N U MB E R 3538 ssue I wednesday, november 11, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL officials speed up think tank pushes Vaccine ‘milestone’ construction of ACMECS to create hailed as global quarantine centre rice association covid cases soar national – page 2 business – page 6 world – page 9 Report: G20 backslides on fossil fuel subsidies RICH nations are still providing more than half a trillion dollars annually to fossil fuel projects despite committing to slash greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris climate deal, research showed on Tuesday. While state support to oil, gas and coal has dipped slightly since the landmark 2015 accord, a joint analy- sis by three climate think tanks found that many nations’ post-pandemic stimulus plans will see billions more given to polluting fuels. In a grading of Group of 20 (G20) coun- tries’ performance of phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, the analysis found that at least $170 billion of public money had been pledged to fossil fuel-intensive sec- tors since the start of the pandemic. “G20 governments were already not on track to meet their Paris Agreement commitments on ending support for fossil fuels before Covid-19,” noted Anna Geddes of the International Institute for Sustainable Develop- ment, which co-authored the report. Production and consumption sub- sidies take the form of tax breaks, rebates, financial incentives or even overseas aid and can keep consumer Burned and blackened prices artificially low. Passersby look at the aftermath of a fire that razed houses in Phsar Doeum Thkov commune, in Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district on Tuesday. There were The International Energy Agency 872 fires in Cambodia in the first 10 months of this year, with 23 reported deaths.HONG MENEA sTORY > 2 (IEA) said last month that Covid-19 pro- vided a once-in-a-generation opportu- nity for governments to enact a “step- change in clean energy investment”. But administrations desperate to get their economies firing again after the damage wrought by Covid-19 seem not PM urges calm in wake to have taken this advice to heart. Lockdowns and travel bans have seen global carbon pollution plum- met this year compared with 2019, which the IEA said must be the “definitive peak” for emissions. But Tuesday’s analysis showed that of ‘November 3 event’ rich nations – responsible for the vast Mom Kunthear The prime minister, who tested ation, it was not deemed dire yet. and the provinces. Our situation majority of emissions – were likely to negative and has since been in “I would like to take this oppor- is still well-managed. Our people undo even the slight progress they had RIME Minister Hun Sen has quarantine, urged those who were tunity to call on our people not to continue to make a living as usual.” made on phasing out subsidies. called on citizens to remain in contact with Szijjarto to isolate get nervous about this situation. Hun Sen acknowledged the It found they had given $584 billion calm and follow the Ministry themselves as he weighed the pos- It is really serious, but it has yet to situation had caused some jitters to fossil fuel projects every year of Health guidelines after sibility of locking down Phnom reach a level that causes panic and in Phnom Penh and the prov- between 2016-2019. fourP people tested positive for Covid- Penh and other areas. subsequent increase in the price of inces of Kandal, Pursat, Preah Si- Gauging each country’s subsidy reform 19 following a visit by Hungarian Hun Sen termed Szijjarto’s visit the goods,” he said in a voice message hanouk, Takeo, Kampot and Kep path, the analysis found that not a single Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade “November 3 event” to avoid naming recorded on Monday night. because several senior officials nation has made “good progress” in line Peter Szijjarto on November 3. Hungary directly, something that he “I would like to thank my coun- who had been in contact with Szij- with reaching the Paris accord goals. Szijjarto was confirmed Covid-19 said could affect relations between trymen at markets for continuing jarto had travelled to those areas. The 2015 treaty enjoins nations to positive in the Thai capital Bangkok the two countries. activities as usual. They don’t get “I ask the people to be careful and limit global temperature rises to “well after the visit, where he met Hun Sen He said while he acknowledged jittery, especially regarding the below” two degrees Celsius above pre- and senior officials, among others. the seriousness of the current situ- price of goods both in Phnom Penh Continued – page 2 industrial levels. AFP

THE PHNOM PENH POST Environment ministry says National Asian elephants face threats Inside page 4 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National PM mulls lockdown as Officials expedite construction schools, entertainment of quarantine centre in capital venues ordered closed Continued from page 1 Hospital. A Cambodian body- guard assigned to the Hun- hopefully my calls will be heed- garian delegation also tested ed before I consider locking positive for Covid-19. down Phnom Penh or any part The ministry said 1,140 of the country under the Law people had tested negative on the State of Emergency. while 23 samples continued “I might request King [Noro- to be analysed by the IPC. dom Sihamoni] to sign a lock- Ministry of Education, Youth down [order] for any part of and Sport spokesman Ros Phnom Penh or the whole Soveacha told The Post on No- country in times of emergency. vember 10 that as of November But I don’t want to do so because 9, the ministry found that peo- it affects the rights and freedom ple from two provincial educa- of a lot of people,” he said. tion departments, the Karate- The prime minister also or- Do Club at Olympic Stadium dered the ministries of Interior and nine private schools had and National Defence; the Na- been in contact with Szijjarto. tional Police; the commanders “These units under the edu- of the Royal Cambodian Armed cation ministry were prepared Forces (RCAF) and Military Po- to consistently carry out mea- lice to prepare forces to guard sures advised by the health quarantine facilities. ministry. The education min- “I call on authorities at all istry has halted studies tem- levels to check on those who porarily for two weeks and are self-quarantining at their continued online learning in houses to see if they are doing Phnom Penh, Kandal province it properly. If they cannot do and other target locations. The it properly, please hurry to in- ministry also closed Olympic vite them to quarantine cen- Stadium temporarily until fur- The quarantine centre, which can accommodate up to 460 people, is expected to be finished by year’s end. phnom penh municipal hall tres prepared by the health ther notice,” he said. departments. Whether it be in As of November 10, Cambo- Voun Dara as possible. 800 people. This plan will cost Following a visit by Hungar- Phnom Penh or the provinc- dia had recorded 300 Covid-19 Ministry spokeswoman Or about $790,000 with funding ian Minister of Foreign Affairs es, they have to guard quar- patients, 60 of them women. HE Ministry of Health Vandine said on November 10 from the government’s budget. and Trade Peter Szijjarto on No- antine centres strictly. This is Of the total, 288 have recov- and Phnom Penh that the centre has four build- The government have been vember 3, Prime Minister Hun not detention but a need to ered while the remaining 12 Municipal Adminis- ings on almost 1ha in Prek Pnov using some schools in Phnom Sen has instructed the authori- self-isolate,” he said. are being treated at the Khmer- tration are accelerat- district’s Prek Pnov commune. Penh to quarantine Cambodi- ties to strictly monitor those re- The health ministry said on Soviet Friendship Hospital. ingT the construction of a new “We will put every effort into ans travelling from abroad. quired to be in quarantine. November 10 that 1,166 peo- Meanwhile, the health min- quarantine centre to be ready completing this centre accord- “Cambodians travelling “I have ordered the health ple have been tested twice for istry announced that indi- by year’s end. ing to plan because the de- from abroad will quarantine ministry and Phnom Penh and the virus following the No- viduals who fail to carry out The construction began in mand is significant,” she said. in this centre after it is done, Kandal authorities to check vember 3 event. quarantine measures will be September. Health minister Ministry secretary of state while foreigners have to quar- on all people who are quar- Results obtained from the fined between 200,000 and Mam Bun Heng and Phnom York Sambath told reporters the antine in hotels. This will make antined. If they do not quar- Institut Pasteur du Cambodge one million riel ($50 and Penh governor Khuong Sreng centre will be able to accom- it convenient to manage. In antine properly at home, they (IPC) showed that three peo- $250) and subject to pros- went to check on the prog- modate 460 people. The minis- the quarantine centre there will be invited to quarantine ple – Suos Yara, Sor Chetra and ecution under Article 8 of the ress on November 5 and said try has plans to build two more will be doctors and equipment at facilities organised by the the Hungarian ambassador Criminal Code. they want it finished as soon buildings to be able to contain prepared,” she said. health ministry,” he said. to Cambodia and Vietnam – tested positive for Covid-19 www.phnompenhpost.com and are being treated at the check the post website Khmer-Soviet Friendship for breaking news Fires on the rise this year, 23 killed Khouth Sophak Chakrya Supreme Court sends THERE were 872 fires in Cam- bodia in the first 10 months of gun case for rehearing this year, an increase of 110 cases compared to the same Kim Sarom ment. In 2018, he returned to period last year, according Siem Reap on vacation. to a report from the National THE Supreme Court on Kinika said her client saw a Police’s Department of Fire November 10 sent a gun traf- Thai Facebook post selling Prevention, Extinguishing ficking case to the Court of gas weapons. He ordered a and Rescue. Appeal for rehearing. $120 gas gun and asked the “Twenty-three people were The defendant, Chea Heab account owner to send it to killed in the fires, an increase Hor, 20, was found guilty of Siem Reap. Heab Hor then of six from the same period last trafficking 30 gas pistols and sold it at $170 for profits. He year. The number of injured, one gun in 2018 in Siem Reap also bought a real G-Lock pis- however, was 97, a decrease of province. tol from the account owner at 46,” the report showed. Judge Saly Theara said after more than $1,000 and sold it Fire caused damage to 654 listening to Heab Hor’s defence for profits. houses and 505 market stalls, lawyer and the conclusion of Heab Hor was arrested on an increase of 78 houses and the prosecutor, the court rec- June 5 last year. 123 stalls compared to the ognised that the defendant According to the Supreme same period last year. acknowledged his mistake and Court’s record, the three peo- Phnom Penh had the high- requested the lower court ple related to the case are Heab reduce the punishment. est number of fires at 114 cas- A fire raze houses in Phnom Penh’s Phsar Doeum Thkov commune on Tuesday. municipal fire department Hor, Ly Tangchheng, 20, and es followed by the provinces The suspect told the court he Ly Menglong, 19. Police of Kandal at 92 and Siem candles, bonfires, incense]. While urging police to cre- cial Fire Prevention, Extin- has old parents and wanted a retrieved a total of 100 gas pis- Reap at 76. Separately, Kam- The remaining 21 per cent are ate technical training cours- guishing and Rescue bureau, lower punishment so he could tols, 300 air pistols and the real pot, Kep, Pailin, Kratie, Stung still under investigation. es in fire prevention, Vantha led officers on November 10 continue his studies. G-Lock pistol. Treng, and Preah Vihear prov- According to Vantha, dur- also encouraged people to to educate people and ven- “The court sees that the The Siem Reap Provincial inces have not had any fires ing the fall, which brings cold buy fire extinguishers to pre- dors at Samrong Market on suspect is still young and has Court issued a verdict on for the past 10 months. weather to some provinces vent fires in homes. He said how to use and maintain a to pursue his education. He November 2 last year, sen- Department director Neth in the northeast and the people should not burn grass fire extinguisher, as well as acknowledged his mistake, tencing each to five years in Vantha on November 10 re- Dangrek mountain range, or forest this season, because other fire fighting methods. so the Supreme Court moves prison for trafficking weap- iterated his call for residents, as well as the central plains strong winds can cause de- “Fire fighting is not easy, it the case back to the Appeal ons and ammunition under especially those in Phnom areas, people may light fires bris to touch other people’s requires patience and cour- Court to hear again,” Theara Article 488 of the Criminal Penh, to be more vigilant. to ward off the cold tempera- houses, igniting fire. age. The problem is black said. Code. “Forty per cent of all fires are tures. This causes more fires Ung Yulay, head of the unit smoke and hot flames can af- Heab Hor’s lawyer Malis Heab Hor appealed the ver- caused by electrical explosions if people are not careful and for dissemination of Fire Pre- fect health and life if we do not Kinika said her client is a dict and the higher court and 39 per cent are caused by do not put out the flames be- vention information under have enough technical equip- scholarship student in Thai- reduced his punishment by careless use of fire [cookers, fore they leave. the Oddar Meanchey provin- ment to help,” he said. land majoring in manage- one year. THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Ministry: World Health Assembly resumes High time Long Kimmarita

HE 73rd World Health to combat Assembly, which was postponed in May, e-bullying resumed virtually on NTovember 9 with Minister of Nov Sivutha Health Mam Bun Heng in at- tendance. THE Ministry of Interior’s A World Health Assembly Information Technology press release said the meet- Department on November 9 ing, which will end on No- called on guardians, school vember 14, will first examine managers and teachers to par- global health issues, primary ticipate in the fight against health care, the fight against youth cyberbullying. non-communicable and con- According to a 2019 UNICEF tagious diseases and Covid- report, 85.7 per cent of Cambo- 19 vaccines. dian youths between the ages of Preventing blindness, im- 15 and 25 face cyberbullying. proving maternity care, de- The department said guard- veloping medical expertise ians have to educate their chil- and implementing child and dren about the effects of bul- baby nutrition programmes lying in the context of the will also be discussed. internet. According to Bun Heng, the Children should be encour- assembly will be able to ap- aged to report cyberbullying prove resolutions regarding to school managers and guard- Covid-19 responses, an elimi- ians, it said. nation strategy for cervical The department also urged cancer by 2030 and a global school staff to create bullying strategy for tuberculosis re- rules and alert children to the search and innovation. Health minister Mam Bun Heng joined the World Health Assembly via video conference. health ministry effects of bullying and associ- The assembly is also expect- ated punishments. ed to approve eye health reso- World Health Organisation WHO director-general Tedros weren’t able to say goodbye to than 1.2 million people have It said bullying happens lutions, strengthen efforts on (WHO) reform, the global Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at their loved ones. We can’t mea- lost their lives. Millions more almost everywhere including food safety and make progress strategy on public health, the assembly on November 9 sure the fear felt by so many in have died due to the disrup- schools, workplaces and com- on the Decade of Healthy Age- innovation and intellectual that the world should “choose the face of an uncertain future. tion of essential health ser- munities. Bullying can carry ing (2020-2030) – a programme property,” Bun Heng said. health” and ensure the sustain- “Today and every day, we vices, according to WHO. severe mental health implica- geared towards improving the He said as a member of able funding for WHO. must choose health. We’re The World Health Assembly tions for victims and because lives of older people. ASEAN and WHO, Cambodia “This pandemic has also one big family,” he said. is held every year in Geneva. of rapid technological “This meeting will be able to had shown support for vari- taken a toll in ways that no one Almost 50 million cases of Envoys from nearly 200 mem- advancement, bullying has approve resolutions regard- ous resolutions proposed at can measure. We can’t mea- Covid-19 have now been re- ber countries have joined the found a home online. ing influenza preparedness, the forum. sure the grief of families who ported to WHO, and more 73rd assembly. National Cambodian Coun- cil for Children (NCCC) secre- tary-general Nhep Sopheap told The Post that bullying is a worldwide concern. She said Covid-19 has forced Border posts erected to mark protected areas children to participate in online learning. Voun Dara Wildlife Sanctuary and other July 3, at which Prime Minister land have erupted and there are including poverty reduction, Sopheap acknowledged that wildlife sanctuaries under the Hun Sen ordered three minis- not enough rangers to prevent it. especially through conservation the extra time spent online can THE Ministry of Environment ministry’s jurisdiction. tries – Environment; Land “Currently, state land in the and sustainable use of biodiver- have both positive and nega- is setting up border posts “We have set up 2,000 main Management, Urban Planning protected area of Prey Lang and sity, natural resources and natu- tive impacts on society. around protected areas to pre- border posts in natural pro- and Construction; and Agri- national parks is still being ral cultural resources, and eco- Victims of bullying, she said, vent illegal forest encroach- tected areas and continue to culture, Forestry and Fisheries encroached on, although the system services. spend less time at school and ment, according to ministry set up more. – to study and compile research government has ordered rele- According to the report, pro- distance themselves from their spokesman Neth Pheaktra. “In connection with the on land that people have been vant ministries and institutions tected areas have increased parents. They also tend to be Pheaktra said border posts planting of the border posts, it depending for many years in to prevent it. Encroachment from 23 to 68 areas with a total more involved in petty crime have already been set up to is important to be able to the protected areas. The land seems to be happening again area of about 7.3 million hec- and pursuing illicit activities. mark five natural protected clearly define the areas we will be given to the people. because local law enforcement tares, or 41 per cent of Cambo- “Relevant institutions are areas. They include Peam Kra- need to protect. We divide pro- Chea Hean, director of the is ineffective,” he said. dia’s land area. The sites are working on this issue by taking sop Wildlife Sanctuary, Phnom tected areas into four catego- NGO Anti-Corruption, Natural According to an environment located in 20 provinces. measures to prevent this abuse Prich Wildlife Sanctuary, Sre- ries – core areas, conservation Resource Protection and Civil ministry report, the government The 68 protected areas include [bullying] though discussion pok Wildlife Sanctuary, Siem areas, multi-use areas, and Rights Protection (ACNCIPO), has implemented the National 11 national parks, 19 wildlife with youths. This work needs Pang Wildlife Sanctuary and community areas,” he said. said on November 10 the demar- Strategic Plan for the Manage- sanctuaries, 13 landscape pro- participation from everyone,” Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary. Pheaktra said the ministry is cation in protected and conser- ment of Protected Areas 2017- tection areas, eight multi-use she said. The demarcation and divi- continuing to implement the vation areas is a good way to 2031. The plan is expected to areas, a Ramsar (wetlands area), According to the UNICEF sion could include an addition- recommendation presented protect state land. He said how- contribute significantly to a natural heritage area, a Marine report, about 60 per cent of al 20 areas, including Prey Lang during the plenary meeting of ever that clearing of and national economic growth and National Park and one mixed Cambodia’s 9.7 million inhab- Wildlife Sanctuary, Keo Seima the Council of Ministers on encroachment on state forest sustainable development, conservation corridor area. itants use the internet. Police officer summoned for reckless driving, killing family of four in Prey Veng last year Kim Sarom Chrum district’s Tasuos com- reckless driving and causing the truck contributed two mil- mune. According to one of the injuries and death under arti- lion riel ($490) to the funeral. A POLICE officer who alleg- victims’ brothers, Neang Rin, cles 83 and 85 of the Road Provincial court spokes- edly drove his truck into a the officer drove his truck Traffic Law. man Tep Phalla told The Post house killing a family of four into his brother’s house, kill- Rin filed a claim to be com- on November 10 that the in Svay Rieng province’s Svay ing him and his wife and their pensated $30,000 for the inci- court will issue an arrest war- Chrum district last year has two sons aged two months to dent. rant for Sopheak if he fails to been summoned to appear at two years old. “I just want to meet the per- appear in court. the provincial court on Novem- Rin said: “I have never heard petrator. I went to court, but “As per court procedure, the ber 22 for questioning. from the perpetrator whether I’ve never seen him. I only first step is to summon the The officer, 35-year-old Sok to pay compensation or not, demand compensation. The perpetrator, but if he is sum- Sopheak from Phsar Doeum he keeps escaping. punishment will be left to the moned and does not appear Kor commune in Phnom “Since the day of the inci- law,” he said. for a third time, an arrest war- Penh’s Tuol Kork district, has dent, the court has sum- He said his younger brother rant will be issued,” he said. been summoned before but moned me to appear in court was a motorcycle repairman failed to show up in court. three times, and the perpe- and worked at a home-built www.phnompenhpost.com The officer allegedly drove his truck into a home, killing a couple and The incident occurred on trator has never shown up.” workshop in front of his house. check the post website for breaking news their two sons. fresh news March 10 last year in Svay Sopheak was charged with After the incident, the owner of 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Ministry says Asian elephants face threat Soth Koemsoeun

INISTRY of Envi- ronment spokes- man Neth Pheak- tra said the Asian Melephant is being severely threatened in world sanctu- aries. In Cambodia, eight el- ephants have recently died in wildlife sanctuaries. Pheaktra said Asian elephants are listed as endangered on the International Union for Con- servation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. World sanctuaries are being threatened and degrad- ing habitats have separated Asian elephants and forced them to live separately. The eight elephants that died were in the eastern part of Cambodia. A camera installed at the Southern Cardamom National Park recently recorded four baby elephants caught in leg traps. One was trapped until it died, Pheaktra said. “Using traps to catch ani- mals in Cambodia’s protected areas is still a great concern and it is a danger for Asian elephants. It can cause them to sustain an injury or die. We have therefore increased patrols in 68 protected areas. About 30,000 traps have been removed and many animals were rescued,” he said. Airavata Elephant Founda- tion president Chenda Clais said on November 10 that wild elephants face trapping, a lack of proper shelter and daily food in the dry season. Popula- tion growth has also fuelled the human demand for land. Local elephants also face the issues of a lack of female ele- phants for breeding and lack of experts in elephant conserva- tion, Clais said. She called on the Cambodian government to put more effort into protecting elephants. Elephants, she add- ed, are considered the main animal in Khmer culture and play an important role in the ecosystem. “We should increase atten- tion on elephant conservation and forest protection. The for- est is the main shelter for wild animals. If we can do this, Asian elephants will increase from one year to another,” she said. Pheatra said the government has put forth the effort to organise activities to create the Cambodian Elephant Conser- vation Group (CECG) in coor- dination with the Forestry Administration and the Fauna and Flora International to increase the Asian elephant population in Cambodia. He said the ministry has organised a 10-year plan from 2020 to 2029. It prioritises main- taining shelters, conservation, connecting elephants and strengthening enforcement. According to Pheaktra, the number of Asian elephants is estimated at between 400 and 600, mostly in the Cardamom Mountains area, in the high- lands north of the Tonle Sap lake and in Mondulkiri prov- ince. The number of local ele- phants is estimated at 71. THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National

FTB joins in rebuilding lives Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia (FTB) is coming to the assistance of those impacted by the recent floods by supporting the Post Flood Relief Campaign. FTB CEO Dith Sochal assured cooperation for the cause during a visit by management of The Phnom Penh Post to the bank’s headquarters last Friday. Hean Rang s ey Hean PHOTOS PHOTOS 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,068 1.3022 6.61 105.38 4.1205 1.3484 30.44 0.7282 1.1796 1.3232 Think tank pushes ACMECS Exports climb 20% on $14B worth of to establish rice association Cambodian goods May Kunmakara Thou Vireak The Post that bicycle exports HE independent increased by more than $85 Phnom Penh-based CAMBODIA exported $14.1 bil- million compared to the think tank Asian Vi- lion worth of goods in the first same period last year. sion Institute on nine months of this year, up He said: “Minister of Com- MondayT called on the five 20.07 per cent from the same merce Pan Sorasak sent a let- inland ASEAN countries to period last year, despite Covid- ter to all buyers to continue consider setting up a regional 19’s production-chain disrup- accepting ordered goods from rice-producing association to tions and its impact on global Cambodia. maintain food security in the demand, the Ministry of Econ- “Cambodia has retained its region amid Covid-19. omy and Finance reported. capacity to produce despite The appeal was made dur- Topping the list of export items the Covid-19 situation. Thank ing a virtual panel discussion were milled rice, bicycles, elec- you to all the buyers for accept- under the theme Cambodia trical appliances and agricultur- ing the minister’s request.” Amidst Geopolitical Rivalry in al products such as legumes, ca- Cambodia Chamber of the Mekong Region. shew nuts and yellow bananas, Commerce vice-president The five countries – Cambo- according to the report. Lim Heng highlighted exports dia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam Cambodian Rice Federa- of agricultural products, bicy- and Thailand (often called tion (CRF) secretary-general cles and travel products to the CLMVT) – are members of the Lun Yeng said milled-rice US and European markets as political, economic and cultural shipments were to the tune of drivers of growth during the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Me- $328 million in the January- first nine months of this year. kong Economic Cooperation September period, represent- Strong overall growth not- Strategy (ACMECS) organisa- ing 24 per cent of the total. withstanding, Heng pointed tion. The five ACMECS members’ export around 13 million tonnes of milled rice annually, or around 45 per cent of He expressed his optimism out that exports to Japan fell the world’s exports. HENG CHIVOAN Responding to a question by that the Kingdom’s milled- by nearly six per cent. The Post, Cheunboran Chan- Vietnam takes the number- “It is also paramount that build sustainable prosperity rice exports would remain “During the Covid-19 pan- borey, a programme director at three spot, Myanmar ranks we mull over setting common in the sub-region. on a strong growth trajec- demic, demand for goods – es- AVI, said it is high time for the sixth and Cambodia is num- policy for the sake of regional A rice-exporting juggernaut, tory until the end of the year, pecially our agricultural prod- five ACMECS members to take ber eight, while Laos is also and international food secu- CLMVT produces 55 million despite Covid-19. ucts – increased. I believe our action on the proposed asso- recognised as a milled-rice rity along the lines of what our tonnes of milled rice per an- “Our milled-rice exports will exports will continue to grow ciation as some of the world’s exporter. prime minister brought up. num, or 13 per cent of the not be affected and demand well by the end of the year. largest milled-rice exporters. “Why don’t the five coun- “The matter is not exclusive world’s product and exports 13 will remain high at year’s end; “And when we implement He said: “Back into 2010, tries come together and cre- to the pandemic era, it is in- million tonnes annually, or 45 it’s just that our challenge now the bilateral free trade agree- Prime Minister Hun Sen pro- ate a form of mechanism to terlaced with other concerns per cent of the world’s exports, is to compete with interna- ment [FTA] between Cambo- posed ACMECS set up an as- promote their comparative stemming from climate change. Hun Sen said in November tional market prices now that dia and China next year, that sociation of rice-producing advantage and at the same We must join hands with them 2010 at a summit held at the Thai milled rice has seen a will further boost national countries. Why don’t we try to time, ensure food security in [other ACMECS members]. Peace Palace. steep decline,” Yeng said. economic growth,” he said. make good on the idea during the region?” “But as we reside in divergent Cambodia exported 536,305 Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s bi- Cambodia and China signed this critical Covid-19 juncture? Cambodia Rice Federation geographical areas and grow tonnes of milled rice to 60 cycle exports totalled more than the bilateral FTA on October We need a full supply of food (CRF) president Song Saran rice of varying types and quali- countries in the first 10 months $379 million during the first 12 following three rounds of and other consumables, and echoed Chanborey’s senti- ties, we are bound to run into of this year, up more than 17.11 nine months, up 28.92 per cent negotiations held between rice is key to food security. ment that the bloc should re- a number of obstacles during per cent from 457,940 tonnes compared to the same period January and July. “The Mekong countries – alise Hun Sen’s proposition. the process of integration and in the same period last year, the last year, the state media ser- The Kingdom imported especially ACMECS – should He said: “Milled rice and pooling our resources.” Ministry of Agriculture, Forest- vice Agence Kampuchea Presse $13.6 billion worth of goods have a second thought on the paddy is vital for food-secu- ACMECS was established in ry and Fisheries reported. (AKP) reported, citing data from in the first nine months of initiative, considering that rity policy in the country, re- April 2003 in a bid to bridge The outbound shipments the Ministry of Commerce. this year, dipping 8.70 per Thailand is the second largest gion and the globe especially the economic gap among its were worth about $367 mil- Commerce ministry cent year-on-year, finance milled-rice exporting country, during Covid-19. five member states and to lion, according to the CRF. spokesman Seang Thay told ministry data show.

omy, has taken a tougher line against EU congratulates Biden, the US, refusing last year to sign off on an effort to pursue a mini-trade deal with Washington to placate Trump. still slaps tariffs on Boeing The tycoon president shocked The EU pushed ahead on Monday we are doing,” EU executive vice- Europeans early in his presidency with tariffs against several US imports president Dombrovskis said. by slapping tariffs on EU steel and as part of the long-running Boeing- Instead of hitting the pause button, aluminium, and constantly waved Airbus row, despite hope for a trade Dombrovskis urged Washington to pur- a threat of levies against Germany’s truce following Joe Biden’s election. sue a comprehensive deal on aviation world-leading auto industry. The decision is the latest twist in subsidies worldwide to end the row. US Trade Representative Robert the 16-year trade battle over aircraft “As it has been stated on numbers E Lighthizer said Washington was subsidies that turned increasingly of occasions from the EU side, we’re “disappointed by the action taken sour under the protectionist instincts ready to suspend or withdraw our by the EU today. of US President Donald Trump. tariffs anytime when the US sus- “The alleged subsidy to Boeing was Some had suggested Europe pends or withdraws their tariffs,” repealed seven months ago. The EU might delay the tit-for-tat levies af- Dombrovskis said. has long proclaimed its commitment ter the victory of Biden, who is to re- The decision merely “mirrored” to following WTO rules, but today’s place Trump in January and is seen the US decision to implement tariffs European Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis takes off his protective face announcement shows they do so only mask prior to addressing a media conference on Monday. pOOL/AFP as more sympathetic to Europe and over Airbus a year ago, he added. when convenient to them,” he said. more of a multilateralist on trade. According to a list of targets seen Dombrovskis, the former Latvian minister Peter Altmaier, an ally of “Europeans are united and deter- “The US has imposed tariffs fol- by AFP, the EU is expected to impose prime minister, spoke before the EU Chancellor Angela Merkel. mined to defend their interests,” said lowing the WTO ruling in the Airbus tariffs on aircraft made in the US, trade ministers discussed how Eu- “The hope is that the US will re- French trade minister Franck Riester case,” said the EU’s top trade offi- along with tractors, sweet potatoes, ropeans can face up to challenges turn to multilateral approaches, also in an interview with the newspaper cial, Valdis Dombrovskis ahead of a peanuts, frozen orange juice, tobac- from both the US and China. in trade,” added the minister, whose Les Echos, backing the Boeing tariffs. virtual EU trade ministers meeting. co, ketchup and Pacific salmon. Reactions in Europe “have shown export powerhouse Germany was They “must assert their trading “Now, we have a WTO ruling also They were to take effect on Tues- that there are great expectations the most exposed to Trump’s pro- power so that the United States does in our Boeing case, allowing us to day after being published in the EU’s after the election victory of Joe tectionist onslaught against Europe. not see us as second-class partners impose our tariffs and that’s what official journal later on Monday. Biden”, said German economy France, the EU’s second biggest econ- but as their equals”, he added. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business Vietnam border markets on the cards for 2021

Hin Pisei munities,” he said, adding cent year-on-year, Minh said. that he wanted the design of He said Vietnam currently WO planned fron- the market to have a distinct has 214 registered projects in tier markets in Svay traditional Khmer flavour. the Kingdom worth a total in- Rieng and Kampot According to minister Pan vestment of $3.074 billion. Of provinces have yet Sorasak, Cambodian and these, 176 were ongoing with toT break ground, relevant Vietnamese officials signed a total registered capital of provincial authorities said on a memorandum of under- $2.77 billion. Tuesday. standing in July 2017 to begin Prime Minister Hun Sen work on the Da Market. Shared land border has ordered the Ministry of Officials broke ground on The two countries share a Commerce to work with Svay the 19,628sqm market in Me- 1,137km land border which Rieng and Kampot officials mot district’s Thary Tbong Kh- passes through nine Cam- to build two additional bor- mum Special Economic Zone bodian provinces – Kampot, der markets in a bid to shore in February 2018 thanks to a Takeo, Kandal, Prey Veng, up border trade and enhance $2 million grant from the Viet- Svay Rieng, Tbong Khmum, cooperation with Cambodia’s namese government, he said. Kratie, Mondulkiri and Rat- neighbour Vietnam. tanakiri and ten Vietnamese He said this at an inaugu- Kampot settles on location provinces of Kien Gian, An ration ceremony for the Da Kampot provincial gover- Giang, Dong Thap, Long An, Market in Tbong Khmum nor Cheav Tay told The Post Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Dak province near the Vietnamese on Tuesday that provincial Nong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and border on December 24. authorities and ministry offi- Kon Tum. cials had settled on a site near In Cambodia’s south, Viet- A model market the Prek Chak International The border markets represent an effort to improve exports to Vietnam and develop border communities. nam borders Kampot prov- He hailed the construction Border Checkpoint in south- fresh news ince’s Banteay Meas and of the market, saying it would eastern Kampong Trach dis- review for the border market “Development growth is the Vietnamese market dur- Kampong Trach districts; serve as a model for future trict’s southwestern Russey in his province, with authori- gaining steam in consonance ing the period, down 15 per Takeo province’s Kiri Vong, projects launched in the in- Srok Khang Lech commune, ties weighing on which would with the added infrastructure cent, and imported $1.7 bil- Koh Andet and Borei Cholsar terest of facilitating trade, across from Vietnam’s Kien better provide long-term de- and markets at the border. lion, down six per cent, it re- districts; Kandal province’s propping up small and large Giang province. velopment potential. Of note is how much easier poted, citing data from Viet- Koh Thom and Loeuk Dek businesses and providing the They are working to prepare He said one site is in the east it makes for locals to trade nam’s General Department of districts. people of both countries with a detailed assessment of the and adjacent to Vietnam’s Tay in agricultural products,” Customs. It also borders Prey Veng a fair market that will help site before breaking ground Ninh province, while the oth- Pharith said. The embassy said Cambo- province’s Peam Chor, Preah uplift their livelihoods. on the project. er is in the south and across dia mainly exported paddy, Sdech, Kampong Trabek and “I hope that [Da Market] “It has yet to begin due to from Long An province. Bilateral trade slips milled rice, cashew nuts, nat- Kamchay Mear districts; and becomes a model market for Covid-19. The ministry has In addition to accelerating Ministry spokesman Pen ural rubber, tobacco leaves Svay Rieng province’s Svay us [in promoting] the trade not set a specific timeframe development in border areas, Sovicheat said construction and bananas to Vietnam, and Chrum, Kampong Ro, Chant- of goods. If the project fails, for construction,” he said, he said, such markets are in on the two markets could be- imported steel, oil, vegeta- rea, Svay Teap, Romduol and plans to set up similar mar- pointing out that a ground- line with the government’s gin as early as next year, not- bles, fruits and fertilisers. Romeas Hek districts and kets in other provinces will breaking hinges on the min- policy to turn the Kingdom’s ing that the 2021 budget has Vietnamese ambassador to Bavet town. also fail,” Hun Sen said. istry’s green light. frontiers into zones of peace an undisclosed amount ear- Cambodia Vu Quang Minh In Cambodia’s east, it bor- He tasked the ministry with He voiced his confidence and good cooperation with marked for the project. previously said bilateral trade ders Tbong Khmum prov- exploring potential sites for that the border market would neighbouring countries. Bilateral trade between between Cambodia and Viet- ince’s Ponhea Kraek and the market and assessing provide a substantial impetus “It’d be a bit hasty to con- Cambodia and Vietnam nam reached nearly $5.3 bil- Memot districts; Kratie prov- their feasibility. for goods exchange between firm where the two locations dipped 8.1 per cent year-on- lion last year, up 11 per cent ince’s Snuol district; Mon- “The market is designed to Cambodians and Vietnamese. are – the team has not made year to $2.17 billion in the compared to 2018. dulkiri province’s Keo Seima, benefit exports to Vietnam. an official decision. But a first five months of this year, The Kingdom exported $901 O’Raing, Pech Chreada and We want to use the national Svay Rieng undecided joint inspection conducted according to the Vietnamese million worth of products last Koh Nhek districts; and Ra- budget to build them. I sup- Svay Rieng Provincial Hall by provincial authorities and Embassy in Phnom Penh. year, a seven per cent year- tanakkiri province’s O’Yadav, port this initiative to develop spokesman Ros Pharith said the Ministry of Commerce Cambodia exported $476 on-year surge, and imported Andong Meas, Taveng and and transform border com- two potential sites are under has come to an end. million worth of products to $4.4 billion, gaining 16 per Veun Sai districts. Cambodia Post struggles to regain Vietnam set to speed up footing as tourism stands still work on major projects Thou Vireak in southern economic hub THE revenue earned by state-owned mail service provider Cambodia Post The southern Vietnamese coastal Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces and Ho took a 47.91 per cent nosedive in the province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau plans Chi Minh City and the southern key first nine months of this year, its to speed up work on a number of economic zone. director-general Ork Bora told The key national projects over the next Besides, the 4.3km Phuoc An Post on Tuesday. five years. Bridge, which will connect the Cai Covid-19’s devastating blows to the According to a report by its De- Mep-Thi Vai Port with the Ben Luc tourism and aviation sectors have, partment of Planning and Invest- - Long Thanh Expressway, will be in turn, impacted the postal sector, ment, there are 42 key works being built in Phu My town in the prov- which relies heavily on international undertaken in the province in the ince and Nhon Trach district in tourist flows. 2021-2025 period. Dong Nai province. Bora said Cambodia Post regis- Of 19 public projects, it has iden- It is expected to cost 4.879 trillion tered more than $4.42 million in rev- tified the three most important as dong. The province has asked the enue during January-September, a the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway, government for 50 per cent of the far cry from the more than $8.49 mil- Phuoc An Bridge and Road 991B. cost (2.4 trillion dong) over the next lion logged in the year-ago period. They are meant to enhance con- five years. On August 3, the company resumed nectivity between the southern key Road 991B is an important project limited express delivery after a nearly economic region and the province’s that will cost 3.95 trillion dong, of five month long Covid-19 hiatus. Cai Mep – Thi Vai deep-water port. which the government has already Bora said the volume of mail re- According to its People’s Commit- allocated 920 billion dong. The ceived at the Cambodia Post since Cambodia Post registered more than $4.42 million in revenue during January-September, tee, the pre-feasibility study for the province has asked for 2.227 trillion a far cry from the more than $8.49 million logged in the year-ago period. hong menea then has been around 50-60 per cent first phase of the Bien Hoa-Vung dong over the next five years. of pre-Covid-19 levels. Following its resumption of opera- way, Poland, Sweden, the UK and Spain Tau expressway has been submitted Other major national projects in- “If Covid-19 lingers like this, Cam- tions in August, Cambodia Post said as well as North American countries, to the prime minister for approval, clude an animal safari park in Xuy- bodia Post will lose out on profit. We it would ship mail and packages to including the US and Canada. and will be carried out under the en Moc district, a logistics centre estimate that during this time we’ve some Asia-Pacific countries such The Kingdom welcomed 1,247,680 build-operate-transfer model at a and Cai Mep Ha harbour in Phu My lost more than $1 million due to as Australia, China (including Hong international visitors in the first nine cost of 23.075 trillion dong ($1 bil- commune, a specialised inspection Covid-19,” he said. Kong and Taiwan), Japan, South Ko- months of this year, down 74.1 per lion). centre near the Cai Mep – Thi Vai He noted that there hadn’t been rea, Israel, Singapore, the UAE, Viet- cent year-on-year from 4,814,306 Around 34.2km of the road will be Port, beautification of roads in Bai any sure signs of improvement in nam and Thailand. during the same time last year, the built in Dong Nai and 19.5km in Ba Sau (Back Beach) in Vung Tau city, mailing volume. “The postal sector Other destinations include European Ministry of Tourism reported. Ria-Vung Tau. construction of the April 30 Park in relies mainly on the influx of tourists countries such as Austria, Belgium, Last year, the company netted It is expected to ease congestion Ba Ria city, and a 1,073ha high-tech … without any tourists, there won’t Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, France, $12,237,459, up 224.46 per cent from on National Highway 51 and facili- agricultural zone in Chau Duc dis- be any mail either,” he said. Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Nor- $3,771,598 in 2011. tate travel between Dong Nai and trict. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business PTT eyeing Indonesia 16,000MW as S’pore’s Pavilion Energy signs 2030 target to inject HAILAND’S PTT Group is targeting electricity gener- LNG deal with Qatar Petroleum nearly $3B Tating capacity of 16,000MW by 2030 – 8,000MW from fossil- ingapore is continu- based sources and 8,000MW from ing its push towards for SOEs renewables, said its president and cleaner and more sus- CEO Auttapol Rerkpiboon. tainable energy sources, INDONESIA will provide 42.38 Currently, the group’s domes- withS Temasek-owned Pavilion trillion rupiah ($2.95 billion) in tic and international production Energy signing a 10-year sale state capital injections (PMN) capacity is 10,000MW, divided and purchase agreement with for state-owned enterprises equally between fossil and re- the world’s largest liquefied (SOEs) next year to boost their newable sources. natural gas (LNG) producer role in supporting the coun- He added that most of the Qatar Petroleum on Monday. try’s economic recovery. targeted additional 3,000MW of The agreement will see Qa- Finance ministry state as- the fossil-based capacity will tar Petroleum supply up to sets director-general Isa Ra- come from the group’s overseas 1.8 million tonnes of LNG per chmatarwata said the PMN investment. year to Singapore from 2023. for SOEs was expected to spur PTT’s plan to raise renewable Each LNG cargo delivered economic recovery, adding power production capacity rests on under this agreement will be that the government would merger and acquisition deals for accompanied by a statement of oversee the disbursement of overseas projects, talks for which the associated greenhouse gas the funds by the SOEs. are expected to be completed in emissions with the shipment. “We want to see SOEs par- the first quarter next year. This partnership not only ticipating in reviving the Global Power Synergy (GPSC) bolsters Singapore’s LNG sup- economy, creating jobs and remains the group’s power busi- ply, but also contributes to the conducting business activi- ness flagship, Auttapol added. development of more sustain- ties that will have a multiplier He said that PTT expects to able natural gas strategies. effect,” he told reporters in a perform well next year if the global Global demand for LNG has press briefing on Friday. crude oil price moves in the range accelerated in recent years, The government will inject of $40-50 per barrel, or higher with natural gas viewed as five trillion rupiah into state than this year’s average of $41-42 the cleanest form of fossil electricity giant PLN, which per barrel. The other factor that fuel for energy production. will use the funds to develop The agreement will see Qatar Petroleum supply up to 1.8 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per will benefit PTT is if there is no sec- In 2018, Singapore’s natural year to Singapore from 2023. AFP transmission infrastructure ond wave of Covid-19 infections. gas consumption was about and electricity distribution in Auttapol predicts that PTT’s per- the equivalent of nine million that the agreement with Qatar the LNG industry”, noting that in the republic’s energy strat- villages, according to Isa. formance this year will improve tonnes of LNG a year. Petroleum not only represents the companies have pledged egy for the years to come even Meanwhile, state-owned from the second quarter onwards Singapore’s LNG terminal, the company’s ability to supply to develop a methodology to as it ventures towards other al- construction company PT after the virus crisis abated and which has four tanks, has re- LNG reliably and competitively quantify carbon emissions ternative energy sources such Hutama Karya will receive 6.2 demand for diesel and petrol rose. gasification capacity of about to Singapore, but is also a bold for each LNG cargo. as solar energy. trillion rupiah to continue de- Only demand for jet fuel is yet to 11 million tonnes per annum. step towards energy transition. “This will pave the way for “LNG is especially attrac- veloping the trans-Sumatera return to normal levels. The agreement between Pavilion Energy is currently increased demand for carbon tive for countries which face toll road and Indonesian Ex- He expects Sino-US trade ten- Pavilion Energy and Qatar one of two LNG term import- offset projects to reduce emis- constraints in deploying re- imbank is planned to get five sions to ease once Joe Biden be- Petroleum is the result of a ers in Singapore, alongside oil sions associated with the LNG newables due to limitations trillion rupiah. comes president, as Biden has a tender launched by Pavilion giant Shell. supply chain,” Dr Tan said. in geography, size and alter- “These injections are part more compromising trade stance Energy earlier this year, seek- “This partnership will Countries and companies native energy sources,” he of the efforts to speed up eco- than President Donald Trump. ing not just LNG supply but strengthen our core Singapore seeking to lower their carbon pointed out. nomic recovery.” Arawadee Photisaro, PTT’s also ideas for the reduction of market and our role as a global emissions are shifting naturally Singapore has also been Indonesia fell into recession senior executive vice-president greenhouse gas emissions as energy trader,” Marican said. towards natural gas, he said. He strengthening its value prop- for the first time in two decades for Corporate Strategy, added well as quantification and re- Speaking at the signing cer- noted that about 95 per cent of osition as an LNG trading as the economy shrank by 3.49 that PTT is also seeking business porting methodology for LNG emony on Monday, Second Singapore’s electricity is gener- hub, developing its LNG in- per cent in the third quarter opportunities in sectors such as through its journey from the Minister for Trade and Indus- ated using natural gas, up from frastructure and supporting this year, a second consecu- life-science technology. The Na- well to discharge port. try Dr Tan See Leng called the just 26 per cent in 2001. commercial developments, tive drop following a 5.32 per tion (Thailand)/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK The company’s chairman agreement “an important and Dr Tan said LNG would con- Dr Tan said. THE Straits times (Sin- cent contraction in the second Mohd Hassan Marican said innovative development for tinue to play an important role gapore)/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK quarter, due to the pandemic. The economy is expected to shrink by 0.6 per cent to 1.7 per cent this year, but the government is hopeful that the economy would rebound Lao gov’t gives nod to solar project in Champasak by five per cent next year. Deputy SOE minister Kar- The Lao government has renewable energy through tika “Tiko” Wirjoatmodjo last signed an agreement with the different models, he added. month said the economic Muang Khong Clean Energy The projects that the group crisis induced by the Covid- Co Ltd to develop solar power has invested in include solar 19 outbreak has taken a toll in Champasak province. power plants in different ar- on SOEs, particularly in the The Project Development eas of Thailand and a 45MW energy, transportation and Agreement (PDA) for the wind energy project in Muk- infrastructure sectors. Muang Khong Solar Power dahan province. Oil and gas firm Pertamina, Energy project was signed He said the installed capaci- for example, booked an 11.29 in Vientiane last week by ty of the solar power project in trillion rupiah loss in the first Deputy Minister of Planning Khong district will be 760MW, half of this year, against a 9.7 and Investment Khamchan according to the study done trillion rupiah profit in the Vongseneboun and the com- by the company’s expert team. same period last year. pany’s managing director The project will be completed This year, the government Pattarapong Kongwijit. in five phases, and the capac- has earmarked 24.1 trillion ru- Witnesses to the signing ity of the first phase covering piah in PMN, as well as 19.6 tril- were Deputy Minister of En- 236ha will be 135MW. lion rupiah in loans and invest- ergy and Mines Dr Sinava This site is near the Ban ments to help SOEs this year, Souphanouvong, Champasak Had electricity station, which according to the latest finance provincial Planning and In- is an important facility for ex- ministry presentation. Both vestment Department direc- porting electricity to Cambo- are part of the government’s tor Dr Souksavanh Vilaysack, dia, he added. Solar power is gargantuan Covid-19 stimulus the company’s vice-president a renewable and clean source package of 695.2 trillion rupiah. Nalinny Siphandone and the of energy that doesn’t impact Meanwhile, from the PMN company’s consultant Hat- the environment and is in line allocation next year, the gov- sady Sisoulath. with the green and sustain- ernment will also provide The ceremony was attended able development policies of 20 trillion rupiah – the larg- by Deputy Minister of Natural The Project Development Agreement (PDA) for the Muang Khong Solar Power Energy project was signed the government. est amount – for insurance Resources and Environment in Vientiane last week by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Khamchan Vongseneboun and the Pattarapong said he is hope- holding company Indonesia company’s managing director Pattarapong Kongwijit. LAO NEWS AGENCY Bounkham Vorachit. ful that the Muang Khong So- Financial Group (IFG), previ- The Muang Khong Clean feasibility study for the solar and gas transportation and sea approval from the Thai govern- lar Power Energy project will ously known as Bahana Pem- Energy Co, which is part of the power development project transportation for a long time, ment for the second phase of successfully contribute to bangunan Usaha Indonesia Nathalin Group of Thailand, in Khong district of Champa- he said. The Nathalin Group the Laem Chabang port con- the government’s revenues (BPUI), mostly to rescue ailing cooperated with the Nalinny sak, Pattarapong said. has two companies in the se- struction project. and create jobs for the local insurance company PT Asur- Road and Bridge Construc- The Nathalin Group has been curities exchange market of The group also has experi- people. VIENTIANE TIMES/ASIA NEWS ansi Jiwasraya. The Jakarta Post/ tion Company to carry out a involved in the business of fuel Thailand and it has received ence in the development of NETWORK ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Vaccine ‘milestone’ hailed, global cases soar ne of the teams Curbs on daily life have Biden in part because Trump would self-isolate and contin- racing to develop shredded the global economy failed to rein in the epidemic – ue to work. a coronavirus vac- but politicians have had few often refusing to back restric- Italy was edging closer to a full cine announced on other tools to protect vulner- tive measures or even wear a lockdown, with experts warning MOonday its drug had shown 90 able populations. mask in public and repeatedly of pressure on hospitals. per cent effectiveness, sending “We are a significant step undermining his own experts. “There is no doubt that markets soaring and raising closer to providing people Biden, who will not take of- the situation is largely out of hopes of an end to the worst around the world with a much- fice until January, has already control,” said Massimo Galli, pandemic in a century. needed breakthrough to help announced a taskforce to tack- head of the infectious dis- US pharmaceutical giant bring an end to this global le Covid-19, as confirmed in- eases department at Milan’s Pfizer said tests involving more health crisis,” Pfizer chairman fections soared past 10 million Sacco hospital. than 40,000 people had pro- Albert Bourla said in a state- and US deaths neared 238,000. Grim news kept coming else- vided results that were a “criti- ment. “We’re still facing a very dark where, with Russia surpassing cal milestone” in the search for The drug, being developed winter,” he said. “The bottom its record for daily infections a vaccine, as global infections jointly with German firm Bi- line – I will spare no effort to again on Monday. soared past 50 million – in- oNTech, is one of more than turn this pandemic around Hungary is now one of the cluding an alarming 10 million 40 candidate vaccines, but once we’re sworn in.” hardest-hit countries in terms now in the US alone. no other has yet made similar of deaths proportionate to its Stock markets had already claims about its effectiveness. World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom ‘Out of control’ population, and the govern- jumped after Democrat Joe The companies said they Ghebreyesus delivers a speech via video for the opening ceremony of The vaccine news will be ment announced new national the 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. AFP Biden was called as the win- could pass the final hurdles for of particular relief to people restrictions to come into force ner of the US presidential a US rollout later this month, “If a vaccine is to reduce se- He later claimed on Twitter in Europe – the current focal on Wednesday. election on the weekend. They and could supply up to 50 mil- vere disease and death, and that news of progress on a vac- point of the pandemic and Portugal meanwhile entered accelerated rapidly on the vac- lion doses globally this year thus enable the population at cine had been delayed until the region subject to the most a state of emergency that will cine news, with the Dow Jones and up to 1.3 billion next year. large to return to their normal after the election to damage widespread restrictions. see curfews imposed on most Industrial Average up three The scientific community day-to-day lives, it will need him. The EU said on Monday it of the population. per cent at Monday’s close of reacted positively, with top US to be effective in older and el- The US Food and Drug could soon sign a contract In France, which has im- trade. expert Anthony Fauci describ- derly members of our society,” Administration (FDA) also with Pfizer and BioNTech for posed nationwide stay-at- An effective vaccine is seen ing the results as “extraordi- said Eleanor Riley, professor of reached a breakthrough on 300 million doses of the new home orders and is clocking as the best hope to break the nary.” immunology and infectious Monday, granting emergency coronavirus vaccine. more than 40,000 cases a day, cycle of deadly virus surges World Health Organisation diseases at the University of approval to a synthetic anti- “European science works!” the central bank revised its followed by severe restrictions (WHO) director Tedros Adha- Edinburgh. body treatment against Covid- declared Ursula von der Leyen, expectations of the damage across much of the world since nom Ghebreyesus hailed the 19 developed by Eli Lilly. the president of the European wrought by the curbs. Covid-19 first emerged late last news as “encouraging” shortly Biden task force Bamlanivimab, which was Commission, congratulat- “Before the second wave, we year. after warning that the world Outgoing US President Don- shown to reduce the risk of ing the companies after they thought the recession would be Tens of millions of people in “might be tired of Covid-19. ald Trump was among the first hospitalisation and emergen- claimed a breakthrough. a little less than nine per cent, Europe are living under lock- But it is not tired of us”. to react, writing on Twitter: cy room visits, is the first major On Monday, Ukrainian Pres- we think today that for 2020 as downs preventing them from But others pointed out that “STOCK MARKET UP BIG, drug to be approved that was ident Volodymyr Zelensky be- a whole it will be between nine leaving their homes, and mil- no information had yet been VACCINE COMING SOON. designed specifically against came the latest leader to test and 10 per cent,” Banque de lions of business owners are disclosed about the ages of the REPORT 90% EFFECTIVE. the new coronavirus. positive for the virus, with his France chief Francois Villeroy enduring forced closures. participants in the trial. SUCH GREAT NEWS!” US voters handed victory to office saying he felt well and de Galhau said. AFP With Erdogan’s phone pal Trump out, Armenia, Azerbaijan Turkey on tenterhooks over Biden agree to end weeks of WITH Joe Biden, Turkish President Re- heads over the US support of a Kurdish and elsewhere,” added Sam Heller, an fighting over Karabakh cep Tayyip Erdogan will probably be un- militia in the fight against the Islamic independent analyst on Syria. able to influence US policy with a simple State group in Syria. ARMENIA and Azerbaijan “An iron hand forced him phone call, as he had occasionally done Ankara views US-backed Syrian Kurds as ‘Tension and apprehension’ agreed on a deal with Russia to sign this document,” Aliyev with Donald Trump. terrorists who threaten Turkey’s security. More than two days after Biden’s victory to end weeks of fierce clashes said in televised remarks. “This But that does not mean the US presi- Yet the personal bond between Trump was called by US media, Turkish officials over Nagorno-Karabakh on is essentially a capitulation.” dent-elect will push Turkey away, instead and Erdogan – similar to one the mercu- remained conspicuously silent, saying Tuesday, after a string of Azer- Russian President Vladimir hoping to re-engage the geographically rial White House chief enjoyed with a small they would only comment once the results baijani victories in its fight to Putin confirmed that both strategic and militarily powerful NATO group of other strong-willed world leaders were “official”. retake the disputed region. Armenia and Azerbaijan had ally on tougher terms, analysts say. – helped mitigate much of the damage. “Under a Biden administration, relations The announcement of a agreed to “a total ceasefire” Once smooth, US-Turkish relations Now, with Trump on the way out, between Washington and Ankara will un- full ceasefire from 1:00am on that would create the condi- suffered from the failed overthrow of “Erdogan has a reason to be anxious”, doubtedly kick off with tension and appre- Tuesday (2100 GMT) sparked tions for a long-term settle- Erdogan in 2016, blamed on a US-based Middle East Institute analyst Gonul Tol hension on both sides,” Asli Aydintasbas of outrage in Armenia, with an- ment of the conflict. Muslim preacher that Turkey has unsuc- wrote in a research note. the European Council on Foreign Relations gry protesters storming the He said the two sides would cessfully sought to have extradited. “I don’t think the Biden administration (ECFR) wrote. government headquarters in hold on to areas under their The two countries are also at logger- will be as indulgent of Turkey, in Syria Setting the new tone, Turkish officials Yerevan where they ransacked control and that Russian underscored a little-noticed interview that offices and broke windows. peacekeepers would be de- Biden gave to The New York Times last De- Crowds also seized control ployed along frontlines and cember. of parliament, calling from to secure a corridor connect- A bit where he called Erdogan an “auto- inside the chamber for the ing Nagorno-Karabakh with crat” went viral in August, drawing vocal resignation of Prime Minister Armenian territory. condemnation from Ankara. Nikol Pashinyan after he an- Russian news agencies Biden also suggested the US “embolden” nounced the “painful” deal to quoted the defence ministry opposition figures to allow them “to take the end the fighting. as saying 1,960 peacekeepers on and defeat Erdogan”. “I have signed a statement would be deployed with 90 Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said with the presidents of Russia armoured vehicles. the remarks showed “pure ignorance, arro- and Azerbaijan on the termina- Aliyev said Armenia had gance and hypocrisy”. tion of the Karabakh war,” Pa- agreed to a timetable to with- Turkish officials nonetheless insist they shinyan said, calling the move draw its forces from large parts of will work with any US administration. “unspeakably painful for me the region and that Azerbaijan’s “We put our relations above party poli- personally and for our people”. ally Turkey would be involved in tics,” Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs “I have taken this decision implementing the ceasefire. Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday. as a result of an in-depth The deal would end six Turkish media have also speculated analysis of the military situa- weeks of fierce clashes over that, sensing his victory, Ankara contacted tion,” he added. Nagorno-Karabakh, an eth- Biden’s team before the vote. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham nic Armenian region of Azer- “Turkey is preparing for Biden,” journal- Aliyev said Pashinyan had baijan that broke away from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech after cabinet meeting at Presidential ist Murat Yetkin said in a webinar last week. been left with no choice but to Baku’s control during a bitter Complex in Ankara on November 3. AFP AFP sign the “historic agreement”. war in the 1990s. AFP 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN Face covered in tape, Thai Myanmar’s Suu Kyi, other Nobel Peace boy dies in Nonthaburi Prize winners who waged, backed war n a suspected case of sui- cide, a 15-year-old boy was he reputation of Ifound dead with adhesive Myanmar’s leader tape wrapped around his face Aung San Suu Kyi has in Nonthaburi province. been left in tatters At 6pm on Monday, Bang withT the country accused of Bua Thong Police Station were the ethnic cleansing of Muslim informed about a death at a Rohingyas and trampling on residence in Muban Phreugsa the rights of other minorities. 3 in Nonthaburi’s Bang Kurad The 1991 laureate, who won subdistrict. the prize for her heroic resis- Police found the body of tance to the country’s military, Nopphasit Jodnok, a Mat- now rules in an uneasy power- tayom 4 student at a Nontha- sharing agreement with them. buri school, lying on the floor Myanmar has been fighting of a bedroom on the second several internal independence floor of a two-storey town- movements for decades in what house, with a roll of 8cm wide is thought to be the world’s lon- adhesive tape for packing gest ongoing civil war. nearby. There was no sign Suu Kyi is far from the first of violence or other injuries. peace prize laureate to later Forensic staff believed the boy wage or support war. had suffocated to death and he had been dead for at least Barack Obama five hours. The first black US president Banjong Utha, aged 65 got the prize only nine months years, the deceased’s after his inauguration in 2009. grandmother, reportedly said But far from ending the US’ she found the boy with tape foreign wars, as he said he wrapped around his face when hoped to do, they continued she called him to have dinner for all eight years of his term, at around 5pm. She then used with airstrikes or military op- scissors to cut the tape and erations in Afghanistan, Iraq, called a neighbour to help give Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia him a CPR, but it was too late. and Pakistan. Police interviewed a class- mate of Nopphasit who had an Abiy Ahmed online chat with him earlier Ethiopia’s Prime Minister that day and found that the Abiy Ahmed – who won last deceased had shown no sign year’s Nobel Peace Prize – has of depression or reasons to ordered a military offensive Supporters of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party hold portraits of Aung San Suu Kyi as they celebrate in front of the party’s headquarters in Yangon, Myanmar on Monday. AFP commit suicide. “However, the on the northern Tigray region classmate said the deceased of the country. Tho for negotiating ceasefires US South American dictators The former soldier, who also year earlier. loved to play mobile games Ahmed won the prize for that didn’t hold. The war rum- in power. fought with nationalist gen- But even at the time, the several hours a day and often ending the 20-year conflict bled on for two more years. eral Giuseppe Garibaldi, went nomination of the “military became angry when he lost,” with Eritrea. Le Duc Tho refused his half Ernesto Moneta on to back Italy’s entry into mad” leader of the “Rough police said. “We will inspect of the prize while critics said The Italian pacifist sup- World War I in 1915. Riders” volunteer cavalry regi- his mobile phone and question Henry Kissinger the award “made political sat- ported Rome’s war with the ment in the Spanish-American people known to him to find Eyebrows were raised in 1973 ire obsolete” given Kissinger’s Ottoman Empire in 1911 and Theodore Roosevelt war, was disputed, with Swed- out the cause of the suicide.” when the Cold War warrior Sec- role in the carpet bombing its conquest of what is now The then-US president won ish newspapers saying Alfred The Nation (THAILAND)/Asia News retary of State shared the prize of Cambodia and Operation Libya, only four years after in 1906 for negotiating an end Nobel would be spinning in Network with North Vietnam’s Le Duc Condor killings to keep pro- winning the Nobel. to the Russo-Japanese war a his grave. AFP Philippine gov’t mulls $9 billion loan for Indonesian police collect purchase of novel coronavirus vaccine nearly $350K in fines from The Philippine government is Development Bank, since the Bayanihan to Recover as One cine expert panel gave Astra- violators of government’s considering borrowing up to $9 allotted budget for the vaccine Act, he said. Zeneca a “good evaluation”, but billion from the World Bank to cannot be used to buy the drug “Plus more or less the $5 to $9 he did not provide details. Covid-19 health protocols help fund the country’s pur- in advance. billion that can be credited to our He, however, said the govern- chase of a potential Covid-19 Galvez said Secretary of account, we already have allo- ment had already met thrice INDONESIA’S National Police written and oral warnings, Awi vaccine as it starts negotiations Finance Carlos Dominguez III cated a lot of funds. This is why with AstraZeneca and had been collected nearly five billion said. with a leading pharmaceutical was already working on how the President [Rodrigo Duterte] given assurance that the vac- rupiah ($350,000) in fines The force also temporarily company for at least three mil- much the government could is very much confident that we cine would be accessed by poor from violators of the govern- closed down nearly 2,000 busi- lion doses of the drug that will borrow from the World Bank for already have the money, and he countries and sold at cost. ment’s Covid-19 health pro- nesses found to have violated be given primarily to health the advance procurement of will still get more, for the vac- Of all the vaccines that have tocols between September 14 existing health protocols. workers. the vaccine. cine,” Galvez said. so far been evaluated by the and November 5. Awi said the fines and sanc- Carlito Galvez Jr, Covid-19 The government has set aside In September, the Depart- panel, AstraZeneca’s is the The police were joined by the tions were in line with Presi- national task force chief, on 10 billion pesos ($207 million) ment of Health said some vac- cheapest at $5 per dose. Indonesian Military (TNI) and dential Decree No 6/2020 on Monday said the Philippines and may get an additional eight cine makers required advance “Right now our negotiations local stakeholders to net health the enforcement of Covid-19 would have to enter into “mul- billion pesos for vaccines, payment for the Philippines to [with AstraZeneca] are looking protocol violators through protocols. tilateral engagements with our Galvez said. This is apart from secure supplies. The procure- at accessing at least three to five Operasi Yustisi, which aims to He warned that repeat credit partners”, such as the the 25 billion peso standby fund ment law, however, prohibits million [doses]. But we’re work- monitor and discipline the offenders would eventually World Bank and the Asian for Covid-19 response under the agencies from paying preor- ing to [raise it to] at least 10 mil- public over health protocols. become subject to imprison- dered items. lion doses for our [medical] The operation was carried out ment. “If [an individual] con- Galvez said the government front-liners,” he said. in several regions. tinues to violate [the protocols] was planning to buy an initial But Galvez sought to temper “As of November 5, our joint despite having been warned 50 million doses of a vaccine for expectations, saying that despite team has slapped violators with multiple times, then like it or 25 million Filipinos, mostly these developments, there was fines over 82,457 times, with a not, we will have to enforce the health workers and the elderly. a possibility that the bulk of the total value of 4.8 billion rupi- law,” Awi said. Earlier, British-Swedish drug supplies needed by the country ah,” National Police spokesper- Previously, the Jakarta admin- maker AstraZeneca announced may not arrive till early 2022. son Brigadier General Awi istration reportedly collected that if its large-scale Phase III “As of this moment, if we can Setiyono said on Sunday as around four billion rupiah in clinical trials proved success- close negotiations within this quoted by tempo.co. fines from residents violating ful, it would ramp up manufac- year, there may be hope. Real- He went on to say that the Covid-19 health protocols as turing of its vaccine, which istically, we may get 10 to 15 police had handed the funds stipulated in Gubernatorial could be out in the market by million [doses] between May over to the state coffer. Regulation No 51/2020, which January next year. and July,” he said. Philippine Daily In addition to fines, the police entered into force on June 4. The Carlos Dominguez III (left) and Carlito Galvez Jr. SUPPLIED Galvez said the country’s vac- Inquirer/Asia News Network also issued nearly 10 million Jakarta Post/Asia News Network THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

Contact tracing – a weapon to www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng combat Covid-19 transmission Senior Editor Joshua Purushotman Managing Editor Post Khmer Opinion Sam Rith Masdalina Pane and Dhihram Tenrisau Deputy Chief of Staff Phak Seangly Business Editor N A pandemic or outbreak, con- May Kunmakara tact tracing is the key to prevent- Deputy Business Editor ing transmission through quar- Sangeetha Amarthalingam antine. Not only will contact Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Itracing ensure efficient testing and Pan Simala early treatment before a prognostic Senior Reporters worsens, it will also provide reliable Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng data in modelling to predict the Reporters spread of a disease. Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, Contact tracing is exercised through Long Kimmarita, Hin Pisei, Mom Kunthear, surveillance by a team of surveillants, Hong Raksmey, Pann Rethea, Voun Dara, tracers or epidemiologists. Each local Roth Sochieata, Orm Bunthoeurn, administration’s Covid-19 task force Soth Koemsoeun, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha has its surveillance team, whose job is Photographers akin to a call centre. Their daily duty is Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey to call every Covid-19 patient and Web Editor their close contacts. The central task Leang Phannara force, laboratories or referral hospitals Webmasters that treat Covid-19 patients can also Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea send a contact list of patients to the SIEM REAP BUREAU surveillance or contact tracer team. Offi ce Manager The surveillants will phone those Sophearith Blondeel patients. The first question will be: PRODUCTION & PRINTING “Who have you seen in the last 14 Head of Desktop Publishing days?” or, “Who do you live with?” The Nhim Sokphyrak question is a method to trace virus Desktop Publishing transmission. Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath However, there are several prob- Some countries have adopted a SIM-card-based location tracking app. This method poses challenges in health surveillance and Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna lems regarding the stigma facing epidemiology, but several experts say this should work upon the patients’ consent. afp infected people. Usually, the inter- HEAD OFFICE viewee will resist and reply: “Who are the process of inputting a large aware of this need from the beginning. Second, we must consider how to you?” or, “Can I have your official amount of data. The incomplete data They have been applying many data optimise contact tracing at the grass- assignment letter?” In some cases is used in the analysis or effective systems in surveillance, the most recent roots and increase community par- they will deny they are infected, say- reproduction number (modelling in being an app called Silacak. The new ticipation. The tracers’ phone calls Post Media Co, Ltd. ing: “Sorry, I’m not sick. You dialed analysing the spread of the virus after app was designed to ensure the effec- should not be perceived as a threat The Elements Condominium Level 7, Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, the wrong number.” intervention), by the task force. The tiveness of contact tracing. by citizens. The government has to Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom A cooperative patient will answer result usually suggests that the dis- However, recall bias and data inte- double efforts to convince the public Penh, Cambodia the questions clearly. However, ease is under control, even though gration remain the obstacles. Some about the importance of tracing to Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 another problem arises – the method the truth is the opposite. This is countries have adopted a SIM-card- stop Covid-19 transmission and Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 for asking a patient to sift through referred to as an “overestimation”. based location tracking app. The eradicate the stigma. Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 their memories is susceptible to Data problems may also mislead challenge for this method is potential Our attention should also go to rural SIEM REAP error. In epidemiology, this is prone areas and indigenous communities, No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune to causing bias, which is called recall where internet and electricity is lack- We must consider how to Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 bias. A surveillant who does not get ing or absent. The Communications COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT the desired information usually and Information Ministry reported Chief Operating Offi cer leaves the form blank or guesses optimise contact tracing at the last year that 24,000 villages had no James Ong Soon Teck using their opinion. When that hap- access to the internet. Those areas Advertising Department pens, the contact tracing will result in grassroots and increase need a participatory model for con- Chap Narith, 017 996 241 data inaccuracy. tact tracing named Community Based Hun Channet, 017 578 768 Problematic data may also exist community participation Surveillance, which works in rural Prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 because of the long-form question- Africa. This approach requires Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 naires contact tracers and surveil- the task force when identifying Cov- infringement of the privacy of involvement of volunteers from local Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 lants have to deal with. Imagine, for id-19 transmission clusters. Even sur- patients. This method poses chal- communities. We hope the govern- Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 example, in Greater Jakarta, a surveil- veillants assigned in cities that are lenges in health surveillance and epi- ment prioritises contact tracing and CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION lant must phone around 100 people considered a benchmark in handling demiology, but several experts say surveillance to lower transmission Acting Distribution Manager every day, with each interview lasting the pandemic also face these prob- this should work upon the patients’ and reduce the mortality rate of Cov- Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 about 20 to 30 minutes. In fact, a lems. Contact tracing in such cities consent. In Indonesia, at the begin- id-19. THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Circulation Supervisor regional task force, which commonly has never reached 80 per cent of the ning of the pandemic, this kind of Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 hires 10 surveillants, is unable to set target. app was launched by the Communi- Masdalina Pane is a Health Ministry researcher Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 complete the job in a couple of days There are two options to address cations and Information Ministry for communicable diseases and vaccines and a ADMINISTRATION as required. these problems. First and foremost, and required approval of the users. consultant for Centres for Disease Control and Admin & HR Manager Prevention-The Indonesian Epidemiology Pich Socheat Contact tracers or surveillants also develop a technology for tracing or However, the national Covid-19 task Association (CDC-PAEI), Covid-19 Regional deal with many data systems that are tracking. The national Covid-19 task force and the Health Ministry have Empowerment in Indonesia. Dhihram Tenrisau is a Assistants to Admin & HR Manager unintegrated. This will complicate force and the Health Ministry have been not done enough to promote it. former Depok Covid-19 task force contact tracer. Nhel Soaphea Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun

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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 november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Trump mocked over ‘Four Seasons’ press conference IT WAS billed as a major press Total Landscaping parking lot event at Philadelphia’s Four Sea- between a dildo store and a sons but a briefing by US Presi- crematorium,” Emmy-nomi- dent Donald Trump’s lawyers nated US comedy writer Zack was mercilessly mocked when it Bornstein tweeted. emerged the venue was not the “The real hero today is who- plush hotel but a suburban gar- ever answered the phone at den centre next to a sex shop. Four Seasons Landscaping and The confusion began when offered no clarification whatso- Trump took to Twitter while ever until it was too late,” added golfing November 7 to author Geraldine DeRuiter. announce an imminent “law- Trump’s tweets also prompt- yers” news conference at the ed the similarly named luxury Four Seasons, Philadelphia. hotel to distance itself from Trump quickly clarified, the president’s event. In Witches, Mehar Bano plays a young however, saying the “big press “To clarify, President Trump’s woman from a poor and traditional family who loves boxing but is conference” would be at Four press conference will NOT be forbidden from practising the sport. Seasons Total Landscaping, a held at Four Seasons Hotel Phil- afp family business between a cre- adelphia,” management tweeted matorium and an adult book ahead of the press conference. store on the outskirts of Penn- “It will be held at Four Sea- sylvania’s biggest city. sons Total Landscaping – no The event – in which the outgo- relation with the hotel.” ing president’s attorney Rudy To pile ignominy on farce, Feminist drama Witches Giuliani pressed Trump’s baseless the press conference got going claims about voter fraud in the the very moment US news net- election – featured on Saturday works were announcing that Night Live, and wags took to Trump had lost the presiden- sparks outrage in Pakistan social media with their own wise- tial election after four days of cracks and memes. ballot counting. FIERY online series Series star Sarwat Gillani said “I could write jokes for 800 Giuliani, informed of the about a group of her country was “living in de- years and I’d never think of news by reporters, responded: women who unleash nial”, with the lives of Pakistanis something funnier than Trump “Don’t be ridiculous.” revenge on men has “sugarcoated” for television. booking the Four Seasons for “Trump won’t concede . . . sparkedA a backlash in conser- “We weren’t telling a lie,” she his big presser, and it turning Networks don’t get to decide vative Pakistan, where tough says of Churails, in which she out to be the Four Seasons elections,” he added. afp censorship rules prevent such plays a rich trophy wife who shows from appearing on tele- founds the detective agency af- vision. ter discovering her husband has Filmed in Karachi but re- been texting dozens of women. leased by India-based stream- “We weren’t telling a story ing service Zee5, Churails, or of another country. We were Witches in English, centres on telling a story about our peo- four women who open an un- ple,” she adds. derground detective agency un- Pakistan’s censorship cru- der the guise of a clothing store sade against supposedly to catch cheating husbands. indecent media has been The storylines cover often gathering pace under Prime untouched topics such as gay Minister Imran Khan, a for- relationships, sexual exploita- mer cricket star with a play- tion, male dominance and Pak- boy past, who has sought to istan’s obsession with fair skin. placate powerful conservative It caused a buzz among much and religious constituencies. of its audience online – often “The problem is that you limited to affluent Pakistanis cannot define indecency. It has who can afford the platform’s a totally different definition for subscription fee – but infuriated different segments of the pop- Rudy Giuliani, US President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, pleaded the president’s case of voter fraud at the press conference. afp conservatives when clips began Sarwat Gilani, the star ulation,” complained science to circulate on social media. of the series, says the minister Fawad Chaudhry, lives of Pakistanis “When all of us read the are ‘sugarcoated’ for who opposes the government script for the first time we television. afp bans and says they are harm- thought to ourselves, ‘Are we ing the country’s tech industry. Donated heart survives even allowed to do this?’,” filmmaker Asim Abbasi, who ter is rescued from a forced In the past few months, for- said actress Mehar Bano. wrote the 10-episode series. wedding while her parents eign-made dating apps such helicopter crash in US She plays Zubaida, a young He faced relentless accusa- are held at gunpoint, said the as Tinder and Grindr have woman from a poor and tra- tions of “making immoral- familiar portrayal of women been blocked and YouTube TALK about a brave heart – a Video footage showed fire ditional family who loves ity glamorous” once the show as respectful and subservi- has been threatened. donated heart was alive and crews retrieving the organ and boxing but is forbidden from began streaming, especially ent was keeping Pakistani There has been an “erosion pumping November 9 after sur- handing it over to a medical practising the sport. after a clip from the series women at a disadvantage. of the kind of things we can viving the crash of the helicopter worker in hospital scrubs. “We knew what we were get- went viral on social media. talk about”, said filmmaker transporting the organ to a Cal- The worker then trips on a ting into, we knew that some- It portrayed a successful ‘Sugar-coated’ Hasan Zaidi, a former head of ifornia hospital and then falling metal plate and falls over as thing like this would garner a businesswoman character Abbasi said he would never the Karachi Film Festival. out of the hands of a medical another hospital employee lot of hate,” she said. who discussed having to per- have been able to produce the “The avenues and space avail- worker who retrieved it. rushes to pick up the precious It is a rare women-centred form sexual services for her show for Pakistani television, able for creativity have really Footage of the incident on package. script for strait-laced Paki- boss in order to be promoted. which faces heavy censorship shrunk in Pakistan,” he said. November 6 showed the air- A hospital spokesperson said stan, where shows are often Zee5 later temporarily pulled from authorities particularly Series star Bano added that craft lying on its side on the that the organ was successfully limited to the stormy rela- the series while it “addressed” related to sexuality. she understood it was “uncom- roof of the University of South- transplanted on November 6, tionships between stay-at- a complaint from the Pakistan International subscription fortable” for Pakistanis to see the ern California’s (USC) Keck and the patient was doing well. home wives and their de- Television Authority. streaming platforms do not flaws in their own society but Hospital in east Los Angeles. “The heart itself was fine manding mothers-in-law. “How do we fix something face the same constraints, but said entertaining narratives gave The aircraft had flown from after being dropped,” the “Before this, I had not heard or when it’s not being talked tech companies do risk out- audiences a chance to reflect. a hospital in southern Califor- spokesperson said. seen these women on television about? It keeps the status quo right prohibition – Pakistan “Because of this banning cul- nia with the donor heart for a Officials said all three people or on digital platforms or cin- in place,” said Bano of com- briefly banned Chinese short ture, there are a lot of problems transplant and crashed for on board the aircraft were doing ema, even though I knew they plaints by the “moral police”. video app TikTok in September that are being swept under the unknown reasons on the USC well, although the pilot had suf- existed,” said British-Pakistani The actress, whose charac- because of “immoral” content. rug,” she said. afp hospital helipad. fered minor injuries. afp THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle China’s luxury shoppers call in the tidy teams

he discovery of a Burberry jacket she does not recall buy- ing proved to Chen RTui that she was right to have brought in experts to man- age her out-of-control luxury wardrobe. “How did you find this?” the 32-year-old asked the crack team of “home organisers” who unearthed the jacket from a heap of clothes pulled from her closet in a slick Bei- jing apartment. China’s breakneck growth over the past four decades has led to a surge in con- spicuous spending, with the newly monied lavishing cash on coveted labels to emboss their status. A third of all luxury spending globally is by Chinese consum- ers, according to McKinsey’s 2019 China Luxury Report. So far the pandemic ap- pears not to have dulled their desires but “Single’s Day” on November 11, the world’s biggest shopping day, will be closely watched for an idea about the state of Chinese consumer sentiment. In the era of the couch-shop- per, however, there is also a Home organisers arranging the luxury wardrobe of client Chen Rui in Beijing. AFP downside to chasing fashion. Housewife Chen says her hun said there were now more team never persuade clients to walk-in closet, which brims than 3,000 professionals in the throw things away, or ask them with brands from Louis Vuit- emerging industry, which state to buy less. ton and Chanel to Prada and broadcaster CCTV has pro- Instead, they teach “the Gucci, used to cause frequent jected could reach 100 billion way to retain”, Bian says, arguments with her husband. yuan ($14.9 billion) this year in through storage and canny “I never abandon any of my terms of market turnover. design – such as extra-thin collection, I just add to it,” coathangers. the former art teacher admit- Anytime, anywhere ted, saying she just loves to During the pandemic, Bian ‘There is nothing useless in indulge. “I see no need to re- says business surged by up to the world’ strict myself.” 400 per cent as people spent Bian founded her company So in desperation, she hired more time at home scouring ten years ago after seeing a a four-strong team of home the internet and assessing gap in the market for the up- organisers to rescue her where to put all their new ac- wardly mobile classes. wardrobe. quisitions. “People used to think that The experts in smart black Home organiser Han Yong- we are cleaners – but now uniforms whisk around her gang says his clients – who they respect us very much,” high-end apartment, emp- pay upwards of $2,000 each Bian says of what is now seen tying more than a thousand for a process that can take a as an essential service to pieces of clothing and dozens couple of days – usually have some of their clients. of luxury handbags from her annual income exceeding one “We even know how many closet. million yuan a year. pairs of underwear they have The team is led by Yu Ziqin, “I’m earning more than I did . . . and we have created a good one of thousands of gradu- when I was a graphic design- life for them.” Bian Lichun, founder of the Liucundao Business School, teaches a home organising class in Beijing. AFP ates from a home-organising er,” Han explains. E-commerce and mobile China this year will be nearly says e-commerce has created ing, but more about the chal- school called Liucundao, which But unlike the advice of commerce have also turbo- 60 – about twice the global a culture of “online shopping lenge of finding somewhere teaches the art of bringing or- Japanese guru Marie Kondo – charged spending habits. average. at any time and anywhere”. to hoard clothes in China’s der to the chaos of China’s rich whose world-famous declut- The transport ministry says Liu Wenjing, from the school But Bian argues the issue is densely populated cities. shoppers. tering ethic has inspired mil- the number of express pack- of economics and manage- not one of over-consumption “Our aim is to sort out space, School founder Bian Lic- lions to tidy up – Bian and her ages delivered per person in ment at Tsinghua University, or the psychology of spend- not fix people,” she said. AFP India court bans firecrackers in smoggy cities citing virus

INDIA’S environmental court on eral ban in all cities with rising air pol- hospitals reporting that intensive Monday ordered a ban on firecrack- lution should last until November 30. care beds are running out. ers during the country’s biggest India has the second-highest Pollution levels have been at the annual festival in cities battling haz- number of coronavirus infections in “severe” top level on the government ardously poor air quality, citing a link the world, and experts have raised index for almost a week. between pollution and a coronavirus concerns about air pollution worsen- New Delhi is caught in a perfect surge. ing the symptoms of respiratory ill- pollution storm because of its posi- The National Green Tribunal said nesses such as Covid-19. tion in the bowl of a plain, the burn- the role of pollution in the Covid-19 The capital New Delhi and the ing of crop stubble in states around crisis meant that the ban was needed states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Mahar- the city, and its dirty industries. ahead of Diwali celebrations on Sat- ashtra and West Bengal have already Firecracker makers immediately urday. halted or restricted the sale and use demanded that the government pay Traditionally, millions of firecrack- of firecrackers. compensation for the ban. ers are set off during Diwali, the The tribunal said the ban in Delhi The southern district of Sivakasi, Hindu Festival of Light, but the prac- must be “absolute” because of the pol- which supplies about 90 per cent of tice has been blamed for worsening lution crisis and rising Covid-19 cases. India’s firecrackers and employs more air pollution – especially in northern State authorities in the rest of the than 250,000 people, has been hit India which suffers from serious country are considering allowing particularly hard by restrictions in smog every winter. one-hour windows on Saturday for recent years. The tribunal, whose powers are simi- setting off firecrackers. Factory owners say they have lar to a regular court, said that pollution Delhi on Sunday reported 7,750 already lost 30 per cent of their busi- Firecracker vendors wait for customers at a market ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival caused by fireworks was an “aggravating coronavirus cases in a day, a record ness this year because of the corona- of lights, in Allahabad. AFP risk to lives and health”. It said a gen- since the start of the pandemic with virus. AFP 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

The Scottish city of Aberdeen is preparing to launch a fleet of the world’s first hydrogen-powered double-decker buses. AFP Catching the number 1: Aberdeen to trial fleet of hydrogen buses he Scottish city of and road sweepers, said Bell. the centre of the city. Aberdeen enjoyed a The city hopes the £8.3-mil- Scotland is currently testing boom after the discov- lion project, part-funded by the the world’s first hydrogen- ery of oil in the North Scottish Government and the fuelled ferry at the European SeaT in the 1960s, propelling it to European Union, will help to Marine Energy Centre on the a central role in the industry. develop a hydrogen industry in island of Orkney, off the coun- Now it’s preparing to launch the region as demand grows. try’s far northeast coast. a fleet of the world’s first hydro- Hydrogen technology has A hydrogen-powered train is “GOETH THE WEASEL II” gen-powered double-decker been present for several years also being tested in England, buses, as it tries to reduce air but demand for the gas has with the aim of carrying pas- ACROSS 56 With the bow, to violinists 26 Slowly permeate pollution and transform itself grown more than threefold sengers by the end of next year. 1 Oversized 57 What a sudden idea may do 27 Baseball stat into a green economy. since 1975, according to the In the UK, hydrogen fuel 6 Long drink 61 Program of variety acts 29 Umbrage The 15 vehicles emit wa- International Energy Agency. costs between £10 and £15 per 10 Harvest 62 Quiz or exam 30 Common deliveries? ter vapour instead of carbon The gas can be produced kilogramme, with prices vary- 14 In no time ___ (instantly) 63 Riders after rustlers 31 Prayer bench monoxide and are in the final through electrolysis, which ing depending on the avail- 15 King James “you” 64 Adam and Eve’s first home 33 Gunk stages of testing before being involves running an electrical ability of refuelling stations. 16 Edible corm 65 Roughly 34 Storytime listener put into service on the city’s current through water to split According to Wrightbus, the 17 What a prom king must be 66 Legends 36 A Great Lake most popular routes. it into hydrogen and oxygen, hydrogen-powered double- 20 Send out DOWN 37 Take it really easy The buses will use an ex- cutting carbon emissions. deckers can be maintained 21 Sleuth, in slang 1 Where flag pins can be affixed 38 Ones sharing a tartan isting hydrogen production But development of the in- and refilled for the same cost 22 Twist facts 2 Like some clocks 39 Tissue box word and refuelling station that frastructure needed is slow, as a diesel bus. 23 Uses a throne 3 Long, slender sword 40 100 lbs. in the U.S. was opened in 2015 to fill holding back widespread David Phillips, operations 24 Taunt 4 Oversupply 43 Roman army division up with the universe’s most adoption of the technology. director for First Aberdeen bus 28 Screen-writer’s output 5 Right-angle bend 44 Impulse carrier abundant element. Projects using hydrogen company, said the vehicles are 30 Early textbook 6 Roosters do it 46 Having the least coverage “At the moment Aberdeen technology have increased in as efficient as their electric 32 Nuclear energy producer 7 Fancies 47 Turn into bills and/or coins produces 500 kilogrammes of frequency as companies and equivalents, and refuelling 35 It comes in a bag, often 8 They’re never free of charge 48 Digital watch components green hydrogen every day,” said governments seek to reduce takes less than 10 minutes. 36 Music genre 9 Pour out copiously 50 Immeasurably vast pit Philip Bell, Aberdeen City Coun- carbon emissions and air pol- They are also quieter and 40 ___-Magnon 10 Repair a shoe 51 Central Honshu city cil’s hydrogen spokesman. lution, particularly from road provide smoother accelera- 41 Surpass in auctioneering 11 Tokyo, once 54 Sarge’s pooch “Our plan is to have a hydro- transport. tion than conventional buses, 42 Rat film 12 Bustle 55 Lazybones’s opposite gen hub in three years that will he added. 45 Dual-purpose couch 13 Smoke-filled room habitue 56 Shout at sea 18 Troublemaker produce three and a half tonnes Efficiency and refuelling “It’s a chance to look at 49 Old Western Union service 57 “The Raven” author 19 Animal shelter 58 Outdated of the gas a day,” he told AFP. The world’s first hydrogen- transport generally around 50 Having similar qualities 23 Freelancer’s detail 59 Slapstick missile The green and white-liveried powered bus rapid transit how we can encourage a 52 Request to Sajak 25 Treble clef singer 60 Tachometer’s meas. buses, built by the Wrightbus system was deployed in the model shift,” he said. 53 Parting word company in Northern Ireland, city of Pau, in southwest “The important thing with cost £500,000 ($658,000) each. France, in 2019. the project is that we need Tuesday’s solution They complement Aberdeen’s The system, dubbed Febus, to understand the reliability existing fleet of hydrogen- and uses 18m-long Van Hool bus- and performance of these ve- electric-powered council vans es on a dedicated 6km line in hicles.” AFP

Tuesday’s solution

The interior of a hydrogen-powered double-decker bus is pictured in Ellon in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Augusta National honours Elder to show its greater racial tolerance asters host Augusta It took 15 years after Elder shat- National, once an all- tered the racial barrier for players be- white and all-male en- fore the club welcomed its first Black clave, vowed Monday member in 1990 and it was not until Mthat a tribute to racial barrier-breaker 2012 that Augusta National admitted Lee Elder is only a first step in racial its first female members. justice and diversity initiatives. “While progress can always and Augusta National chairman Fred should be made, and we do have Ridley announced that Elder, who in progress to be made, I can assure you 1975 became the first Black player in that that is an issue we’re focused on,” the Masters, will serve as a 2021 Mas- Ridley said, adding he seeks a more di- ters honorary starter and have two col- verse Augusta National membership. lege golf scholarships bear his name. “I don’t think satisfied would be the “Lee delivered a simple but strong right word . . . because perfection is message that resonated throughout never attained. We do have a diverse Lee Elder, who broke the racial barrier at Augusta in 1975, has been named a 2021 Masters honorary starter. afp the world. That message was un- membership. That has been an in- equivocal: I belong,” Ridley said. creasing fact over the past few years. tions, are acutely aware of our past.” “It’s a fair question and it’s good to of my career and life,” Elder said. “The courage and commitment of It will continue to be an increasing The move comes in a year when ask that question. “To be invited back to the first tee Lee Elder and other trailblazers like fact during my chairmanship.” racial inequality, social injustice and “All we can do at this point is to look one more time to join Jack and Gary him inspired men and women of col- Augusta National’s social and racial systemic racism have become major forward and to realise we’ve been for next year’s Masters means the or to pursue their rightful opportunity history has been a troubled one. Co- global issues following the death of blessed with tremendous resources world to me.” to compete and follow their dreams. founder Clifford Roberts vowed all George Floyd, an unarmed black man, to do many things and we’re going to It won’t happen this year because “But in reality, that opportunity is still players would be white and all cad- while in police custody in Minnesota. use those resources in the right way.” there is a hope for fans at the 2021 elusive for many. We have a long way to dies would be Black. “Like all organisations, we’ve been Masters. There are no spectators go and we can and we must do more.” Elder’s historic start 45 years ago moved by the events of 2020,” Ridley ‘Means the world to me’ at this week’s Masters due to the Augusta National will create a men’s came at an event that never in- said. “There’s been a lot said about Elder will join honorary starters Covid-19 pandemic that postponed and women’s player scholarship at near- vited Black pioneer Charlie Sifford racial justice and opportunity, and Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player only in the Masters from April. by Paine College, a Historically Black despite two 1960s PGA wins that our question was not so much what 2021 for a “special moment in time” “We thought this would be a much College and University, and create an typically would have brought an can we say but what can we do. according to Ridley. more appropriate and much great- entire women’s golf program at Paine. Augusta opportunity. “This announcement is in part a “To earn an invitation to the Mas- er celebration,” Ridley said. “We “To promote diversity, whether it “It’s always important to look call to action in that regard.” ters and stand at that first tee was my thought it was the right thing for Lee be gender or race, is very important,” back. You learn from looking back,” Asked why a tribute to Elder dream and to have it come true in 1975 to have that moment in time that we Ridley said. Ridley said. “We, like all organiza- didn’t come sooner, Ridley replied, remains one of the greatest highlights hope will last forever.” afp Maradona progressing well after brain clot surgery

Argentine football great looked unwell during a brief sive treatment and sedatives to hospital three times in the Diego Maradona is progress- appearance on October 30 at for withdrawal symptoms. last 20 years for serious health ing well after brain surgery on his 60th birthday celebration at This treatment began to be issues – two of which were a blood clot and could be dis- the stadium of Gimnasia y scaled back on Monday. potentially fatal – due to his charged this week, his doctor Esgrima, the Argentine Primera Luque also played down a drug and alcohol addictions. said Monday. Division team he coaches. rumor cited by local press Now free of drugs, Maradona Maradona, 60, underwent He seemed to have difficulty about the presence of a Covid- remains dependent on alcohol. surgery last Tuesday to remove walking and did not hang around 19 patient in the clinic. Last week, his doctor had a clot lodged between his brain to watch his side’s match. “Covid is everywhere, there said the football star would and skull. The following Monday, he is nothing here that there is require prolonged treatment “Diego is in the mood to was taken to hospital in La not elsewhere, and the care in a clinic with different spe- leave, and we are evaluating Plata, where the club is based, and protocols are followed to cialties than the current one. the discharge that could be suffering from symptoms of perfection,” he said. Maradona’s daughters Dal- tomorrow or probably Wednes- anemia and dehydration. Luque also avoided specify- ma, Giannina and Jana visit day, we have to see the clinical Tests revealed the blood clot, ing where Maradona will recu- him daily at the clinic. parameters, but the progress after which Maradona was perate once he is discharged. His oldest son, Diego Jr, who is very good,” Leopoldo Luque transferred to a specialist clin- “We will discuss these issues lives in Italy, announced last told reporters. ic in the capital. when the time comes, we will Thursday on social media that Maradona, who went into Since his surgery, he has pro- discuss them together with the he had tested positive for Cov- isolation two weeks ago after gressed well, although Luque family. We all agree to take id-19 and therefore would not Hand of God: The Argentine football legend has received an outpouring one of his bodyguards displayed had revealed Thursday that Diego forward,” he said. be able to travel to Buenos of support from fans. afp coronavirus symptoms, had Maradona was receiving inten- Maradona has been admitted Aires. afp Drums beat for Pucovski after back-to-back double centuries Australia were under pres- Warner, at the expense of “He should be picked as an He was in the national set-up sure Tuesday to pick Will Pucov- incumbent Joe Burns. opening batsman.” for Tests last summer against ski as an opening batsman for “It’s against a good team, “Joe Burns has got a decent Sri Lanka, but after being over- the Test series against India after India, but this kid’s ready ... now enough record but his start to looked for the first and again the young prodigy smacked is his time,” former skipper the season hasn’t been ideal missing out on the second was back-to-back double centuries. Michael Clarke told reporters. and he just hasn’t nailed that released to return home and The 22-year-old hit an “Got to pick him. The fact this spot down.” deal with his issues. unbeaten 255 for Victoria in the series is in Australia is a great way Selectors are finalising their Elsewhere in the Sheffield Sheffield Shield last week, shar- to get him into that Test team as squad for the first of four Tests Shield, former Test opener ing in a record opening stand well. He is playing in conditions against India in Adelaide on Matt Renshaw sent his own of 486 runs with Marcus Harris he is accustomed to.” December 17, with Australia’s reminder with an unbeaten against South Australia. Fellow former captains Ian top six largely settled apart from 168 while fellow Queenslander He followed it with 202 Chappell and Kim Hughes Warner’s opening partner. Mitchell Swepson took 5-55. against Western Australia on expressed similar sentiments, Pucovski has long been seen It was Swepson’s third five- Monday which saw former as did Mark Waugh. as one of Australia’s brightest wicket haul in succession, Australia captains add their “I would definitely be pick- prospects, but has battled cementing his burgeoning repu- weight to growing calls for ing him for the first Test against concussion and mental- tation as one of Australia’s most Pucovski has long been seen as one of Australia’s brightest prospects, him to open alongside David India,” Waugh told Fox Sports. health issues. promising spinners. afp but has battled concussion and mental-health issues. afp 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST november 11, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport Virus surge chills Austria ski season restart

FTER some of its eco- run 5-star hotels, is brimming nomically crucial ski with more than 10,000 holi- resorts became by- daymakers per day. words for coronavirus Many of the visitors have in clustersA in the first wave of the the past been lured by Ischgl’s pandemic, Austria was glad reputation for exuberant that mask-clad skiers were once apres-ski parties – although again racing down its powdery these are of course off the slopes for the new season. menu this winter. But a fresh surge in infec- “Of course there are chal- tions has put put a damper on lenges, but we weren’t sur- that fragile reopening after a prised by this new lockdown second coronavirus shut- because it was obvious that down ordered by the national something would happen,” government at the end of last given the high case numbers, month emptied the cable cars said Andreas Steibl, the man- and hotels that help power aging director of the local the Austrian economy. tourism board. In mountainous western Aus- Ischgl had planned to open tria, skiing is not just part of the next week but the start of the local culture, but the foundation season has now been post- of an industry worth billions as poned to December 17, a well as the source of livelihoods week before Christmas. for hundreds of thousands. Steibl said he hopes that the In Tyrol province, every fourth date will stick. job depends on tourism and ev- The national shutdown is ery second bed is a hotel bed. scheduled to end at the end of But experts say the entire November though if case num- winter season may be at risk as bers don’t improve speculation virus-related restrictions pro- is rife that it could be extended. liferate across the continent. Once the resort does open, The latest shutdown is a bit- Ischgl will await its visitors ter pill to swallow for those ski with free scarves that can resorts which had invested be used as face masks, an Austria’s entire winter ski season may be at risk as virus-related restrictions proliferate across the continent. afp millions in trying to make the app that shows skiers where sport virus-safe. She said that the season was fectant. lar for Tyrol, where half of all Austrian Institute for Eco- queues are shortest and initially a moderate success. Swiss skier Christian Gut, tourists hail from Germany. nomic Research. crowds smallest, and a free ‘In a bubble’ Skiers from Switzerland, 60, described feeling so safe A vast number of tourism Those in Austria’s ski sector, coronavirus testing station Among the first ski areas to Germany, the Czech Republic, that he compared skiing to businesses will only be able however, are trying to keep staffed with nurses. open this year was the Pitztal Italy and Austria had flocked being “in a bubble”. to survive with generous sub- their spirits high. Not to mention a separate glacier. to the pristine slopes. However, that bubble soon sidies, according to president Even in Ischgl, which lab to guarantee results with- “We’ve invested very high Barriers in front of cable cars burst when Austria began to of Austria’s hotel association gained notoriety earlier in the in 24 hours. sums of money to make it ensured orderly queing, the record several times the level Michaela Reitterer. She called year when local authorities Experts will also take water possible that people can ex- number of people allowed in- of coronavirus infections seen a recently announced gov- failed to react to a virus out- samples from the local sew- perience nature and skiing on side the train linking the valley in the spring. ernment fund for the sector break and tourists infected age system, which will be the mountain, all while stay- to the glacier was cut by half, Late last month, Germany is- as vital as “a bite of bread.” there helped spread the virus tested for traces of the virus. ing safe and healthy,” Anna and masks were mandatory. sued travel warnings for areas If the winter tourism sea- across Europe. “We are convinced that the Griesser, PR manager for the Staff used a number of de- including ski areas in Austria. son falters, Austria’s entire During the winter months, number of cases will drop local cable car company, told contamination fogging ma- That was a hard blow for GDP could shrink by as much the village of 1,600 residents, again, and that by mid-De- AFP just days before the lock- chines to spray the inside of Austria’s winter tourism indus- as 1.5 percent, according to the descendants of impover- cember, we can safely start down was announced. gondola cabins with disin- try in general, and in particu- Christoph Badelt, head of the ished Alpine farmers who now the season,” Steibl said. afp Underdog Finland remains focused on Euro 2020

The postponement of Euro roared on by a huge support for us to play in the finals, but major tournament before, even as well, and there are many Ireland home and away. 2020 put Finland’s major and their “Viking Thunder we are not going there just in the days of the great Jari Lit- people who said, ‘I never be- Over the next week, after tournament debut on ice Clap” – knocking out England to participate, we want to manen, a Champions League lieved the Finnish national facing France, they play in but, when the finals do come on their way to the quarter- achieve something more,” winner with Ajax in 1995. team could qualify for a Bulgaria and Wales where around, the Nordic nation finals. Finland coach Markku Kan- But Kanerva was appointed major international tourna- they will be without Augs- have their sights set on emu- Iceland reached the last erva told AFP in an interview in 2016 and led them to Euro ment,’ and they’re very proud burg’s Fredrik Jensen, a scorer lating the remarkable recent World Cup too, and still hope ahead of his team’s latest get- 2020 as they finished second of that, and we are as well. in each of the last three Na- achievements of Iceland. to go to the next Euro along together and a friendly against in qualifying behind Italy. “The players believe in them- tions League matches. One of the enduring mem- with Finland, who will be there world champions France on “We weren’t the favourites selves and as a team we believe But Kanerva can call on ories of the last European when it finally goes ahead a Wednesday in Paris. in our group because Italy we can achieve something new the likes of Bayer Leverkusen Championship in France year behind schedule. “It’s the same with Sweden was the favourite, then Bosnia and we actually did it.” goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, in 2016 is that of Iceland – “In a way it’s already a dream in the World Cup, they did and Herzegovina and Greece Excitement about going midfielder Glen Kamara, ex- very well,” said Kanerva, with as well, they were the main to the Euro increased when Arsenal and now of Rangers, a nod to Finland’s neighbours candidates to qualify. And we they were drawn in the same and Bundesliga-based Joel who reached the quarter-fi- managed to surprise them,” group as neighbours Russia, Pohjanpalo. nals in Russia in 2018. said Kanerva, whose side are Denmark and the world’s top- “I believe they are examples 55th in the FIFA rankings. ranked team Belgium. And then there’s Pukki for us because they are from It is only 200km from the “He was one of the key play- the Nordic countries as well Pukki ‘a huge figure’ Finnish border to Saint-Pe- ers in our qualification, scor- and there are some strengths He was grateful for the goals tersburg, where they are due ing ten goals . . . so of course in all our Nordic countries, of Norwich City striker Teemu to play Russia and Belgium, that’s his role, to score goals,” mentally and, as I mentioned, Pukki, a “huge figure in Finn- but talk of an influx of Finn- said Kanerva. we are organised teams and ish football” according to ish supporters is on hold due “And Teemu can’t score we can also learn what have Kanerva, and who contribut- to the health crisis and ru- goals without good delivery, been the key factors behind ed 10 in the qualifying cam- mours the Europe-wide for- and that’s very important to their success.” paign as the team did their mat might be changed. keep in mind that someone In a nation of 5.5 million bit to raise the sport’s profile Nevertheless Finland are has to assist his goals as well. people where football plays at home. preparing the best they can, There are many other impor- a distant second fiddle to ice “People are talking more and are currently doing well tant players in the squad with hockey, Finland had never re- about football and congratu- in the Nations League, nota- a very huge role behind our Finland hope to emulate Iceland as a suprise contender. afp ally come close to reaching a late us, me and all the players bly beating the Republic of success.” afp