in Chroy Changvar district’s in international arriv- units went for around $3,167 Chroy Changvar commune. als to Cambodia in- per sqm, down 0.53 per cent CBRE Cambodia senior ana- tensified by renewed compared to the fourth quar- lyst Kim Kinkesa told The Post Covid-19T fears has driven down ter of last year. Mid-range on Wednesday that the market condominium sales prices and units fetched about $2,559 per for condominiums in Cambo- rental rates in Phnom Penh, a sqm, slipping 1.39 per cent, dia had been sluggish since research report said. whereas affordable ones cost the beginning of the year. CBRE Cambodia, the local an average of $1,549 per sqm, Condominiums are highly affiliate of US commercial inching up 0.32 per cent. sought after by foreigners, she real estate services and in- On the first quarter rental said. As Covid-19 makes expa- vestment firm CBRE Group market, high-end units aver- triates reconsider the length of Inc, said the price of high-end aged $14.21 per sqm, down their stay in the Kingdom, the condominium units averaged 0.4 per cent and affordable market will unavoidably be $3,041 per sqm in the second units went for around $11.79, shaken up when they leave. quarter of this year, down 3.98 dropping 0.6 per cent. “Covid-19 has significantly per cent compared to the first Though no condominium reduced the number of foreign quarter. development projects were tourists staying and travelling No condominium development projects were completed in the second quarter. HEAN RANGSEY Mid-range condominium completed in the second in Cambodia, corresponding- units averaged $2,441 per quarter, CBRE Cambodia ly leaving a mounting number sales prices and rental rates in During the first quarter of G, Grand Central and The sqm, a 4.61 per cent quarter- said, three new launches de- of unoccupied condo units,” Phnom Penh are headed for a this year, 4,521 new condo- Golden World International. on-quarter dip, while afford- livered an additional 2,252 Kinkesa said. sustained downfall in the third minium units were launched Capital investment in the able units averaged $1,539, units to the capital’s supply. Given the intensified glob- quarter, as the number of for- for sale at eight projects, a construction sector reached falling 0.65 per cent on a The three projects are al threat of a resurgence in eign arrivals to Cambodia fails separate CBRE Cambodia re- more than $3.84 billion in the quarterly basis. Leedon Heights in Sen Sok Covid-19 infections, she to reach pre-Covid-19 levels,” port said. first half of this year, climbing Monthly per-sqm rental district’s Phnom Penh Thmey warned that the Kingdom’s Kinkesa said. The projects are The Garden 13.26 per cent from the first rates during the second quar- commune, the Le Conde condominium sector is set to She said there are 72 Residency 2, Phnom Penh half of last year, the Ministry ter were $13.18 for high-end BKK1 on Street 352 between face tough market conditions launched condominium proj- Galaxy Garden, Parc 21 Resi- of Land Management, Urban units, shrinking 7.25 per cent Streets 57 and 63 in Boeung in the third quarter. ects in the capital comprising dence, The Hexa, AKJ Bright Planning and Construction from the first quarter, and Keng Kang district’s Boeung “I reckon that condominium a total of 20,850 units. Pearl, Urban Village II-Tower said in a report. FTA with EU expected to give a lift to Vietnam’s real estate MANY segments of Vietnam’s bined area of 97,800ha of nat- district and Svay Rieng prov- real estate market are soon ural lands, including 66,100ha ince’s Svay Chrum, Kampong expected to benefit from the for industrial production, a Ro and Chantrea districts and EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agree- report by the Ministry of Plan- Bavet town in Cambodia. ment (EVFTA), which takes ning and Investment’s eco- In Binh Dinh province, con- effect in August. nomic zones management struction of the Becamex Binh Property consultancy CBRE department said. The occupa- Dinh Industry Park was Vietnam said the trade deal tion rate was 75.7 per cent. approved early this year at a would boost the country’s There were 17 coastal eco- cost of 3.3 trillion dong ($140 exports, and the concomitant nomic zones with 845,000ha million) and on an area of changes will have a significant of both land and water. 1,000ha. The park will be used impact on segments like offic- for industrial production and es and housing for rent, serv- Industrial real estate boom services. iced apartments and, espe- Experts said Vietnam could The Dau Tu (Investment) cially, industrial properties. become a new factory of the newspaper reported that Vin- It said the deal would help world especially as multina- group JSC, through its sub- Vietnam attract plenty of new tional corporations strengthen sidiary Vinhome JSC, plans to foreign investment since diversification of their invest- enter the industrial properties investors always seek prefer- ment destinations by reposi- segment, developing proper- ential policies like the ones the tioning production facilities ties in industrial parks in Hai EVFTA would offer. after the Covid-19 pandemic. Phong city and Hai Duong and The trade agreement is set to It is this that has made Viet- Quang Ninh provinces. eliminate virtually all tariffs nam’s industrial real estate mar- Dong Nai Rubber Corp has over the course of a decade. ket very vibrant, as indicated by petitioned the Dong Nai Peo- The European Parliament the reports of many real estate ple’s Committee to allow it to website said this should result agencies on existing and new change land use rights for in €15 billion ($16.9 billion) in Many foreign investors have high expectations that the EVFTA would enable them to increase investments in customers’ increasing demand 18,000ha out of a total of Vietnam with many big projects. pIXABAY annual additional exports from for rental land, ready-built fac- 37,000ha it manages for the Vietnam to the EU by 2035. targets for new investors. tions, including about the fact arations to grasp the opportu- tories and warehouses since the construction of industrial The transparency that is Provinces like Vinh Phuc, that foreign direct investment nities arising from FTAs and beginning of this year. clusters and parks. mandatory for a country when Hung Yen and Hai Duong in is moving out of China because switch by foreign investors This robust growth has But this kind of enormous joining free trade agreements the north, and Long An and Ba of the Covid pandemic. from other countries. attracted many local enter- development of industrial (FTAs) like the EVFTA will Ria-Vung Tau in the south are They said this is because the They should have enough prises who want to invest in properties can easily result in improve Vietnam’s business likely to be the hotspots. industrial property sector in land not only for setting up this business. an oversupply crisis, especial- environment, helping reduce Vietnam still has many short- factories, workshops and Tan Thanh Long An Invest- ly when the world economy foreign investors’ concerns. High expectations comings related to transport warehouses but also for hous- ment JSC and the Vietnam has yet to show signs of stabil- CBRE Vietnam industrial An expert in industrial real infrastructure, storage and ing for workers, they said. Creative Industrial Park Man- ity, likely causing difficulties and logistics services director estate said many foreign inves- industrial supply chains. While the industrial real agement Co based in the south- for the relocation of foreign Le Trong Hieu said the coun- tors have high expectations that Many experts said the hous- estate sector is expected to ern Long An province have companies even when they try’s success in controlling the the EVFTA would enable them ing and office for rent seg- develop strongly thanks to the recently started construction of really want. Covid-19 outbreak would to increase investments in Viet- ments would also become arrival of more foreign inves- the Viet Phat Industrial Park on Developers of industrial real cause many foreign compa- nam with many big projects. vibrant thanks to the increase tors who want to take advan- an area of 1,800ha. estate also need to focus on the nies to shift their manufactur- But the industrial real estate in foreign investment, which tage of FTAs and the move by Not far away from there, the development of transport and ing bases there from China. market would not really benefit would bring along with it a foreign companies from China 195ha Duc Hoa III-SLICO Indus- logistics infrastructure, hous- Experts said all these factors from the EVFTA until the mid- number of experts, traders and due to the escalating Sino-US trial Park has just been built. ing and social requirements are set to benefit the industrial dle of next year when demand workers to Vietnam and trade war and the pandemic, The developer of the park like kindergartens and enter- property segment, including starts to come through. improve demand. there is also a danger of over- said it has been designated to tainment centres for workers land and ready-built factories. While many experts believe Nevertheless, they warned supply without proper plan- serve supporting and process- rather than just factories and Industrial parks and clusters the EVFTA will come as a boost that Vietnam, especially its ning, they said. ing industries. warehouses if they want to located near ports are expect- to the industrial real estate industrial property develop- By March, Vietnam had 335 Long An borders Prey Veng attract foreign companies. VIET ed to be the most attractive market, others have reserva- ers, should make careful prep- industrial parks with a com- province’s Kampong Trabek NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK thursday, July 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com

apartment for rent/sale Villa for RENT Office Space /Shophouse for RENT

Apartment for Rent Apartment for rent Garden Villa for rent in BKK1 Villa for rent Villa for rent in Bassac Garden City Office space for rent Shophouse for rent near AEON 2 Located at west of Independence Located near Russian Market, 2 2 floors, 5 bedrooms, spacious Located in Sangkat Boeung Pro- 2 floors, 4 bedrooms, large living On main street, size from Located in borey The Premier Monument, 2 bedrooms, open bedrooms, open living room, bal- living room, fully furnished, big lit, Khan 7 Makara, 6 bedrooms, room, fully furnished, modern 200sqm to 400sqm, 7 floors, Land near AEON 2, living room, fully furnished, nice cony, fully furnished, nice kitchen, kitchen and balcony. Good for living room, kitchen, many facili- kitchen, big balcony, 2 lifts, parking, open space, 6 bedrooms, good for office kitchen, lot of sunlight. lot of sunlight. residence or office. ties around, safe and quiet. safe and quiet. very safe. and business. Price: $1,200/month Price: $1,200/month Price: $7,000/month Price: $5,000/month Price: $3,500/month Price: $14/sqm Price: $1,500/month

Apartment for Rent Renovated apartment for rent Villa for rent in North Bridge Modern villa for rent Villa for rent next to BBK1 Office space for rent Shophouse for rent Located at North West of Russian Located: Near Royal Palace Very big garden, 5 bedrooms, In Grand Phnom Penh, 5 bed- 7 bedrooms, large living room, Located at west of Olympic Located in Borey Penghout The Market, 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, open 2 bedrooms, well renovated, large living room, fully furnished, rooms, large living room, modern partially furnished, big balcony, Stadium, size from 840sqm to Star Diamond, Road 60m, living room, fully furnished, nice Fully furnished, good security, western kitchen, big balcony, designed, fully furnished, modern some trees, very safe 500sqm, 2nd floor, 2 lifts, park- Land size:4.5m x 20m, kitchen and balcony. many facilities around. very safe and quiet. kitchen, big balcony. and quiet. ing, open space, very safe. House size: 4.5m x 12m, Price: $700, $900, and $1800/M Price: $750/month Price: $3,500/month Price: $1,700/month Price: $3,000/month Price: $16/sqm Price: $1,200/month Address: #394 - 396 (Home City Building), Street 71, 089 200 300 Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia tel: Email: [email protected], www.towncity.com 012 390 390

Single Villa (Type deluxe) Villa LC2 for sale Single villa for sale Land for sale (LS:L84) Land for sale (LS:L68) Villa for sale (code VS.L24) Location: Borey Bassac Garden City Location: Borey Penghuoth The Star Location: Borey Villa Town, Hun Sen Land size: 20x30M, Land size: 618m2 Land size: 8m x22m Sangkat Tonle Bassac Natural, Street 371 Blvd, next to ISPP Location: Borey Kang Meng, Sangkat Soft title House size: 6m x12m Land size: 14 x 21.5m House size: 5.1m x 7.2m House size: 8.47m x 13.47m Prek Kompers, Khan Dongkor, Location: Prek Eng, Chbar Ampov, Location: Peng Hout Boeng Snor, House size: 10m x 12m Land size: 5.1m x 15m Land size: 12.3m x 23m Phnom Penh City Phnom Penh Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh Price: $1,500,000 (Negotiable) Price: $150,000 (Negotiable) Price: $750,000 (Negotiable) Price: $170,000 (Negotiable) Price: $200,000 Price: $350,000

Villa for rent at BKK1 Villa Queen for sale Mesong Tower for sale Land for sale (LS: L64) Land for sale (Code:LS:L64) Villa for sales (CodeVS.L21) Location: Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang Location: Borey Chipmong, Street 371, Location: Diamond Island, Tolebassac, Land size: 30x43M Land size: 40m x72m Land size: 8.59x22m 1, Khan Chamkamorn, in front of PC Market Chomkamon, Location: Sang Kat Prek Eng, Khan Location: Veal Sbov House size: 6x12m, location: N.98 House size: 12m x 21m House size: 9m x 12m House size: 47-66sqm Chbar Ampov Chbar Ampov St.E-01: Borey Peng Huot Berg Snor, Land size: 18m x 30m Land size: 14m x 23m Bedroom: 1 unit Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Chbar Ampov Price: $4,500/month Price: $1,000,000 (Negotiable) Price: $100,000 (Negotiable) Price: $320,000 (Negotiable) Price: $1,300,000 Price: $390,000

#113 Mao Tse Toung Blvd, No 2FD1 Phone: (+855) 95 955 777 Email: [email protected] www.c21mekong.com.kh facebook.com/C21Mekong

Land for sale Land for sale House for sale Link house for sale Flat for sale Villa LC1 for sale Land Size: 11.5m x 150m Land: Size 32m x 54m Land size: 5m x 20m Land size : 4.1m x 14m Land size : 4.2m x 20.5m Land Size : 5.2m x 14m Title: Hard Location: Chaom Chau House size: 4.2m x 15.2m House size : 4.1m x 12m House Size : 4.2m x 13m House Size : 5.2m x 7m Location: Prek Eng Khan Porsenchey Location: Preak Hor Location : Borey Leng Navatra Location : ​Borey Lim Chheanghak Veal Location : Chea Sophara, Borey Peng Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Ta Khmoa, Kandal Sangkat Chaom Chau Sbov Huoth The Star Premier Price: $400/m2 Price: $350/m2 Price: $65,000 Price: $67,000 (Negotiable) Price: $69,800 (Negotiable) Price: $84,500 (Negotiable)

Land for sale Land for sale House for sale Shop house for sale at Borey Peng Olympia condo SOHO type for sale Twin Villa for sale at Borey Peng Land size: 17,089m2 Land size: 16m x 22m Land size: 4.5m x 15m Huoth Boeung Snor Size : 45Sqm Huoth PC market Location: Dang Kao Location: Prek Eng House size: 4.5m x 10m Land Size : 4.5m x 21m Location : Sangkat Orussey, Land Size : 6m x 16m Phnom Penh Chbar Ampov Location Preak Hor Ta Khmao, House Size : 4.5m x 14m Khan 7 Makara House Size : 6m x 12m Cambodia Phnom Penh Kandal Location : Sangkat Niroth Phnom Penh Location : Chak Ang Re Luer Price: $180/m2 (Negotiable) Price: $120,000 Price: $51,500 Price: $290,000 (Negotiable) Price : $13,000 (Negotiable) Price : $385,000 (Negotiable)

#35, Street.P10D, Borey Peng Huoth The Star Polaris 1, Email : [email protected] Sangkat Niruoth, Khan Chbaampov, Phnom Penh, http://www.easypropertyrealty.com E-Mail: [email protected] / www.katappraisal.com #19DE0, St. 172, Sangkat Chey Chomnes, Khan Doun Penh. 089 888 366, 089 888 277 | 089 888 377, 089 888 755 Tel: 015 777 586 / 061 777 586 / 011 777 587 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com World Brazil’s president positive for virus, Novavax gets $1.6 billion US starts WHO withdrawal process for vaccine RAZILIAN President sions of infections across Jair Bolsonaro, who the world, including Iran, against Covid has consistently which announced 200 new downplayed the risks deaths on Tuesday. THE US on Tuesday announced that ofB coronavirus, announced Australia on Tuesday or- it will provide $1.6 billion in funding on Tuesday that he has tested dered five million people for the development and manufac- positive, as the US – the na- locked down in Melbourne, ture of a Covid-19 vaccine candidate tion hardest hit by the pan- its second-biggest city, to produced by biotech firm Novavax demic – formally launched combat a surge in cases. Inc, the largest amount awarded its withdrawal from the World “We can’t pretend” the crisis under Operation Warp Speed. Health Organisation (WHO). is over, said Daniel Andrews, Separately, the US also said it will pro- The UN health agency premier of Victoria state. vide $450 million to Regeneron Phar- meanwhile acknowledged The restrictions in the Mel- maceuticals Inc for its experimental that there was “emerging bourne area will last at least Covid-19 treatment and prophylaxis, a evidence” of airborne trans- six weeks, while Victoria state combination of two antibodies. mission of Covid-19, which will be effectively sealed off Under the terms of its agreement has infected nearly 11.7 from the rest of the country. with the Department of Health and million people around the Cases are also surging in Human Services (HHS) and Depart- globe and caused more than India and four new coro- ment of Defence, Novavax agrees to 539,000 deaths. navirus field hospitals were deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine, Bolsonaro, who said he opened on Tuesday in the potentially by the end of the year. had experienced only mild financial capital Mumbai as The company’s president and CEO symptoms, has ignored con- the nationwide death toll Stanley Erck said: “We are honoured tainment measures such as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. AFP jumped past 20,000. to partner with Operation Warp social distancing, despite Italy’s health minister or- Speed to move our vaccine candidate Brazil being the second- 140,000 deaths, nearly half the US in the WHO if he de- hit particularly hard after dered a one-week suspen- forward with extraordinary urgency worst hit country, with more of them in Brazil. feats Trump in November. they eased virus restrictions. sion of flights to Rome from in the quest to provide vital protec- than 66,000 dead. In Washington, a senior Senator Robert Menen- Texas – one of the new US Bangladesh on Tuesday, tion to our nation’s population.” The far-right leader, who US official said the country dez, the top Democrat on hotspots – on Tuesday regis- after 21 passengers arriving The final stage Phase III trial of its vac- at 65 is in the highest-risk had informed UN secretary- the Foreign Relations Com- tered a new daily case total from Dhaka tested positive, cine, called NVX-CoV2373, is set to take age category, insisted he was general Antonio Guterres mittee, criticised the Trump of 10,028, making it the third adding to the number of place in autumn. feeling “perfectly well” and of its intention to leave the administration’s move. state after New York and Flor- cases within the Bangladeshi The Maryland-based company took off his face mask dur- WHO, effective July 6, 2021. He tweeted: “To call ida to hit the grim milestone. community in the Lazio re- uses insect cells to grow synthesised ing a TV interview announc- President Donald Trump Trump’s response to Covid Top infectious disease expert gion surrounding Rome. pieces of the Sars-CoV-2’s “spike pro- ing his test results. has been critical of the WHO’s chaotic and incoherent Anthony Fauci has warned the Lazio’s top health official tein”, which the virus uses to invade He repeated his mantra pandemic response, accus- doesn’t do it justice. country is still “knee-deep” in Alessio D’Amato called it a cells, in order to trigger the human that the “collateral effects” ing it of ignoring early signs of “This won’t protect Ameri- the first coronavirus wave. “veritable viral ‘bomb’ that body’s immune response. of the virus should not be human-to-human transmis- can lives or interests – it But Trump pounced on we’ve defused”. It also uses an “adjuvant”, a com- worse than the illness itself. sion of the deadly virus. leaves Americans sick & that comment on Tuesday, Meanwhile, the head of pound that boosts the production of Since the beginning of the The US is the largest fi- America alone.” saying the US was “in a good the prestigious Royal Soci- neutralising antibodies. virus outbreak, Bolsonaro nancial contributor to the Critics say Trump is seek- place” and adding: “I dis- ety science journal said on In the spring, the company said it has minimised the risks of WHO – which leads the fight ing to deflect criticism from agree with him.” Tuesday that people who had proven the efficacy of a seasonal what he initially called “a lit- on global maladies from po- his own handling of the Experts are still struggling refuse to wear face masks flu vaccine it had developed using tle flu” while resisting wear- lio and measles to mental pandemic, which has killed to understand Covid-19 and during the pandemic should similar technology. ing a mask in public. health – providing $400 mil- nearly 131,000 people in the the WHO said it was open to be stigmatised in the same The amount awarded to Novavax Brazil is a large reason why lion annually. US, by far the highest death new research after scientists manner as drink-drivers. by the US is higher than the $1.2 bil- Latin America and the Ca- Joe Biden, the presump- toll of any nation. lobbied for it to stress that Venki Ramakrishnan lion given to the Oxford University ribbean has now surpassed tive Democratic presidential Officials have said hospitals the virus can spread through said: “If all of us wear one, vaccine that is being developed by three million cases, an AFP nominee, on Tuesday said in some parts of the country the air farther and for longer we protect each other and British-Swedish multinational phar- tally shows. he would immediately re- are in danger of being over- than initially believed. thereby ourselves, reducing maceutical firm AstraZeneca Plc. The region has seen nearly verse the decision and keep whelmed, with many states There have been explo- transmission.” AFP Under Operation Warp Speed, the US is aiming to deliver millions of doses of safe and effective vaccines for Covid-19 next year. Also on Tuesday, the US said it was providing New York-state based Study: Malnutrition costs firms up to $850B Regeneron with $450 million to scale up manufacture of its Covid-19 anti- HUNGER, poor nutrition and obes- “We show that the costs and risks are Report said. Almost a quarter of chil- It also traps households into pov- body treatment. ity not only present a health burden significant and that it is in the interests dren under five are stunted. erty meaning, they have less money The company, which announced in developing countries but carry a of businesses to take action.” Problems that once existed at oppo- to spend as consumers, thus imped- on Monday it was entering late-stage hidden economic penalty that costs The report, which was compiled with site ends of the wealth spectrum are ing the development of a healthy human trials, estimates that it could businesses up to $850 billion per the London-based Vivid Economics increasingly converging in poor and workforce, she added. have between 70,000 and 300,000 year, said a new report published on Ltd consultancy group, defined mal- middle-income countries as popula- The report comes as Philip Alston, treatment doses, with the first avail- Wednesday. nutrition as both undernutrition and tions, households and even individu- the former UN envoy on extreme able by late summer. Researchers said malnutrition overnutrition – encompassing condi- als face a “double burden” of being poverty and human rights, slammed The drug, called REGN-COV2, is reduces the resilience of populations tions from stunting and anaemia to overweight and undernourished. the international community for fos- a combination of two antibodies to risks such as infectious disease being overweight and obese. Wellesley said: “Both obesity and tering a misleading narrative that that block the coronavirus’ spike outbreaks and extreme climate In developing nations where the undernutrition are outcomes of poor global poverty is being eradicated protein. events, as well as causing a reduction prevalence of malnutrition is high, nutrition, and both should be tackled when in fact he said it is rising. Regeneron scientists evaluated in productivity and earnings. researchers estimated that the direct together if we’re to ease the malnutrition He warned that the pandemic is thousands of antibodies harvested With the coronavirus pandemic costs of productivity loss would total burden on companies and societies.” expected to push hundreds of millions from genetically-modified mice with expected to drive millions more into between $130 billion and $850 billion She called for efforts to reduce both into unemployment and poverty while human immune systems and from hunger and poverty, they called for gov- per year. problems, such as paying a fair living increasing the number at risk of acute humans, identifying the two they ernments and businesses alike to focus That is equivalent to between 0.4 wage, subsidising nutritious food for hunger by more than 250 million. found to be most potent, while not on nutrition as part of recovery efforts. per cent and 2.9 per cent of the com- staff, providing breastfeeding sup- “Even before Covid-19, we squan- competing against each other. Lead researcher Laura Wellesley, a bined gross domestic product (GDP) port for mothers and education on dered a decade in the fight against The company uses a multi-anti- senior research fellow at London- of those countries. how to eat healthily. poverty with misplaced triumphalism body strategy to decrease the chanc- based NGO Chatham House, said: The report extrapolated the results The report stressed that action to blocking the very reforms that could es that the virus will mutate in order “While the costs of undernutrition from modelling 19 lower and middle- tackle malnutrition is in businesses’ have prevented the worst impacts of to evade the blocking action of a sin- and overweight/obesity to societies income countries in Asia, Africa, best interests. the pandemic,” Alston said. gle antibody, an approach it detailed and governments are well explored, Central America and Europe. Wellesley said direct costs for com- He criticised the use of the World in a recent study in Science. the costs and risks to companies cre- Around one in nine people globally panies include the reduction in pro- Bank’s international poverty line – Last year, a triple antibody cock- ated by malnutrition in the workforce are hungry or undernourished, while ductivity associated with staff ill- currently $1.90 per day – as “flawed”, tail developed by Regeneron was and the wider community have one in three people are overweight or health and limits to workers’ physical saying it gives a deceptively positive shown to be effective against the remained under the radar. obese, the 2020 Global Nutrition and cognitive capacity. picture. AFP Ebola virus. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 ASEAN Resurgence of cases threatens bids How ASEAN businesses to kick-start Philippine economy can ward off RESURGENCE in coronavi- rus cases is threatening to de- cyber attacks rail efforts by the Philippines to restart an economy that RANSOMWARE attacks have gradu- couldA be headed for its deepest con- ally decreased in number globally, traction in more than three decades. but are fast becoming business-cen- The government has warned that tric, said Moscow-based global tougher restrictions may be restored. cybersecurity company Kaspersky. But it has baulked at imposing the Over three years after the infamous same sweeping, months-long lock- Wannacry ransomware, its costly down it resorted to at the onset of aftermath remains a vivid testimony the pandemic in March. to the damage cybercriminals can do President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokes- by seizing companies’ essential data. man Harry Roque told reporters: “We In the first three months of this really have no alternative because year, Kaspersky’s solutions blocked a our economy has been pushed to the total of 269,204 ransomware attempts edge. All of us need to start working.” against businesses in Southeast Asia The Philippines has seen infections with 20-250 employees. rising again since lockdown curbs Kaspersky general manager for were eased on June 1, topping 2,000 Southeast Asia Yeo Siang Tiong said: in recent days from about 500 when “Globally, we can say that ransomware the lockdown was in effect. Experts reached its peak years ago. It has grad- from the state-run University of the ually decreased in number, however, Philippines said the number could it is fast becoming business-centric. hit 60,000 by the end of the month. “Based on our latest research, one in “It could even hit 70,000,” Profes- three ransomware attacks are now tar- sor Guido David told radio station geting business users. So while the total DZBB on Tuesday. At that rate, he number of ransomware attempts said, cases could leap to 100,000 by detected in the region is 69 per cent the end of next month. lower compared with the same period Also on Tuesday, the Department last year, the risks of SMBs [small and of Health (DoH) reported 1,540 new medium businesses] and enterprises Covid-19 cases, bringing the coun- losing their data and their cash because try’s total to 47,873. It now has the of this threat is ever-present. second-highest number of cases “The good news is that there are in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia. effective ways to protect SMB’s much- The Philippines has seen infections rising again since lockdown curbs were eased on June 1, topping 2,000 in recent days from Health officials said cases are rising about 500 when the lockdown was in effect. AFP needed cash from becoming payments because more people are out and to get their kidnapped data back.” about, with the lockdown lifted. enough beds for Covid-19 patients. libee and Starbucks are struggling as omy to shrink by two per cent to 3.4 Kaspersky’s experts have said before Duterte was set to address the na- “As long as people are not dying, we they cope with rules limiting dining to per cent this year in the wake of the a ransomware attack, businesses tion that day, as about a dozen hos- have enough capacity to provide treat- just a third of their restaurant space. pandemic. should always have fresh back-up cop- pitals reported that all their beds set ment, I will always say we are winning Most firms remain just partly open, The outbreak will cost the economy ies of their files so that they can replace aside for Covid-19 patients are al- against Covid-19,” Roque said. as the bulk of their rank-and-file work- two trillion pesos ($40.4 billion), or them in case they are lost and store ready occupied, and more than 300 He said the government could ers struggle to commute with so few nearly a tenth of gross domestic prod- them not only physically but also in clusters had flared up across Metro- continue reopening the economy. public transport vehicles available. uct (GDP), said the Development cloud storage for greater reliability. politan Manila. Duterte lifted a three-month lock- In a sign of how disruptive the out- Budget Coordination Committee. They should also build a shared “We’ll just have to dance with down on June 1. Since then, the break still is, the government was Massive spending will bloat the sense of responsibility inside the Covid-19,” Roque said. “When you government has allowed offices, forced to shut down the Metro Rail budget deficit to as much as 8.1 per company, explain to employees how have to live with something, you just factories, logistics hubs, malls, res- Transit in Manila, the capital’s main cent of GDP. following simple rules can help a have to dance with it . . . We have to taurants, salons, sports facilities and railway, for at least five days after Roque said responsibility for slow- company avoid ransomware inci- resume our economy and . . . [also] churches to reopen. close to 200 of its employees tested ing the coronavirus’ spread now dents and create employee and oper- protect our people.” Buses, trains, jeepneys, motorised positive for the coronavirus. falls on local governments, which ational control policies that cover He repeated assurances made by rickshaws, taxis and ride-sharing Although Manila’s main airport has may opt for a hard lockdown of aspects of network management and health officials that while more cases vehicles are also back on the road. reopened to international flights, districts, communities or buildings facilities, they said. were being recorded, fewer people But malls are half-empty, as social budget carriers such as Cebu Pacific with Covid-19 cases, and on private They should set up layered security were dying from the coronavirus. distancing and movement restric- and AirAsia Philippines say it is still corporations and each citizen. in everything, install all security Also, nearly all those infected had tions and a lingering fear of the virus not viable to send their planes back “The individual needs to have a big- updates as soon as they become avail- mild symptoms or are asymptomat- keep shoppers away. in the air with so few travellers. ger responsibility,” he said. THE STRAITS able, and use a ransomware tool, they ic, and hospitals still have more than Big chains like fast-food giant Jol- The government expects the econ- TIMES (SINGAPORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK added. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Vietnam calls for ‘drastic measures’ to control dengue DENGUE fever infections could explode province’s Ky Anh town were con- bleeding appeared. With danger- in Vietnam if “drastic measures” to con- firmed to have dengue. ously low blood pressure, patients trol the disease are not taken, the Min- The first reported case was a usually felt very fatigued, pain in the istry of Health has warned. 41-year-old woman who returned liver area, vomiting and drowsiness Since the beginning of this year, den- from Quang Binh province which lasting for 24 to 48 hours. gue fever has been reported in almost also reported cases of dengue. Cap said both complications were all localities in Vietnam, it said. As soon as the outbreak was detect- dangerous to patients. Bleeding By the middle of last month, near- ed, Thanh said, local authorities could be seen easily but other com- ly 30,000 dengue cases had been cleaned the environment and sprayed plications were hard to see. reported in 58 provinces and cities, chemicals to kill mosquitoes and “Finding early warning signals of of which, three people in the prov- residents were examined at the com- complications is very important,” inces of Binh Dinh, Binh Phuoc and mune’s health centre. Cap said, adding that patients must Tay Ninh died of the disease. The health ministry last week asked go to the hospital at once when they Up to this week, 12 provinces and localities to speed up activities to kill see symptoms of bleeding, continu- cities across the country, namely Nghe larvae to once a week in high-risk ously vomiting, severe stomach-ache, An, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua areas where dengue cases were report- unconsciousness, cold hands/feet or Thien-Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, ed and twice a week in areas with a breathing difficulties. Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ben high density of mosquitoes/larvae. People who continued having a Tre, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, As soon as the outbreak was detected, local authorities cleaned the environment and National Hospital for Tropical Dis- high fever after taking medicine reported new dengue cases weekly. sprayed chemicals to kill mosquitoes and residents were examined at the commune’s eases emergency department head should also go to the hospital as soon health centre. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS In the last six months, Hanoi con- Dr Pham Trung Cap said dengue fever as possible, Cap said. firmed 634 dengue cases in 28 out of cases) and Thanh Oai district’s Thanh The central province of Ha Tinh on had two common complications – a On average, Vietnam reports more 30 its districts and 198 out of 579 Thuy commune (44 cases). Monday announced this year’s first out- decrease in platelet counts and dan- than 100,000 dengue cases yearly, communes/wards. The city’s health department said the break of dengue fever in the province. gerously low blood pressure. ministry data show. However, last Hanoi’s major dengue outbreaks number of dengue cases of this year is The province’s Centre for Diseases When a patient suffered from a low year, the number hit 320,331 cases, are Phuc Tho district’s Tam Hiep fewer than that in the same period of Control vice-head Nguyen Chi Thanh level of blood platelets, they would the highest figure in the last 32 commune (182 cases), Thuong Tim last year but in the last few weeks, the said at least six people in Ky Nam not feel fatigued so people easily years, with 53 deaths. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA district’s Khanh Ha commune (48 number has been increasing. commune’s Tan Thanh hamlet in the ignore their symptoms until massive NEWS NETWORK 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Opinion

www.phnompenhpost.com Time to upgrade post-harvest

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng Executive Editor-in-Chief fishery value chains in Kingdom Joshua purushotman developing new business Managing Editor Post Khmer Opinion models and implementing sam Rith UNIDO Deputy Chief of Staff organisational changes to phak seangly absorb short-term shocks, Business Editor HE fisheries sector in and ensure long-term viabili- May Kunmakara Cambodia, including ty and growth. Deputy Business Editor aquaculture, is a sig- Second, mainstreaming sangeetha amarthalingam nificant source of fisheries businesses, specifi- food,T nutrition, employment, cally the informal businesses, Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk pan simala trade, and socio-economic is needed through registra- Senior Reporters benefits. About six million tion and formalisation. In Meas sokchea, Niem Chheng people, or 40 per cent of the this regard, the interventions Reporters population, rely directly or planned under “CAPFish- Khouth sophak Chakrya, Kim sarom, Long indirectly on fisheries for capture: Post-harvest Fisher- Kimmarita, Khorn savi, Hin pisei, soth sustenance and livelihood. ies Development”, a compo- Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, sous Yamy,soung The post-harvest activities nent of CAPFish programme, sovanny, thou Vireak employ an estimated 33,000 is appropriate as a mecha- Photographers people. Women account for nism for transformation and Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea more than 50 per cent of the rebuilding private sector Web Editor total fisheries workforce. fishery businesses. Leang phannara Fish is of great importance Third, investment in sci- Webmasters in the Kingdom and the ence, technology and innova- sous Chanthy, pang Vichea country is heavily reliant on tion activities, particularly SIEM REAP BUREAU its aquatic resources and bio- research and development, is Offi ce Manager diversity for food security a key driver to market and sophearith Blondeel and livelihoods. Cambodia’s product diversification that PRODUCTION & PRINTING Strategic Planning Frame- contributes to overall eco- Fisheries production in the Kingdom is mostly targeting domestic markets, and hence, exports represent a Head of Desktop Publishing work for Fisheries (2015- small proportion. post staff nomic growth. Nhim sokphyrak 2024) calls for the develop- Eng Cheasan, the govern- Desktop Publishing ment of sustainable fisheries cessful in slowing down the short- and long-term impacts during the initial period of ment’s delegate in charge of suon savatdy, Chum sokunthy, Danh Borath and provides the necessary spread of Covid-19. However, during and after the pan- the crisis which recovered Fisheries Administration, tep thoeun thyda, tim Borith, than Veasna guidance to help all stake- the pandemic has caused a demic on the post-harvest slowly later on. agreed with the findings of the holders effectively contribute significant impact on the fish- fisheries sector. The assessment also made assessment. Referring to the HEAD OFFICE to the government’s vision eries sector, particularly on the The assessment concluded recommendations to per- recommendations of the for the future, where the peo- post-harvest fishery operations that Covid-19 had a significant ceive challenges as opportu- assessment, he opined that ple and future generations and its supply chains, a key impact on post-harvest fisher- nities for development and Covid-19 definitely exposed the continue to benefit from source of nutrition and eco- ies businesses in Cambodia by mitigate the impact of Covid- vulnerability of the fishery sup- Post Media Co, Ltd. abundant fisheries resources. nomic support for the people. disrupting the fisheries supply 19 by striking a balance ply chains to pandemics and The Elements Condominium Level 7, The post-harvest fishery In terms of post-harvest fish- chain, both at supply and between the need to main- reiterated further efforts need- Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, activities are currently domi- ery operations, the pandemic demand levels. During the tain production and to ed to build resilient and roust Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom nated by small and micro- crisis quickly put additional study period, fishers and fish ensure consumer food secu- value chains to sustain such Penh, Cambodia scale producers, who are gen- strain on fish supply chains, a farmers experienced sales and rity while protecting the future crises of similar nature. Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 erally running informal and complex web of interactions price drops between 10-50 per health and welfare of the He further stated that the Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 unregistered businesses. Fish- involving value chain actors. cent and 10-20 per cent, actors and workforce. interventions planned under Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 eries production is mostly tar- The impact assessment various development pro- SIEM REAP geting domestic markets, and Future investment in fishery results show that building grammes be adjusted or rein- No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune hence, exports represent a resilience among the busi- forced to prepare the private Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 small proportion. The exports value chain development . . . nesses to future pandemics, sector to be more resilient to COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT mainly consist of unproc- should focus on building mainstreaming fisheries the future crisis of a similar Chief Operating Offi cer essed high-value fish, semi- businesses through formali- nature. He also added that James ong soon teck processed crab meat and pra- resilience among businesses sation, and promoting sci- the ongoing CAPFish-cap- Advertising Department hok, which are limited to a ence, technology, and inno- ture: Post-harvest fisheries Chap Narith, 017 996 241 few destinations including In order to identify possible respectively, during the early vation activities are crucial development project imple- Hun Channet, 017 578 768 China, Vietnam and Thailand. impact of Covid-19 on the time of the crisis. drivers to overall economic mented by the EU and imple- prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 The increase of local demand, post-harvest fishery value Processors of fishery prod- growth of the sector. mented jointly by the UNIDO Keo puthy, 012 966 605 a lack of compliance with chains and help inform future ucts (especially those of high The study also reveals a and the Fisheries Administra- phon sok Chea, 012 717 404 international food safety reg- planning process, a rapid value) intended for export number of challenges faced by Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 tion would focus on upgrad- ulations, and low, competitive assessment of Covid-19 impact and social events reported CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION the fisheries sector, based on ing the private sector busi- advantage of the sector are Acting Distribution Manager on the country’s post-harvest sale drop even up to 90 per which a number of recommen- nesses by providing value thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 among the primary reasons fisheries sector was carried out cent. Wholesalers and traders dations are made to support a chain investment support to Circulation Supervisor for reduced exports. jointly by the UN Industrial seemed to have been hit quick recovery and increase the selected value chains. The Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 The recent Covid-19 pan- Development Organisation hardest among value chain resilience to future crises. aim, he said, is to improve the Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 demic has caused many chal- (UNIDO) and the Fisheries actors due to lower trading First, future investment in production facilities and pro- ADMINISTRATION lenges in the daily lives of peo- Administration of the Ministry volume resulting from the the fishery value chain devel- duce safer fishery products Admin & HR Manager ple in Cambodia. The country of Agriculture, Forestry and decline of both supply and opment through financing for consumers. pich socheat has undergone a testing period Fisheries between April 27 and demand and increased logis- schemes should focus more during the pandemic situation May 10 this year. This article is written by UNIDO, Assistants to Admin & HR Manager tic costs amid the pandemic. on building resilience among Cambodia CAPFish-capture: Post- Nhel soaphea and its economic slowdown. The objective of this rapid The negative impacts were businesses to future pan- harvest Fisheries Development Financial Director The government has been suc- assessment was to assess the felt across the supply chains demics. This may include project (2019-24). Heang tangmeng Chief Accountant sren Vicheka Treasurers sok sophorn, Yon sovannara, Cheam sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager seng Nak, Vong oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Creativity & Innovation

Pann Rethea

N CAMBODIA, where a majority of people are Buddhist, it is rare to find a household without re- Iligious memorabilia. A token with a picture of Buddha is believed to bring peace and happiness to its keeper. The belief in positive ener- gy from religious symbols has kept one local couple busy making souvenirs by printing Buddha pictures accompa- nied by Khmer Pali script on skeleton Bo leaves. Bo trees, known as Bodhi or Pippala trees in India and Orders Nepal, represent spiritual awakening in Buddhism. It was under a Bo tree that Sid- dhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha, flock for attained enlightenment. The idea to make souvenirs from the leaves was hatched two months ago when Sin Kunthea took a break from her Buddha work and found a YouTube video about how to make skel- eton leaves from plants. The former human resource officer and her husband tried prints on making skeleton leaves from Bo trees with pictures of Buddha. The 26-year-old Kunthea says: “Initially, I brought some Bo leaves green leaves from a Bo tree af- ter I had watched a few You- Tube videos posted by YouTu- Bo trees, also known as Bodhi trees, represent spiritual awakening in Buddhism. It was under a Bo tree that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became Buddha. supplied bers from other countries. “Seeing the result of the pic- sized leaves that are naturally work gently to remove the leaf in retail shops. I only accept “As more people got to she needs time to study reli- ture on the skeleton leaf, my heart-shaped and in good lamina,” Kunthea says. large orders from wholesal- know about the leaves I make, gious printings because she neighbours were interested condition,” she says. At Kunthea’s workshop, she ers. They have to inform us I didn’t have to sell them doesn’t come from a religious and requested that I make 10 While other people spend a offers three designs of Buddha at least 10 days in advance to one by one. I sold them in arts discipline. or 20 more Buddha-picture few weeks to make skeleton pictures along with Khmer Pali give us enough time to pre- large quantities to dealers in She says she wants to keep printings on skeleton leaves leaves by soaking them in wa- script. The designs are avail- pare the leaves for printing.” Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and her style to reflect traditional so that they can share them ter until the pulp of the leaves able in a gold or silver shade. “People who buy the Bud- Battambang [provinces].” Khmer art forms. If just any- with their relatives.” falls out by itself, Kunthea “After we print the dried dha-printed leaves from me Because everything is hand- one makes religious tokens It turned out to have a rip- adopted a technique to make leaves, we put them in thermal believe they bring them hap- made, Kunthea admitted that however they like, they will ple effect as more and more them quicker. laminator pouches to protect piness, calmness, tranquillity she cannot mass-produce the likely be criticised. people started asking her for “They are left to dry under them from breaking. The leaves and harmony. skeleton leaves for the reli- Kunthea says: “Some peo- the leaves. the sun for a few days before are used as religious protective “Some people even take the gious souvenir market. With ple have even suggested that “I got a lot of inquiries. the leaf’s lamina is gently re- charms or decoration. leaves to pagodas for monks the help of her family, one I make something bigger, like People really like and respect moved. The process requires “People who keep them can to bless before they hang hundred Buddha-printed a big painting on a leaf. My the religious printings on the skill and patience so that leaves be sure that the leaves are un- them in their cars, tuk-tuks, leaves take about three to husband and I are spending leaves. Then my husband and will have complete midribs breakable in the protective houses or put them in their four days to make. time learning more about I decided that we should focus and veins,” Kunthea says. thermal laminator pouches,” handbags. Some people buy “I also need help from a few new designs on skeleton on selling them,” she says. Out of 100 leaves, about 30 she says. them as gifts for their rela- people to make it on time. The leaves. Hopefully, we’ll soon Kunthea, who is from Svay to 40 of them create perfect They started their online tives, especially elderly ones.” final product has a wholesale be able to provide more op- Rieng province now prints the full skeletons after the lamina business in Phnom Penh and Within two months, price starting at $2.50 each,” tions for our customers.” leaves at her house in Meanchey removal. soon after, expanded by sell- Kunthea made more than she says. Those who are interested commune in Phnom Penh. “Sadly, we have to let go of ing through wholesalers in 1,000 skeleton leaves with People have asked her to de- in the art of Buddha print- She began by collecting about 60 to 70 per cent of the Battambang and Siem Reap Buddha pictures. “I have sold sign different pictures on the ings on Bo skeleton leaves fresh green Bo leaves measur- leaves during this process. provinces. around 1,300 leaves and re- skeleton leaves so they will can contact Sin Kunthea by ing 8cm by 10cm. Some of them are torn or Kunthea says: “Now I no ceived a lot of good feedback have a wider range to choose phone: 096 712 80 90 and 071 “We only use the right- broken even though we try to longer sell the artistic leaves from my clients, she says. from. However, Kunthea says 593 1417.

Sin Kunthea estimates that she loses 60 to 70 per cent of her leaves during the depulping process. supplied Kunthea adheres to traditional Khmer art forms while deciding on designs for her leaves. supplied 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle New Zimbabwe cigars: Thinking caps ‘Smoke that thunders’ ZIMBABWEAN en- trepreneur in Afri- ca’s top tobacco pro- ducer has launched theA first local brand of hand- rolled cigars, defying corona- virus and economic odds to light up manufacturing. The southern African na- tion produced more than 252 million kg of tobacco last year, making it the sixth largest pro- ducer in the world. Nearly all of it is the “golden- leaf” Virginia used for ciga- rettes and most of that is ex- ported to China, Germany and other international markets. Upon returning last year to his homeland after 15 years working in the United States, Shep Mafundikwa was deter- mined to start a business that would “benefit” Zimbabwe. Elias Lopez, a cigar-making maestro from the Dominican Republic, was “Though I am not a smoker, instrumental in the founding of Mosi Oa Tunya Cigars. afp I noticed a preponderance of cigar lounges across the United a day they should roll when gar aficionados. States and decided I’d try to cor- they have the experience,” He was enthusiastic about ner some of that market,” said said Lopez, whose eventual Mosi Oa Tunya and said he Mafundikwa, 54, who worked target is 2,000 cigars per day. plans to stock the brand once for an American airline. Mafundikwa deliberately his restaurant – shuttered by He started with trips to recruited an all-female rolling coronavirus – reopens. Cuba and the Dominican Re- team to “empower women” “Refined taste and aroma public, both premium cigar and “provide them with an without being too strong,” producers, where he recruit- income”. Mubi exclaimed, pointing to ed Dominican cigar-rolling Zimbabwe’s economy has the finger of ash clumped be- “SMARTER THAN NOT” maestro Elias Lopez. been crippled by years of mis- yond the cigar’s burning tip – The pair selected air-cured management and corruption a sign of “good quality”. ACROSS 51 Stake-driving hammer 23 Whirring sound Burley tobacco, a darker variety under the late ex-president Gun shop owner Preemesh 1 Closure for loose clothing 53 ___ on (put trust in) 24 Peevish states that accounts for a small per- Robert Mugabe that forced Mohan Doolabh considers Zim- 5 Movie theater yell 55 Tilted 26 Automaton of Jewish legend centage of local production. millions to leave the country. babwean cigars to be of similar 10 Coin hole 58 Like porridge or granola 27 It lures people to the kitchen In May, Mafundikwa launched Galloping inflation has quality to Cuban brands. 14 Eye lasciviously 62 Tooth-cleaning product’s claim 28 Tree worshiper Mosi Oa Tunya Cigars – the local wiped out savings and caused “If you blindfolded me 15 Make up for, as sins 65 Fifties audiophile’s purchase 30 Poe’s doomed house Lozi name for the Victoria Falls, most companies to collapse and made me smoke both, 16 Well-drawn character? 66 A fine playing marble 32 Went the wrong way which translates to “the smoke or relocate. I wouldn’t be able to tell the 17 Traveling at 186,500 miles per 67 Heavy burden 33 Skier’s quarters that thunders”. Manufacturing is limited difference,” he said. second 68 Oil cartel letters 34 Household antiseptic brand and more than 80 per cent of As the brand seems to have 20 Add bells and whistles 69 Did a cobbler’s job 37 Fleshy-snouted beast 70 Big name in elevators 40 Striking in appearance Against all odds Zimbabweans are out of work. passed muster at home, Ma- 21 Baltimore’s nine 22 Celestial spheres DOWN 41 Shade of green “It was like building a house “I was unemployed but can fundikwa is eyeing new mar- 1 Place for lost change 42 Rejoice in from scratch,” Mafundikwa now support my family,” said kets abroad, where he will 25 Show gloominess 26 ___ about (wander) 2 “By gosh!” 47 Long, heavy hair recalled. “Though I had settled go up against the Cuban and cigar roller Gamuchirai Chiba- 29 Japanese aborigine 3 As well 48 Buddhist sermons on hand-rolled cigars there ya. “We all see a future here.” Dominican brands that in- 31 Make a second account 4 The first “M” in M-G-M 52 Set free was still equipment needed.” spired him. 5 “A Bridge Too ___” 54 Web company ‘Ready’ for export 35 Bobby, Bruins’ #4 One of the first setbacks was Mosi Oa Tunya also has 36 ___ for the mill 6 Giant legend “Master Melvin” 55 Liner or tanker the brittle nature of Zimba- Mosi Oa Tunya cigars come African brands to compete 38 ___ weight (precious metal 7 Silver salmon 56 Term for some judges bwe’s tobacco, which forced in different sizes, prices and against: Morocco’s Habanos, measurement) 8 Divest of munitions 57 Indian dish made with stewed Mafundikwa to import spe- flavours that send wafts of which is seeking to expand 39 How actions speak? 9 Fourth-year student legumes (var.) cial wrappers. cherry and vanilla across the to the US, and another new 43 Abu Dhabi dignitary 10 Small dagger 59 Add a little color to When the coronavirus hit factory. southern African manufac- 44 Art photo shade 11 Opera house box 60 Vanity case for milady Zimbabwe in March, progress Mafundikwa said he was turer – Mozambique’s Bon- 45 This may be inflated 12 ___ and aahs 61 Costner role 13 Dangerous stick 62 One of the five W’s was delayed for weeks by a targeting both seasoned and gani luxury cigars. 46 Titles for chairwomen 18 Make enemies of 63 Donned the feedbag country-wide lockdown. novice smokers. Mafundikwa is confident 49 Lunar valley 50 ___ Monte (food giant) 19 Carefree gait 64 “Waking ___ Devine” (1998 film) Mosi Oa Tunya eventually “The idea [of smaller size] is Mosi Oa Tunya is up to the opened in May and Lopez to provide an option for those challenge. has since been teaching sev- who cannot afford to buy the “It will be fantastic for Zim- Wednesday’s solution en Zimbabwean women the cigars,” he added. babwe to start earning some craft of rolling cigars. Restaurant-owner Peter foreign currency from value- “They are rolling about half Mubi is a member of Zimba- added Burley tobacco,” he of the more than 200 cigars bwe’s small community of ci- said. afp

Wednesday’s solution

A woman rolls and cuts tobacco leaves at Zimbabwe’s first cigar manufacturing plant. afp THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Mason Greenwood is Man Utd’s new baby-faced assassin ANCHESTER United have spent more than £1 billion ($1.2 Mbillion) on new players over the past nine years but the Red Devils latest revival owes much to a home-grown superstar in 18-year-old academy gradu- ate Mason Greenwood. The young forward was the star of the show as United Ganguly is rumoured to be in the running for the post of ICC chairman. afp scored five goals in the Premier League at Old Trafford for the first time since 2011 against India’s cricket boss Bournemouth at the weekend. Greenwood smashed high into the Bournemouth net, Ganguly opposes first with his left foot and then with his right as free-flowing four-day Test plan United won 5-2 in a style rare- ly seen since Alex Ferguson’s INDIA’S cricket chief Sourav need to tinker with those five- retirement in 2013. Ganguly has come out against day Test matches. And for me In his first season with the first playing four-day Tests, pro- Test matches are the toughest team, Greenwood has scored posed by the world govern- and the best form of cricket.” 15 goals despite making just 18 ing body as a way to squeeze Ganguly, who is rumoured starts in all competitions. more cricket into a packed to be in the running for the United boss Ole Gunnar calendar. post of ICC chairman, backs Solskjaer, who earned the tag In his first season with Manchester United’s first team, Mason Greenwood has scored 15 goals despite making just 18 starts in all competitions. Pool/afp The International Cricket other innovations, however, “baby-faced assassin” for his Council has floated the idea including day-night Tests. finishing prowess as a player But far from seeing their mo- an average of just 21, United’s ond time in his career prior to of reducing matches in the India, who refused to play a at Old Trafford, rates the club’s mentum slowed, the manner front three have the potential the Covid-19 outbreak. Now, World Test Championship by Test under floodlights in Aus- latest prodigy as “one of the in which Solskjaer’s men have to bring back the glory days of with finances tighter across one day from 2023, but Gan- tralia in 2018, joined the pink best – if not the best – finisher I returned has raised hopes the Ferguson era in the com- European football, it is unlike- guly said officials should not ball party against Bangladesh have worked with and seen”. they could even mount a title ing years. ly interest from Real Madrid “tinker” with what he calls the in Kolkata last year. Greenwood’s second against challenge to Liverpool and “He’s always eager to learn will materialise this summer. best form of cricket. The final Test of a two- Bournemouth was particularly Manchester City next season. and he reminds me, mentality- For the first time in his second Four-day Tests have been match series attracted packed eye-catching as he spun onto Greenwood did not let the wise, of how I was when I was spell at United, Pogba’s role in the tried in one-off games be- crowds at Eden Gardens de- his supposedly weaker right lockdown period go to waste younger,” said Rashford. “If you midfield suits his skill-set, with tween South Africa and Zim- spite the Test lasting less than foot before crashing the ball as he reportedly gained 3kg of keep learning, there’s no limit Nemanja Matic providing the babwe and England against three whole days. India won with such speed that Aaron muscle mass. to what you can become.” platform for the French World Ireland, but the Board of the series 2-0. Ramsdale could not keep it out “Mason is looking more and United’s immediate future Cup winner and Fernandes to Control for Cricket in India “Day-night cricket, one despite getting a hand to it. more like a man,” said Solskjaer is focused on securing a re- share the creative burden. is among a growing list of Test a series is important, “It’s freakish,” said former prior to the season’s restart. turn to Champions League “We know that they [Rash- critics. because cricket needs every- United striker Andy Cole. “He It has shown on the field as football, with a trip to relega- ford, Martial and Green- “I am not a big fan of four- one back,” said the former can go either side and you the teenager has started three tion-threatened Aston Villa wood] can score goals, we day cricket because I feel lot India captain. know he’s going to produce consecutive Premier League next up on Thursday. know that they’ve got pace, of Test matches will not fin- “We played that pink Test that kind of quality.” games for the first time, dur- The swagger and speed with energy, they’re youthful, ish,” Ganguly, who turned 48 in Kolkata, I don’t think if it ing which United have scored which United have played they’ll learn, they’ll im- on Wednesday, said in an on- was a normal India-Bangla- ‘More like a man’ 11 goals. in the past three games has prove,” added Solskjaer. line chat hosted by the BCCI. desh Test match we would Revitalised by the January Marcus Rashford and An- come, significantly, in the only “With the players that we “When you have four days have one tenth of the people,” signing of Bruno Fernandes, thony Martial’s goals against three matches Fernandes and have that can provide the pass- the approach is different,” he he said, noting that 150,000 United were in fine form be- Bournemouth took them to Pogba have started together. es with Paul and Bruno, the said. people attended over three fore football’s three-month the 20-goal mark in the sea- Pogba seemed destined to creativity that we’ve got in the “I really feel that there is no days played. afp coronavirus shutdown. son for the first time and with leave Old Trafford for the sec- team now is exciting.” afp Adam Silver: ‘Significant’ virus spread could thwart NBA restart NBA commissioner Adam tive for the coronavirus. Silver reiterated Tuesday The season is set to resume that a “significant spread” of on July 30 with 22 teams jock- coronavirus could burst the eying for a spot in the 16-team league’s safety “bubble” and playoffs that start August 17. cause a second shutdown of All games will be held at the the season. ESPN Sports Complex at Walt Silver said he fully expects Disney World in Orlando, some players who gather in where players will stay in a Florida to resume the sus- quarantine environment. pended season will test posi- Coronavirus testing and tive for coronavirus, especially contact tracing measures as teams first arrive in Orlando will be in place, which Silver from their home markets. hopes will make the cam- But he said fresh outbreaks pus safe for players and NBA after players go through personnel despite the rise in quarantine procedures could Covid-19 cases in Florida. prove more damaging. “We can analyse the virus “Certainly, if we had any sort itself and try to track wheth- of a significant spread at all er, if there’s more than one within our campus, we would case, if it’s in essence the be shut down again,” Silver same virus, the same genetic said at Fortune’s virtual Brain- variation of the virus that storm Health conference. has passed from one player “It would be concerning if to another,” Silver said. once [the players] sit through “This should work,” he said. our quarantine period, and “But again, this virus has then were to test positive, we humbled many, so I am not would know that, in essence, going to express any higher there’s a hole in our bubble.” level of confidence than we The NBA halted play on are following the protocols March 11 after Utah Jazz cen- and we hope it works as we All games will be held at the ESPN Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, where players will stay in a quarantine environment. getty images/afp tre Rudy Gobert tested posi- designed it.” afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST july 9, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Virus alarms linger on as MLS returns AJOR League Soc- claimed more than 133,000 cer (MLS) returns lives in the US alone. from its corona- On Monday, FC Dallas were virus shutdown abruptly withdrawn from the Mon Wednesday when Orlando tournament after it emerged City take on Inter Miami in the 10 players and a technical as- opening game of a comeback sistant with the team had all tournament which has been tested positive for coronavirus. disrupted by team and player That development was fol- withdrawals. lowed by confirmation of an- Four months after the other cluster of cases inside league was forced to suspend the Nashville SC camp since its season as the Covid-19 their arrival in Orlando. pandemic swept across North Five Nashville players have America, 25 MLS teams are tested positive for the dis- in Orlando, Florida for the ease while four other players league’s month-long “MLS is face further testing. Nash- Back” competition. ville’s opening game of the Like the NBA, MLS chiefs tournament – scheduled for elected to launch the league’s Wednesday against Chicago return to competition in- Fire – has been postponed. side a protective “bubble” at Meanwhile, player unease Major League Soccer is returning from its coronavirus shutdown four months after the US league was forced to suspend its season. AFP ESPN’s Wide World of Sports about playing in Florida – Complex at Disney World in where Covid-19 cases have ESPN’s SportsCenter on Mon- accordance with our proto- While the vast majority of fact there are multiple others Orlando, Florida. exploded in recent weeks – day, insisting that the league cols – they’re wearing masks, MLS players have travelled to at #MLSisBack that are as well Games will take place with- was reflected in the decision was in a “pretty good spot” de- they’re socially distancing. Orlando, there remains unease – including other players on out spectators, while players of Los Angeles FC star Carlos spite the withdrawal of Dallas. They’re managing their lives among some participants. their way here. This is serious.” and coaches will be required Vela to skip the event. “We have 550 players that in a bubble.” Columbus goalkeeper Matt Inter Miami midfielder Wil to adhere to strict safety pro- Mexico international Vela, have already been tested Garber however signalled Lampson has travelled de- Trapp said learning of other tocols designed to mitigate the the reigning league Most and 13 of them have tested that the league would not spite being a cancer survivor players being infected with risk posed by the coronavirus. Valuable Player, is remaining positive,” Garber told ESPN. hesitate to halt the restart if who could be particularly at Covid-19 had been unsettling. Yet a troubled build-up has in California to be with his “Right now it’s an extremely Covid-19 cases made it too risk if infected with Covid-19. “It’s certainly something highlighted the complexities of pregnant wife. low percentage. The players dangerous to continue. “For everyone in the ‘These that we’ve abruptly been faced organising a sporting compe- that are there [in Orlando] “We’re going to make the are pro athletes. There is no with,” Trapp said. “We’re play- tition featuring multiple teams ‘Players are safe’ are safe, they’re comfortable, right decisions as it relates to risk. Nothing happens to them ers who want to play, that’s one from Canada and the United MLS commissioner Don they’re training, they’re eat- the health and safety of our if they get the virus’ camp – I part of it, but we’re also hu- States against the backdrop of Garber however struck a bull- ing, they’re recreating. players,” Garber said. “And right am high risk,” Lampson wrote man beings and this is bigger a pandemic which so far has ish tone in an interview with “They’re doing the things in now the protocol is working.” on Twitter. And I know for a at times than sports.” AFP Australian snowboard champion ‘Chumpy’ Pullin passes away at 32 TWO-time world snowboard- the 2014 Sochi Winter Olym- day for us all,” said Ian Ches- pion athlete. He had great ing champion Alex “Chumpy” pics, was found unrespon- terman, the Australian chef charisma that allowed him to Pullin died on Wednesday sive on the ocean floor while de mission at the Vancouver be a natural leader. aged 32, reportedly while spearfishing on the Gold (2010), Sochi (2014) and Pyeo- “He was always prepared to spearfishing off the Australian Coast in Queensland, appar- ngchang (2018) Winter Olym- give his time to build winter coast, Olympic officials said. ently after losing conscious- pics, where Pullin competed. sport in this country because Pullin, who was the Aus- ness, local press reports said. “Chumpy was a champion he was so passionate about tralian team flag bearer at “This is an incredibly sad bloke as well as being a cham- what he did. His enthusiasm Rafael Nadal won the 2019 US Open but could miss it this year. afp was infectious and his impact on Olympic sport can’t be overstated.” Nadal to play Madrid, Pullin twice won world championship gold in the snowboard cross and took could bypass US Open part in three winter Olympics, with sixth in Pyeongchang his RAFAEL Nadal said on Tues- friend Rafael Nadal who con- best result. day that he will take part in the firmed his participation in Olympic Winter Institute of Madrid Open, raising doubts Madrid in September. As al- Australia chief Geoff Lipshut about whether he intends to ways, we await you with open called him “Australia’s great defend his title at the US Open. arms in the Caja Magica!” snowboard male pioneer”. The US Open, whose fate Nadal answered: “That’s Along with his love of the still hangs in the balance, is right Feli. See you in Septem- snow, Pullin was a keen scheduled to run from August ber in Madrid. Meanwhile ev- spearfisherman and diving 31 to September 13 on the hard erything is going well!” enthusiast. courts of New York while the The United States has seen A fortnight ago, he posted a main draw at the Madrid event a sharp resurgence of new picture of himself spearfish- on clay starts on September 14. coronavirus cases, leading to ing on Instagram. Madrid will serve as a war- fresh doubts about whether “Unreal day in the ocean!,” mup for the rescheduled French the US Open will take place. he said. “Whales singing Open, the claycourt Grand Slam Leading players, including & breaching all around us, that begins on September 20. world No3 Dominic Thiem, hanging with great people, The Madrid tournament have said they expect a deci- plus bringing home plenty of director Feliciano Lopez sion from US Open organis- Two-time world snowboarding champion Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin died while spearfishing in Australia. AFp fish for the week.” AFP tweeted: “I have spoken to my ers this week. AFP