monday, februaRy 1, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3596 / 4000 RIEL ABC: No shortage in capital for lending

May Kunmakara and are all the more impera- foreign sources of funding. He said: “As part of govern- “On the other hand is the tive during the Covid-19 epi- Through the National Bank of ment regulatory easing meas- capital conservation buffer, CAMBODIA’s financial sector demic, he said at a meeting on Cambodia (NBC) as the regula- ures for the banking sectors, which was implemented in will not face a shortage of cash this year’s work implementa- tor, he said the government has the capital reserve require- 2020 by the NBC, resulting in to lend to local enterprises and tion strategy for the financial introduced effective and up-to- ment was reduced from 12 to billions in extra usable funds.” accelerate business anytime sector held in Siem Reap prov- date legal mitigation measures seven per cent. He laid special emphasis on UN expert smith soon, according to Association ince on January 29. that ensure sufficient capital for “It is very important that we the reduction of withholding tax of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) Channy, who is also presi- operators in the sector and have our freed-up cash for on interest payable on foreign unveils three president In Channy. dent and CEO of ACLEDA Bank makes it easier for them to additional use – amounting to loans, which he said afforded Local businesses are a vital Plc, explained that the sector is obtain loans from foreign sourc- billions of dollars incorporated potential picks engine of economic growth, still welcomed by domestic and es than in the year-ago period. into growth in 2020. Continued – page 6 for successor national – page 2 UK offers citizenship path to HK residents A NEW visa scheme offering almost three million Hong Kongers a pathway to Brit- logistics, digital ish citizenship went live on January 31. marketing pact The new visa allows those with British National Over- penned to shore seas (BNO) status and their eligible family members to up local wares go to the UK to live, study business – page 7 and work. As with other visas, after five years in the UK, they will be able to apply for settlement, fol- lowed by British citizenship after a further 12 months. This comes as China and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognise the BNO passport as a valid travel document or proof of identity from January 31. China opposes the UK move, and reserves the right Thousands to take further action, accord- Warehouse inferno ing to foreign ministry rally against spokesman Zhao Lijian. “The Two men died in a fire that broke out at a warehouse belonging to the Long Phuong Cambodia & Asia Co Ltd located in Boeung Keng Kang district’s Tuol Svay Prey I commune on the morning of Friday. NATIONAL POLICE sTORY > 3 UK is trying to turn large france’s new amounts of Hong Kong resi- dents into second-class citi- security law zens of the country and has WORLD – Page 9 already completely changed the nature of the BNO.” BNO passport holders previously had only limited Ancient statues to be rights to visit the UK for up to six months, and no right to work or settle. Zhao said the UK move infringes on China’s sover- returned to Kingdom eignty, interferes in Hong Kong affairs as well as Chi- Niem Chheng bodia after three years of home in Bangkok, Thailand, these artefacts will be catalogued na’s internal affairs, and negotiations, according to a which was itself heavily deco- and then exhibited in Phnom violates the international HE family of Douglas press release dated January 29 rated with Khmer artefacts. Penh at the National Museum. laws and basic rules govern- a Self-taught Latchford – the con- from the Ministry of Culture According to the culture The return of these artefacts ing international relations. troversial art dealer and Fine Arts. ministry, these master works will take place gradually. The A Hong Kong government father raises famous for collecting The decision to hand over date from as far back as the first phase will see five items spokesman said that while andT preserving Cambodian the artefacts culminated in sixth century CE all the way delivered, including a stone the UK may be in “dire need” four sculptor artefacts who passed away in the signing of an agreement up to the post-Angkor period sculpture of Shiva and Skan- of talent and capital, it August last year – has decided by the negotiators and Latch- and include Khmer treasures da from Koh Ker and a bronze should not have made use sons in Kandal to return over 100 Khmer cul- ford’s family on September from the former royal cities of ship’s figurehead. of the BNO passport as a tural objects in stone, bronze 18, 2020, less than a month Koh Ker and the Angkor area. “political weapon”. CHINA DAILY/ lifestyle – page 12 and other mediums to Cam- after Latchford’s death at his Upon arrival in Cambodia, Continued – page 3 ASIA NEWS NETWORK

THE PHNOM PENH POST Ministries urge safe handling of National poultry to avoid bird flu spread Inside page 3 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Candidates vetted to replace Complaint accuses officer of threatening UN human rights rapporteur woman at gunpoint

Niem Chheng responsive to the needs of the Voun Dara and then kill me in the car.” people and the whole Cam- She said she was driven to HONA Smith, the bodian nation,” he said, refer- TWO senior officers at the Chamkar Chek village in Treng departing UN Spe- ring to the confluence of fac- Ministry of National Defence Trayoeng commune of Kam- cial Rapporteur for tors like history, the economy, have been summoned to ap- pong Speu province’s Phnom Human Rights in society, culture and politics. pear in court in connection to Sruoch district. Cambodia,R has revealed three “No human rights situation charges of aggravated assault “Soy Chansoeurn confined potential candidates to fill in any country is perfect and and illegal confinement. me in the house of his accom- her position, while govern- ... implementation varies in Kampong Speu provincial plice Srey Sambath until 7pm ment officials expect Smith’s accordance with the context court deputy prosecutor Khai on January 22 when police in- successor to follow her path of one society or another so- Samphors issued separate tervened to release me and take and work professionally. ciety,” he said. summonses on January 26 me to hospital,” she claimed. In a Facebook post on Janu- Malin praised Smith for per- and 27 for Major General Soy Her complaint sought pros- ary 29, Smith said the UN forming her work relatively well. Chansoeurn, deputy head of ecution of the two for crimi- Human Rights Council had He said Smith was able to do the Development Office at nal offences as well as seek- announced the shortlist of so because she had worked in the defence ministry’s Gener- ing a civil settlement in which candidates while the Consul- Cambodia prior to accepting al Command Headquarters, she has sued them for $1 mil- tative Group, which is com- the role as a special rapporteur and an assistant Srey Sam- lion for treatment costs and prised of representatives of and that during her mandate bath, as an accomplice. $1 million in damages. member states, had now com- her cooperative efforts were Sambath is due to appear Neither Chansoeurn nor pleted interviews with them. welcomed from all of the lead- in court on February 8, and defence ministry spokesman The three candidates are ing institutions in Cambodia. Chansoeurn is due to appear Chhum Socheat could be Vitit Muntarbhorn from Thai- Malin said her reports dealt on February 15. reached for comment. land, Urmila Bhoola from with Cambodia’s challenging The summons were issued Thong Solimo, spokesman Outgoing UN Special Rapporteur Rhona Smith. HENG CHIVOAN South Africa and Catherine problems while also recog- following a complaint on Jan- for the General Command Morris from Canada. over 30 years experience as al human rights laws, principles nising Cambodia’s positive uary 24 by Duong Hemalis, a Headquarters, said on Janu- “This recommendation is well. She is currently Act- and standards [in a way that is] achievements. 41-year-old merchant wom- ary 31 that the defence min- now with the Human Rights ing Judge of the High Court binding on Cambodia,” she Cambodian Institute for an. Hemalis stated that at istry was waiting for results Council President who is con- of South Africa and a former wrote on her application form. Democracy president Pa 10am on January 22, she got from the provincial court in sulting with regional groups Judge of the Labour Court. Cambodian Human Rights Chanroeun agreed that Smith into a car with Chansoeurn at Chansoeurn’s case. If he is of states to secure consensus. She used to work on vari- Committee (CHRC) spokes- had performed her work well the Takhmao roundabout in convicted, the ministry will In late March, the Council ous human rights issues in man Chin Malin said he as- although the human rights Kandal province, after which take disciplinary action. will decide who is appointed. Cambodia such as defending sumed that a new human situation in Cambodia, he he proceeded to attack her. “Soy Chansoeurn is also un- That person will take over on labour rights and supporting rights special rapporteur will said, had deteriorated some- Hemalis accused: “Soy der the purview of the army. May 1, 2021,” she said. the campaign for the release continue to cooperate pro- what since 2017. Chansoeurn beat me up and This case is under the juris- According to the UN Human of Boeung Kak Lake land ac- ductively with all relevant He said Smith was always threatened me at gunpoint not diction of the court, and the Rights Council website, the tivist Yorm Bopha. parties. Smith’s successor, he willing to meet for talks with to scream. Chansoeurn also army will wait for the court to three finalists were selected Morris of Canada focused said, should make reports and CSOs, political parties, ordinary threatened to shoot my legs take action first,” he said. from a pool of nine applicants. her PhD studies on inter- analyses regarding the hu- people and the government. On his application, Vitit of national human rights and man rights situation in Cam- He noted that the next special Thailand said he had studied dispute resolution, and her bodia in a fair and impartial rapporteur would face more and worked in various as- thesis examined conflicts and manner in order to maintain challenges than Smith did if pects of the law and human human rights in Cambodia. a good working relationship the political situation in Cam- rights, both within the UN She has designed and con- with the government, civil bodia remained unchanged framework and with other in- ducted courses and work- society organisations (CSOs) within one or two years. ternational organisations. shops on negotiation, alter- and opposition groups. “The job ahead of this [next] He previously served as the native dispute resolution, “We also expect that their special tapporteur will require firstU N Special Rapporteur for conflict management and research, analysis and reports a person who has know-how Human Rights in North Korea. peace building in countries will focus on practical steps and skills in the area of ef- “I have some 30 years of ex- on five continents. that can be taken in a Cam- fective advocacy using coor- perience internationally and Morris first visited and worked bodian context rather than dinated action. They should I have been familiar with the in Cambodia back in 1995. solely on philosophical theo- study the human rights situ- Cambodian human rights sit- “I [would] seek to maintain ries and principles. A special ation and democratic process uation since 1979 when I first an impartial focus on build- rappoteur should learn about in Cambodia deeply and use encountered many Cambo- ing positive relationships with Cambodia’s situation and un- their office and their powers dian refugees,” he wrote. people in all sectors to work derstand it clearly. strategically and only make Bhoola of South Africa is towards encouragement of the “This will make their re- challenges that will ultimately Major General Soy Chansoeurn was summoned to appear in court on a human rights lawyer with implementation of internation- ports and recommendations be effective,” he said. charges of aggravated assault and illegal confinement. facebook Youth apply for digital tech scholarships Orm Bunthoeurn four-year scholarship worth research institute has offered digital technologies in accord- $17,000, including a $120 special scholarships aimed at ance with the Hun Sen’s wishes OVER 2,000 young people have monthly stipend and a note- enhancing human resources in to develop outstanding human applied for a “Techo Digital Tal- book computer. the field of digital technology resources to participate in ent Scholarship” (TDTS) for a “This scholarship will be under the prime minister’s building the nation. Digital Technology Bachelor’s given to outstanding students attention to encourage out- Candidates who want to Degree from the Digital Tech- to study at DTAC, a leading standing young Cambodians. apply can register on the web- nology Academy of Cambodia state research and education Young people will learn dig- site at: www.niptict.edu.kh/ (DTAC) after Prime Minister institution for training in dig- ital skills to become future apply. For detailed informa- Hun Sen decided to provide ital technology skills, for Bach- leaders in the field while the tion, DTAC may be contacted scholarships to 100 students. elor degrees in Telecoms and country builds its digital econ- by phone at 010 340 000, or by According to a press release Networking, Computer Sci- omy and develops fourth gen- email at: [email protected]. dated January 29, the DTAC ence and e-Commerce,” the eration industries. Ministry of Education spokes- received applications from 2,207 press release stated. According to Ministry of man Ros Soveacha said that candidates, including 834 women. It noted that this is the first Posts and Telecommunication, studying digital technologies Each winner will receive a time in Cambodia that a public students are welcome to apply contributes to the development to study this curriculum at the of education in the Kingdom as DTAC through February 14. well its digital economy. Eligible students are required “Learning about digital tech- to have a high school diploma nology is part of the ministry’s in science and must complete policy for advancing education a multiple choice exam on the in the fields of STEM (science, subjects of mathematics, phys- technology, engineering, and ics, logic and English. mathematics) to strengthen the The ministry said the DTAC development of Cambodia’s curriculum includes technical digital economy,” he said. and soft skills, entrepreneur- He added that online learn- ship and leadership as well as ing and teaching mechanisms two internships. Graduates will are also part of the ministry’s be prepared with knowledge Education Strategic Plan 2019 Students receive training on Friday. TElecoms Ministry and skills to become leaders in to 2023. THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National​ Warehouse fire Ministries urge safe handling of kills two men, damages goods WO men died in a fire that broke poultry to prevent bird flu spread out at a warehouse belonging to Tthe Long Phuong Cambodia & Asia Mom Kunthear Co Ltd located in Boeung Keng Kang district’s Tuol Svay Prey I commune, on N PREPARATION for the lunar the morning of January 29, according to new year this month, the Ministry reports by the Phnom Penh municipal fire of Health and the Ministry of Agri- prevention department on January 31. culture, Forestry and Fisheries Phnom Penh municipal fire prevention haveI called for hygienic practices and department director Prom Yorn told The sanitary inspections for the transporta- Post that firefighters found two male tion of poultry and pigs to prevent the workers, Soy Dara, 27, and Vann, 32, had spread of any instances of bird flu. died in the inferno. Health minister Mam Bunheng “According to our preliminary inves- issued a reminder to all people in tigation, the two victims may have died Cambodia to protect themselves from smoke inhalation since the fire from contagious pathogens during began while they were asleep,” Yorn said. the traditional gatherings. Witnesses near the scene claimed that “I would like to remind all people to before the flames became visible they be very careful about preventing the could smell smoke and then flames burst spread of bird flu. People should wash out of the warehouse following what their hands frequently with soap and sounded like an explosion. water before eating and after contact Officials have not determined the exact with poultry,” he said on January 29. cause of the fire as yet. He added that people must not eat “[We] are still investigating this case,” sick poultry or birds that died of ill- Yorn said. ness and instead must avoid them According to the official report, the and places where the virus is known fire damaged about 90 per cent of the to be circulating. goods stored in a 21m x 25m warehouse According to the health ministry, and also affected three nearby flats. there are several strains of avian in- During the operation the authorities had fluenza that have circulated in the re- A poultry farm in Prek Pnov commune in Phnom Penh’s Prek Pnov district. heng chivoan dispatched 45 fire engines with water- gion, including H4N1, H5N6, H7N3, spraying capability to the scene. H7N7, H7N9 and H9N2 which are “If someone is suspected of hav- The Post that the transportation of ani- officials in each province regarding Yorn said that during the first month of known to have infected humans. ing been infected with bird flu or mals across provinces and through the inspections. 2021 the capital recorded a total of 10 fires, Outbreaks continue to occur period- exhibits common symptoms such capital always increases during the lu- Phannara noted that there was but this was the first fatal fire of the year. ically around the world, making bird as fever over 38.5 degrees Celsius, nar new year period, and the ministry not an ongoing outbreak of bird flu Director of the Fire Prevention Depart- flu a global public health concern. coughing and shortness of breath, steps up controls in response. at this time and stressed the impor- ment at the Ministry of Interior Neth Strains of bird flu viruses can be and has come in contact with sick “We monitor animal health and tance of proper hygienic procedures Vantha called on all citizens to pay more easily transmissible from animals or dead poultry during 14 days prior bio security practices and spray dis- under all circumstances, particular- attention when using fire in the kitchen to humans, and proper precau- to showing symptoms, please call infectant on vehicles used for trans- ly when butchering animals which and to make sure the electrical wiring tions are necessary to prevent infec- 115,” he said. portation. We also implement strict should be done with gloves to pre- systems in their houses were safe and tions when handling live poultry or The agriculture ministry’s General practices related to the use of dis- vent contamination. properly maintained, especially during butchered meat. Directorate of Animal Health and Pro- infectant at farms and conducting The health ministry noted that the the upcoming Chinese New Year. Bunheng also instructed provincial duction will distribute a circular from animal health inspections before H5N1 strain was recently discovered “Please don’t let anyone else lose their and local authorities to assign offi- February 1 regarding improving hy- transportation,” he said. in some birds in the country. life or their home due to a fire cause by cials to monitor and guide hygienic giene in the transport of poultry and A group on social media platform From 2005 to 2014, Cambodia re- someone else’s negligence,” he said. practices and safety measures in mar- pigs during the lunar new year. Telegram was established to facili- corded 56 cases of H5N1 infections Khouth Sophak Chakrya kets, especially live-poultry ones. Director-general Tan Phannara told tate communication between expert in humans, leading to 37 deaths. Artefacts’ return a victory for Cambodia and beyond

Continued from page 1 culture and artefacts, be- cause to us they are priceless. Phoeurng Sackona, Minis- The value is immeasurable ter of Culture and Fine Arts, because this does so much to stated in a press release that advance our goal to protect this complex task could not and rediscover our history for be accomplished without the future generations,” he said. highest guidance and full sup- He added that now the work- port from Prime Minister Hun ing group was bringing archae- Sen as well as coordination ologists and other experts to with the relevant ministries, the temples looted during re- assistance from private insti- cent Cambodian history. tutions and the efforts of cer- He also noted that there were tain key individuals, including many good people both locally Bradley James Gordon, Steven and internationally who were Andrew and Charles Webb. willing to act as guardians of “The return to Cambodia Khmer heritage by helping to of these pieces underlines restore the temples and work- Cambodia’s commitment to ing to return cultural artefacts the repatriation of its lost cul- to their rightful place here. Cambodia has recently recovered lost artefacts through joint efforts with the US. culture ministry tural properties. Their return Latchford had already sent is an incredible victory for the of spirit in making this amazing friendship between Cambo- to Cambodia and a positive discuss Khmer cultural prop- some artefacts back to Cam- Cambodian people and the contribution towards the full dia and the US and fittingly part of its history through the erties, share information and bodia before he was charged world,” she stated. restoration of Cambodia’s rich mark the 70th anniversary generous return of statues and ultimately make a similar de- by the Southern District of She also stated that the min- cultural history. of relations between the two other Khmer cultural items.” cision,” Bradley Gordon said. New York with several counts istry would continue to work The minister also thanked countries. Bradley Gordon, a key fig- Sok Puthyvuth, secretary of smuggling looted Cam- to restore and preserve Cam- the people who participated In an email to The Post on ure who assisted in bring- of state at the Ministry of bodian artefacts in 2019. He bodian cultural heritage and with the ministry in negotiating January 31, Sackona said: ing about the return of these Posts and Telecommunica- died in Bangkok in August she looks forward to further for the return of these priceless “Our message to private col- artefacts to Cambodia, said tions who was involved in 2020 before the case could be collaboration with the Latch- pieces of Khmer heritage. lectors, museums and all the three years of negotia- the negotiations, said that as resolved in court. ford family and any other col- She also gave thanks for the other nations is that our goal tions with Kriangsak were the discussions advanced the According to the New York lectors across the globe who work done in this area by the is to be able to tell the story of prolonged due to Latchford more he began to realise how Times, Latchford had a col- may wish to follow their fine US Attorney’s office for the Cambodia. becoming seriously ill. extraordinary the Latchford lection of 125 ancient Cam- example and similarly elect to Southern District of New York, “They can take part in the “Today we welcome this ex- collection was in its immea- bodian artefacts – the largest return any of Cambodia’s cul- US Homeland Security Inves- history of Khmer culture by traordinary collection home. surable value. known private collection of tural heritage artefacts they tigations and the US embassy helping us to regain our lost Nawapan’s decision is monu- He believes they should them in the world. To date, 25 may have in their possession. in Phnom Penh. artefacts. mental for Cambodia and sets build a new larger national of them have been shipped She gave special thanks to She said the joint efforts “With the artefacts returned, a fantastic example for the museum space for the re- from Bangkok to Cambodia. Nawapan Kriangsak, daughter with the US to find and re- we can write a new chapter to- world. We encourage collec- turned artefacts. Kriangsak’s lawyer estimated of the late Douglas Latchford, patriate Cambodia’s lost cul- gether in Cambodian history tors and museums from all “This is not a question of the the collection could be worth for her initiative and generosity tural artefacts symbolise the in which they will be heroes over the world to contact us to monetary value of our Khmer more than $50 million. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Caution urged despite fewer Covid cases

Mom Kunthear

LTHOUGH the Kingdom’s Covid-19 patients have kept recovering fairly quickly and there still has not been aA single death from the illness – de- spite it having already killed over two million people worldwide – au- thorities continue to discover new cases in arrivals from abroad and urge the public to be cautious and maintain all safety measures. To that end, the Ministry of Health has requested the cooperation of all head pharmacists at pharmacies and sub-pharmacies to assist in the con- tainment of the spread of Covid-19. Health ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine said that so far, pharmacists had followed the ministry’s instruc- tions on the preventing the spread of Covid-19, but the ministry was now reminding them to further strengthen their implementation of these mea- sures in order to contain any potential large-scale community transmission. “Pharmacies and sub-pharmacies must sell medicine according to a doctor’s prescription, and pharma- cists are not allowed to check for dis- eases at the pharmacies. If a medicine A pharmacy in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district. Health ministry has reminded pharmacies to strengthen their implementation of Covid-19 preventive measures. heng chivoan buyer is suspected of having Covid- 19, they should not just sell medicine The ministry said that a 29-year-old board the same flight have tested ral hospital and 12 are being treated The notice came after Vietnamese to them – they must instruct them to Indonesian airline passenger who negative, but 70 are now being kept in Banteay Meanchey province. authorities found 84 cases of com- isolate themselves from their fami- was staying at a hotel in Phnom Penh in quarantine for 14 days at three Separately, the Cambodian em- munity transmission of Covid-19 lies and then inform health officials pending his test results had tested separate hotels while the other 49 bassy in Vietnam has requested in the provinces of Hai Duong and of it urgently,” she said. positive for Covid-19 on January 30. are staying at the quarantine cen- that Cambodians who are studying Quang Ninh. Vietnam’s prime min- Vandine has called on all people, The man had arrived in Cambo- tre in Phnom Penh. or staying there carry out preven- ister has ordered the closure of Chi including pharmacists, to always dia from the Philippines via South A total of 86 returning Cambodian tive safety measures. These include Linh City and Van Dan Airport for 21 adhere to sanitation measures such Korea on January 29. He is currently migrant workers have tested posi- wearing masks, washing hands, days in response to the outbreak. as washing hands with soap or alco- being treated at the National Centre tive for Covid-19. Of that number, maintaining personal hygiene and As of January 31, Cambodia had hol frequently and wearing masks, for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Con- 72 have recovered and 14 others re- continuing to follow the ministry’s recorded a total of 465 Covid-19 as well as maintaining a distance of trol in Phnom Penh. mained hospitalised. Two are being instructions consistently to prevent cases, with 22 still being treated at at least 1.5m from others. The 119 other passengers on- treated at the Pailin provincial refer- possible transmission. hospitals. Families on P Sihanouk’s islands denied land titles Orm Bunthoeurn – most families had only a half locations in the communes are or single hectare. on islands belonging to the THE Preah Sihanouk Provin- The provincial administra- state, and the government had cial Administration will not tion stated that it did not rec- decided to transfer these public certify land titles for more than ognise any means or docu- lands to private holdings 300 families in the communes mentation of ownership according to sub-decree No 5 of Koh Rong and Koh Rong transfers concerning the 584 from January 21, 2008, for devel- Sanloem and warned of legal plots or other illegally occu- opment with specific invest- action without exception pied lands. Only lands regis- ment conditions. against people interfering with tered and issued real estate Cheap Sotheary, provincial state-owned property. certificates by the provincial coordinator for rights group According to a notice issued by land management department Adhoc, said all decisions by pro- the administration dated Janu- were legally valid. vincial authorities should be ary 29, the Administrative Com- Provincial hall spokesman made in coordination with local mittee had decided not to issue Kheang Phearom said more residents to avoid disputes when land titles for 584 plots because than 300 families currently live land sought for use by develop- applicants either had no perma- on the sites of the 584 plots. The ers is already occupied. nent address in the area, lacked administration would take legal “When the land is properly valid location data or claimed action against them as stipu- inspected and measured, then lands which had been allocated lated in Article 295 of the Land land title codes may be issued, for an airport project. Law and Article 81 of the Law and this can resolve disputes. “The committee will not pro- on State Property Control, Use When data are posted prema- vide land titles based on docu- and Management. turely, it can lead to confusion ments certifying land title num- The notice stated that the and protests,” he said. bers, letters of land ownership transfer, land use applications, purchase and sale contracts stamped by commune author- ities or lawyers, or land location markings and other such docu- ments issued by the commune land registration office, includ- ing the 584 land titles, because these documents have no legal value for use or claim of land ownership on Koh Rong Island,” the notice said. The Post was unable to con- tact any residents of the com- munes for comment. You Veasna, representative of community members with land disputes in Preah Sihanouk province, said people on Koh Provincial hall spokesman Kheang Phearom (not in picture) said more Rong did not occupy much land than 300 families currently live on the sites of the 584 plots. supplied THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National​ Ministers urge more domestic tourism packages

Mom Kunthear ecotourism sites under the jurisdiction of his ministry HREE ministers have included 131 fishing com- made a joint request munities, 638 forest com- to private businesses munities and 1,190 farming in the tourism sector communities. toT step up efforts to organise “We hope this national fo- tour packages for domestic rum will offer opportunities to tourists in order to alleviate gather and discuss progress, some of the economic hard- problems and challenges. It’s ship among tourism workers also an opportunity to come caused by Covid-19. up with creative solutions to The downturn in the econo- help us perform our duties for my has caused an increase in the common good, ” he said. illegal activities and natural He added that taking part in resource destruction and the developing tourist commu- ministers are keen to prevent nities and the tourist sector that situation from getting helped to sustain and develop worse. society and the nation’s econ- The joint request came at omy. This would in turn help the opening remarks for the ensure environmental sustain- second National Forum on ability for younger generations. Ecotourism, held in Siem The World Tourism Organi- Reap province last week. sation reported that ecotour- Attending the forum was ism, community tourism and Minister of Tourism Thong rural tourism – all sub-sec- Khon, who is also head of the tors of global tourism – have inter-ministerial working group shown some activity despite on ecotourism community de- the Covid-19 crisis through velopment; Minister of Agri- internal or domestic tourism, culture, Forestry and Fisheries which is an alternative tool to Veng Sakhon; and Minister of promote local development. A resort in an eco-tourism site in Kampong Chhnang province. Hong menea Environment Say Sam Al. Khon said that due to the Khon said during the fo- does contribute significantly ism they stop working illegal ecotourism in a way that agrees to be able to make new choic- Covid-19 crisis Cambodia rum that Cambodia is rich in to developing localities and jobs or businesses that de- with the ministry’s four pillars es for living their lives so they had received only 1.31 mil- ecotourism potential, rang- it allows people to participate stroy natural resources. They – environmental protection, stop having a total reliance on lion international tourists in ing from coastal areas that and benefit from the nation’s also stop poaching animals biodiversity conservation, sus- natural resources,” he said. 2020 – a drop of 80 per cent are part of the “world’s most development. and logging forests and begin tainable living and institutional He said that educating the from the previous year. beautiful beaches club”, the “It empowers them by al- serving as tour guides, selling modernisation. public about the purpose of Cambodia also had a to- Cardamom Mountains area lowing them some say in the food and souvenirs, working “In order to conserve biodi- protected areas and nature tal of nine million domestic and the Tonle Sap Lake and development of their own as motor taxi drivers and run- versity and natural resources sanctuaries inspires local peo- tourists in the same year, a Northeast regions with at- communities,” he said. ning guesthouses and other successfully, it requires the ple to participate in conserva- drop of 20 per cent compared tractions like rare dolphins. Khon explained that when similar activities. participation of local com- tion work along with rangers. to 2019, but still far easier to “The development of tourist community members receive Sam Al said the environment munity members. In order for Concerning the ecotourism weather than the severe drop communities and ecotourism economic benefits from tour- ministry has been developing them to participate, they need sector, Sakhon said potential in international tourism. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST FEBRUARY 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,076 1.2852 6.4418 104.80 4.0425 1.3300 29.93 0.7640 1.2117 1.3673

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: January 29, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 17,320 16,840 17,320 16,780 2 GTI 3,450 3,200 3,450 3,200 3 PAS 13,920 13,900 13,940 13,900 4 PEPC 2,940 2,950 2,950 2,940 5 PPAP 11,780 11,780 11,780 11,600 6 PPSP 1,500 1,540 1,540 1,470 7 PWSA 6,020 6,180 6,180 6,020 ‘No int’l lender CDC okays 11 projects in January says lending to Hin Pisei promulgated in April, prep- arations for the establish- Kingdom risky’ HE Council for the ment of a commercial court, Development of coupled with a bilateral free Continued from page 1 Cambodia (CDC) in trade agreement with China the first month of and the promises of addi- the financial sector easier access to thisT year approved 11 invest- tional such pacts with Brit- capital from overseas. ment projects worth over $43 ain and EU member Hun- “Of course, we do not lack funding in million and that are expected gary will also help underpin Cambodia. To date, no foreign lender to generate 7,854 jobs, it said significant investment in has said that lending to Cambodia is risky, via social media. Cambodia this year. hence we’re bound to get more funds. Among the bunch were “These are all inputs that “This is a good sign for the financial five garment factories – Xin will help drive more growth sector as well as the economy, because Yunfeng (Cambodia) Fashion in investment flow into Cam- banks are the backbone of the economy Co Ltd’s $2.4 million project bodia this year,” he said. and support small and large enterpris- in the capital’s Por Sen Chey Cambodia Chamber of es,” Channy said, adding that ACLEDA district will create 614 jobs, Commerce vice-president Bank plans to release $600 million in Brightness (Cambodia) Gar- Lim Heng told The Post at the capital for small and medium-sized ment Factory Co Ltd’s $3.1 weekend that the country’s enterprises (SMEs) this year. million venture in Takeo economic situation has im- In March, the NBC launched a raft of province’s northernmost Bati proved and that the Kingdom measures to shore up the financial sec- district will generate 702 jobs. continues to effectively con- tor, including a reduction in the reserve New Era (Cambodia) Cash- trol the spread of Covid-19. requirement rate (RRR) on deposit bal- mere Textile Co Ltd’s $5.7 Its Covid-19 vaccination ance from eight to seven per cent on the million factory in Kandal strategy and new investment Khmer riel and 12.5 per cent on the US The 11 projects given the CDC nod last month are worth over $43 million and will create 7,854 jobs. CDC provincial capital Takhmao law will be Cambodia’s main dollar for the following six months. town will create 951 jobs, HC Footwear Co Ltd’s $5.5 million jobs, Changhui (Cambodia) bodia, told The Post on Janu- magnet for local and foreign The central bank also delayed the Global Textile Co Ltd’s $7.8 shoe factory in Kampong Handbag Mfr Co Ltd’s $2.4 ary 31 that this was a note- investors, he asserted. conservation capital buffer (CCB) million plant in Takeo’s Tra- Speu province’s Kong Pisey million bag factory in Kam- worthy, encouraging sign “Even during the difficult requirement to 2021, a move it expect- ing district will provide 843 district will hire 1,910 work- pong Chhnang province’s that the economy would period of the Covid-19 out- ed would lower the solvency ratio. jobs, while Jian Yuan Tong ers, while Laurence Footwear Samaki Meanchey district return to a high growth break, Cambodia is still ex- And on June 19, the Ministry of Garment Co Ltd’s $2.4 million Co Ltd’s $5.6 million shoe will generate 718 jobs, while path this year, even with the periencing a steady growth Economy and Finance reduced the project in Canadia Industrial factory in Kampong Speu’s Polymer Plastic Products humdrum results achieved in investment,” Heng said. withholding tax rate that banks and Park in the capital’s Por Sen Samrong Tong province will (Cambodia) Co Ltd’s $3.9 in global Covid-19 control. The Cambodian economy microfinance institutions (MFIs) are Chey will employ 364. provide 1,138 jobs. million ice-chest factory in “The CDC approvals are a is expected to have contract- obliged to withhold on interest pay- Moreover, Taperite Plastic Additionally, City Printing Kandal’s Ang Snuol district good starting point for Cam- ed by 3.1 per cent in 2020, ments that they make to domestic Co Ltd’s $2.7 million adhe- (Cambodia) Co Ltd’s $2.3 will provide 200 jobs. bodia’s economic expan- but is set to bounce back to and international lenders. sive tape factory in Phnom million cardboard box and Hong Vanak, director of sion,” he said. 4.0 per cent growth this year, Meanwhile NBC governor Chea Penh’s Kambol district will packaging plant in Phnom International Economics at He said the new invest- according to the Ministry of Chanto was honoured as Central create 200 jobs, Unicorn Penh’s Kambol will create 214 the Royal Academy of Cam- ment law – expected to be Economy and Finance. Banker of the Year in the Asia Pacific by magazine The Banker, owned by London-based Financial Times Group, for his leadership in success- fully navigating through a stormy 2020 during the Covid-19 crisis. Britain to apply to join Asia-Pacific free trade bloc Total assets in the Kingdom’s banks and MFIs grew to $59.4 billion at the BRITAIN will apply to join a massive our ambition to do business on the sion if we join the bloc first,” she said. to remove trade barriers among the end of last year, increasing 15.7 per 11-nation free-trade bloc of Asia- best terms with our friends and part- Truss said joining the CPTPP would 11 nations representing nearly 500 cent from the end of 2019, according Pacific countries, it announced on ners all over the world and be an offer “enormous opportunities”. million consumers in the Asia-Pacif- to NBC’s 2020 annual report. January 30, weeks after leaving the enthusiastic champion of global free She has touted joining as Britain ic region in a bid to counter China’s Outstanding loans in banks and MFIs European single market with its trade,” he said. made agreements with members growing economic influence. grew by 14.8 per cent to $37.3 billion by departure from the EU. Negotiations between the UK and such as Japan and Canada in the The partnership is an updated version the end of last year, while deposits International Trade Secretary Liz the partnership – which represents 11 wake of Brexit, with British media of a giant deal originally backed by increased by 15.4 per cent to $33.8 billion. Truss will formally request on Febru- Pacific Rim nations including Aus- reporting that CPTPP nations former US president Barack Obama. Channy said the 15-16 per cent growth ary 1 for Britain to join the Compre- tralia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico accounted for around eight per cent The US pulled out of the agreement posted by the Cambodian financial sec- hensive and Progressive Agreement and Vietnam -- are expected to start of UK exports in 2019. under Donald Trump’s presidency – tor outstrips similar figures logged in for Trans-Pacific Partnership this year, the trade department said. Truss said the deal will mean lower turning away from what he viewed as neighbouring countries. (CPTPP), a market representing half But opposition Labour party shad- tariffs for car manufacturers and unfavourable multilateral deals – but The increase was also a response to a billion people and roughly 13.5 per ow international trade secretary Emi- whisky producers, as well as “deliver- 11 countries eventually agreed to sign the concerns of international develop- cent of the global economy. ly Thornberry questioned the lack of ing quality jobs and greater prosper- the new version. ment partners, who have expressed The CPTPP application will come transparency surrounding the pact. ity for people here at home”. Following Britain’s definitive depar- concern in the high growth rates regis- one year after Britain left the EU fol- After five years of debate over Brex- Karan Bilimoria, president of the UK’s ture from the EU after a one year tered by the Cambodian financial sec- lowing more than forty years of mem- it trade agreements, she said people largest business lobby group the Con- transition period out of the European tor, which surged by more than 20 per bership – and after five years of com- would question the British govern- federation of British Industry (CBI), single market at the end of 2020, the cent each year before the health crisis. plex trade discussions. ment’s decision “to rush into joining said the move marked a “new chapter UK has sought to advance the brand Primarily addressing the World Bank, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson another one on the other side of the for our independent trade policy”. of “Global Britain” in 2021. International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the potential new partnership world without any meaningful public “Membership of the bloc has the The UK holds the rotating presi- and Japanese-led multilateral lender would “bring enormous economic consultation at all”. potential to deliver new opportuni- dency of the Group of Seven (G7) in Asian Development Bank (ADB), he benefits for the people of Britain”. “At present, Liz Truss cannot even ties for UK business across different 2021 and takes over the presidency said: “With growth at this level, our “Applying to be the first new coun- guarantee whether we would have the sectors,” he said. of the UN Security Council next development partners are sure to tell try to join the CPTPP demonstrates right to veto China’s proposed acces- The CPTPP was launched in 2019 month. AFP us that we can prevent risks.” THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business South Korea double tax Marketing, logistics pact for local wares avoidance Thou Vireak pact in effect HE National Commit- HE double tax avoidance tee for the Promotion (DTA) agreement between of the One Village TCambodia and South Korea One Product (OVOP) came into effect on January 29, MovementT under the Council according to Yonhap News Agency. of Ministers has signed a two- The tax treaty will help taxpay- year cooperation agreement ers avoid paying double taxes on with the Logistics Business the same income and alleviate the Association (LOBA) and Su- tax burdens on enterprises doing per App Technology Plc. business in the other country. The tripartite agreement The Kingdom penned the DTA was signed on Friday at the pact with South Korea in No- Council of Ministers in a bid vember 2019 and both countries to promote the digital mar- obtained National Assembly keting of Cambodian com- approval in December, the South modities such as handicrafts, Korean outlet said. agriculture and services and Bilateral trade volume between improve their quality. Cambodia and South Korea To support the OVOP move- amounted to $884.88 million in ment spearheaded by the 2020, down 17.77 per cent from committee, LOBA and Super $1.032 billion in 2019, according App will provide training to to data from the Korea Interna- producers and explore mar- tional Trade Association (KITA). kets for the Kingdom’s prod- According to the data, Cam- ucts through a digital network bodia exported $317 million for the next 24 months. of goods to the South Korean The programme will be pilot- market last year, a drop of 5.4 per ed in Kampong Cham province cent, while Korean exports to the in partnership with the provin- Kingdom totaled $567 million, cial One Village, One Product down 18.6 per cent from $696 Promotion Committee. million in 2019. LOBA will coordinate and The National Committee for the Promotion of the One Village One Product (OVOP) Movement under the Council of Ministers has signed a two-year cooperation agreement with the Logistics Business Association (LOBA) and Super App Technology Plc. SUPPLIED Cambodia’s primary exports to assist in the pursuit of trans- South Korea include garments, port services to connect Movement 2019-2023. velopment,” Samnang said. ducers who may or may not be wares within the framework footwear, travel goods, bever- members with producers, “This cooperation will sup- LOBA president Chea Chan- members of the OVOP move- of the OVOP movement and ages, rubber, pharmaceuticals, regardless of their affiliation port the development of micro, dara said that through the ment and help find markets to strengthen the production chain agricultural products and compo- with the OVOP movement. small and medium-sized enter- agreement, the association will sell Cambodian products using and marketing network through nents for electronic equipment. National committee secre- prises [MSMEs], associations, provide a means to facilitate means of transport provided an internationally-competitive, Imports from South Korea in- tary-general Chea Samnang communities, Cambodian the transport of producers’ by members of LOBA.” state-of-the-art digital network. clude vehicles, electronics, kitchen said the public-private part- product makers, as well as pro- merchandise to the market. Super App founder and CEO “Through this agreement, equipment, beverages, pharma- nership will be instrumental mote productivity and sustain- He said: “This partnership Path Chamnan said his com- Cambodian products will be ceuticals and plastic products. in securing domestic and in- able development in Cambodia will foster collaboration, coor- pany would help build a data sold on the company’s online The Ministry of Economy and ternational markets for local and contribute to economic de- dination and assistance to pro- management system for local marketplace,” he said. Finance’s General Department of wares via digital technology. Customs and Excise of Cambodia He stressed the congruity of logged $1.272 billion in revenue the agreement with the Na- for the first half of last year, tional Policy on the Promo- marking a 16.2 per cent decline tion of the One Village One from the $1.517 billion posted in Product Movement 2016-2026 the corresponding period in 2019. and the First National Strate- Thou Vireak gic Plan on the Promotion of the One Village One Product

Maker of Thai-Danish milk adopts aggressive strategy to boost sales DAIRY Farming Promotion milk between traditional markets Organisation (DPO), a Thai and modern trade to 50:50.” state enterprise under the Min- As for marketing promotion, istry of Agriculture and Coop- DPO plans to add its Chew-D eratives and producer of Thai- UHT yoghurt, which was intro- Danish milk, has set a sales duced in mid-2020 and target of 11 billion baht ($370 received a good response, to million) this year after missing shelves in 7-Eleven convenience its aim of achieving 10 billion stores to maximise sales. baht in sales last year due to the Suchart added: “DPO will also Covid-19 outbreak. expand the sales channels of Thai-Danish only sold 9.5 refrigerated products, such as billion baht worth of milk and pasteurised milk, yoghurt, drink- milk products last year. ing yoghurt and ice cream by DPO acting director Suchart making them available via mod- Jariyalertsak said: “To achieve the ern trade and online channels target this year, DPO will use a such as Lazada and Shopee. three-pronged strategy by focus- “In terms of dairy cow farm- ing on the dairy industry, mar- ing, DPO has strictly followed keting and dairy cow farming. measures announced by the “For the dairy industry, we Department of Disease Con- plan to install two high-speed trol to curb the spread of Cov- packing machines for UHT id-19 and other communica- [ultra-high-temperature- ble diseases to ensure the treated] milk at our factories safety of farmers and staff. in Khon Kaen and Prachuap “This year we will also be work- Khiri Khan, which will boost ing with Betagro and Charoen our production capacity to Pokphand Foods who will help 24,000 cartons per hour. bring modern technology to “We also plan to bring one or dairy cow farmers who are part two new products to the market of the DPO cooperative to boost per year and boost the market their productivity.” THE NATION (THAI- share ratio of ready-to-drink LAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST februaRy 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business S’pore firms positive on business EV start-up Faraday Future set to list on outlook with Covid jab roll-outs Nasdaq via merger US electric car start-up Fara- to launch the FF 81 series in 2023 day Future on January 28 said and the FF 71 series in 2024. it is planning to go public on Faraday Future said it expects Nasdaq after its merger with to sell more than 400,000 vehi- Property Solutions Acquisition cles cumulatively over the next Corp which is scheduled to be five years, and its first flagship finished in the second quarter model, the FF 91, has received this year. over 14,000 orders. The electric car start-up’s stra- Faraday Future has a manu- tegic investors include Volvo facturing facility in Hanford, owner Geely and the invest- California, and it is working ment arm of a key Chinese city, with a contract manufacturer which is reportedly Zhuhai in in South Korea. It is exploring Guangdong province. the possibility of building man- The merger, valued at $3.4 ufacturing capacity in China billion, is expected to fetch through the joint venture Faraday Future $1 billion in between Geely and Foxconn. gross proceeds, which will pro- The start-up has invested vide money for the mass pro- over $2 billion since its estab- duction and delivery of its first lishment. In addition to the FF model, the FF 91 crossover, 91, the definition of the FF 81 said the electric carmaker in a has been completed, and the statement. research and development The model, which acceler- work is in progress, said the ates from zero to 100km/h in carmaker. 2.4 seconds, is expected to be Faraday Future was founded launched 12 months after the in 2014 in the US state of Califor- merger is closed, said Faraday nia by controversial Chinese Future. That means the model entrepreneur Jia Yueting. Found- will hit the market in the first er of Leshi Internet, Jia filed for half of 2022. bankruptcy in October 2019. The company is also planning CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

An overall net weighted balance of 32 per cent of manufacturers were upbeat on their business outlook. THE STRAITS TIMES HE business expecta- fers to an aggregate of the food and beverage services; re- vices sector expects hiring to tions of firms in Sin- responses of manufacturers tail trade; and information and remain at a similar level for gapore’s manufac- based on their proportion of communications industries. the first quarter of 2021, com- LG Int’l operating profit turing and services the manufacturing sector. However, sectors such as ac- pared with the fourth quarter sectorsT turned positive after The services sector also commodation and real estate of last year. a year of gloom, with senti- turned optimistic after be- continue to be less optimistic The information and com- increases 18.5% in 2020 ment boosted by the start of ing downbeat for more than in their business outlook due munication services industry Covid-19 vaccinations across a year. to global travel restrictions is expected to hire more in LG International, the trad- made in the sluggish coal mar- countries. Some 21 per cent of firms and work-from-home ar- the first quarter. In particular, ing arm of South Korea’s LG ket, officials added. Their sentiments were cap- were optimistic about busi- rangements. firms engaged in computer Group, saw its operating profit “This year, we shall seek to tured in the latest quarterly ness conditions, while 14 per All manufacturing clusters programming activities might climb 18.5 per cent year-on- maximise the asset value and surveys released separately by cent of firms were pessimis- anticipate better business increase hiring due to higher year in 2020, on the back of the profit in the energy and palm the Economic Development tic, resulting in a net weighted prospects in the first half of demand for their services. improved profitability in logis- [oil] sectors, while penetrating Board (EDB) and the Depart- balance of seven per cent of this year. In contrast, firms in the ac- tics, the company said on Janu- into the eco-friendly busi- ment of Statistics (SingStat) firms having a positive busi- The biomedical manufac- commodation sector expect ary 29 in a regulatory filing. nesses,” said an official. on January 29. ness outlook for the next six turing cluster is the most op- lower employment in the first Data showed that the com- Meanwhile, South Korea’s A weighted 36 per cent of months, the Singstat survey timistic, with a net weighted quarter due to weaker de- pany’s yearly sales came to fourth-largest conglomerate manufacturers expect bet- showed. balance of 46 per cent of mand. 11.28 trillion won ($10.1 bil- – in terms of assets as of end- ter business conditions for This was the first positive firms expecting a favourable Meanwhile, the bulk of lion), up 7.1 per cent from a 2020 – is gearing to set up a the next six months, while a net weighted balance for the operating environment. manufacturing firms – mak- year earlier, and its operating new holding company to split weighted four per cent expect services sector after four quar- Within the cluster, the phar- ing up a weighted 86 per cent profit reached 159.8 billion its current affiliates. things to worsen, the EDB ters of negative sentiments. maceuticals segment expects – expect employment in the won, up 18.5 per cent during The new holding company survey showed. Within the services sec- improved market conditions first quarter of this year to the same period. will have LG International, LG Thus, an overall net weight- tor, several industries expect such as fewer supply chain remain similar to the fourth The operating profit marked a Hausys, LG MMA and Silicon ed balance of 32 per cent of business conditions to im- disruptions. quarter of last year. visible expansion during the last Works under its umbrella and manufacturers were upbeat prove in the first half of this Similarly, the medical tech- Overall, a net weighted bal- three months, logging 44.8 bil- is to be managed by board of on their business outlook. year, compared with July to nology segment expects more ance of four per cent of manu- lion won, which was up 2,535.3 directors led by Koo Bon-joon, This was the first overall posi- December last year. orders for both Covid-19 and facturers plan to hire more per cent from a year earlier. The an uncle of current LG Group tive outlook for the sector These are the finance and non-Covid-19-related medi- workers in the next three quarterly revenue also rose 29 chairman Koo Kwang-mo and since April. insurance; recreation; com- cal devices in the near term. months. THE STRAITS TIMES (SINGA- per cent to 3.37 trillion won. a younger brother of late LG A weighted percentage re- munity and personal services; As for employment, the ser- PORE)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Steering such growth was Group chief Koo Bon-moo. the logistics sector, which has Group chairman Koo, great- benefited from the company’s grandson of founder Koo In- expanded overseas business. hwoi, will continue to focus on “The operating profit was the group’s flagship businesses largely attributable to the cost such as electronics, chemical VN exports jump 50% year-on-year efficiency improvement in and telecommunications. logistics and the stabilisation The conglomerate’s split-off VIETNAM’S goods exports were valued at Agriculture and forestry exported $1.8 $9.6 billion, 72.7 per cent higher than the of the warehouse and delivery plan will be confirmed at the $27.7 billion in January, up 0.2 per cent billion worth of products this month, up figure a year earlier. business,” the company said. shareholders’ meeting in from the previous month and 50.5 per 21.4 per cent year-on-year, while fisheries It was followed by South Korea ($5.1 Also, the crude palm oil trad- March. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS cent from the same period last year, earned $600 million, up 19.6 per cent. billion, up 29.3 per cent), ASEAN ($3.4 ing partly offset the deficits NETWORK according to the General Statistics Office The US remained the largest importer billion, 63.3 per cent), Japan ($2 billion, of Vietnam (GSO). of Vietnamese products in January, with 52.9 per cent) and the EU ($1.3 billion, The GSO largely attributed the sharp a total of $7.5 billion worth of shipments, 23.3 per cent). year-on-year increase to South Korean up 57.4 per cent from a year earlier. Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus of $1.3 multinational electronics producer Sam- It was followed by China ($5.8 billion, up billion in the month, with the domestic sung stepping up production and export 111.6 per cent), the EU ($2.8 billion, 14.8 economic sector recording a trade deficit of its new Galaxy S21 series. per cent), ASEAN ($2.3 billion, 31.9 per cent) of $.8 billion while the foreign direct In January, six items enjoyed export rev- and Japan ($1.9 billion, 22.7 per cent). investment sector (including crude oil) enues exceeding the $1 billion bench- Vietnam’s imports, meanwhile, stood at boasted a trade surplus of $3.1 billion. mark, accounting for 67.3 per cent of total $26.4 billion in January, a fall of 5.4 per The GSO also announced that total retail exports. cent compared to December but a growth sales of goods and services in January rose Best performers included the heavy of 41 per cent from the same period last by 3.7 per cent month-on-month and 6.4 industry and mining sector which earned year. Four items reported import turnover per cent year-on-year to $479.9 trillion. $15.6 billion in export revenue, up 71.6 of more than $1 billion, making up 50.6 The number of foreign tourist arrivals per cent year-on-year and the light indus- per cent of the total imports. totalled over 17,700, up nine per cent month- try and handicrafts earning $9.7 billion China remained the country’s biggest on-month and down 99.1 per cent year-on- LG International saw its operating profit climb 18.5 per cent year-on-year from export, up 32.3 per cent. supplier of products, with a turnover of year. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK in 2020, on the back of the improved profitability in logistics. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World N Ireland Thousands protest French security law head: Axe ens of thousands of protesters turned out post-Brexit in dozens of French cities on January 30 againstT a security bill they say protocol will restrict the filming and publicising of images of po- lice brutality, but also to pro- Northern Ireland’s First test the restrictions imposed Minister Arlene Forster on against the coronavirus. January 30 urged Britain to Those joining the demon- remove a post-Brexit protocol strations included activists with the EU after it became from the “yellow vests” move- the focus of a diplomatic row ment that gripped France for over Covid vaccines. more than a year before the Brussels was forced to row pandemic restricted large- back on threats it made late scale protests. on January 29 to invoke Ar- Others were there to stand ticle 16 of the post-Brexit up for the cultural sector, hit Northern Ireland Protocol hard by the restrictions im- and stop the free-flow of vac- posed to curb the spread of cines over the Irish border. the coronavirus. Foster told BBC radio: “The Also among the protesters protocol is unworkable, let’s were young people calling for be very clear about that, and the right to hold rave parties we need to see it replaced be- such as the one in Brittany cause otherwise there is go- that attracted 2,400 at the ing to be real difficulties here start of the year. in Northern Ireland.” “I have two reasons for The leader of the loyalist coming today – the compre- Democratic Unionist Party has hensive security law and also long been critical of the pro- to support culture,” said Kim, tocol which allows Northern a 24-year-old civil service in- Ireland to follow EU customs tern. rules and avoid a hard border “Lots of stores are open, the on the island of Ireland. metro is packed, yet cultural “It’s absolutely disgraceful, sites are closed, even though and I have to say the prime we can apply protective mea- French riot police officers arrest a man during a demonstration against the ‘global security’ draft law, which would restrict publication of pictures minister [Boris Johnson] now showing the faces of police officers on duty, in Paris on Saturday. afp sures” against the coronavi- needs to act very quickly to rus, she said. producer in his Paris studio measures, back in Novem- other possible lockdown. After being pelted with pro- deal with the real trade flows The demonstrators are pro- on November 21 has fuelled ber – although organisers put In Paris, the large Place de la jectiles, the police used water that are being disrupted testing draft legislation that anger over the legislation, the true turnout then at more Republique was half full, AFP cannon to clear the square. between Great Britain and would ban filming police condemned by many as sig- than half a million people. journalists reported, while The Paris prosecutors office Northern Ireland,” she added. activities, which the ruling nalling a swing to the right by Organisers put the fall in around 3,000 people gath- said 26 people had been de- A furious row over short- LREM party of President Em- Macron. numbers down to the coro- ered in Montpellier, southern tained. ages of a Covid-19 vaccine manuel Macron has said it navirus restrictions, poor France. Hundreds turned out for developed by the British- would rewrite. Numbers down weather and the fact that this At around 5pm, an hour be- similar rallies in other cities. Swedish drugs group Astra- But people are also protest- According to interior min- was just the latest in a long fore the start of the overnight The government argues that Zeneca threatened to boil over ing the use of surveillance istry figures, 32,077 people series of such protests. 6-6 curfew now in place as a the proposed law is needed on January 29 just weeks after tools such as drones and pe- turned out to protest across France has recorded 75,000 measure against the corona- because police officers have London and Brussels sealed a destrian cameras. France, significantly down on deaths from coronavirus virus, clashes broke out be- become the targets of attacks Brexit trade agreement. Footage of white police the 133,000 they said attended since the outbreak began and tween a group of around 50 and calls for violence against However, the bloc backed beating up a black music the largest protest against the the country is bracing for an- youths and police. them on social media. afp down from invoking the ar- ticle to monitor and in some cases block exports of vac- cines produced in EU plants. The EU Commissioner said in a statement: “The Com- US requires mask-wearing on all public transport mission will ensure that the Ireland/Northern Ireland The US Centers for Disease Control during travel and while waiting in his inauguration January 20 was to or- frequently mocked the practice – and Protocol is unaffected.” and Prevention have issued a sweeping transportation hubs. der mask-wearing on federal property. was rarely seen wearing a mask – mak- Johnson had told EU chief order requiring the wearing of masks to It says operators must make “best He has said consistent mask-wearing ing enforcement of the new standard Ursula von der Leyen of his protect against the spread of Covid-19 efforts” to enforce mask-wearing, and could save 50,000 US lives by April. more problematic in some parts of “grave concerns about the po- on virtually every form of public trans- if necessary should disembark any- But former President Donald Trump the country. afp tential impact” the European portation throughout the country. one refusing to comply. bloc’s decision might have. The order, issued late on January 29, It says, without providing much de- Michel Barnier, the EU’s extends to travel on airplanes, trains, tail, that enforcement will ultimately chief Brexit negotiator, told buses, taxis, ride-shares, subways, fer- be the responsibility of the federal The Times newspaper that ries and ships. Transportation Security Administra- Brussels needed to step back It expands on one of the first execu- tion, as well as of “cooperating state from the escalating row over tive orders signed by President Joe and local authorities”. vaccines. Biden, which required masking for in- Noncompliance will constitute “a He said: “We are facing an terstate travel as part of a larger strat- violation of federal law”, according to extraordinarily serious crisis, egy to reduce the spread of Covid-19. the order. which is creating a lot of suf- The new order, which also cov- Exemptions to mask-wearing are fering, which is causing a lot of ers intrastate travel, takes effect at allowed for people eating, drinking deaths in the UK, in France, in 11:59pm on February 1 (0459 Febru- or taking medication, as well as those Germany, everywhere. ary 2 GMT). communicating with the hearing- “I believe that we must face The order states: “Wearing masks impaired. Masks can also be briefly this crisis with responsibility, on our transportation systems will removed during identity checks. certainly not with the spirit of protect Americans and provide con- The US has the world’s worst one-upmanship or unhealthy fidence that we can once again travel Covid-19 statistics, but the numbers competition.” safely even during this pandemic. of cases and hospitalisations have The EU has still has plans “Therefore, requiring masks will declined for the past two weeks, to go ahead with a broader help us control this pandemic and aid with some experts partly crediting vaccine export ban which in reopening America’s economy.” improved adherence to masking and US President Joe Biden (centre), flanked by Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre could impact on supplies of The CDC order covers passengers social-distancing measures. director Colonel Andrew Barr (second left), visits a coronavirus vaccination site at the the Pfizer-BioNTech jab in and transportation operators both One of Biden’s first official acts after centre in Bethesda, Maryland, on Friday. afp Britain. afp 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Vietnamese delegates: Candidates for top CPV positions qualified, capable

andidate picks for top with the entire Vietnamese people,” Communist Party of Viet- Hai said, adding that whether one nam (CPV) posts are all meets the required criteria for the qualified and capable to positions matters a great deal. leadC the country’s development in the This is not only true at the highest new era, delegates told the media on level of the CPV, but also applicable January 29 on the sidelines of the on- also at the local level, Hai said. going 13th National Party Congress. Bui Chi Thanh, chair of Vietnam The Congress, which convened Fatherland Front Committee of Ba last week to vote for 200 members Ria-Vung Tau province, said the per- on the CPV Central Committee, is sonnel preparations for the current expected to lay out the develop- congress commenced since early in ment courses for Vietnam not only the last term. in the short-term, but also with an The preparations have been ambitious vision of a high-income “conscientious, meticulous and developed socialist nation by 2045, stringent”, with many levels of gov- when the country marks its 100th ernment and CPV contributing independence anniversary. feedback, showcasing a high level of Starting from January 28 after- democratic openness. noon, the nearly 1,600 delegates “The comrades who have been dedicated almost three days to nominated for this tenure have been hearing reports on the candidates evaluated via an objective, demo- and considered their votes. cratic process throughout their en- Vo Hong Hai, head of the or- tire working duration,” Thanh re- ganisation commission of Ha Tinh marked. province’s CPV Committee, said the Thanh also expects that this Con- candidates for the Central Commit- gress would be able to elect a Cen- tee positions have been considered tral Committee that comprises carefully to reconcile the relationship “outstanding comrades among the between continuity and renewal, be- outstanding comrades” to lead the tween composition of the organ and country’s development and elevate the required standards for the eligible the profile of Vietnam in the -inter candidates, between classes, regions national arena. Bui Chi Thanh, chair of Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, talks to the press on the sidelines of the as well as important sectors. Tran Quoc Nam, chairman of Ninh 13th National Party Congress in Hanoi. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY/VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK “We will definitely not lower the Thuan province People’s Committee qualification barriers to satisfy the and vice-secretary of Ninh Thuan He trusts the CPV Central Com- Dang Xuan Phong told the media Central Committee, we as delegates demands for quota. The party Cen- CPV Committee, said all delegates mittee will bring about the achieve- that “scrupulous personnel prepa- will be making decisions carefully tral Committee stands for the wis- have a “high sense of responsibility” ments that the people have entrust- rations” will “earn the confidence of and thoughtfully as to who we deem dom, will and aspirations of more and will vote for a CPV Central Com- ed them with. the entire Vietnamese people”. could meet the country’s develop- than five million members of the mittee that is “in line with the party’s Sharing the opinion, Lao Cai pro- “Entrusted with the responsibility ment demands,” Phong stressed. VIET Communist Party of Vietnam along intention and people’s will”. vincial CPV Committee secretary to pick out the members of the party NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Hundreds of Rohingya missing from Indonesian refugee camp Hundreds of Rohingya are ing, months-long sea journeys the services of smugglers,” missing from a refugee camp in punctuated by illness, beat- said UNHCR spokeswoman Indonesia and are believed to ings by traffickers and near- Mitra Suryono. have been trafficked to neigh- starvation rations to reach In- She said: “But we have to re- bouring Malaysia, officials and donesia and Malaysia. member that many of [them] sources said on January 28. At least 18 Rohingya from have relatives in other coun- Just 112 refugees remain the Lhokseumawe camp and tries such as Malaysia. That at the makeshift camp in over a dozen suspected traf- may be one of the reasons Lhokseumawe on Indonesia’s fickers were recently caught why they continued their northern coast this week, well by police several hundred journey.” down from the almost 400 kilometres south, in Medan Rights groups blamed the that arrived between June city, a frequent staging point Indonesian government, and September last year. for illegal crossings into Ma- which drastically reduced se- Neither local authorities laysia. curity at the settlement when nor the UN could account for Relatively affluent Muslim- the Rohingya were placed Thai soldiers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) disinfect a school canteen installed with plastic the whereabouts of the refu- majority Malaysia is the main under the supervision of UN- dividers to combat the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Bangkok on Thursday ahead of the school gees from the stateless Mus- destination for Rohingya flee- HCR last month. reopening on February 1. afp lim minority from Myanmar, ing refugee camps. “The main reason for the ex- who are feared to have en- More than 100,000 now live odus is security at the camp,” listed traffickers to help them on the margins of society there, said Iskandar Dewantara, Thailand finds 930 new Covid cross the Malacca strait into registered as refugees but not co-founder of the Geutanyoe Malaysia. allowed to work, forcing the Foundation, an Indonesia- “We don’t know yet where men into illegal construction based refugee advocacy group. cases, Myanmar labourer dies they went,” said Ridwan Jalil, and other low-paid jobs. He said: “It’s fine if [the head of the Rohingya task- Some Rohingya men in Ma- government] hands over the Thailand’s Centre for Covid- many. through proactive testing, force in Lhokseumawe. “But laysia pay smugglers to bring refugees to UNHCR, but it 19 Situation Administration The foreigners consisted of while 2,452 are returnees. they’ll escape if they can find over their families, or new should continue supporting (CCSA) reported 930 new cases an Iranian, a Nigerian, a Brit- A total of 11,505 people have any hole to leave because that brides from arranged mar- the agency in terms of provid- on January 30 and the death of on, a Russian, a German and recovered and been discharged is their goal.” riages. ing security.” a Myanmar labourer in Samut two US citizens – all travelling from hospitals, while 6,371 are A Myanmar military crack- While Indonesia is not a Sakhon province. from their home countries. still in hospital. The death toll down in 2017, which UN in- Security breach signatory to an international The cases from foreign coun- Outside the quarantine facil- rose to 77, seven in the second vestigators said amounted to The refugees in Indonesia convention on refugees, the tries were 11 persons in the ities, three Thai nationals were outbreak. genocide, forced 750,000 Ro- were repeatedly asked to stay move was a breach of its obli- state quarantine and three found infected with Covid-19, CCSA assistant spokesper- hingya to flee across the bor- in the camp, the UN High gations to protect them, said persons crossing over from crossing over from Malaysia son Panprapa Yongtrakul said der into Bangladesh’s south- Commissioner for Refugees Usman Hamid, director of Malaysia. both illegally and legally. that the latest fatality, a Myan- east coastal district of Cox’s said. Amnesty International’s In- In the state quarantine, there As of January 30, the number mar labourer, had congenital Bazar, where many ended up “But [they] left despite our donesia office. were 11 cases – four Thais and of confirmed cases in Thailand diseases like liver cirrhosis and in sprawling refugee camps. constant efforts to remind He said: “As long as they’re seven foreigners. The Thai re- had risen to 17,953, 15,501 alcoholism. He died on Janu- Thousands have since paid them about the danger and in Indonesian territory, then turnees came from South Ko- contracted locally. So far, 8,553 ary 27. THE NATION (THAILAND)/ASIA smugglers to get them out of risks they could face by leav- it is Indonesia’s obligation to rea, Nigeria, the UK and Ger- cases have been uncovered NEWS NETWORK Bangladesh, enduring harrow- ing – including if they used give them protection.” afp THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Gas exploration in Bangladesh www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Opinion Ly Tayseng Badrul Imam Managing Editor Post Khmer Sam Rith Deputy Chief of Staff VER the last 20 years, Phak Seangly Bangladesh consumed Business Editor about 13 trillion cubic feet May Kunmakara (TCF) of gas. During the Deputy Business Editor sameO period, only less than two TCF Sangeetha Amarthalingam of new gas reserve was discovered. Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk The number of exploration wells Pan Simala drilled during this time was merely Senior Reporters 22, implying an average of about one Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng well drilled per year. Reporters This is a prime example, by any Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, standard, of a very underexplored country which has seen major gas Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, discoveries in the past and has been Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, rated highly for further gas prospects. With the world adopting the latest Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha technological innovations in petrole- Photographers um exploration, Bangladesh needs to Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey open its door to invite and apply the Web Editor marvels of the advanced technology to Leang Phannara explore its true hydrocarbon potential. Digital Team This view has been expressed by a Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy pool of international geoscientists from SIEM REAP BUREAU Canada, the US, Australia, Bangladesh Offi ce Manager Bangladesh needs to open its door to invite and apply the marvels of the advanced technology to explore its true hydrocarbon potential. AFP and other parts of the world with the Sophearith Blondeel common link among them being their The consensus of opinions has been does not deter the decision-makers fund-seeking file crawled from table PRODUCTION & PRINTING Bangladeshi origin. The speakers met clear – Bangladesh has to put an end from engaging Gazprom in many to table in the bureaucratic wonder- Head of Desktop Publishing virtually on the “Mir Moinul Hoque to its extremely slow pace of explora- other well-drilling activities, includ- land before the fund was sanctioned. Nhim Sokphyrak Memorial Lecture Forum”, exchanging tion as well as the bureaucratic over- ing some taken away from Bapex. By the time the fund reached the Desktop Publishing views on the state of gas exploration in lord-ship on the national exploration Surprisingly, Gazprom does not drill drilling point, the gas zone was dam- Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath Bangladesh as well as that of the activities. Instead, the explorations the wells itself but engages subcon- aged due to overexposure in the open Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna advanced technology-driven explora- have to be self-driven, more frequent tractors to do the job! hole and the gas could not flow. This tion in the western world. and faster with increased linkages In 2015, it was announced that Bap- is probably the worst kind of emer- Most of the discussants, who have with international expertise. ex would drill 55 exploratory wells in gency handling in a gas well ever years of experience in the US and While one cannot agree more on five years – meaning 11 wells per year known in the exploration business. HEAD OFFICE Canadian oil industries, opined that the above points, the realities on the – breaking the long-drawn stalemate Nobody seems to have an answer as Post Media Co., Ltd. latest technology can change the way ground appear grim. It is not difficult in exploration. The media hype and to why offshore exploration in Bangla- The Elements Condominium Level 7, hydrocarbon exploration is being to understand why an aspirant geo- political rhetoric on this issue were desh did not kickstart even years after Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, carried out in Bangladesh. scientist or engineer of Bapex (Bang- supposed to be justified, because this the maritime boundary disputes with Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom Speakers agreed that Bangladesh’s ladesh Petroleum Exploration and could usher in a new scenario in Myanmar and India were resolved in Penh, Cambodia gas exploration has apparently been Production Co Ltd) tends to lose con- Bangladesh’s gas exploration. 2012 and 2014, respectively. Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 stalled because of a lack of dynamic fidence in the overall state of explora- But in reality, the number of wells Based on the discoveries made in Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 vision. Exploration drillings are few tion and development management. drilled was two in 2016, two in 2017, Rakhine offshore in Myanmar just adja- Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 and far between. Off-shore explora- “Is this the reward for our success?” and so on. In the five years since cent to Bangladesh’s maritime bounda- SIEM REAP tion has come to a standstill despite he would ask, referring to the deci- 2015, only six exploratory wells were ry, geoscientists are highly optimistic No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune having bright prospects. sion of the high-ups to remove Bapex drilled instead of the 55 announced. about the prospects of large gas reserves Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 Starting in the 1960s, the first phase workers from developing their own The programme was scrapped and in Bangladesh offshore, too. But there is COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT of exploration, dealing with the easy discoveries, Shahbazpur and Bhola Bapex workers went back to their den no answer about what’s holding Bangla- Chief Operating Offi cer targets known geologically as struc- North gas fields, in order to give to await what comes next. desh back from exploring its sea. James Ong Soon Teck tural prospects, has been almost over. those to Gazprom (reportedly not In 2016, Bapex drilled an exploratory The government had done its share Advertising Department This has had several phenomenal registered in Russia), a dubious for- well at Pabna named Mubarakpur well. in giving Bapex a hand by providing Chap Narith, 017 996 241 successes in the past (Titas, eign oil company, for development. Exploration drillers around the world funds for procuring drilling rigs and Hun Channet, 017 578 768 Habiganj, Kailashtilla and Bibiyana This certainly demoralises the Bap- know that it is not unusual to face a other essentials. It seems interested Prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 gas fields, for example). ex workforce. Bapex not only discov- stuck pipe problem at some point dur- in developing a national workforce so Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 But the drive into the second stage ered the above two gas fields in the ing deep drilling, and accordingly, mit- that the national entity grows to take Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 of exploration, with more subtle tar- northern part of Bhola island entirely igation measures are prearranged. its share of responsibilities of devel- Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 gets known geologically as stratigraph- on its own, but it has also made a But Bapex was given just enough oping the gas sector. CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION ic prospects, has not taken place. A substantial geological data interpre- fund to drill the well and nothing to But some quarters within the Acting Distribution Manager large area of Bangladesh plainland tation to pointedly forecast that other handle a technical emergency should bureaucratic system play it the other Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 seemingly conceals numerous pros- parts of the island and surroundings a pipe get stuck. Over the course of way, perhaps so that businesses of Circulation Supervisor pects of the latter type, according to are equally gas prospective. drilling, Bapex identified a gas zone their own interest prevail over the Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 the geological evaluation. Bapex appeared set to move into at a deep section of the well, but at national interest. This group seems Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 Modern technologies like FPV the area to launch further explora- one stage the pipe was stuck. This to purposefully try to undermine ADMINISTRATION (floating photovoltaic) study, as tion. But perhaps the bureaucratic usually needs a remedial measure Bapex as well as other gas explora- Admin & HR Manager explained by the keynote speaker, for mentors could not care less about called side-tracking. tion programmes in Bangladesh. THE Pich Socheat example, and horizontal drilling and Bapex’s call, and it is Gazprom rather Bapex did not have the small DAILY STAR (BANGLADESH)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Assistants Admin & HR Manager fracking, as suggested by others, than Bapex which has moved in. amount of fund required to do the Nhel Soaphea could bring major changes in the Gazprom drills a well at more than job. To get the fund, it had to wait The writer is an Honorary Professor at the Financial Director outcome of exploration. double the cost of a Bapex drill. That seven months during which time the Department of Geology, University of Dhaka. Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co., Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co., Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co., Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Artist dad raises four sculptor sons

Pann Rethea Sam Ath hopes the next generation of sculptors will SELF-TAUGHT art- do something new and cre- ist, Eng Sam Ath is ative rather than continually known for his lively replicating the works of the and detailed sculp- past. This is yet another rea- turalA reliefs of Buddha’s life son that he is determined to story as well as his sculptures eventually send his sons to inspired by Angkorian wall receive a formal education in carvings. art. Born into a family of farm- “Having raised my four ers in Kandal province, Sam sons, I noticed that they all Ath has been interested in have a passion for the art of art since his childhood. He sculpture like I do,” he says. couldn’t attend art school to Sam Ath decided to send his pursue his dreams of an edu- eldest son to the Royal Uni- cation due to poverty but he versity of Fine Arts where he didn’t let that stop him. could get proper arts educa- “As a sculptor myself who tion and be inspired by true has never been to art school, I professional artists. really wish for my children to “In the meantime, my other polish their talent and skills three sons have been watch- [by learning] theory and tech- ing and learning from me. nique at university,” says the They really pay close atten- father of four. tion to what I’m doing. By the Sam Ath fears that it may be time they graduate from high a financial struggle to send all school, I hope I will be able to four of his talented sons to the send them to Phnom Penh to Royal University of Fine Arts – attend art school like their el- but if they want to go then he dest brother,” Sam Ath says. is determined to do it. Whether sculptors are self- He hopes that they will one Eng Sam Ath depicts a scene of Buddha and his disciples in a relief sculpture commissioned by a pagoda. Supplied taught or formally educated, day become even better artists Sam Ath believes that they than him and make their own taught sculptor says: “There are ect would be so rewarding.” have been going up – and one project for nearly two months should focus on becoming contributions to Cambodia’s two reasons that I quickly made that modesty won’t permit and I still need a few more more creative as much as flourishing art community. up my mind to quit sculpture. Turning point him to mention – is that he months to complete it. Then they do on improving their Sam Ath, 39, creates lively “First, I was disappointed to By the time he had com- is more experienced now and my next project is in Kampong technique. sculptures that capture the see how people don’t value art pleted five of them, photos of his clients today are getting Thom Province,” he says. His eldest son, now 20, is hearts of social media users or appreciate its quality. They his sculptures went viral and the benefit of that experience Most of Sam Ath’s commis- a sophomore majoring in whenever photos of them are only want to get it done as Sam Ath found the outpour- by getting better art work. sioned art works are religious fine arts’ sculpture. He is al- posted. He has learned from cheaply as possible. Second, ing of public compliments His skills have increased and historical bas, haut and ready skilled enough to cre- other people by observing I was heartbroken to see how highly motivating. steadily over the past few ronde-bosse reliefs. He has ate sculptures on his own and practicing rather than by sculptors would compete with “There was a lot of interest years along with his reputa- created lively reliefs portray- having gotten a head-start by attending university. each other for money.” from the public who seemed tion as an artist and it’s only ing scenes from Buddha’s life learning from his father while “What I can do today is the After taking a three-year to really appreciate my work. natural that he should earn and he has also done scenes growing up. result of learning by observing break from sculpture, Ath All over Facebook strangers more as a result. based on the carvings at Ang- “He is able to create a tradi- other people as they worked. again picked up his carving had been expressing their ad- “The cost of my work de- kor Wat temple. tional solo character like male They weren’t art professionals tool to earn income to support miration for my sculptures,” pends on my skill level and Starting from scratch through or female angels sculpted in either. We were all learning, his family. Sam Ath says. the price of supplies. My very to the finishing touches, Sam traditional costumes with fine experiencing and practicing In 2018, he was hired for a A sculptural relief measuring first project, I charged $50 per Ath’s sculpture can take any- details . together at the same time. project in a pagoda in Preah 6m by 2m in size depicting a square metre. [Currently] I am where from several days to sev- “But he still hasn’t done a “Self-taught sculptors like Sihanouk province. scene from a traditional story being paid $250 per square eral weeks or months depend- full relief depicting a scene of us usually learn from one an- For the Preah Sihanouk pa- takes him about 25 days to metre and in the coming year, ing on the scale of the project. Buddha’s life story yet while other. We had never heard of goda project, he was asked complete and at first he only I expect to be paid between He prefers to recreate the guided only by his own imagi- theory or concept. We didn’t to make 16 pieces of ronde- charged $50 per square metre. $300 to S350 per square me- scenes in his sculptures with nation – that will be the real know shaping techniques or bosse relief, which is a type of Sam Ath says he has had tre,” Sam Ath explains. his imagination rather than fol- test for him,” Sam Ath says understand scale or propor- enamel encrusted sculpture. to raise his prices to keep up “Recently I’ve been mak- lowing tradition and using the with a smile. tion in sculpture when we “At the time, I accepted that with the increasing price of ing sculptures for Vipassana same compositions that have For those who would like to started. We weren’t familiar second project only to sup- supplies. Meditation Centre in Kandal already been repeated over and commission a Eng Sam Ath with any of it. We just saw port my wife and four sons. I In truth, the more compel- province’s Kaorm Samnor com- over again by the older genera- sculpture call him at 099 34 people do it, and we followed. couldn’t imagine that this proj- ling reason that his prices mune. I’ve been working on this tions of artists. 88 83 or 097 28 888 19. That’s it,”he says. Sam Ath spent years follow- ing other sculptors around as an assistant and apprentice until he finally got his first work commissioned in 2015. He was asked to make 13 pieces of Buddhist sculptural relief for a pagoda in Prey Veng province’s Koh Rokar commune. That first project he was com- missioned for was painstaking- ly time-consuming, but he still earned very little – especially after having had to pay for his stay away from home. For a time Sam Ath’s seeming- ly bleak financial circumstanc- es made him feel depressed. He began to think he would always be paid less and have his work underrated because of his lack of a formal education. At one point he resolved to give up art entirely and for a time he did. Looking back to his gloomy years away from art, the self- Sam Ath’s sculptural reliefs are either scenes from Buddha’s life (left) or in the Angkorian-style (right). Supplied Eng Sam Ath is a self-taught sculptor from Kandal province. Supplied THE PHNOM PENH POST February 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Email: [email protected] Socialite 13

FT Gallery and Studio opens at the Factory FT Gallery and Studio opened at the Factory Phnom Penh on January 23 with the “FT Sanctuary” group exhibition from popular artists. The opening in partnership with the gallery and Urban Village was officiated by Minister of Culture and Fine Arts HE Phoeurng Sackona. FT Gallery and Studio is owned and curated by well-known Canadian-Khmer street artist FONKi. The studio aims to support young local artists and to promote Phnom Penh as a vibrant Southeast Asian cultural centre.

Hattha Bank signs deal with CMED for new HQ Hattha Bank last Wednesday held a signing agreement to begin construction of its new 22-storey headquarters on Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard in Phnom Penh. The financial

S U PP LIED institute signed the agreement with CMED Construction Co Ltd – the main builder of the tower. S U PP LIED As well as office space, the new building will include a cafe, a food court, a nursery and a gym. At present, the bank has 177 branches and 137 ATMs across the Kingdom. photos photos photos

,

Koica and NBC roll out advanced ‘Retail Pay System’ The Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) last Tuesday launched the Retail Pay

System. The latest financial infrastructure provides safe, efficient and fast payment facilities for trade settlements. HE Park Heung-kyeong, S U PP LIED the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia, NBC deputy governor HE Neav Chanthana and KOICA Cambodia country director Rho Hyun Jun were present at the event held at the NBC’s headquarters. photos photos 14 Socialite Email: [email protected] THE PHNOM PENH POST February 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com

Almond Group holds ‘prosperity toss’ In keeping with its tradition, Almond Hospitality Group on January 25 hosted a special dinner for the media ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations, which this year begin on February 12. Guests joined in a lou sang “prosperity toss” of the yee sang mixed salad at the gathering held at the Yi Sang The Garden Toul Kork Restaurant. photos post staff post photos THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Lifestyle Thinking caps

A vendor pours mulled wine into a cup in France. Demand for mulled wine picked up with the cold weather. Afp Warm mulled wine cheers up Parisians in Covid winter

n AN icy afternoon to stay shut, with takeaway For Marius, a German ex- in Paris, groups of service their only option for change student who deemed people with steam- making some money. the Louise’s brew “very good”, ing paper cups in With a 6pm curfew in place, his sidewalk break was even handO savour a respite from several soon saw crowds more welcome after his the long Covid winter. gather in the mid-afternoon homeland outlawed tradi- “It’s a roving aperitif!” said for drinks with friends, osten- tional outdoor wine stands Eric Venezia, owner of Le Mo- sibly while waiting for their over the risk of infection. liere in the city’s chic sixth food orders. “We’re trying to find the joy “SWEET!” district, which sells takeaway “You have to make the most that we can these days,” said mulled wine to people stroll- of the moment,” said Paula, his friend Camille. ACROSS 63 Saharalike 30 It’s overhead ing through the picturesque one of several people linger- ‘What we can still enjoy’ 1 Not now or the future 64 Masseuse’s supplies 31 Honer’s target Left Bank. ing outside the Moliere. “If 5 Tolkien villains 65 Palindromist’s principle 32 Withdraws (with “out”) “It’s an ideal drink for we had chairs to sit on it’d be The steps in front of the 9 Tea-producing state in India 66 Long-gone bird 33 Land map part 67 Twiggy digs takeaway service in winter,” even better.” Sacre-Coeur basilica in Mont- 14 Creative input 34 Hard to hang on to DOWN he said, standing next to a martre was an ideal spot to 15 Not a happy fate 35 Tool for deciduous foliage ‘Comforting’ 16 Neutral shade 1 Excite, as interest or curiosity cauldron of hot red wine fla- watch the sunset with a warm 36 Cousin of a zebra 17 Very pleasing 2 Grown up voured with cinnamon, or- A few blocks away on the brew for Judith, a nurse, and 37 Gumshoe 20 Arm counterparts of fibulae 3 View from the Left Bank ange peel and star anise. He stately Boulevard Saint-Ger- Martin, a wine merchant. 39 Send out matter goes through about 20 litres a main, Julien, a waiter at Cafe “It’s cold and since we have 21 Parceled out 4 Golden Horde member 22 Continuing indefinitely 40 Dell, poetically day – enough to fill more than Louise, acknowledges that in to stay outside, at least we 5 ___ man out 25 Van Gogh lost one 44 Revere in history 6 Sturgeon product 150 cups. a land that prides itself on its have mulled wine to keep 26 Primitive percussion instrument 45 Cluster of nine 7 Carbonated beverage As demand picked up with wine-making tradition, the us warm,” said Judith, while 28 Filly, after maturing 46 Diamond side 8 Grin bearer the cold weather, he ex- warm spicy version was not a Martin admits that “It’s the 32 Collapsible topper 48 Daisy ___ of Dogpatch 9 More than hate panded his offering: “In Al- hot seller before the crisis. first time I’ve ever had it in 37 Ready for a break 49 Blame for, as a crime 38 Good time for a walk hand-in- 10 Small paving stone sace they drink lots of mulled But clients are keen for a Paris.” 50 Murphy who played Klumps taste of pre-Covid freedom. Nearby, Enzo quickly fin- hand 11 Recipe directive white wine . . . so I decided to 51 Unloads do that as well.” “It’s comforting for people ishes the glass he bought 41 Chats 12 Malaria symptom 52 Secret encounter French cafes and restaurants – it feels a bit like being in from a nearby cafe, as police 42 Become very thin 13 Pinochle combo 53 Lookout, perhaps have been closed since Octo- the mountains, which unfor- officers ask people to start 43 Lid lump 18 Poetic time after dusk 44 Mortal danger 54 On the qui ___ (watchful) ber 30, when the government tunately we can’t enjoy this heading home ahead of the 19 Feeling happy appreciation 46 Appliance with blades 55 Macintosh screen symbol ordered a second nationwide year,” he said. curfew. 23 Turkish commander (Var.) 47 Violent storm 56 Bag-shaped fish trap lockdown to stem a surge in Laurence, a lawyer, agreed, “We’re enjoying what we 24 Give money, and expect it back 53 Birds of a region 57 Prominent ’70s hairstyle coronavirus cases. assuring that her afternoon can still enjoy these days, be- 27 Absolute 58 Helper, essentially 60 Get ___ of (discard) It was lifted six weeks later tipple outside the Cafe Louise fore locking ourselves up at 59 Like some suburban roads 28 Kind of computer 61 Words of commitment but restaurants were forced was “completely exceptional.” home again,” he said.” Afp 62 Bring to mind 29 Stirring solo performance Friday’s solution

Friday’s solution

Parisians have mulled wine to keep them warm during the long Covid winter. AFP 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST february 1, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Man City move three points clear on top as Man Utd held to goalless draw at Arsenal

anchester City with a first win in 12 games, beating opened up a three- Everton 2-0, while relegation rivals point lead at the top West Brom and Fulham played out of the Premier League a 2-2 draw. Mwith a game in hand to come as Pep Magpies manager Steve Bruce’s Guardiola’s men beat Sheffield Unit- future was under the spotlight af- ed 1-0, while Manchester United ter a wretched run that plunged played out a goalless draw at Arsenal his side into the relegation on January 30. dogfight. Gabriel Jesus scored the only goal But Callum Wilson scored twice inside the first 10 minutes at the Eti- in the final 17 minutes to earn a de- had as City extended their winning served victory. run to 12 games in all competitions. Everton were punished for a poor Ferran Torres and Jesus were two of performance when Wilson headed in five changes made by Guardiola and the opening goal from a corner and they combined to make the break- then sealed the win on the counter- through as the Brazilian tapped attack in stoppage time. home for his first Premier League “There’s no disputing it – it’s been goal since November. very difficult,” said Bruce. City failed to build on the lead, but “We’re trying to be more on the comfortably held out for a 15th clean front foot and push up the pitch. We sheet in their last 19 games. were a lot better.” “People think if we won the last one Bruce’s men are now eight points 5-0, we will win this one 5-0. This is clear of the relegation zone af- the real world, not a fairytale,” said ter a point each did little for West City manager Pep Guardiola. Brom or Fulham’s battle to beat the “Today when I see Sheffield is bot- drop. tom of the league. You see his team The visitors were dominant in the and realise how tough is the Premier first half at the Hawthorns and were League.” made to regret not building on Bobby Second-placed United could have Decordova-Reid’s opener. moved back within one point of their Kyle Bartley levelled for the Baggies local rivals, but for the second time two minutes into the second half be- in four days, after suffering a shock fore new signing Mbaye Diagne teed defeat by Sheffield United on Janu- Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick (right) challenges Manchester City defender Kyle Walker during the English Premier up Matheus Pereira to turn the game ary 27, their title challenge faltered. League football match between both teams at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on Saturday. POOL/AFP around. Edinson Cavani wasted a golden Ivan Cavaleiro’s equaliser ensured opportunity for United when the Arsenal, you deserve a win that’s a Aston Villa moved above the Gun- had a goal ruled out for offside deep Fulham remain above West Brom in striker volleyed wide in the closing step forward,” Solskjaer said. ners into eighth after Ross Barkley’s into stoppage time as Southampton 18th and edged to within four points moments, while Alexandre Laca- Arsenal are undefeated in their last header earned a 1-0 win at South- slumped to a third straight league of safety. zette’s free-kick for Arsenal came seven league matches and edged to ampton. defeat. Crystal Palace eased fears they back off the bar. within six points adrift of the top four Dean Smith’s men had goalkeeper could be dragged into a scrap for sur- “The Sheffield United result of despite missing Pierre-Emerick Au- Emiliano Martinez to thank for bril- Newcastle ease pressure on Bruce vival as Eberechi Eze’s winner earned course was disappointing when bameyang, Bukayo Saka and Kieran liant saves to deny Che Adams and At the other end of the table, New- the Eagles a 1-0 win over Wolves to you’re at home. If you feel, away at Tierney. Jan Bednarek, while Danny Ings castle pulled clear of the drop zone move up to 13th. AFP La Liga chief: ‘FIFA president supports European Super League’

La LIGA chief Javier Tebas has of European football. FIFA or the respective confed- going to take up. Otherwise I competition in the world” as the most vocal opponents of accused FIFA president Gianni Tebas claims Infantino has eration.” wouldn’t understand it.” well as the most lucrative. the Super League project, Infantino of supporting the been “working on” and “encour- FIFA added any club or play- Documents containing details Tebas continued: “In the which he says has been driven launch of a breakaway Euro- aging” its formation and said er participating would be of the Super League, first report- documents there are also cer- by Perez at Madrid, as well as pean Super League despite FIFA’s president could even be banned from competitions ed this month by British news- tain dates being held back for the American owners of Liver- world football’s governing body given a role with the new league organised by FIFA, such as the paper The Times, proposed a the Club World Cup, which is pool, Manchester United and being officially opposed to the once it is set up. World Cup, although it is 20-club tournament with 15 so precious to Infantino. They AC Milan. project. When contacted for com- unclear if such a move would permanent members. have kept January free for the Barcelona’s outgoing presi- In a media interview, Tebas ments, FIFA referred to its be legal. They would include the Pre- Club World Cup and even said dent, Josep Maria Bartomeu, called on Infantino to deny he statement on January 21, which Yet Tebas believes Infantino mier League’s ‘Big Six’, as well who is going to be part of it.” said in October the club had is in favour of the controversial was signed by Infantino and is in favour of a Super League as Real Madrid and Barcelona, “It is obvious that people also signed up. breakaway competition that said “such a competition would and has even been helping with those clubs guaranteed involved like [Real Madrid The loss of income from the would transform the landscape not be recognised by either clubs to organise it. billions of euros in revenue. president] Florentino Perez pandemic has accelerated talks, “FIFA as an institution have Tebas believes the docu- could not have those details if after Madrid and Barca each been very clear but Infantino is ments show Infantino was Infantino were against it,” add- posted total debts of around €1 not FIFA the institution, he is involved in discussions. ed Tebas. billion ($1.2 billion). the president and he should “In the documents that we Real Madrid declined to com- “Barcelona and Real’s finan- clarify his position,” Tebas said have there is the mention of a ment. cial situations are not great but in an interview with AFP and code name ‘W01’ which clearly In October, Infantino said he they’re not so bad either,” said The Sun newspaper in the UK. refers to Mr Infantino. That is was “not interested” in a Euro- Tebas. “It is obvious that he has his code name,” said Tebas. pean Super League but stopped “The Super League is just been involved in the meetings. “So he should urgently clari- short of confirming if he was an excuse they are looking He has been working on it and fy his position, his personal for or against. for to set up this dream, the even been encouraging them position, to explain exactly why “If he comes out and says it’s dream that Florentino Perez to set it up.” he was at some of the meetings not true and can prove it, I will has had for years. But while I “He is not against it,” Tebas and encouraged the project at apologise,” said Tebas. am in charge of the Spanish added. “He thought the project certain points in time.” “In football everyone knows league it’s not going to hap- was good.” everyone and we find out eve- pen, that’s my opinion,” When asked why Infantino ‘Not going to happen’ rything that’s going on. When I Tebas added. would support a European Infantino has championed a say something it is for a good “The whole system will be Super League, Tebas said: new, expanded 24-team FIFA reason. I know the truth.” against it and it won’t just sit on La Liga president Javier Tebas accuses FIFA president Gianni Infantino “Maybe he has a position in this Club World Cup which he has As the head of the Spanish its hands. It’s going to fight.” of supporting the launch of a breakaway European Super League. AFP future Super League that he is said would be the “the best club league, Tebas has been one of AFP