monday, june 21, 2021 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent Issue Number 3689 / 4000 RIEL Key logistics hub breaks ground 2022

Thou Vireak plan for "multi-modal trans- ground on the PPLC's con- In the opening remarks of Asia to a natural landscape port and logistics connec- struction," he said. June 17's meeting, UN Devel- allowing easy connections THE much-anticipated Phnom tivity" on June 17 to collect On March 4, the ministry opment Programme (UNDP) from the capital out to the Penh Logistics Centre (PPLC) is additional input before sub- signed a framework agree- resident representative Nick coast and to neighbouring expected to break ground next mitting it to the Council of ment with YCH, with the Beresford stressed that the countries, Cambodia seems GOV’T TO LOOK year, according to Minister of Ministers for approval. support of Singapore-based master plan “opens up the ready-made as a logistics hub. Public Works and Transport "We hope that in 2022, Infrastructure Asia (IA), to opportunity to use Cambo- Within the plan, under-ex- INTO COVID-19 Sun Chanthol. when Cambodia hosts the study the PPLC project for dia's natural endowments to ploited assets are identified. Chanthol made the remarks ASEAN Summit, we can sign nine months and to negotiate their full potential”. "This master plan recognises VACCINES FOR during a stakeholder consul- a concession agreement with a concession agreement on "From its strategic position tation meeting on a master Singapore's YCH and break carrying out the project. within fast growing Southeast Continued – page 7 KIDS AGED 3-17 national – page 3 Oz to take Beijing to WTO over wine taxes

AUSTRALIA will take China be- SINGLE PORTAL fore the World Trade Organisa- tion (WTO) over Beijing's im- FINISHES FIRST position of tariffs on Australian wine exports, it announced on YEAR WITH 6K June 19, in the latest sign of worsening tensions between REGISTRATIONS the two countries. The decision "to defend Aus- business – page 7 tralia's winemakers" comes six months after Australia lodged a separate protest at the WTO over tariffs on Australian bar- ley and is in line with the gov- ernment's "support for the rules-based trading system", it said in a statement. It added, however, that "Aus- tralia remains open to engag- ing directly with China to re- I’m fine, thanks for masking solve this issue". China in November slapped A young Cambodian Muslim girl puts on a face mask in northeastern Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district on Sunday. HONG MENEA BRAZIL’S COVID tariffs of up to 218 per cent on Australian wines, which it said DEATHS PASS were being "dumped" into the Chinese market at subsidised 500,000 AMID prices. The move virtually closed what had been Aus- A THIRD WAVE tralia's biggest overseas wine PM in quarantine until market, with sales falling from WORLD – Page 9 A$1.1 billion (US$840 million) to just A$20 million, according to official figures. "We would love to be able to July 3, cancels meetings sit down and be able to resolve these disputes" directly with Niem Chheng “Although the meetings with dor to Cambodia Marc Thayre the National Police held a the Chinese, trade minister Cambodian and foreign guests told The Post that the embassy meeting with British embassy Dan Tehan said, but added that RIME Minister Hun have been cancelled, I will could not reveal the meeting representatives to prepare for lower-level official contacts Sen on June 19 continue to work as usual with agendas with the press. the visit. Deputy National Po- had failed to make progress. announced that he [government] institutions and “[But] it would have been lice chief Chhay Sinarith said He said while announcing had been indirectly the armed forces via Zoom, about bilateral relations. A press at the meeting that Raab had the decision to lodge a formal exposedP to Covid-19 and would during which no one can come release will be issued after his planned to pay a two-day visit dispute with the WTO: "We will US MARKS END continue to quarantine until close to me,” he said. visit with details,” he said. from June 22-23 during which use every other mechanism July 3. He first placed himself The prime minister did Ministry of Foreign Affairs he will meet with Prime Min- to try and resolve this dispute OF SLAVERY ON in isolation on June 19. not specify whom he had and International Coopera- ster Hun Sen and foreign min- and other disputes that we have Hun Sen said this has prompt- been in contact with and if tion spokesman Koy Kuong ister Prak Sokhonn. with the Chinese government." ‘JUNETEENTH’ ed him to cancel all planned he had rescheduled an in- told a reporter to wait for an The National Police said Tehan acknowledged that the in-person and virtual meet- person meeting with the UK official press release when Raab also planned to visit dispute process within the WTO NAT’L HOLIDAY ings, including one with Brit- foreign minister. asked about the meeting. Tuol Sleng Genocide Muse- was difficult and estimated it ish Foreign Secretary Dominic Reached for comment on Just one day before Hun um and the Documentation would take two to four years for lifestyle – page 12 Raab scheduled for June 23. June 20, UK deputy ambassa- Sen’s surprise announcement, Centre of Cambodia. any resolution. afp

THE PHNOM PENH POST Quarantine remains National a must for all arrivals Inside page 4-5 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Vietnam requested Complacency, negligence to repatriate illegal immigrants timely buoys Covid-19 case count Niem Chheng Voun Dara by filling out the forms and repatriating them back to HE Kingdom’s average THE Cambodian immigra- Vietnam soon”, Chantharith daily coronavirus case tion chief on June 17 asked said, stressing that the re- count remains above Vietnam’s ambassador to quest was not based on racial expected levels, a re- Cambodia to work with local discrimination. alityT that one senior health of- authorities to expedite repa- He also said the GDI would ficial blames on complacency triation of illegal Vietnam- continue raising awareness and negligence over Covid pre- ese nationals residing in the concerning rules applicable ventive rules among authori- Kingdom. to permanent resident per- ties, businesses and the public. Kirth Chantharith, direc- mits, as well as other relevant In a two-page commentary tor-general of the Ministry legal regulations, to ensure released on June 19, Ministry of Interior’s General Depart- that enforcement is exercised of Health spokesperson and ment of Immigration (GDI), lawfully. National Covid-19 Vaccination met ambassador Vu Quang GDI spokesperons Keo Van- Commission head Or Vandine Minh at the GDI to discuss than said on June 20 that il- stressed that everyone must the issue. legal Vietnamese immigrants assume an active role in the During the meeting, Minh arrested by immigration po- Covid fight by practicing the thanked the GDI for accept- lice were detained at pre-de- “three do’s and three don’ts” ing the “foreigners” and pro- portation centres. Some did principles, and cautioned that viding them with permanent not possess a passport, which fears and concerns accompa- resident permits, as well as is a required document from nying the pandemic should be for other initiatives related to the Vietnamese embassy. tempered by reason and bol- immigration. “Some illegal immigrants stered by action. Chantharith told Minh that that we arrested had pass- The “three do’s”, as intro- there are challenges concern- ports and some did not. We duced by Prime Minister Hun ing the rights of permanent requested the Vietnamese Sen in February last year, are Medical workers take samples from residents for Covid-19 testing in Phnom Penh. Yousos Apdoulrashim resident permits for Vietnam- embassy to issue travel docu- wearing face masks, washing ese nationals, in Phnom Penh ments to expedite deporta- hands regularly and keeping still high every day. ber of Covid patients had re- 19 cases, all but 45 of which as well as in the provinces. tion,” Vanthan said. a safe distance from other “If we’re afraid, we’ve got to ported being unaware of the were linked to the February And concerning illegal He said there are more than people. The “three don’ts” en- do whatever we can to pre- virus infection until falling 20 community outbreak, with Vietnamese residing in the 100 illegal Vietnamese immi- tail avoiding crowded places, vent the spread – keep close seriously ill and having po- a record high of 20 new deaths Kingdom, the GDI asked that grants waiting for deportation, close-contact settings and tabs on the situation, protect tentially passed the patho- and 928 recoveries. Minh “continue to cooperate all but three had passports. enclosed spaces with poor ourselves, avoid gatherings gen to family members. Earlier on June 19, the min- ventilation. and unnecessary travel. Do- “It is paramount that in- istry also announced that Vandine said: “In practice ing all of this will only bring dividuals take their health the Delta variant of the novel to date, shortcomings remain down the virus transmission into consideration over large coronavirus, first identified in when it comes to the observa- rates,” she said. gatherings or reopening busi- India and previously known tion of the three don’ts. More She added that fear should nesses – take risk-preventive as B.1.617.2, had been de- attention is required to influ- be turned into action and that measures, especially as new tected in seven Cambodian ence the behaviour of individ- comprehensive safeguards viral variants loom,” she said, migrant workers who recent- uals and business owners so against the SARS-CoV-2 virus urging the fully-vaccinated ly returned from Thailand that they consistently practice must be put in place, with the to follow the “three do’s and through various checkpoints. the three don’ts and abide by heightened risks posed by the three don’ts” as well. The seven cases were authorities’ instructions. new variants firmly in mind. As of June 19, Cambodia detected in five different “We all too often hear people The public must not to be had recorded a total of 42,052 provinces – one in Banteay say they’re afraid of Covid-19, lulled into a false sense of se- Covid-19 cases, with 36,868 Meanchey, two in Oddar but those fears don’t appear curity that the virus is not at recoveries and 414 fatalities. Meanchey, two in Siem Reap, to correspond to the disease large in the community, she On June 19 alone, the health one in Kampong Cham and transmission rates, which are warned, adding that a num- ministry reported 471 Covid- another in Kampot.

Agriculture minister defends aquaculture Vietnamese nationals deported for overstaying and without work permit early this month. General Department of Immigration Voun Dara “There are still many chal- lenges that we have been MINISTER of Agriculture, reviewing and resolving in Forestry and Fisheries Veng a gradual inter-ministerial Sakhon on June 19 responded manner,” he said. to criticism about Cambodia’s According to Sakhon, al- aquaculture sector, saying though Cambodia still faces there had been misinterpreta- some challenges related to tion and recommending that aquaculture and market is- more research on reforms by sues, aquaculture in Cambo- the government concerning dia had made good progress. fisheries is needed. The minister said average an- Sakhon’s response came after nual aquaculture growth was the ministry issued a press re- 20.6 per cent from 2015-2019. lease on June 14 that addressed In 2020, harvesting increased to questions related to the supply A fish farmer inspects his catch in Ang Snuol, Kandal Province on June 400,400 tonnes, an increase of and demand of fish, highlight- 16. cambodian aquaculturist association 30 per cent compared to 2019. ing shortages in the market. “The steady increase in In a Facebook post, Sakhon mentation of decentralisation many reasons for the loss of aquaculture output is due to said: “The ministry has re- before 2006 then centralised natural resources in the past. the interest and active partic- ceived comments from some management of this sector He said that everything ipation of the relevant min- analysts and the public who after 2006,” he said. started from the process of istries and others involved in misinterpreted the facts and He said the government de- national economic, social, ur- aquaculture. It also has the what policies the government cided to reform again in the ban and population growth, support of the government, has been pursuing to reform post-2016 decentralisation, as well as a build up of sedi- both technical and funding and promote the develop- with authority delegated to the ments along waterways. from international develop- ment of the agricultural sector sub-national level, especially to He mentioned that Cam- ment partners for aquacul- to ensure food security and the provincial governors to be bodia’s current aquaculture ture development activities exports at a difficult time due in charge of cracking down on is scattered, and lacks capital in Cambodia,” he said. to the spread of Covid-19. fisheries and forestry crimes. and water resources. Breed- He added that ministry has “In this context, I would He added that this requires ing needs to be improved and prepared policy measures to like analysts and the public time to build and further harvesting is facing difficul- promote aquaculture 2021- to draw attention to research strengthen capacity. In this ties. It takes a long time to 2023 in order to increase on the government’s reform case the ministry can inter- transport from one province aquaculture productivity to be of the fisheries sub-sector, vene only if necessary. to another, and to collect and competitive, environmentally which began with the imple- Sakhon said that there were distribute to the market. friendly and sustainable. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Ratanakkiri Gov’t looks into vaccines for children strengthens

Mom Kunthear measures as

STUDY into ad- Covid spreads ministering Covid- 19 vaccinations to in community children will begin HE Ratanakkiri provincial Aafter the initial drive for vac- authorities are enforc- cinating people 18 and over is Ting Covid-19 measures complete, a senior Ministry of in Banlung town after the more Health official said. than 30 imported cases it had Health ministry secretary of initially detected spread into the state York Sambath on June 19 community. said Chinese pharmaceutical Deputy provivial governor Nhem company Sinovac had con- Sam Oeun told The Post on June 19 firmed that its vaccine can be that since the pandemic began until used on children aged 3-17. June 18, the province recorded 33 She made the remarks during cases, all of which were imported the handover of one million from other provinces and Thailand. doses of Sinovac vaccines at In just two days on June 18-19, Phnom Penh International the virus spread with a total of 61 Airport on June 19. cluster cases confirmed. “We will work with Sinovac. “We have implemented health Our procurement and techni- measures including placing cal commissions will check checkpoints on the main roads and consider the second step leading to and out of the province. of the vaccination strategy For inbound travellers, we take for children. We also have to their temperatures, check their think of its effectiveness for health and get details from them. these children,” she said. “And if they are from high-risk World Health Organisation areas, we take their specimens (WHO) representative to Cam- for Covid-19 testing,” he said bodia Li Ailan also said on June To curb the spread, Sam Oeun 10 that WHO had been conduct- said the provincial authorities on ing further studies into vaccina- June 19 called a meeting to dis- A medical worker takes samples from a girl and her mother for Covid-19 testing in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district in May. HONG MENEA tions for children under 18. cuss measures including possible “Once it has been thor- Covid-19,” she said. purchase. An agreement with great help. So we call on all said most vaccines had been lockdowns in certain areas. oughly analysed, perhaps in Sambath of the health min- Sinovac is forthcoming, she 18-year-olds to be vaccinated acquired from China and that He noted that the province will the near future there will be a istry said another two million said. with a second dose,” she said. the vaccination strategy was start vaccinating residents once it change in the recommenda- doses of the Sinovac vaccine Sambath said Cambodia As of June 19, Cambodia had designed to vaccinate the receives vaccines according to the tions by the WHO. However, will arrive later this month. would contact ASEAN coun- received eight million doses population as fast as possible. government’s rollout plans. WHO still recommends that She noted that Cambodia tries so that the bloc’s mem- and vaccinated more than He said the country has ad- As of June 19, Ratanakkiri had priority be given to vulner- also expected to receive an bers would recognise vac- 3.3 million people, or about equate supplies of vaccines recorded a total of 94 Covid-19 able groups – frontline medi- additional three million doses cinated Cambodians who 33.11 per cent of the targeted and is on track to achieve cases – 33 imported and 61 clus- cal workers, old people and in July as Prime Minister Hun travel abroad. 10 million nationwide. the goal of herd immunity by ter cases with no death. Voun Dara other groups vulnerable to Sen had already approved the “I think vaccination is of Prime Minister Hun Sen year’s end or early 2022.

In a directive issued on June 19, Phnom Penh governor Khuong Sreng said the measure is intended to curb the spread of Covid-19. Hong Menea Restrictions extended in Phnom Penh for 14 days Post Staff Khuong Sreng said this ur- cept among family members gent measure is intended to in the same home, at funerals IN a bid to curb the spread of curb the spread of the virus. permitted by the authorities, Covid-19, the Phnom Penh Businesses and occupa- or among health workers who Municipal Administration tions deemed as posting high collect specimens for Covid-19 has decided to extend the risks include entertainment testing, and providers of emer- suspension of all occupa- clubs, KTVs, nightclubs, dis- gency services. tions and business activities cotheques, beer gardens, Businesses not deemed as deemed as posing high risk of casinos, resorts, museum, posing high risks as stated in transmission for 14 days ef- parks, massage parlours, cin- the directive can proceed as fective at the onset of June 20 emas and sport centres. usual but must strictly fol- through July 3. Public and private educa- low preventive measures and This comes as Cambodia tional institutions must also require staff to scan the ‘Stop continues to grapple with be suspended but are allowed Covid’ QR Code. the pandemic. On June 18-19 to transition online. Some “Any individuals and estab- alone, the Ministry of Health other businesses might also lishments caught violating reported 1,270 transmission be suspended depending on the directive are subject to cases, 142 of which were im- the actual situation, the di- administrative measures and ported, and 34 deaths. rective said. legal action and public reve- In a directive issued on June All gatherings with more than lation of their identities,” the 19, Phnom Penh governor 15 people are also banned, ex- directive said. 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National Quarantine still a must for all arrivals, in next Covid chapter

Mom Kunthear himself for two weeks. “Quarantine was not obligatory dur- INCE early May, an average of ing that time; however, as a responsi- five to 10 Cambodian people ble person, I chose to stay home all by have died from Covid-19 a myself for two weeks,” he said. day with many others test- Sokhour said when he arrived at the ingS positive amid the ongoing com- airport, the whole process after landing munity outbreak. At the same time, was quick. There was a team handing however, hundreds of patients also some sort of a health declaration form recovered a day. for him and other passengers to fill in, The first Covid-19 case in Cambo- and they did not ask any questions. dia was detected in January 2020 in a “There were not any officials ask- foreign passenger who has returned ing us where we will quarantine or to his homeland in February 2020 anything. So basically, quarantine after recovering. Then, the Ministry wasn’t an actual thing for incoming of Health decided to set up a special passengers in early 2020,” he said, task force made up of members from adding that prior to departure, both several institutions. The task force Cambodian and foreigners were not was tasked with inspecting, manag- required to obtain any additional ing and strengthening Covid-19 re- documents or preparation. sponse mechanisms in the country. However, it is now more stringent With high commitment, the task at the airport. force largely brought the pandemic “Personally, yes. It was way more under control before and after the convenient than it is nowadays,” first and second community out- Sokhour emphasised. breaks in late 2020. It has taken Phoung Malie Pheng, who visited tough and urgent Covid-19 preven- Cambodia in October 2020, shared tive measures. However, the third her personal experience on her You- wave dubbed by the government as Tube channel about travelling from the “February 20 community event” the US. She said that if passengers set a historic record, leading to the did not test for Covid-19 within 72 lockdown of Phnom Penh and a few hours before boarding a plane, the provinces and paralysing Cambodia’s airline will not allow them to travel. economy for a short period. What is more important, she noted, But thanks to efforts by Prime is that the test results must bear a Minister Hun Sen and top leaders of doctor’s signature for verification. relevant ministries and institutions, “When we arrived in Cambodia, we Cambodia has largely managed to need to have an address and contact bring the situation under control. The numbers of people with whom we will people have been allowed to freely stay while in the country because the travel and go about their businesses. Ministry of Health would need to con- tact us when a case arises,” she said. Measures taken before community Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Inter- community event” by Prime Minis- ernment again brought the event 20 community outbreak? outbreak national Airport, she said passengers ter Hun Sen so that it was etched in under control with no new positive Ngin Lyda – head of e-commerce In early March of 2020, the govern- have to undergo another test. And everyone’s memory. A total of 1,802 cases detected. sale agent for a private company in ment decided to set up a national there were two options for quaran- people were found to have been In the whole of 2020, Cambodia re- Cambodia who travelled from the US committee to combat Covid-19 with tine – one prepared by the authori- directly and indirectly exposed to corded a total of 378 Covid-19 cases in May – told The Post that she had Prime Minister Hun Sen as chairman ties free of charge and the other at a Covid-19. Of the number, four peo- with no fatality. undergone three tests. She received along with five deputies and other hotel at personal expenses. ple tested positive for Covid-19 and After the second wave passed, the first test before boarding a plane members. The committee comprised “I can say I was lucky that I visited the event was linked to 11 provinces. however, a third wave of transmis- within 72 hours of departure. She re- leaders of ministries and institutions Cambodia without restrictions and This first community outbreak was sion occurred. Dubbed the “Febru- ceived the second test while in transit and municipal and provincial gover- with only two days of quarantine if no brought to a successful end on No- ary 20 community event”, it has seen and the third test when she arrived at nors as members. airline passenger tested positive for vember 25, 2020. over 40,000 positive cases and more Phnom Penh International Airport. The committee was tasked with Covid-19. After a short while, the two However, that was short-lived. No- than 400 deaths. With new cases and “The results of my three tests came determining national policies and days of quarantine multiplied to 14 vember 28 brought another shock fatalities logged every day up until back negative and I was vaccinated strategies to combat Covid-19, im- days whether a fellow airline passenger known as the second wave of Covid- June 20, it remains to be seen when fully twice in the US. But I still had to plement plans to prevent, stop and tested for Covid-19 or not,” she said. 19 transmission in Cambodia. Back the event will end. quarantine for 14 days upon arrival manage Covid-19 and mitigate po- then, the wife of Chhem Savuth – in our country,” she said. litical and socio-economic impacts. Going through three community head of the General Department of Quarantine practices for inbound “I chose to quarantine at a hotel. Chiv Sokhour, a Cambodian stu- outbreaks Prisons – tested positive for Covid- passengers During that period, I had to spend dent who received a scholarship to November 3, 2020 brought a sur- 19. The source of infection could not In a bid to contain the pandemic, more than $1,000 for accommoda- study in Thailand and returned to prise event following a visit by Hun- be clearly determined as she had health minister Mam Bun Heng is- tion and food. The room cost $60 and Cambodia in March 2020, told The garian Minister of Foreign Affairs and nothing to do with the November 3 sued a directive detailing health food cost $10 per meal. So, in a day Post that upon his return, the Covid- Trade Peter Szijjarto, who was posi- event. measures and quarantine guidelines I had to spend $90 for the services. 19 situation was not concerning. tive for Covid-19 after leaving Cam- Dubbed the “November 28 com- for foreigners arriving in Cambodia. Luckily, guests could order food from He said a quarantine was not man- bodia for Thailand. munity event”, it saw 41 Covid-19 The directive took effect on Decem- outside,” she said. datory, though he decided to isolate It was dubbed the “November 3 cases recorded. However, the gov- ber 12, 2020 with the approval of “I had to stay in the room alone. I Prime Minister Hun Sen. could not leave the room and no one “All passengers arriving in Cambo- could enter either, even a cleaner. dia must quarantine for 14 days after I had to do a second test while in Covid-19 testing in Cambodia. All quarantine and there was no rapid passengers are required to obtain a test. I had my specimens collected certificate indicating that they have for testing at the Institut Pasteur du tested negative for Covid-19 within Cambodge. So, I had to spend 24 to 72 hours of departure from their 46 hours because there were a lot of country of origin,” stated the direc- people,” Lyda added. tive. According to the ministry’s direc- According to the Law on Measures tive, foreign travellers who are inves- to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19 and tors, businesspeople, company staff, Other Serious, Dangerous and Con- experts, skilled workers, technicians tagious Diseases signed on March 12 and family members without being this year, Cambodians and foreign- either sponsored or invited had to ers arriving in Cambodia and indi- show valid visas issued by Cambo- viduals who have been in close and dian embassies or consulates in their indirect contact with Covid-19 posi- home countries. They had to show a tive people or with those suspected health certificate issued by relevant of carrying Covid-19 must make a authorities and recognised by the health declaration. They have to fill governments of their countries prov- in the form announcing their health ing that they had no Covid-19 within condition determined by the relevant 72 hours of departure. They had to authorities and provide other neces- show invitation and health insurance sary information to health officials or letters and hotel booking receipts. other specialists. “Foreign travellers are required to deposit $2,000. The deposit covers What local and international pas- the costs of accommodation while Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn (left) and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjar in Phnom Penh in November. Foreign Ministry sengers must do amid the February awaiting Covid-19 testing, transport THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National Quarantine still a must for all arrivals, in next Covid chapter

Bank. I left Phnom Penh on the April equipped with fans, bathrooms, toi- hometown for quarantine at a loca- Chanserivutha said passengers can 3 this year so all in all I was in Phnom lets and many other arrangements tion nearest to their home. book accommodation at hotels that Penh for 44 days [with 30 days out- that provide convenience for people Run Sarith, a worker who returned are partners of the health ministry, side of quarantine],” he said. in quarantine. from Thailand in December 2020, which can cost between $30 to more During the pandemic, the Cambo- Phnom Penh municipal governor said that during his 14-day quaran- than $100. And if they do not make a dian government required foreign- Khuong Sreng said the quarantine tine at a centre in Battambang prov- reservation in advance, they will have ers to make a deposit when upon centre was set up to accommodate ince, he was bored but was obligated it arranged for them accordingly. arrival, and the Malaysian business- inbound passengers entering Cam- to complete it. “If they can afford, they will be man deposited $2,000 when he ar- bodia through Phnom Penh Interna- “Bored is bored but we have to fol- transported to a good place to stay. If rived at the airport. tional Airport. low what is required. If I don’t do it, they don’t have enough money, they “When my quarantine was finished, Passengers are divided into two I will still need to undergo 14-day will be transported to a normal place. I got some money back because most categories – those who are better off quarantine when I arrive at my vil- But it also depends on the place. If of it was taken up by the hotel stay could chose to quarantine at a guest- lage because otherwise the local the accommodation is affordable, and we had to pay for an additional house or hotel. authorities and villagers take action everyone will be transported to the half day because the Covid-19 test re- “If passengers cannot afford it, against us for fear of contracting the right place, depending on the actual sults came back late from the health they can quarantine at the centre [in virus from me,” he said. situation,” he said. ministry’s lab,” he said. Prek Pnov], which does not require Sarith said that during his quar- According to the official, those who Having gained the experience, the a fee and even provided three times antine period, he always explained do not have the resources, such as businessman recommended that meals per day. Specimen collection to the young people not to run away students or the poor, can inform the travellers bring cash because not all for Covid-19 testing is also free of because even if they arrive home, committee responsible for the quar- debit/credit cards work. Both of his charge,” he said. they won’t be able to escape anyway. antine who will transport them to the debit cards did not work when he An employee of Sokha Hotel, which He noted that he was staying in a place that does not require payment. withdrew cash from ATMs at the air- accepts passengers for quarantine, school dormitory – which was set up Regarding measures introduced port. told The Post on condition of ano- as a temporary accommodation – by the government or relevant insti- “We were not allowed to choose a nymity that the number of people with his wife and other workers who tutions, he said: “We accept that the hotel of our choice. For transporta- staying there was not as high as be- had travelled together. introduction of measures as well as tion – we were all crammed into a fore due to the low number of foreign “Staying together, I was also wor- border closures depends on the risks bus and taken to the designated ho- tourists during the ongoing commu- ried that someone carrying this dis- that occur in that region or country. tel and despite all social distancing nity outbreak. ease could transmit it to us. But most We have experienced cross-border everywhere else, there was a poten- “For all guests, the cost of accom- of us are family, knowing each other closures from province to province tial cluster,” he noted. modation and food is the same – $75 and have travelled in the same car, and blockade across the country due “At the hotel, the checking-in process per person for room and $10 for each so they put us in the dormitory,” he to the alarming outbreak, which re- was also not orderly because the entire meal. Some guests chose to have two said. quires urgent action to protect pub- busload was at the small lobby. And or three types of meals per day, so Sarith said all workers who stayed lic health. Every country does this with additional hotel staffers all over, they have to spend a lot,” he said. together always take precaution by depending on the risks – low, moder- a cluster was possible. I only felt safe The employee said he could not wearing a mask at all times, even ate, high,” he said. when I was inside my room. The room distinguish which guests were busi- while sleeping. Chanserivutha added that the was spacious and physically good for nessmen, tourists or investors. “It is difficult, but if we don’t do practice is based on the actual situ- Passengers from Malaysia arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport me to do my work and sleep.” “No guests are required to leave that, I can get the disease from some- ation. At first, Cambodia did not re- on June 16. HENG CHIVOAN He said food, which was served before the quarantine period ends one else. Or in case I have the dis- quire 14-day quarantine, but only three times a day, was mostly bland because they know in advance the ease, I can prevent it from spreading two days. But after outbreak, it re- and tasteless. He was charged $30 per [mandatory] duration for quaran- to others. Compared to the work I do quired 14 days of quarantine. from the airport to the hotel and ex- day for food and $55 a day for room. tine. We do not force guests to stay at in Thailand as a construction worker, “The government’s decision is to penses during the quarantine in case “For $30, you can get decent food our place, it’s their choice,” he said. just staying in quarantine is not very prevent transmission and protect a passenger tests positive for Covid- in any decent restaurant in Phnom According to the Sokha Hotel em- difficult. I just got bored because we public health. So it is a measure that 19,” said the directive. Penh. During quarantine, we were ployee, guests who come for quar- could not go out,” he said. we must all respect. What worries us Cambodian passengers are not re- not allowed to get food, drinks or antine at the hotel are not required Protection and restrictions by min- is lockdown, which affects the lives of quired to place a deposit. even dry materials [such as books] to register with other guests to avoid istries and authorities our people,” he said. The ministry also stated that foreign from outsiders even if they just left it disturbing each other. And they are Sin Chanserivutha, spokesman for “Therefore, the 14-day quaran- travellers who are investors, business- at the lobby downstairs,” he said. not allowed to leave their room for a the State Secretariat of Civil Avia- tine is normal, a measure that we people, company staff, experts, skilled “We were forced to buy only food stroll in the hotel premises. tion (SSCA), told The Post that public can accept as appropriate and reli- workers, technicians and family and drinks from the hotel. For a beer “They have to stay in the room for health issues were under the direc- able, which allows us to prevent the members without being either spon- drinker like me, this was an expen- 14 days. If they leave, they will be tion of the National committee to spread of the infectious diseases. sored or invited also have to deposit sive affair as I had to pay hotel rates fined $500. They can only leave with Combat Covid-19, which is led by the But we cannot tell beforehand what $2,000. They have to buy health insur- for beers and that was $3.50 per permission. We have tight security prime minister directly. will change in the future. It depends ance for Covid-19 treatment for $90 small bottle.” and guards to prevent anyone leav- The SSCA is a member tasked with on the risk and the number of infec- with an insurance period of 20 days. He added that every day at 3pm, he ing quarantine,” he said. implementing policies, guidelines tions,” he said. A Malaysian businessman who and others would go to the rooftop to In the provinces along the Cambo- and other measures, he said. Or Vandine, health ministry asked to remain anonymous told get temperatures checked. But even dian-Thai border, all Cambodian or Quarantine is in accordance with spokeswoman and chairwoman of The Post recently that he had visited there, there were guests who got into foreign workers or citizens entering the joint declaration and other mea- the Ad-hoc Commission for Covid-19 Cambodia more than 10 times now groups with no social distancing. Cambodia must undergo a 14-day sures issued by the health ministry. It Vaccination Programme, said those over the last 10 years, the most recent The Phnom Penh Quarantine Cen- quarantine upon arrival. This was is the responsibility of every citizen who travel from abroad, whether of which was in February this year. tre, located in Phsar Lech village in enforced in the wake of the commu- to protect themselves from Covid-19, Cambodians or foreigners, and even He said he arrived at the airport on Prek Pnov district’s Prek Pnov com- nity outbreak of Covid-19 in a Thai he added. those who have been fully vaccinated February 19 and went straight from mune, was officially inaugurated on border province, where hundreds “What can we do about them? They are still required to undergo 14-day airport to the hotel for quarantine January 6. of Cambodian workers fled and re- have to meet our requirements, such as quarantine. and stayed there for 14 days. The centre has four buildings, turned to their home country. presenting a health certificate and prov- “We have not yet changed the pro- “I was on a business visit as I have a each of which can accommodate After the influx of returning Cam- ing that they have enough money to cedure for quarantine for travellers consulting company set up in Cam- 126 people. In total, the four build- bodian workers eased, Prime Minis- cover the costs of quarantine -- accom- to Cambodia. Therefore, it is neces- bodia and ongoing projects. Plus I ings have 504 rooms with 504 beds ter Hun Sen instructed the authori- modation and other services which are sary to carry out the same tests and had some banking to do with the ABA for 504 people. The buildings are ties to transport workers to their to be paid after the period,” he said. quarantine as others,” she said.

A man stands at the window at Sokha hotel during a 14-day quarantine in Phnom Penh in March. HONG MENEA Medical workers take samples to test for Covid-19 on March 29. TYDA 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com National PM marks 44th anniversary Heavy rainfall sees Voun Dara Mekong levels rise UNE 20, 2021 marked the 44th anni- Ry Sochan Ministry of Water Resources versary of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s and Meteorology spokes- “resistance journey” to liberate the THE Mekong River Commis- man Chan Yutha could not be Jnation from the Khmer Rouge on sion (MRC) has recorded river reached for comment. June 20, 1977. The prime minister also levels increasing by 0.65m be- According to the ministry’s spoke of the struggle for liberation and tween Stung Treng and Prey notice, the water level on June asked Cambodians about alternatives. Veng’s Neak Loeung over the 20 at the Mekong-Stung Treng In a Facebook post on June 20, Hun last seven days and forecast Hydrological Station was Sen raised the question what would have an additional rise this week of 5.13m. A water level of 10.70m happened if he had not lead the resis- 0.60m due to torrential rain. is considered dangerous. tance from June 20, 1977. He also asked Lower Mekong River Basin The ministry predicted that the how would have Pol Pot killed him, and (LMB) water levels have in- water level at the Mekong-Stung who else would have formed the armed creased significantly over the Treng Hydrological Station will resistance to salvage the nation. past week but some sections will drop to 5m on June 21, 4.84m on He also asked whether there would see a slight drop over the next June 22 and 4.72m on June 23. have been a Paris Peace Agreement five days, MRC secretariat said It noted the water level on June without his struggle. in a press release on June 18. 20 at the Mekong-Neak Loeung “These summary questions always Heavy downpours through- hydrological station was 2.44m, stick in my mind and I could not answer Hun Sen (above) and his four comrades (right) Nuch Thorng, Nhek Huon, San Sanh and Va Por out the Mekong region that while a water level of 7.50m is them on my own. I let patriots find the Ean as they prepare to cross the border into Vietnam. CPP commenced at the beginning considered dangerous. answers,” he stated. of June have contributed to the The ministry predicted that “Although Cambodians and I are enjoy- In a video documentary titled the “Jour- been built for the same purpose. The place rise, with recorded river levels at the water level at the Mekong- ing happiness, I have never forgotten the ney toward this National Salvation, June is where the group fled at night to Vietnam. most monitoring stations above Neak Loeung hydrological sta- hundreds of thousands of tears when I left 20, 1977,” Hun Sen, who was 25 at the time, Tea Banh planted 77 trees representing long-term averages, said MRC. tion will increase to 2.51m on my homeland and the Cambodian people and four others decided to leave Cambo- the year Hun Sen started the journey to “The [Mekong] region has June 21, 2.54m on June 22 and who were still suffering, especially leaving dia, wives and unborn child in order to liberate the country. He said that since received approximately 60 per will fall to 2.47m on June 23. behind my pregnant wife,” he said. travel across the border into Vietnam and 2017, the national liberation anniver- cent more rainfall this month From June 16 to 22, Cam- “I had no other choice than this be- seek support to liberate the country. sary has been celebrated and memorials when compared to the same bodia will be affected by a cause we could not ask Pol Pot for pity. According to the video, Hun Sen and have been constructed to leave a legacy period in 2019 and 2020,” said medium southwest monsoon This dangerous choice and those tears Nuch Thorng, Nhek Huon, San Sanh and for younger generations. Lam Hong Son, Head of the combined with a low pres- have brought about happiness and pros- Va Por Ean fled to Vietnam to seek support Kin Phea, director of the Royal Acade- MRC Secretariat’s Regional sure system, which will make perity until today,” he added. to overthrow Pol Pot’s genocidal regime. my of Cambodia’s International Relations Flood and Drought Manage- the central lowland provinces He continued that he had recounted To mark this journey, Minister of Na- Institute, said that the prime minister’s ment Centre, adding that rain- experience light to medium this painful history several times, but he tional Defence Tea Banh and Vietnam- group was the first resistance movement fall is predicted to be lower than rainfall and thunderstorms. had never revealed the questions. ese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang on to rise up against the Khmer Rouge. average in July and about aver- The ministry said this effect The questions are were other patriots June 20 presided over the groundbreaking “At that time, we can see that there age in August and September. will also cause provinces adja- forming the National Salvation Solidar- ceremony for a Cambodian-Vietnamese were not any Khmer resistance move- The MRC continues to monitor cent to the Dangrek Mountain ity Armed Forces instead of me? How did friendship building in memory of the ments. The creation of this resistance water levels across the Mekong range and the northeastern the journey to liberate the country occur? resistance journey in Region X16 in Ton- movement of Samdech Hun Sen risked region amid erratic weather pat- plateau to receive medium to Were there solutions through negotiations loung village in Koh Thma commune in sacrificing his life for the cause of lib- terns, said the organisation. mild rainfall, especially in the and the Paris Agreement? And was there a Tbong Khmum province’s Memot district. erating the nation because at the time Cambodia National Mekong northeast and north of the win-win policy to end the civil war to bring The ceremony was also held to inaugurate his forces were small. The Khmer Rouge Committee (CNMC) secre- Dangrek Mountains. Thun- peace and development like today? other achievements in this area which had were barbaric,” he said. tary-general So Sophort and derstorms will also occur. RHB Bank signs partnership with Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia HB Bank (Cambo- payment solutions targeted at dia) Plc and the SMEs and businesses that are Credit Guaran- keen to perform their bank- tee Corporation ing transactions digitally in a Rof Cambodia Plc (CGCC) secure environment. signed a partnership on For more information on June 16, with the ceremony RHB Bank (Cambodia) Plc, held at the leading financial please visit: www.rhbgroup. institution’s head office in com.kh. Phnom Penh. This partnership allows About RHB Bank Cambodia RHB Bank (Cambodia) Plc RHB Banking Group to take part in the Business is among the top fully Recovery Guarantee Scheme integrated financial services (BRGS) with CGCC that institutions in Malaysia, aims to support businesses with more than 100 years including micro, small and of service excellence and a medium enterprises (MSMEs) significant presence in the and large firms to enhance ASEAN countries. their access to formal loans With more than 14,000 for both working capital employees group-wide, RHB and investment or business has strong market leader- expansion. ship in Malaysia and ASEAN BRGS acts as collateral/ across targeted products and security for 70-80 per cent segments. of the loan amount bor- RHB Bank (Cambodia) rowed by businesses from Plc was established on July the participating financial 9, 2008, and currently has institutions (PFIs) 12 branches operating in “SMEs play a significant Wong Kee Poh, the CEO of RHB Bank Cambodia, and Wong Keet Loong, the CEO of CGCC, take part in a signing ceremony on June 16. supplied Phnom Penh and the prov- role in the economy of inces. Cambodia, comprising 99 port to grow their business. encouraging with increasing lending with credit guaran- in digitalising its business RHB banking group in per cent of businesses in the Hence with this partnership customer take up rate”, as tees in Malaysia. We hope for both its retail and busi- Cambodia also offers invest- Kingdom and accounting for between RHB Bank (Cam- quoted by Wong Kee Poh, that the bank will be able ness banking. ment banking services that 70 per cent of employment bodia) Plc. and CGCC, it country head and CEO of to reproduce that success Reflex – which is a web- cover capital market and and nearly 60 per cent of allows us to reach out and RHB Bank Cambodia. in Cambodia to grow its based financial solution – brokerage to complement the country’s gross domestic supportmore SMEs as well “This partnership with loans to SMEs with CGCC was launched on June 15 the services of its commer- product [GDP]. as our customers’ business RHB Bank Cambodia is guarantees,” said Wong Keet to cater to the needs of the cial banking activities. “One of the key chal- recovery during the Covid- our first with a Malaysian- Loong, the CEO of CGCC. business community. lenges for SMEs is limited 19 pandemic.We envisage owned bank, one that has RHB Bank Cambodia con- The Reflex portal com- www.rhbgroup.com.kh. access to funding and sup- the response of BRGS to be been very successful in SME tinues to invest significantly bines cash management and gowave.rhbgroup.com.kh. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,085 1.2322 6.4327 110.70 4.1400 1.3386 31.41 0.7596 1.1951 1.3971

Trading Information on Cambodia Securities Exchange Date: June 17, 2021 Auction Trading Method (ATM) No Stock Closing Price Opening Price High Low 1 ABC 13,140 13,140 13,140 13,140 2 GTI 3,990 4,200 4,200 3,840 3 PAS 13,700 14,480 14,500 13,100 4 PEPC 3,000 3,280 3,280 2,950 5 PPAP 15,000 15,200 15,220 15,000 6 PPSP 1,950 2,150 2,150 1,950 7 PWSA 6,680 6,980 6,980 6,660 ‘Exceptional’ Single Portal enters second year assets within Thou Vireak According to the press release, the automotive sector – includ- for logistics: ORE than 6,000 ing importers, exporters, buyers, businesses with sellers and repair shops – over $2.6 billion accounted for the majority of UNDP official in capital have registered businesses, at 38.11 Continued from page 1 Mbeen registered with the gov- per cent, followed by real estate ernment’s online Business (10.29 per cent), manufacturing Cambodia's invaluable land, Registration Platform in just (8.58 per cent), accommodation river, air and sea connections one year since its launch, and food services (8.47 per cent), can be made to work better with according to the Ministry of professional, scientific and tech- the right strategic planning and Economy and Finance. nical services (7.6 per cent) and investments. Use what you have Six ministries and state-run others (27.55 per cent). – and use it well. institutions have been inte- “This is an important reform “I'd like to make three obser- grated into a business regis- in the field of public adminis- vations related to this Intermod- tration system on the plat- tration aimed at promoting a al Transport Connectivity and form, also known as the high-level digital transforma- Logistics System master plan. “Single Portal”, which was tion in public services in line First, use what you have – we launched on June 15, 2020 by with the newly-approved dig- have exceptional natural assets government representatives. ital economic and social policy in respect of logistics, and this The six ministries and state framework,” the release said. plan sets out how we can exploit institutions listed in the system The platform ensures a these to the full. are the ministries of Interior; smooth business registration “Second, we can build resil- Economy and Finance; Com- process, which provides busi- ience – build forward better – so merce; and Labour and Voca- nesses a valid proof of identity that as we return to high growth, tional Training, as well as the The Single Portal was launched on June 15, 2020. HONG MENEA for a range of services, such as we're much better at locking that General Department of Taxa- applying for loans from special growth in. Finally, seize a green tion and the Council for the approved with a total capital Federation of Associations per cent and taking a maxi- government financial pro- growth dividend. It's driven by Development of Cambodia. of $2.631 million, and 810 for Small and Medium Enter- mum of eight days. grammes implemented during new technology and a long-term Another six are planned to more were under final review, prise of Cambodia (Fasmec) “Fasmec now works with the the Covid-19 crisis, it said. global shift to sustainable in- be incorporated at a later date the finance ministry said in a president Te Taingpor told Techo Start-up Centre to teach The government plans to vestments. This is a wave we do – the ministries of Industry, press release issued in con- The Post on June 20 that enterprises how to register launch a second phase of the not want to miss,” he said. Science, Technology and Inno- junction with the Single Por- online registration has many online,” Taingpor said. Single Portal in the near Chanthol noted that the dis- vation; Tourism; Posts and tal’s first anniversary. benefits, the most important “On June 11, we invited the future, which will allow busi- cussion concurrently focused Telecommunications; Agricul- As of the same day, 5,637 of which is to no longer have Techo Start-up Centre to train nesses to apply for licences, on the two primary parts of the ture, Forestry and Fisheries; applicants had cleared a pre- to register individually with all 120 enterprises in Siem Reap permits and certificates from master plan – air and multimod- and Health, as well as the Gen- liminary review and were “reg- the relevant ministries. via Zoom,” he said, adding the participating ministries al transport, and logistics, which eral Department of Customs istered for reservation”, awaiting He said the platform requires that Fasmec and many other and institutions, it added. is intended to be comprehen- and Excise of Cambodia. the final review. Another 270 are companies to complete just a institutions have moved virtu- The Single Portal can be sive and effective in attracting As of June 14, some 6,164 under preliminary review and one-time business registration ally all activities online amid accessed at registrationserv- investment and boosting Cam- applications had been one other was declined. form, cutting fees by up to 40 Covid-19. ices.gov.kh bodia's economic growth. "We will convene a National Logistics Committee meeting next week before submitting it to the Cabinet for approval of the master plan on multimodal GDCE rolls out new version of online system transport connectivity and lo- gistics," the minister said. Hin Pisei in technological advancements. And Beresford added: “This Offering an example, he cited updates important piece of work helps THE General Department of Customs in bureaucratic procedures in all spheres Cambodia pull together trans- and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) was of national and international trade, portation connections, hubs and due to launch version 4.3.3 of the geared towards bolstering the King- inter-modal systems. Better con- online Automated System for Customs dom’s export-import capacity and com- nections within the country can Data (Asycuda) on June 21, in an effort petitiveness on international markets. complement stronger connec- to modernise the platform and make While unable to produce specific tions regionally and globally. the customs clearance process more metrics or examples, Chamnan none- “That networked connectivity convenient, fast and efficient, as well theless expressed his belief that the builds resilience so that Cambodia as to promote trade facilitation. new version of Asycuda would “make not only returns more quickly to Offering sophisticated customisa- the customs clearance process more higher rates of human development, tion options, the new version will fur- efficient, faster and hassle-free”. but that higher growth is locked ther enhance the effectiveness of trade And the simpler procedures will in. A strong and clear strategy on facilitation practices, in conformity drive down product prices and cut transport and logistics can make with government policy, the GDCE delivery times shorter, he said. existing infrastructure more resilient said in a June 17 letter. GDCE revenue collection plummet- and more productive,” he said. Path Chamnan, founder and CEO ed 15.2 per cent year-on-year to $614.8 On September 10, the minis- of local e-commerce platform oper- million in the first quarter of this year, try and YCH began discussions ator Super App Technology Plc, as revealed by the minutes of its first on the PPLC project, which is to which specialises in the transport quarterly meeting held via video link. be located on 98ha in Dangkor and technology markets, told The Last year, the customs agency col- district's Samrong Krom com- The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) collected $614.8 million Post on June 20 that the government lected $2.419 billion in revenue, down mune, west of the Phnom Penh in revenue for the first quarter of this year, down by 15.2 per cent year-on-year.FRESH NEWS is evolving to keep pace with trends from $3.200 billion in 2019. International Airport. 8 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Business Thailand envoy at forefront of latest strategic diplomacy style

Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Ouk Sorphorn dis- BUSINESS cussed his role in making the strategy work and how it can be harnessed to attract more INSIDER investment into the country. Cambodia on January 18 an- nounced the launch of the Could you share some of Economic Diplomacy Strategy your thoughts on the initia- (EDS) for 2021-2023 as a frame- tive and why it is important? work for future diplomatic and This initiative on economic Cambodian ambassador to Thailand Ouk Sorphorn. Supplied cultural initiatives. The EDS diplomacy is very important, was designed as a priority for practical and pragmatic for as well as public and private elusive, requiring further dis- che and first secretary, has as- Undoubtedly, Covid-19 is Cambodian foreign policy – to Cambodian diplomats and sectors to get involved. semination of information sisted me in preparing agendas still transmissible and re- assume a critical role in di- relevant stakeholders. It was There are plenty of works among Cambodian diplomats for promotional programmes mains around us, but there’s versifying sources of economic launched in 2018 by His Ex- needed to be done, especial- and relevant stakeholders. and other related activities. nothing to fear since we’re growth and trade partners. cellency Deputy Prime Minis- ly capacity building for our Furthermore, we officially adapting to the new normal As such, through EDS-guided ter Prak Sokhonn with the full diplomats and government What are you planning to do launched the Cambodia Busi- and following strict health economic diplomacy, Cambo- support from Samdech Techo officials, enhancing part- to promote its execution? ness Council (CBC) in Bang- measures. To cope with the dia is expected to be better able Prime Minister Hun Sen. nerships between the pub- The Royal Embassy of Cam- kok last month to operate as challenges, we’ve reduced to sustain its economic dyna- To implement it effectively lic and private sectors, and bodia to Thailand has done its a new arm to support the im- face-to-face interactions and mism and resilience as well as and efficiently, E“ conomic Di- improving focal points and share in putting the initiative plementation of the strategy. shifted to online meetings. elevate its presence and pres- plomacy Strategy 2021-2023” information sharing. into practice since 2019. We’ll We together plan to prop up In the near future, we will tige on the international stage. was put in place early this year More importantly, the ob- continue to engage with busi- work on making Cambodian collaborate with the CBC In the same vein, this new eco- as a pilot project. Subsequently, jective of the nascent initiative ness communities in Thai- geographical indication (GI) to organise virtual business nomic diplomatic instrument two virtual meetings were re- is to contribute to achieving land, sharing and explaining and consumer products avail- matching events and webinar will strengthen and enhance cently organised by the Ministry Cambodia’s vision of becom- our views on the promotion able on the Thai markets, in series about the investment the Kingdom’s foreign policy, to of Foreign Affairs and Interna- ing an upper-middle-income of international trade, invest- order to enhance the flow of environment and opportu- protect its core national inter- tional Cooperation’s Economic country by 2030 and a high- ment and tourism, as well as products between Cambodia nities in Cambodia to allure ests more adeptly by ensuring Diplomacy Coordinating income country by 2050. culture and sports. and Thailand. more Thai and foreign inves- its own economic prosperity. Group to raise awareness and Nevertheless, the road to For an effective realisation of tors to enter the Cambodian In a virtual interview with provide great opportunities for achieving these ambitious the strategy, my embassy team, And how does Covid-19 play market post-Covid-19. The Post’s May Kunmakara, Cambodian missions abroad expansion goals remains especially the commercial atta- into carrying out the EDS? Achieving economic pillars has become of paramount im- portance for Cambodia, as the global economy and multilat- eral trading system comes un- der mounting pressure due to the rise of unilateralism, pro- tectionism, isolationism and technological war, together with the Covid-19 pandemic.

How will the initiative in- fluence Cambodia-Thailand trade and investment? Based on our experience in the last two years here, many new Thai investors are eye- ing the Cambodian market because our investment in- centives provide competitive advantages to all segments of the private sector. These include no Cambo- dian equity-participation re- quirement, no price controls on products or services, and a dollarised economy that lessens the need to convert foreign currency. Factors such as competitive labour – a young and dynamic population that asks for rea- sonable wages, a strategic lo- cation at the centre of ASEAN, market access, and preferen- tial trading status in ASEAN Plus Three, the US and EU, among others, are thoroughly conducive to attracting more investors and businesspeople to either start or expand busi- ness operations in Cambodia. Thus, joint collaboration between the foreign min- istry, Cambodian missions abroad, and line ministries- institutions to implement the EDS is the right direction to speed up efforts in diversify- ing Cambodia’s trade and in- bound investment flows.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World NK hackers Ultraconservative cleric Raisi hit S Korea nuke-power wins Iran presidential elections brains trust AN OPPOSITION lawmaker LTRACONSERVA- him over the killings, in which claimed on June 18 that a TIVE cleric Ebra- Raisi has denied involvement. hacking unit of the North him Raisi was de- Asked in 2018 and again last Korean intelligence agency clared the winner year about the executions, attacked the internal network onU June 19 of Iran’s presiden- Raisi denied playing a role, of a South Korean state-funded tial election, a widely antici- even as he lauded an order atomic energy think tank pated result after many politi- he said was handed down by which holds critical informa- cal heavyweights were barred the Islamic republic’s founder tion on nuclear power plants from running. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and nuclear materials. The president-elect won to proceed with the purge. Representative Ha Tae-ke- just shy of 62 per cent of the Ultimate power in Iran, ung of the People Power Party, vote in June 18’s election, ac- since its 1979 revolution who sits on the parliamentary cording to official figures, on toppled the US-backed mon- intelligence committee, held a a turnout of 48.8 per cent, a archy, rests with the supreme press conference on the morn- record low for a presidential leader, but the president ing of June 18 and disclosed poll in the Islamic republic. wields major influence in ar- information about the alleged Raisi, 60, is set to take over eas from industrial policy to cyberattacks on the Korea at a critical time, as Iran seeks foreign affairs. Atomic Energy Research Insti- to salvage its tattered nuclear Outgoing moderate Presi- tute (Kaeri). deal with major powers and dent Hassan Rouhani’s land- According to the data, 13 free itself from punishing US mark achievement was the unauthorised, external IPs sanctions that have driven a 2015 deal with world powers accessed the internal network deep economic crisis. under which Iran agreed to of Kaeri on May 14. “God willing, we will do our limit its nuclear programme A research group specialis- best so that the hope for the in return for sanctions relief. ing in Pyongyang‘s cyberter- future now alive in people’s But high hopes for greater rorist activities tracked the hearts grows further,” said Ebrahim Raisi, who served as Iran’s top judge before running for president, holds deeply conservative views prosperity were crushed in IPs and confirmed that some Raisi, vowing to strengthen on many social issues including the role of women in public life. AFP 2018 when then-president were connected to the server public trust in the govern- Donald Trump withdrew of a hacking unit called “kim- ment for a “bright and pleas- former parliament speaker. at what they saw as a stage- hailed Raisi, who has prom- the US from the accord and suky” under the North’s ant life together”. Three of the vetted candi- managed election. ised to fight corruption, help launched a “maximum pres- Reconnaissance General The head of the Iranian judi- dates dropped out two days “Whether I vote or not, some- the poor and build millions of sure” campaign against Iran. Bureau, Ha said. ciary, whose black turban signi- before June 18’s vote. one has already been elected,” flats for low-income families. Analysts for think-thank Kimsuky is believed to have fies direct descent from Islam’s Khamenei hailed the elec- said Tehran shopkeeper Saeed Raisi, who holds deeply the Eurasia Group said Raisi’s led hacking attacks on phar- Prophet Mohammed, Raisi is tion saying that “the great Zareie. “They organise the conservative views on many election win would likely not maceutical companies such seen as close to the 81-year-old winner … is the Iranian na- elections for the media.” social issues including the derail ongoing talks in Vienna as AstraZeneca and Celltrion supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali tion because it has risen up Enthusiasm was dampened role of women in public life, to salvage the nuclear deal. last year. Khamenei, who holds ultimate once again in the face of the further by spiralling inflation has been named in Iranian But they warned that “his The research group also con- political power in Iran. propaganda of the enemy’s and job losses, and the Covid media as a possible successor hardline, anti-Western views firmed that some of the IP Many voters chose to stay mercenary media”. pandemic that has killed to Khamenei. are a sharp break from the addresses had previously used away after the field of some 600 On election day, pictures more than 80,000 Iranians by To opposition and human more moderate stances of the email address of Moon hopefuls including 40 women of often flag-waving voters the official count. rights groups, his name is Rouhani and will have a sig- Chung-in, former special had been winnowed down to dominated state TV coverage, Among those who queued to linked to mass executions of nificant impact on Tehran’s adviser to President Moon Jae- seven candidates, all men, ex- but away from the polling vote at schools, mosques and political prisoners in 1988. The relationship with the outside in on foreign affairs, which sug- cluding an ex-president and a stations some voiced anger community centres, many US government has sanctioned world”. AFP gests that they are related to the hacking incident of Moon’s email in 2018, Ha said. “Had the nation’s core tech- nologies on nuclear power been leaked, it could be Brazil records over 500,000 Covid deaths recorded as a mega security accident comparable to the BRAZIL on June 19 became the In large cities, life seems Alexandre da Silva, a special- pandemic from the outset, abandoned reality and com- hacking of the national defence second country after the US to almost back to normal with res- ist in public health at the Uni- opposing lockdown measures mon sense. There is no explain- network in 2016,” he said. surpass 500,000 Covid-19 taurants, bars and shops open versity of Sao Paulo, said: “I and plugging unproven medi- ing this, it is surreal,” said Robert Ha also claimed that Kaeri deaths as the South American and many people in the streets don’t know if it’s a third wave cal treatments for Covid, and Almeida, a 50-year-old photog- tried to cover up the recent giant grapples with a third not wearing face masks. … it seems we never got out of on June 19 thousands of Bra- rapher marching in Rio. hacking attempt by saying wave of the pandemic. And yet the situation is criti- the first one. zilians again took to the streets “500,000 deaths from a dis- there was no such incident Health minister Marcelo cal in 19 of Brazil’s 27 states “It seems the pandemic has in protest against him. ease for which there is now a when he initially asked them. Queiroga tweeted: “500,000 with more than 80 per cent now turned into a marathon In rallies in Rio de Janeiro, vaccine, in a country that has “It is impossible to not know lives lost due to the pandem- occupancy of intensive care runner who is pacing his race. Brasilia and elsewhere, people been a world leader in vacci- that it happened. The govern- ic that affects our Brazil and beds – in nine of those states It’s not a sprinter who does his carried banners with slogans nation. There is a word for ment should disclose what the world.” it’s over 90 per cent. sprint but then loses power.” like “Bolsonaro must go” or that: genocide,” leftist former happened,” he said. “Ever The health ministry reported The “second wave”, from Brazil has recently received simply “500,000”. president Luiz Inacio Lula da since the Moon Jae-in admin- 500,800 deaths, including January to April this year, was several batches of vaccines, “His position on Covid and his Silva tweeted. “Solidarity with istration took office, the [South 2,301 in the last 24 hours, a toll particularly deadly. including from US pharma- denialism are absurd. He has the people of Brazil.” AFP Korean] government is trying that many experts say under- The number of deaths ceutical giant Pfizer, but the not to admit hacking [attempts] estimate the real toll from the increased exponentially with country has only managed to by North Korea.” health crisis. the arrival of the Gamma virus fully vaccinate 11 per cent of Kaeri acknowledged that its This week the average variant that originated in Man- the population, with 29 per internal network has been number of daily deaths sur- aus, in the north of Brazil. cent receiving one dose. infiltrated by hackers, but passed 2,000 for the first time It gradually began to fall last The vaccination drive began said it was still looking into since May 10. month thanks in part to the late in mid-January using the who was behind the attack, “The third wave is arriving, closure of businesses when the AstraZeneca and Sinovac’s and whether they took cer- there’s already in a change in pandemic was at its worst. CoronaVac jabs. tain data. the case and death curves,” But many epidemiologists Far-right President Jair Bol- “We are still investigating Ethel Maciel, an epidemiolo- believe lockdown restrictions sonaro, who previously hit out which information [the hack- gist from Espirito Santo Uni- were lifted too soon at a time at vaccines, has promised to ers] accessed,” a Kaeri official versity, told AFP. when daily deaths were still up immunise the entire popula- said. “We tightened network “Our vaccination [pro- around the 2,000 mark. tion by the end of the year – security by setting up fire- gramme], which could make a Contrary to what has been something specialists con- walls for the external network difference, is slow and there are seen in Europe, there’s been no sider unlikely. and updated our internal net- no signs of restrictive meas- real trough between the differ- Bolsonaro has been criti- A graveyard for Covid-19 victims at the Nossa Senhora cemetery in work.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA ures, quite the contrary.” ent waves in Brazil. cised for downplaying the Manaus, Brazil on Saturday. AFP NEWS NETWORK 10 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com ASEAN UN calls for states to prevent ‘arms flow’ to Myanmar he UN General Assembly mar. The UN still considers him as on June 18 took the rare the rightful envoy. step of calling on member After the vote, the diplomat voiced states to “prevent the flow regret that it had taken three months ofT arms” into Myanmar, part of a for the Assembly to adopt the resolu- non-binding resolution condemn- tion and that it was not more explicit ing the military coup in the vio- about an arms embargo. lence-wracked country. Among the countries that ab- The resolution – which did not go stained were Russia and Mali, where so far as to call for a global arms em- a second military coup in less than bargo – also demands that the mili- a year recently took place, Iran and tary “immediately stop all violence Egypt, and Cambodia, Laos, Thai- against peaceful demonstrators”. land and Brunei. It was approved by 119 countries, The UN General Assembly very with 36 abstaining including China, rarely adopts resolutions condemn- A protester holds a sign during a demonstration against the military coup in Myanmar’s Karen state. KNU DOOPLAYA DISTRICT/AFP Myanmar’s main ally. Only one coun- ing military coups or calling for lim- try, Belarus, voted against it. its on the arms supplied to the target detained civilian leaders. Burgener briefed the Security should be sending them a single bul- This came on the same day that country. “We absolutely must create the Council during its closed-door meet- let. The UN Security Council should the Security Council was holding in- EU ambassador to the UN Olof Sk- conditions for democracy to be re- ing on Myanmar on June 18. No joint now step up and pass its own resolu- formal talks on the situation in the oog said: “It is the broadest and most instated,” said UN Secretary General statement was adopted at that meet- tion imposing a global arms embargo Southeast Asian nation, where the universal condemnation of the situa- Antonio Guterres before the vote on ing because of persistent divisions on Myanmar.” military ousted civilian leader Aung tion in Myanmar to date. the resolution, hoping for a “very between its members, diplomats The resolution is an opportunity San Suu Kyi on February 1. “The EU is proud of the resolution clear message” from the General As- told AFP. “to show that the world stands with The resolution was not passed by just adopted by the UN General As- sembly. The Assembly resolution “calls on the people of Myanmar, and not the consensus, as had been hoped, but sembly. It sends a strong and power- It asks for the implementation of a UN member states to do the obvious military” who “committed horrific rather through a vote, forcing all 193 ful message. It delegitimises the mili- five-point plan drafted by ASEAN in – stop providing weapons to Myan- acts of violence against ordinary ci- UN countries to reveal their views. tary junta, condemns its abuse and April including the naming of an en- mar”, said Human Rights Watch vilians”, said British ambassador to In a quirk of history, Myanmar’s violence against its own people and voy from the bloc. (HRW). the UN Barbara Woodward. envoy to the world body, Kyaw Moe demonstrates its isolation in the eyes The text also calls on the junta to UN director at HRW Louis Char- More than 860 civilians have been Tun, voted in favour of the text. He of the world,” he said. allow the UN envoy to Myanmar, bonneau said: “Months of atrocities killed in Myanmar since the coup, has passionately rejected the coup The resolution also calls for Christine Schraner Burgener, to visit and grave human rights abuses by according to the UN and the Asso- and brushed aside the junta’s claims a restoration of democracy in the country, and for safe passage of the junta’s security forces have shown ciation for the Assistance of Political that he no longer represents Myan- Myanmar, and the release of all humanitarian aid. time and again why no government Prisoners (AAPP). AFP Malaysian Covid patients arriving dead to hospitals A growing number of Covid- Health showed that 370 victims on them, so it is difficult to know facilities may be far away and 300,000 to 500,000 doses per ulty said: “Any DOA [dead on 19 patients are dying before were classified as brought in what they died of and Malaysia’s not readily accessible. day. This will reduce spread by arrival] case is worrying.” they can make it to a hospital in dead (BID) at hospitals as at genomic or epidemiological Variants may have different asymptomatic and unlinked or The deaths could have Malaysia and experts are con- June 14. More than half of that surveillance is low, so we do not signs and symptoms of infec- sporadic cases, which is worry- occurred due to a lack of self- cerned about the trend. number or 195 cases were reg- have a clear picture of the viru- tion, and patients may not rec- ingly high at the moment.” regulation or even a lack of They say this may be due to istered in the four weeks lence of the current variants.” ognise them as being due to a Malaysia is struggling to flat- awareness of infection, she was newer and more virulent variants between May 14 and June 14. Infected persons may have Covid-19 infection, he noted. ten the curve of infections with quoted as saying by the Malay- of the coronavirus, such as the Only 136 cases were reported brushed off their symptoms as Although those infected may a third nationwide lockdown sian Insight news website. Delta variant first identified in as BID for the whole of last just the common cold or a not feel ill, they can be conta- that ends on June 28. Dr Chee said Covid-19 India, emerging in the country. year. minor cough, not thinking that gious and put others at risk. The number of new cases patients should use oximeters The condition of patients may The number of Covid-19 they had been infected with The vaccination roll-out needs announced on June 18 was to measure their oxygen levels have deteriorated faster because deaths overall has also spiked, Covid-19. to be accelerated in order to pro- 6,440. while in quarantine at home. of the new variants, the govern- from just 471 last year to more Thus they were not tested and tect more people quickly. Some 200,000 vaccinations People should also get tested ment’s Covid-19 Epidemiologi- than 3,000 so far this year. when they deteriorated rapidly, Awang Bulgiba said: “To pre- are being given out each day as for Covid-19 immediately if they cal Analysis and Strategies Task Awang Bulgiba said: “Since they were brought in dead, he vent severe Covid-19 from the country races to immunise have symptoms, regardless of Force chairman Awang Bulgiba those patients were not admit- added. developing, the government as many as it can. whether they have been in close Awang Mahmud told The Straits ted to the hospital, they may Furthermore, for some remote really needs to ramp up its vac- Virologist Dr Chee Hui Yee at contact with a positive case or Times. have deteriorated rapidly. We do areas such as the interior of cination efforts further. I sug- Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Med- not. THE STRAITS TIMES (SINGAPORE)/ASIA Data from the Ministry of not have post-mortem reports Sabah and Sarawak, medical gest that we ramp this up to say icine and Health Sciences Fac- NEWS NETWORK Finalise ASEAN travel corridor framework soon: VN

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of For- The official was speaking while holds the ASEAN Chairmanship in curement of Covid-19 vaccines via the implementation of the Initiative eign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung sug- addressing the ASEAN Joint Consulta- 2021. UNICEF and the Covax Facility to sup- for ASEAN Integration for 2021-2025, gested ASEAN soon finalise a travel tive Meeting (JCM) on Thursday. Participants at the meeting recog- ply member countries, asking ASEAN held on May 19 and chaired by corridor framework for the safe resump- The event took place via videocon- nised the progress in ASEAN Com- to promptly used $10.5 million from Vietnam. tion of essential business travel. ference chaired by Brunei, which munity building over the last six its Covid-19 response fund to pur- In his remarks, the deputy minis- months despite the complex Covid- chase vaccines. ter said ASEAN should prioritise 19 situation in the region. Stressing the importance of sus- recovering and promoting connec- They expressed their countries’ tainable recovery, the countries high- tivity by effectively implementing support for Brunei to promote the lighted the need for the entire bloc’s the ASEAN Comprehensive Recov- initiatives and priorities for the engagement in implementing the ery Framework and soon finalising ASEAN Year 2021. ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery an ASEAN travel corridor arrange- They agreed on the roadmap for Framework, and for supporting ment framework to facilitate travel building the ASEAN Community’s enterprises, vulnerable groups, and within the bloc. post-2025 vision and on the establish- remote areas in the region. Dung also pointed out the Covid-19 ment of a high-level drafting group At the meeting, they welcomed and pandemic’s impacts on the region, this year. approved Vietnam’s initiative to including the widened development The meeting also concurred on organise an ASEAN forum on sub- gap among sub-regions in ASEAN. building an ASEAN master plan on regional cooperation in the third The official called on member the Fourth Industrial Revolution and quarter of this year to focus on nar- countries to assist remote areas, accelerating the Strategic and Holis- rowing the development gap among including the Mekong sub-region, to tic Initiative to Link ASEAN Respons- sub-regions for comprehensive recov- recover from the pandemic and keep es to Emergencies and Disasters ery and sustainable development. up with the common development Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung speaks at the (ASEAN SHIELD). They also highly valued the out- pace in the grouping. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA ASEAN Joint Consultative Meeting (JCM) on Thursday. VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY Officials agreed to step up the pro- comes of the regional conference on NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Opinion

In praise of Angela Merkel www.phnompenhpost.com EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Opinion Ly Tayseng Andrew Sheng Managing Editor Sam Rith E CRITICISE more than Deputy Managing Editor phuon Chansereivuth praise. Good news is no Chief of Staff news. Sensationalising phak Seangly everything to attract Business Editor Wattention for revenue, modern media May Kunmakara spins everything just to prove the Deputy Business Editor point that free speech is an end in Sangeetha Amarthalingam itself. But words have no meaning if Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk there is no action. Fiery or flowery pan Simala rhetoric cannot disguise the fact that Senior Reporters most politicians have not delivered Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng, Mom Kunthear what they promised. Hence, we Reporters should praise those leaders who look Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, dull but performed spectacularly and yet achieved all these quietly and Long Kimmarita, Hin pisei, Hong Raksmey, pann Rethea, Voun Dara, Roth Sochieata, without fuss. Orm Bunthoeurn, Ry Sochan, Angela Merkel steps down as Chan- cellor of Germany after 16 years at the Lay Samean, Thou Vireak, Nov Sivutha helm. If she leaves office at the end of Photographers this year, she would have beaten the Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea, Hean Rangsey service of her mentor, German Chan- Web Editor cellor Helmut Kohl, who served from Leang phannara 1982 to 1998. Kohl seized the histori- Digital Team cal opportunity to reunite Germany, Sous Chanthy, pang Vichea, Suy Sovandy but Angela Merkel would be recog- Desktop Publishing nised in history as the centrist, no- Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath, nonsense builder on that foundation. Than Veasna Lesser leaders would have fumbled or SIEM REAP BUREAU wasted that opportunity. Offi ce Manager This is no mean feat for the only Sophearith Blondeel PRODUCTION & PRINTING woman leader of G7, if not G20. Other Angela Merkel steps down as Chancellor of Germany after 16 years at the helm. afp than Russian President Putin, who has Nhim Sokphyrak been de facto leader since 1999, no period, the country needed healing, with 750,000 the next year. Whilst the of the moderate lateral global world. Commercial and Graphic Designer Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith one has served longer or dealt with which Merkel provided. rising migrants spooked many in Keep asking yourselves, “Am I doing more crises that have tripped many of The first major crisis was the 2008 Europe, Merkel famously said, “we something because it is right, or sim- her male compatriots. Under her global financial crisis, which hit Ger- can do this”, which sent a humane ply because it’s possible?” Don’t forget stewardship, Germany consolidated many badly in terms of exports, but message that Germany welcomed the that freedom is never something that her position as the fourth largest also through the huge damage to the refugees, half of which were from Syr- can be taken for granted. Surprise HEAD OFFICE economy in the world, compared with European banking system because of ia. That courageous statement unfor- yourself with what is possible. Post Media Co., Ltd. Japan slipping from 2nd to 3rd, UK excessive investments in US financial tunately did not sit well with some of Remember that openness always The Elements Condominium Level 7, from 4th to 5th, France from 6th to derivatives as well as non-performing Merkel’s supporters and her party lost involves risks. Letting go of the old is Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, 7th, and Italy from 7th to 8th. loans to South European countries. many seats in the next election. part of the new beginning. Above all, Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom Angela is also the most intellectually The 2008/2009 European debt crisis It was Merkel’s foreign policy that nothing can be taken for granted. Eve- Penh, Cambodia qualified of her peers, having obtained split the EU into weak debtors and impressed Asians more. The key ten- rything is possible.” Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 a doctorate in quantum chemistry, but strong creditors. Unlike the 1997/9 ets were an avowed European and The quantum scientist in Angela Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 she is neither proud nor flashy. When Asian crisis economies, Portugal, Ire- North Atlantic alliance, a great believ- Merkel enabled her to understand the Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 asked why she often wore the same land, Italy, Greece and Spain could not er in multilateralism and trade, and new era of “quantum politics” where SIEM REAP suit, she retorted, “I am a government devalue their way out, although Euro firm conviction that global solutions given massive uncertainty, the politi- No 629, Street 6, Dangkum Commune employee and not a model.” weakening and exports to China are resolved best through negotia- cian has to recognise that everything Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 Born In West Germany but raised in helped. The austerity drive demand- tions, rather than military interven- is possible and nothing can be taken COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT East Germany, she was the first woman ed by the European surplus econo- tion. Over time, this reflected a more for granted. But she had the moral Chief Operating Offi cer Chancellor, first to be born after the mies alienated many Southern debt- independent line from that of the conviction that peace is best achieved James Ong Soon Teck Second World War and first from East ors, forced into humiliating and United States. by working together, to heal and tran- Advertising Department Germany. Her centrist, no-nonsense, painful belt-tightening. Merkel had In 2013, Der Spiegel magazine made sit to a better beginning. She had the Chap Narith, 017 996 241 prudent and low-key leadership was to balance domestic right wing con- the startling claim that the US had common sense to seek the truth, Hun Channet, 017 578 768 exactly what was needed by Germany servatives who demanded austerity, been bugging Merkel’s phone since knowing “not to describe lies as truth prach Monnyreak, 015 239 293 during a tough period of integration with the reality that European unity 2002, which sparked outrage in Ger- and truth as lies.” Keo puthy, 012 966 605 between the socialist East and remained fundamental to German many. But it was President Donald At a time when the West seemed paing patrya, 081 872 202 advanced Western parts. The previous peace and stability. The Euro and EU Trump’s election in 2016 that triggered adrift, the Rest admires Germany and Jessa piastro, 092 445 983 Chancellor, Gerhard Schroder (1998- survived the crisis, but the internal a review of US-European relations. In Europe precisely because Merkel pro- CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION 2005), led the Social Democrat-Green fractures became more open, with May 2017, after the contentious G7 and jected the virtues of humility, balance, Acting Distribution Manager Party coalition that refused to sign off Brexit and right-wing populism as NATO meetings, Merkel stated point- stability and simple common sense. Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 on the Iraq invasion. That period expe- major consequences. edly that Europe could no longer rely Asia especially will need these quali- Circulation Supervisor Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 rienced very tough economic restruc- The second crisis that Merkel sur- on the US and Britain and it was time ties to survive the coming turmoil. ASIA Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 turing and German economic integra- vived was the 2015 influx of refugees. “to take our fate in our own hands.” NEWS NETWORK ADMINISTRATION tion in the face of high labour costs That year the number of migrant Merkel’s philosophy is best summed Admin & HR Manager and severe manufacturing competition arrivals into Europe was nearly one up by her brilliant 2019 Harvard Com- Andrew Sheng writes on global issues from an pich Socheat from Japan and the Asian global supply million, of which asylum applicants to mencement Speech. Her six lessons Asian perspective. The views expressed are Assistants Admin & HR Manager chain. But by the end of the Schroder Germany alone was half a million, were: “Take joint action in the interest solely his own. Nhel Soaphea Financial Director Heang Tangmeng Chief Accountant Sren Vicheka Treasurers Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary IT & Networking Vong Oun

TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co., Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co., Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co., Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com 12 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle US marks end of slavery on ‘Juneteenth’ nat’l holiday ITH marches, music it a national holiday, and also at a and speeches, the US time when pandemic-imposed re- on June 19 celebrated strictions on public gatherings are “Juneteenth”, the newly steadily being eased. Wdeclared national holiday that marks “It was a long time coming,” said the end of slavery and which comes 68-year-old Cheryl Green. She was a year after George Floyd’s murder attending the unveiling in Brooklyn sparked anti-racism protests. of a bust of George Floyd, the Black Hundreds of events were planned man killed by a white policeman in across the country, from New York Minneapolis in May last year. A bust of George Floyd, the Black man killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, was unveiled on June 19 in Brooklyn, New York. AFP to Los Angeles, and most notably in “It’s good that people get to rec- Galveston, Texas, the symbolic heart ognise what happened,” said Green, “I didn’t learn about Juneteenth vote – measures seen as aimed at re- issues the idea of government-paid of the Juneteenth commemoration. an African-American resident of the until I got to high school,” said Farah ducing the influence of minority vot- reparations to compensate the de- For on June 19, 1865, it was in that Flatbush neighbourhood. “Changes Louis, a Black city official in New ers, particularly African-Americans. scendants of enslaved people. coastal area of the state of Texas that are being made slowly, but surely York, who was attending the Floyd To Sharif Street, it is “a reminder On June 18, the mayors of 11 US the Union army – victorious after the we’ll get there. unveiling in Brooklyn. that our wins are not permanent, cities, including Los Angeles and bitterly fought Civil War – announced Floyd’s killing touched off a She said Juneteenth should be used even with powerful symbols of prog- Denver, vowed to pursue the ques- to African Americans that, even if sweeping protest movement, in the to “educate our young people” about ress”, like the right to vote. tion of how best to carry out repara- some in Texas were trying to ignore US and around the globe, against the daunting conditions facing Black Draft legislation to guarantee tions. They invited the Congress and it, enslaved people were now free. racism and police violence toward people through US history. wider access to the vote is currently the US government to follow their Slavery was formally abolished in minorities. Celebrating Juneteenth now seems being debated in the US Senate, but example. December 1865, with the adoption That movement helped boost the “a bit surreal” at a time legislators in with many Republicans opposing it, “We see change” in the country, of the 13th amendment to the US visibility of Juneteenth – a date that many Republican-led states are pass- its fate appears uncertain. said Terrence Floyd at the unveiling Constitution, but Juneteenth has re- many in the US, including many ing laws that will suppress the vote To Farah Louis, the proclamation of of the bust honouring his brother. mained the emblematic date marking African-Americans, had not heard and “most acutely affect communities Juneteenth as a national holiday, cou- Terrence Floyd, who lives in New the freeing of enslaved US citizens. of even two years ago. of color”, tweeted Sharif Street, a Black pled with the impetus created by the York, recently created a group called This year’s Juneteenth celebra- An opinion survey published on June state legislator from Pennsylvania. George Floyd movement, offer “an op- “We Are Floyd” to help “keep the tions will be all the more celebratory, 15 by the Gallup institute found that 28 From January through May, 14 portunity” for the Black community. change going”, he said. coming just days after President Joe per cent of US citizens knew “nothing states, notably Georgia and Florida, “You have to strike while the iron “Because right now, it’s not a mo- Biden signed legislation making at all” about the anniversary. passed laws limiting opportunities to is hot,” she said, citing among other ment. It’s a movement. AFP Women migrants reduced to sex slaves in Libya ‘hell’

FOR Aisha, sexual slavery was But she ended up spend- chief but not me.” something you only heard ing most of her year there in According to rights groups, about happening to others in prison, where she was sexu- men and boys are also sexu- television reports, until she ally exploited, before fleeing ally abused. found herself locked in a liv- to Tunisia in 2018. “Sexual violence continues ing “hell” in Libya. “I worked for six months with to be perpetrated with impu- “I had left a nightmare only a family, then I set off by sea nity by traffickers and smug- to fall into hell,” said the mi- from Zuwara,” a port in west- glers along migration routes, grant from Guinea, lured to ern Libya, said Mariam, 35. in detention centres, judicial the North African country that “Armed men caught us, police prisons, and against criminal gangs have turned took us to prison and abused urban migrants by militants into a den of racketeering. us,” she said. and armed groups”, the UN Aisha fled her home coun- Mariam said she had fallen said in a 2019 report. try after five miscarriages – into the hands of militiamen Such criminality increased for her in-laws and the neigh- who run illegal migrant camps with the intensification of the bourhood, she was either where extortion, rape and Libyan conflict from 2014. sterile or a witch. forced labour are common. Three migrant detention cen- But the young woman was Official centres under Lib- tres in Libya were closed in mid- simply diabetic. yan government control, and 2019 and the establishment in “I just wanted to disappear where the EU-funded coast- March of a new UN-sponsored from my country,” said Aisha, a guard transfers would-be transitional government has graduate in hotel management. Aisha, a migrant from Guinea, plays with her baby daughter at a park in the Tunisian town of Medenine. AFP exiles it intercepts, are also raised hope of a decline in im- She contacted a former riddled with corruption and punity and violence. classmate who appeared to I’d rather not remember it,” “I wouldn’t wish that on my better. But for single women, it’s violence, including sexual as- The UN decided last year to have made a life for herself in said Aisha, still trembling. “I worst enemy.” almost systematic,” said Slim. sault, according to the UN. deploy protection officers to neighbouring Libya and who thought my life was over.” For the past two years, she Some migrants said they had “Every morning, a chief combat sexual crimes. lent Aisha money to join her. After three months, a Libyan has lived with other migrant been advised to take a three- would make his choices and But they have yet to even “I didn’t even see the coun- man took pity on her, threat- women in Medenine, south- month contraception jab send the chosen girls to Liby- be recruited, and intercepted try. As soon as I arrived, I was ened her captor and put Aisha ern Tunisia. before departure, and some ans who had rented special migrants are still turned back locked up, I was a slave. She on a bus to Tunisia with 300 Lib- Most of the others who’d travel with morning-after pills, rooms,” said Mariam. to Libya, to the dismay of in- brought men to me and she yan dinars ($65) in her pocket. experienced Libya had also according to UN reports. “They fed me bread, sar- ternational organisations. got the money.” After her diabetes was treat- been forced into prostitution, Mariam, an Ivorian orphan, dines and salad. I stayed there On June 12, a record of more Locked in a room with a toilet, ed, she even gave birth to a raped or sexually assaulted, left with €1,000 ($1,200) to pay a month until they moved me than 1,000 people caught at she only saw the “friend” who baby girl late last year. said Mongi Slim, head of the for the crossing from Abidjan to another place,” she recalled, sea were sent back to Libyan had duped her when she was She now dreams of Europe, local Red Crescent. to Libya via Mali and Algeria. her voice spiked with anger. jails, according to the UN brought in food, “like a dog”. but returning to Libya is out “Some of them, if they had the She hoped to earn enough “They were armed, they High Commissioner for Refu- “The men came drunk. of the question. protection of a man, they fared in Libya to reach Europe. smoked drugs, they paid the gees. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 13 Lifestyle

This photograph taken during a government organised media tour in Tibet shows tourists on the shore of Villager Cangjie at her homestay in the village of Tashigang in the city of Nyingtri in China’s Tibet Autono- the Namtso lake in Dangxiong county on June 2. AFP mous Region. AFP China lures tens of millions of tourists to Tibet n A room warmed by an open “Opening hotels is not as hard as the entire population of Tibet. bulk of its residents to the tourism the hopes that economic growth will wood stove, Baima says her fam- herding,” Baima said from her home That has prompted warnings that industry. diminish separatist sentiment. ily converted their white-brick packed with ornate wooden furni- the influx could overwhelm tradi- AFP did not see any tourists in the Yet that carries the risk of the house into a hotel as China’s ture and brightly painted walls. tional lifestyles and values. village on the visit. “commodification of culture”, Bar- Ileadership ushers tens of millions of Government officials looked on as “The cultural degradation that is “The government organises cul- nett of SOAS said, adding that Bei- tourists to the politically sensitive re- she spoke. involved in this case of hyper-man- tural training, national common jing expects its investment to be re- gion of Tibet. Tibet is restricted to foreign jour- aged mass tourism spectacle is very language training [and] catering in- paid by “gratitude to the Party for its Surrounded by mist-covered nalists who have little chance to visit worrying,” said Robert Barnett of the dustry training,” party official Chen generosity”. mountains, nearly 500km from the a sensitive region that Beijing says it School of Oriental and African Stud- Tiantian told a crowd of reporters Tashigang comes under the juris- capital Lhasa and close to a disputed “peacefully liberated” in 1951. ies (SOAS) in London. on the state-organised trip, insisting diction of Nyingtri city – a modern border with India, most of the hous- It has been near-impossible to re- “It’s hard to identify though, since the programmes were “voluntary”. city called Linzhi in Chinese that is es in her remote village of Tashigang port from Tibet independently since of course there is benefit for Tibetans “Now 80 per cent of the people being dubbed an “international tour- have followed suit and turned into 2008, when violent protests broke in that trade; what is harder to quan- in the village can communicate in ism area” by the government, pulling homestays. out in Lhasa and Beijing limitted ac- tify is the damage.” Mandarin,” she added. in eight million visitors last year. “We used to live a life of herding cess to the region and its residents. Baima’s neighbour Cangjie, wear- “Our next goal is to strive for inter- and farming,” the 27-year-old said. AFP joined a recent government- ‘Cultural training’ ing an identical traditional dress with national tourists,” said Hu Xiongy- “Then the government encouraged steered tour to the region. Waves of mainland travellers have embroidered sleeves, said their lives ing, from the managing Party group us to run a hotel.” Tourism in Tibet fits with one of flocked to the region, attracted by have changed. of Lunang tourism town – Lulang in The villagers – who speak the Tibet- China’s key aims – poverty allevia- the scenery, air of mystique and mul- “With the arrival of outsiders, we Chinese – a neighbouring district an language – have been given Man- tion – but also, experts warn, follows titude of new transport links. are . . . exposed to new things,” she that administers Tashigang. darin classes to help them accom- a pattern of co-opting and reshaping Many dress in traditional Tibetan said, four pictures of the Chinese But most foreign passport hold- modate the Chinese guests whose outlying areas with a history of resis- outfits and pose outside cultural land- President Xi Jinping hanging from ers are required to have an approved arrival has boosted their income. tance to Beijing’s rule. marks in the capital city of Lhasa. her walls. guide and special permit to enter Tibet But critics warn the surge of visitors Thirty-five million tourists flood- Baima’s hamlet has 51 family ho- Scholars of Tibet say Beijing has so numbers are low, with only 270,000 risks eroding traditional ways of life. ed into the region last year, 10 times tels, according to officials, tying the pumped money into the region in international tourists in 2019. AFP Company to build electric seaglider

Brittany Ferries and US start-up Regent ground effect vehicles, benefit from a Currently, Brittany Ferries advertises plan to develop a high-speed electric cushion of “high-pressure air trapped high-speed service that takes three seaglider that would skim above the water between wings and the ground or water hours. to take passengers between France and while flying at low altitude”, the ferry com- “The craft rises on foils insulating passen- Britain, the French company said on pany explained. gers from wave discomfort. In open waters, June 16. “Seagliders are therefore akin to a hov- it takes off, riding the air cushion all the way The project is based on a craft being ercraft with wings, rather than a skirt,” it to its destination,” the statement said. developed by Boston-based Regent that said. Brittany Ferries currently operates 12 could result in “50-150 passenger capacity Capable in theory of flying at up to ships on 14 routes between France, the UK, sailing between the UK and France by 290km/h, or six times faster than conven- Ireland and Spain. 2028”, a statement said. tional ferries, the electric-powered craft Like most travel companies it has been Regent expects the first commercial pas- cut emissions to essentially zero. hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and An artist concept depicting the Seaglider. The gliders are 100 per cent sengers to travel on smaller electric craft A trip from Cherbourg, France, to Port- transported around 750,000 passengers electric and will welcome betweem 50 and 150 passengers for trips by 2025, it added. smouth in England is forecast to take 40 last year, compared with 2.5 million in between Britain and France within 2028. AFP Seagliders, sometimes called wing-in- minutes. 2019. AFP Socially distanced robots serve Mecca holy water ahead of Hajj Robots began handing out Some 2.5 million Muslims out any human contact,” said onstream if necessary. bottles of sacred water in from around the world partici- Bader Al-Loqmani. For centuries, pilgrims have Mecca last week in prepara- pated in 2019. He manages water from the flocked to drink water from the tion for a socially distanced Officials hoping to prevent sacred spring of Zamzam which Zamzam spring, seen as mirac- Hajj pilgrimage in Islam’s any coronavirus outbreaks emerges in Mecca’s Grand ulous in Islamic tradition. holiest city, due to the coro- rolled out the small black-and- Mosque, built around the Kaa- Hundreds of thousands of navirus pandemic. white robots on June 20, each ba, the black cubic building bottles of Zamzam water are Saudi Arabia announced on loaded with three shelves of towards which Muslims around usually distributed each year. June 19 that 60,000 residents water bottles, as a few devo- the world pray. The Hajj is one of the five pil- vaccinated against the corona- tees helped themselves with a “Roughly 20 robots are cur- lars or key duties of Islam, but virus would be able to perform mixture of bafflement and rently available for helping for the second year in a row the July pilgrimage – a number amusement. visitors and pilgrims at the will only be permitted for vac- A screengrab shows people taking bottles of Zamzam water from a smart up from last year but drastically “The aim of these robots is to hajj,” Loqmani said, noting cinated residents of Saudi Ara- robot used for the first time at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia’s holy lower than in normal times. provide personal services with- that more could be brought bia. AFP city of Mecca. AFP 14 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle Thinking caps

Peruvian artist Andrea Ferrero, who at the time of the quarantine imposed amid the Covid-19 pandemic had to start making cakes and brownies to sell to survive economically. AFP Mexico social media stars find fame amid Covid-19 pandemic efore the pan- digital world of the millen- people ask me for advice, and demic, Herlanlly Ro- nial generation. the one who asks me the most driguez worked as The economic crisis trig- how I’m doing is my grand- a manicurist. Today gered by Covid-19 has dealt mother,” he said. sheB is part of Mexico’s new a particularly heavy blow to generation of social media Mexican women, who held 1.5 Boredom baking stars and millennial influenc- million of the 2.1 million jobs Andrea Ferrero and her ers whose lives were trans- that have been lost, according partner David Ayala turned “SOIL CONSERVATION ACT” formed by confinement. to official figures. to baking to stave off bore- When the 23-year-old found “It was a sad time for me dom and bankruptcy during ACROSS 48 Last poker bet, sometimes 21 Like Princeton’s walls herself out of work because of because there was no work. quarantine. 1 “Back to the Future” bully 49 Chunk of lawn 22 Common sculpture the economic slump triggered People really lifted me up,” They now have almost 38,000 5 Unenviable position? 50 More than a bargain 23 Cessation of hostilities by the coronavirus, she began Rodriguez said. followers on Instagram, where 9 1,000 make a kilo 54 Nestling’s noise 24 Fabled tale-teller posting satirical videos on Tik- they offer cakes with vintage 14 Seed’s outer covering 55 Wrinkly fruit 28 ___ arch (molding type) Tok taking aim at machismo. Blooming on Twitter decorations. 15 Lotion ingredient 56 Emerald Isle 29 Stereotypical snack for cops “In the beginning I just want- Armando Maravilla had 200 After the pandemic left them 16 One spelling for an Indian queen 59 Not relaxed 30 Decides on (with “for”) ed a distraction,” said Rodri- followers on Twitter before the jobless and broke, they tried 17 Prefix meaning “trillion” 60 Dignified manner 32 Hooters in the night guez, who is known as Herly pandemic, but after a thread to ease the anxiety of isolation 18 World’s longest river 61 Pimples on pupils 33 False god mentioned in Judges on digital platforms, where she about house plants, he gained by cooking. 19 Dress style 62 Look with a curled lip 34 Military truce has 1.2 million followers on more than 97,000 in one year, “We began to share it with 20 Fuddy-duddy 63 Start the pot 35 Member of a pool, once TikTok alone. including politicians and the friends. People began to see it 23 Rat-a-___ 64 Long flight feature, often 36 Destroy, as documents Suddenly thousands of actor Gael Garcia Bernal. and they asked us to sell it to 25 Blue Angels formation DOWN 38 “Aida” or “Carmen” people started interacting The Mexican landscape ar- them,” said Ayala, a 38-year- 26 Desert paradises 1 Yankees find it offensive 39 Existential fatigue with her thanks to her per- chitect shares his knowledge old Colombian art curator. 27 “The Bathers” painter 2 Infuriation 43 Belt clip-on of old formance as “Tomas, the in- to help people develop green They started the business 29 Campus building 3 Bob, Tom, Carol or Janet 44 Cut application credulous” poking fun at men fingers as a form of therapy with just a small toaster oven 31 Grammar book topic 4 Fixed, as a rate 45 Having chalky cheeks 5 Cavalry member 46 Public to-do to highlight issues including against the emotional impact in their apartment, Ferrero 32 “My mistake” 6 Of the same stripe 47 What we have here homophobia and gender vio- of the crisis. said. 33 Bigmouth fish? 7 Music showcases 48 Archipelago dot lence in Mexico. “I felt that someone needed “It was barely big enough 37 What happy astronauts do 8 Many a college applicant 50 “Macbeth” quintet “It’s rare to see women imi- to talk about having green for two cookies,” the 30-year- 40 Sword with a bell-shaped guard 9 Alexander Bell’s middle? 51 Large tawny feline tating men on social networks,” spaces at home. We had been old Peruvian sculptor said 41 “Not only that ...” 42 Finger-pointer 10 Abnormal breath sounds 52 Opposed, in oaters said the pink-haired former locked up for two months and with a laugh as she decorated 11 Japanese cartoon art genre 53 516 sheets of paper psychology student, adding we needed a refuge,” the 30- a cake. 43 Good’s superlative 44 Queuing for tickets, e.g. 12 Diner offerings 57 Some strands in a cell that her aim is not to offend year-old said. Now business is so good that 45 Daisy’s look-alike 13 Flower starter 58 Conger anyone but to show “behav- He acquired his first plants they have eleven co-workers iour that harms society”. as a university student – some who prepare 500 weekly orders She has been nominated succulents – but they died, of cakes, cookies and tarts. Friday’s solution for this year’s MTV Millen- Maravilla said. The couple recently moved nial Awards honouring the “My grandmother scolded into a kitchen-studio and plan best of Latin music and the me! Now it’s curious that to open their own store. AFP

Friday’s solution

Mexican architect Armando Maravilla poses for a portrait during an interview at his home in Mexico City. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST june 21, 2021 www.phnompenhpost.com 15 Sport Toulouse to take on La Rochelle in France’s Top 14 final and European Champions Cup repeat

n A repeat of the European the restart when Jalibert found his Champions Cup final, Tou- mark from just inside halfway. louse will meet La Rochelle in Ten minutes later, Bordeaux were France’s Top 14 final after seeing in the lead for the first time, a turn- Ioff Bordeaux-Begles 24-21 in Lille on over by Jalibert sparking a lengthy se- June 19. ries of phases as their forwards clat- Romain Ntamack scored the open- tered into the Toulouse defence. ing try in the fourth minute for Tou- Flanker Cameron Woki was halted louse but the France fly-half was later 5m from the line but when the ball stretchered off with a suspected con- was spun left, Lam was again on cussion after a late tackle from Ulu- hand to scuttle across the paint for pano Seuteni that resulted in a red the try. card for Bordeaux’s Samoan centre. With Jalibert missing the conver- Thomas Ramos scored a second try sion Bordeaux only led 15-14. for Toulouse in the second half and added 10 points from the boot. Red card Ben Lam scored twice for Bordeaux The game changed three minutes who were leading prior to Seuteni’s later, though, just before the hour 58th minute expulsion. when Seuteni hammered Ntamack La Rochelle reached their first final with a tackle that was late, high and with a 19-6 win over Racing 92 on reckless. June 18. The two clashed heads leaving The final takes place at the Stade Ntamack motionless for some mo- de France in Paris on June 25 with ments. He was stretchered from the Toulouse looking to repeat their suc- field, with a likely concussion, his cess in the European final when they neck and head in a brace but con- beat La Rochelle 22-17. scious and moving, and is now likely “We have already played La Ro- to miss the final. chelle four times this season. It will Seuteni was handed a red card and be a different context than the Euro- Ramos converted the penalty to put pean Cup final,” said Ramos. Toulouse back in front. “It will be in France, we will have Toulouse’s French fly-half Romain Ntamack (centre) is tackled during the French Top 14 rugby union semi-final match between Jalibert responded straight after, more supporters, too. Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux-Begles on June 19. AFP though, to nose 14-man Bordeaux “We will see what will happen with back in front before Ramos slid over Romain and the concussion proto- been badly hit by Covid-19 in the Ramos added the conversion and a moved right and then left, opening to put Toulouse six points clear. col. If I have to play 10, it’s a position build-up. penalty to send the champions into up space on the flank for Lam to Bordeaux had the chance to turn that I know.” Toulouse got off to a flying start an 8-0 lead but Bordeaux struck back cross for the try which was converted things around four minutes from The face-off on June 19 at the neu- when Ntamack capitalised on a almost instantly. by Jalibert. time when they were awarded a pen- tral Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille was clearance from fellow half-back An- A rumbling run from Argentine Ramos added two more penalties as alty in front of the Toulouse posts. itself a repeat of the European Cham- toine Dupont to canter home from flanker Guido Petti ended under the Toulouse edged a physical first-half. Jalibert, however, chose to take pions cup semi-final when Toulouse halfway for the first score with just Toulouse posts but with Mathieu Trailing 14-7 at the break, Bordeaux the three points rather than kick for outmuscled a Bordeaux side that had four minutes gone. Jalibert pulling the strings the ball clawed back three points soon after touch and try for the try. AFP ‘Tough day’ for reeling Windies as S Africa eye Test sweep

West Indies’ vulnerable batting was Blackwood was last out for a top- sible start when Kraigg Brathwaite good job for us in the morning in lim- West Indies failed to take full advan- again exploited by South Africa with score of 49 – which took him past fell to the first ball of the innings from iting South Africa’s first innings,” said tage of the second new ball at the start the home side routed for 149 in reply 2,000 Test runs – as the lower-order Rabada caught behind down the Hope. of the day and it was left to first-change to the Proteas’ first innings total of 298 swiftly capitulated, medium-pacer leg-side. “They’ve got good quality bowlers bowler Kemar Roach to separate the at stumps on the second day of the Wiaan Mulder taking three wickets for Brathwaite’s opening partner Kieran who stick to their plans. It’s our job to overnight pair of de Kock and Mulder second Test on June 19. one run and capitalising on the tech- Powell did not last much longer, combat them effectively and we by having Mulder caught behind. South Africa, who won the first Test nical shortcomings of a West Indies adjudged leg-before to Ngidi. couldn’t do that today.” As in the first Test, de Kock then by an innings and 63 runs inside three team that started this series ranked Anrich Nortje and spinner Keshav Honours were shared in the morn- fully took charge of proceedings. days, will start their second innings one spot ahead of their opponents. Maharaj continued the slide with the ing session with de Kock’s pursuit of a However the demise of Maharaj to on the third day with a healthy advan- “Quinny [Quinton de Kock] started wickets of Roston Chase and Kyle second consecutive Test hundred the bowling of Jason Holder triggered tage of 149 runs. it all for us today and we kept it going Mayer. thwarted by the unlikely threat of a swift slide with de Kock’s failure to After Quinton de Kock’s assured with the ball,” said a delighted occasional medium-pacer Mayers. register three figures being the most 96 helped South Africa add another Mulder. ‘Tough day’ Mayers, who claimed the impor- notable dismissal. 80 runs from their overnight posi- “I got a few wickets at the end of the Hope and Blackwood showed a bit tant wicket of South African captain With Rabada at the other end, the tion in the morning session, the innings but it’s the raw pace of the of fight but from the moment they and opening batsman Dean Elgar for left-hander essayed a big drive to Caribbean side tottered to 54 for opening bowlers that got us going. I were separated, it seemed only a mat- 77 on the opening day, added the Mayers and edged the delivery onto four before Shai Hope provided a am just happy that I was able to land ter of time before the procession of wicket of Nortje to finish with the the gloves of Joshua da Silva, who was brief respite in an innings of 43 and the ball in the right areas and get the wickets would continue. best figures of three for 28 with the standing up to the stumps, and it a partnership of the same total with results.” “This was a really tough day for us tourists losing their last four wickets rebounded into the safe hands of Jermaine Blackwood. West Indies got off to the worst pos- because I felt our bowlers had done a for 23 runs. Hope at backward-point. AFP Olympic team member tests +ve A member of the Uganda Olympic team based on regulations,” Hidemasa Naka- from overseas, local media said. has tested positive for coronavirus on mura, the Tokyo 2020 Games delivery Last week organisers released virus arrival in Japan, just over a month before officer, told reporters, renewing a pledge guidelines for athletes as part of their effort the pandemic-postponed Games, officials to take strict measures against infections. to hold the Games safely even though the said. Public broadcaster NHK said the group pandemic has not yet been brought under The first group to arrive from Uganda – a had all been vaccinated and tested nega- control. nine-strong party, including boxers, tive in Uganda before they came to Organisers said they would meet on June coaches and officials – landed at Tokyo’s Japan. 21 to discuss how many domestic specta- Narita airport on June 19. They are the sec- The team was originally due to have tors to allow, if any, with reports suggesting ond team to arrive after Australia women’s arrived in Japan on June 16, but their flight they would opt for a cap of 10,000 peo- softball squad on June 1. was cancelled following a surge in Covid- ple. But one of the African nation’s delegation 19 cases in Uganda, local media said. Nippon Television said organisers were tested positive during screening at the air- The other members of the Ugandan considering setting the upper limit of port, a government official told reporters. party have already left the airport for Osa- spectators, including guests and officials, The Uganda National boxing team Captain Sadir Bwoji listening to The person tested twice but their condi- ka, western Japan, where they will train at 20,000 for the July 23 opening ceremo- Denis Obua, Ugandan Minister of State for Sports, during a speech at the National council of sports headquarters in Kampala, Uganda, on tion remained unknown, reported local ahead of the Games. ny. June 17 ahead of their departure to participate in the Tokyo Olympic media. This was the first case showing positive Fans from abroad are already banned from games. AFP “I heard the person has been isolated Covid test results among Olympic arrivals attending the postponed event. AFP THE PHNOM PENH POST, june 21, 2021 SAturday’s results Tonight’s Matches Group c North Macedonia 11PM, 21 June Netherlands Hungary 1-1 France Amsterdam Group c Ukraine 11PM, 21 June Austria Bucharest Portugal 2-4 Germany Group b Russia 2AM, 22 June Denmark Copenhagen Spain 1-1 Poland Group b Finland 2AM, 22 June Belgium

www.phnompenhpost.com/sport St Petersburg Germany thump Portugal at Euro 2020 as France and Spain hold on ermany breathed ons the lead in the first half, life into their Euro but skipper Lewandowski 2020 campaign headed in Poland’s equaliser with a stunning 4-2 after the break. winG over holders Portugal in Still Spain could have won, Munich on Saturday despite but Gerard Moreno hit the Cristiano Ronaldo moving post from a penalty. closer to the all-time inter- Luis Enrique’s side are third national goals record, after in Group E with just two world champions France were points and need to beat Slo- forced to settle for a draw with vakia in their last game to be Hungary. sure of going through. Poland The day also saw Spain have just one point. stumble to a 1-1 draw with “We lack a bit of luck,” said Poland in Seville as the second Spain captain Jordi Alba. “We’re round of group games at the doing things well and we are tournament drew to a close. going to turn things around, I Germany knew a defeat am convinced of that.” against Portugal at the Allianz Meanwhile England man- Arena would leave them on ager Gareth Southgate said the brink of being eliminated he had no complaints about already from Group F, follow- the furious reaction from fans ing their failure to make it be- who booed them after they yond the group phase at the were held to a 0-0 draw by arch 2018 World Cup. rivals Scotland on June 18. Portugal would have been Southgate’s side were jeered through to the last 16 with a at the final whistle at Wem- win and Ronaldo put them in bley after managing just one front. shot on target, although they It was the 36-year-old’s re- remain on course to qualify cord-extending 12th goal at from Group D. the European Championship “This is a tournament and finals, and also his 107th in- it’s critical when you can’t win ternational goal on his 177th Portugal’s midfielder Danilo Pereira (left) jumps for the ball with Germany’s midfielder Leroy Sane during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group F football not to lose,” Southgate said. appearance for his country. match on Saturday. AFP “That of course feels diffi- That leaves him just two cult in the last 15 minutes of a away from the all-time inter- feat jeopardises their chances having to come from behind hoping for from this match defeat against Hungary. game where fans are desper- national record, set by Ali Daei of making it to the last 16 just to draw 1-1. but we will take it in the cir- Qualification remains a long ate for you to go forward and who scored 109 times for Iran. as Germany now have the In the only Euro 2020 venue cumstances,” admitted France shot for the Hungarians but abandon all shape because However, Germany turned knockout stage in sight. without restrictions on capac- coach Didier Deschamps. their goal-scorer Fiola said it of course it’s Scotland, it feels things around before half- “We are allowed to feel a ity due to Covid-19, Attila Fiola Les Bleus top the group with had been “one of the best days like a unique occasion.” time as Ruben Dias and Ra- little euphoria,” admitted Ger- gave the hosts a shock lead in four points, one ahead of Ger- of my life, even the best”. Wales face Italy in Rome on phael Guerreiro both scored many’s Thomas Mueller. first-half stoppage time. many and Portugal, with Hun- Sunday when a draw will en- own goals. But Antoine Griezmann, the gary bottom on one point. Penalty miss costs Spain sure their progress to the last Robin Gosens set up Kai Griezmann saves France Golden Boot winner at Euro France therefore just need Spain are still looking for a 16 from Group A. Havertz to make it 3-1 just af- France, the pre-tournament 2016, equalised on 66 minutes a draw when they face Portu- first win after being held to a That outcome would also ter half-time and then headed favourites, were thwarted by as an unconvincing France gal on June 23 to go through, 1-1 draw by Robert Lewan- see Italy clinch first place. in the fourth goal himself. Hungary in the intense heat avoided a first competitive de- but the Portuguese are at real dowski’s Poland at La Cartuja. Wales will be through even in Jota pulled another one and before a hostile crowd of feat since June 2019. risk of being knocked out if Alvaro Morata gave the 2008 defeat provided Switzerland fail back for Portugal but the de- almost 56,000 in Budapest, “A point is not what we were they lose and Germany avoid and 2012 European champi- to beat Turkey in Baku. AFP Southgate accepts England boos after sluggish display

Gareth Southgate admitted England “That of course feels difficult in the not managing the tournament. we didn’t play as well but we have to “We learn from the experience and could have no complaints about the last 15 minutes of a game where fans “I understand we’re at Wembley, it’s accept that. I accept that as the we have a different sort of challenge furious reaction from fans who booed are desperate for you to go forward a game against Scotland where every- manager. now against the Czechs.” AFP them after the drab 0-0 draw against and abandon all shape because of body wants us to win. arch rivals Scotland at Euro 2020. course it’s Scotland, it feels like a “We wanted to win but it is in the Southgate’s side were jeered at the unique occasion. context of a tournament and qualifi- final whistle at Wembley on June 18 “But we have to still approach it in cation is the first and most important after managing just one shot on the context that a point is still an thing.” target. important step towards qualification Southgate felt the wrath of the crowd Five days after starting their Group and ultimately qualification is the first when he took off Manchester City D campaign with a scrappy 1-0 win objective for us.” playmaker Phil Foden in the second against Croatia, England once again Southgate insisted he was right not half, while he also replaced out-of- failed to impress in attack. to tell his players to chase the game in form captain Harry Kane. England remain on course to qual- the closing stages because they could He knows the pressure will mount ify for the last 16 going into their final have been caught out on the break. on England if they don’t find their group match against the Czech “It was a night where it was a bit form against the Czech Republic. Republic on June 22. frantic, it wasn’t a game where there “This was always something I knew But they will have to improve sig- was a huge amount of control and we were going to have to deal with, nificantly if they are to win the tourna- you’ve got to make sure that, sitting that was going to be a challenging ment and England boss Southgate on three points as we did, we manage experience for the players,” South- said he expected a harsh reaction the tournament as well as the game,” gate said. given the emotion of the derby clash Southgate said. “I said before, just because you’re with Scotland. “It’s easy to gamble towards the end at home doesn’t mean that you win. “This is a tournament and it’s critical and lose shape and then end up los- You have to win. when you can’t win not to lose,” South- ing the game in the last five minutes “On Sunday we played well and we England’s coach Gareth Southgate walks on the pitch after the UEFA EURO 2020 Group D gate said. and then you’re kicking yourself for got the result we deserved. Tonight football match against Scotland at Wembley Stadium in London on Friday. AFP