Government Attaches Importance for Agricultural Development

By Sok Lak

Under the support of Asia-link, a seminar on the theme of “Environmental Services, Sustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Management, Community Development and Certification of Agro-Products” was conducted at Royal University of Agriculture on March 23-25. About 230 people included experts; professors, speakers and students attended the seminar.

H.E. Chan Sarun speaks at a seminar on the theme of "Environment Services, Sustainable Land Use and National Resource Management, Community Development and Certification of Agro-Products"

 H.E. Chan Sarun, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), said that Cambodia is an agricultural country with over 80 percent of people living in rural areas and 70 percent of Cambodia’s labor force is in the agriculture sector. The agriculture sector accounts for one third of the economy.

He added that in 2010, Cambodia’s agriculture growth rate was 4.5 percent in which rice cultivation increased by 6 percent and other crop industry growth development increased by 8.4 percent. According to government estimate, the development of agriculture is growing rapidly this year. He mentioned that the government pays high attention to developing agriculture because agriculture sector takes account of 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in which rice takes account of 20 percent, animals take account of 15.3 percent, fisheries take account of 25.2 percent and forestry take account of 6.6 percent. Adding to that, during global fi nancial crisis period, agriculture sector played an important role in Cambodia’s economic development.

The study of agriculture is also taking on an important role in developing the country while Cambodia needs human resources, which is the result of research on the agriculture sector. In this case, H.E. Chan Sarun suggested seven topics for a workshop to consider and discuss. First, land is the livelihood of farmers, so
that farmers do not sell their land. Second, farmers should pay attention to improving the quality of land cultivation, because land is the life of the farmer. Third, farmers need to set up an agricultural community to increase agricultural production.

                                                           

Fourth are encouraging people to plant trees of forestation to reduce climate change. Fifth, the development of Cambodia’s forests, especially protected areas, needs to serve tourism sector in order to increase people’s income and environmental protection. Sixth is expanding forestry planting to improve the soil quality. The last, promote research and using technology system to manage natural resource.

H.E Ngo Bunthan, Rector of Royal University of Agriculture said that all speakers come from six countries will take all topics to discuss in the workshop.

According to research, Cambodian young accounts for 60 percent of the entire population. About 275,000 young people enter the job market. If the pattern of employment in the agriculture sector remains the same, which is approximately 59 percent of the total labor force, the agriculture sector will have to accommodate more than 21,1750 young people seeking for land in order to make farming their livelihood every year.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 27-April 2, 2011/Vol.5, Issue 13, Page 6

Cambodia to Host ASEAN Taekwondo Championship

By Sok Lak

The day of the 10th ATF Taekwondo Championship 2011 will be coming soon. The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with relevant institutions are working together to strengthen country security, social regulation and prepare competition by following the standard set at ASEAN level when the same was hosted at the previous 9th ATF Taekwondo Championship.

“10th ATF Taekwondo Championship 2011, which will host in Cambodia from April 7-9 at the National Stadium, is an international level event and it is the first time that Cambodia has hosted such an event,” Mr. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the NOCC, said at a press conference on March 25 in Phnom Penh.

He added that the NOCC and the Ministry of Tourism received permission from the Royal Government of Cambodia to host this event. “We will do all the best to prepare the event.” Adding to that, the event prepared 2,000 spaces for people joining the event. Mr. Hem Samnang, Secretary General of Cambodia Taekwondo Federation and Deputy Secretary General of NOCC, said that there are only seven countries from ASEAN to join the 10th ATF Taekwondo Championship 2011 with the absence of four countries.

He mentioned that about 280 athletes and 350 delegates from ASEAN will come to attend this event. They are 54 athletes from Cambodia, 12 athletes from Laos, 13 athletes from Malaysia, 46 athletes from Philippines, 22 athletes from Singapore, 8 athletes from Thailand, 120 athletes from Vietnam, 30 arbitrators, and 350 delegates.

H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Ministry of Tourism and president of NOCC said at the Inter-Ministers Meeting on March 24 that Cambodia is a lucky country to take a role of host country to launch in 10th ATF Taekwondo Championship. “The preparation needs to be done well and carefully provide good cooperation with related institutions.” He highlighted that Cambodia hosted a football tournament between Cambodia football team and Germany football team in 1976. At that time, Cambodia team lost to Germany and created a fight at that time. In hosting ATF Taekwondo Championship 2011, “We need to control that event not to happen again in Cambodia.” He said that another important thing is the health of all athletes and delegates. “We need to pay high attention on their health especially their food and living environment.” He added that the international standard for athletes’ living place is no phone or television. Everything needs to keep silent in order to keep athletes healthy during competition.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 27-April 2, 2011/Vol.5, Issue 13, Page 12

Cambodia Athletes to Prepare for Olympic Games 2012 in London

By Sok Lak

To mark the start of a 500 days countdown, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and British Embassy joined together with the Indochina Starfish Foundation to celebrate the event and coincide with the fourth PricewaterhouseCoopers / Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF) U13 Boys Football Tournament at the National Stadium in Phnom Penh on 19 March.

Children cheer and prepare for competition for boys football tournament

H.E. Andrew Mace, British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, said that Olympic Games in London 2012 aim to reach young people all over the world, connecting to the inspirational power of the games, and encourage their participation in sports. “ISF U13 Boys Football Tournament and London 2012 share the same vision, which is to inspire more young people to get involved in sports,” he added.

He continued to say that Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF)’s program supporting football in communities across Cambodia provides the same inspiration to disadvantaged children through building team spirit, teaching valuable life skills and having fun.

Peter Slater, Chairman of Indochina Starfi sh Foundation (ISF), said that the event reflects the commitment of the ISF to youth football in Cambodia and to the children who are benefiting from its football coaching program.

He added that the tournament is measured not only by watching the amazing sporting prowess, courage, and commitment of the children in the participating teams but also by the sound of the laughing and cheering children at the stadium as they watch this wonderful spectacle.

Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, said that the point of ISF U13 Boys Football Tournament and 500 days toward Olympic Games 2012 is to inspire all boys and girls to play football as well as Olympic sports.

H.E. Andrew Mace released 500 balloons to symbolize the countdown to the Olympics Games in London.

 “They still have a future on Olympic Games stage and tournaments on Olympic sports to go,” he said. “In the event, the young footballers joined by spectators to complete 500 laps of the National Stadium, and released 500 balloons to symbolize the countdown to the Olympics Games in London.” To celebrate and promote more young people to join Olympic Games in London, the British Embassy will organize another big event after this event on 18 June 2011. That day is also the birthday of Olympic Games.

There will be a big event of a marathon on that day in order to provide knowledge related to Olympic Games to Cambodia as well as to spread to the world the idea of preparation for Olympic Games in London. In the Olympic Games 2012, there will be 15,000 athletes and 10,000 officials are expected in London, while an estimated four billion people will be watching from around the world.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 27-April 2, 2011/Vol.5, Issue 13, Page 12

Preah Khanreach team Wins Champion

By Sok Lak

The 5^th Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen Cup, which start from January 7, 2011, finished on March 12, 2011. H.E. Kep Chuktema, Phnom Penh Governor, who is representative of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen Cup, presided during the giving of prizes to the winners. Among thirty-Two football teams, Preah Khanreach team became winner by get over Build Bright United team in result of 2-0.

This cup is a part of serving football techniques work to select best players to join league and compete on international stage. It is also to active social foundation in order to develop country and prevent inactivity which creates bad problems in society. Football tournament is one of healthy purpose for every football players in every match.

Ork Sethcheat, Secretary General of Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC), said that among 32 football teams across the country will participate in this tournament and the tournament divided into four centers: Battambang center, Kampongthom center, Prey Veng center, and Takeo center. In one center has two groups and in one group has four teams.

According to final result, 56 matches were playing to indentify the best team among 32 football team in Cambodia. At last two matches, NAGA Corp team defeated National Defense team by Kob Y Sa, players number 23 scored at 90 minute of the match as the result of 1-0. Another match, Preah Khanreach defeated Build Bright United by Sam EL Nasa, player number 10 scored at 55 minute and Khunla Boravy, player number 11 scored at 90 minute of the match with the result of 2:0. At the end of the Hun Sen Cup, Preah Khanreach team became number one and got 80 million riel with gold medal; Build Bright United team become number two and got 40 million riel with silver medal; and Naga Crop, got 20 million riel with bronze medal.

In the previous year, the National Defense team was champion of 4^th Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen Cup. But this year, the National Defense team became number four by the 63^th match.

The fair play award and five million riel is given to National Defense team. For the best goal award and one million is given to Ouk Mech, player 18 of Preah Khanreach team. For gold shoes and one million riel were given to the player who shoot more ball into the net is Khunla Boravy, who shoot 22 ball into the goals.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 20-26, 2011, Vol.5, Issue 12, Page 12

National Patanque and Sport Boule Championship Tournament 2011

By Sok Lak

H.E. Im Sethy, Minister of Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport is be a part the National Patanque and Sport Boule Championship Tournament 2011 that have been held over six days from the March 08-13 at National Stadium, Phnom Penh to encourage the players as well as provide champion Cup to the winners. The tournament 2011 is organized by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport in collaboration with the Cambodia Patanque and Sport Boule Federation.

The Tournament aims to select best Patanque and Sport Boule players from over Cambodia. It is to promote and develop the sport as well as to select the best players for the future national and international tournament in Cambodia and abroad.

The Minister said that his ministry has a clear plan to organize annually sport champion selection. As the result, the ministry selected best players, who has talent and high potential to attend national and international tournaments especially SEA Games.

He added that Patanque and Sport Boule is sport which achieved many medals. Among 40 medals achieved in 25^th SEA Games in Lao, Patanque and Sport Boule got two gold medals, three silver medals and 5 bronze medals. It shows that Patanque and Sport Boule are always bringing boldness to Cambodia on international tournament stage.

“I hope that Patanque and Sport Boule players can achieve medals for Cambodia in 26^th SEA Games in Indonesia,” he said while giving the Champoin Cup to the winners on 13 March.

Em Heang, Deputy Secretary General of Cambodia Patanque and Sport Boule Association,  said that a total of 211 Patanque and Sport Boule players included 33 female players from 26 clubs in Cambodia have participated in the National Patanque and Sport Boule Championship tournament 2011 over six days.

He continued that the number of clubs and players is increasing compare to 2010, which has only 24 clubs and 198 players. The female players also increase from 23 players in 2010 to 33 players in 2011.

He mention that the National Patanque and Sport Boule Championship Tournament 2011 divided into nine events: Association cup has 31 teams attended; Single men score match has 50 players attend and 62 tournaments; Single women score match has 20 players and 32 tournaments; Single men match has 15 players and 29 tournaments; Single women match has 20 players and 48 tournaments; Team (2 to 2) men match has 36 teams and 96 tournaments; Team (2 to 2) women match has 14 teams and 27 tournaments, Team (3 to 3) men condition B match has 38 teams and 132 tournaments and Team (3 to 3) men condition A match has 9 teams and 20 tournaments.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 20-26, 2011, Vol.5, Issue 12, Page 12

Information and Communication Technology Career Expo

By Sok Lak

The Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) has organized ICT Career Expo on March, 18-19 at ITC in Phnom Penh to respond to the need of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) business community for quality recruitment. The 18 large companies in field of ICT presented at that day with young ICT professionals who are looking for a more challenging or rewarding job responsibility and fresh university graduates in ICT field.

The ICT Career Expo aims to create environment for job seekers to match with ICT related companies, which are in the need of employees to work in ICT companies. On this occasion, ITC also organizes for companies to select people for an interview, a service they provide for potential employees who vie for unoccupied positions at the place where the exhibition is held. It is also occasion to share experience on ICT issues related to students and young professionals.

H.E. Phoeung Sackona, Secretary of State of Ministry of Education, Youth and sport said that recently information technology is developed very fast. Both large and small companies with national institutions start to use ICT in their daily work to promote the work effective.

He added that human resources development on ICT fields is also on progress of developing through public and private universities education program development. A lot of students registered to study subject on ICT field, it show that the demand of Cambodia market is needed human resource in ICT field.

Vat Chun, Secretary General of National Information Communications Technology Development Authority, said that the ICT Career Expo is great opportunity which showed the lasted technology for students. It is also a great forum to share experience and knowledge related to ICT to students. ICT Career Expo is a way to connect students to labor market that they can meet many companies related ICT field to discuss about their study and career.

OM Romny, Director General of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia told the Southeast Asia Weekly that the connection of education institution and companies is key successful to develop human resource and meet the need of labor market.

The Director General added that ITC Career Expo is a chance for all students who study ICT to study about their future career and discuss about their career with ICT companies. He mentioned that this forum will provide new knowledge and experience to students. Also create a good relationship between students and companies, education institution and companies to build up potential human resource to develop country.

Furthermore, the exhibition showed new technology in ICT sector which is presented by ICT professional speakers, who comes from big companies in Cambodia. They all are specialists in the field of Information Technology (IT) many years experience such as programming, web design, and networking. They also presented about their work experiences and skills needed to be specialist in their career.

At the end of exhibition, there will be a lucky draw to win a NetBook computer and other prize, that have answered by answering question related to ICT on exhibition website.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 20-26, 2011, Vol.5, Issue 12, Page 9

NOCC to Promote Capacity for Women to Join Sport Activities

By Sok Lak

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) organized a seminar under the title “Women and Sport” on March 6, 2011 in Phnom Penh to enhance women to have good knowledge about sport, promote women to join Olympic movement as well as sport activities and share experience to each other. 27 female representation of federation participate this seminar.

Beng Choo Low speaks about Women and Sport at Women and Sport Seminar

Beng Choo Low, International Olympic Council (IOC) Women and Sport commission member, Olympic Council Asia (OCA) Women and Sport Commission Member, Vice President of Olympic Council Malaysia and Chair of Olympic Council Malaysia Women and sport committee, said that Olympic charter also focus on gender equality especially women. As article 2, paragraph 7, show, there needs to be encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women.

She continued that IOC strives to promote women’s participation in sport activities such as in competition sports, in sport for all, and in any capacity like athlete, coach, manager, technical official, leader and volunteer. “Sport is a social force with major impact on society’s structure and condition of women”.

Women face a lot of challenges to involve into sport activities. They are family and career, religion and culture, financial constraints and considerations, personal attributes and acceptability, gender-bias, harassment, discrimination and lack of support, opportunities and structure.

To challenges all barriers, all of sport committees need to get involve and develop a strategic framework and action plan based on objectives: recruit new and increase the number of female officials and leaders, advance and retain currently active females officials and leaders and increase support and opportunities for female officials and leaders by local, national, regional and international federation and organizations. In addition, it needs to enhance the image of female officials and leaders and provide the female role models and mentors. Provide a harassment-free environment for women involve into sport is also a good idea.

According to IOC, the involvement of women is increasing from year to year from 1.6 percent in 1900 to 42.37 percent in 2008. In 2012, the three National Olympic Committees that never send female athlete to join Olympic Games already included women boxing for competition.

Tan Theany, President of Cambodia Rugby Federation said that the federation organized championship tournament since 2000, but the championship tournament for women just start from 2005 till now.

She mentioned that there are only 45 female athletes in her federation. All athletes receive training lesson 2 times every week with a completion. Some experience female athlete left the Rugby field because they married, working and their home. “It is not an easy to train new players for there needs to be time to train them”

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 13-19, 2011/ Vol.5, Issue 11, Page 12

The National Archery Championship Tournament 2011

By Sok Lak

A total of 91 archery players included 14 female players from six clubs in Cambodia have participated in the National Archery Championship tournament 2011 over five days from the March 02-06 at National Stadium in Phnom Penh to challenge to become the archery champion for 2011 in Cambodia. The tournament 2011 is organized by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport in collaboration with the Cambodia Archery Federation.

H.E. Khieu Kanharith gives a medal to the winner of the National Archery Championship Tournament 2011

Tuy Bunhoeun, Chief of the Mondern Sport Office in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport told the Southeast Asia Weekly that the Ministry has organized the national tennis championship tournament 2011 in Cambodia every year in order to select the best players of the year. After selected, they will send to National sport training center to train for other national and international tournament.

He continued to say that archery championship is aiming to promote and develop the sport as well as to select the best players for the future national and international tennis tournament in Cambodia and abroad.

H.E Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information and president of Cambodia Archery Federation, said the number of clubs and archery is decreasing compare to last year. In last year, there are eight clubs and 115 archery players (25 female players).

According to report, the eight clubs and archery players which participated in this competition are 15 players come from Kan Meanchey club, 15 players (one female) come from Reach Sey club, 14 players come from Thnou Sorchey club, 18 players (6 female) come from Neak Meanrith club, 15 players (7 female) come from Lokta Khlaing Meung club and 14 players come from Vireakrith club.

The National Archery Championship tournament 2011 divided into eight events such as 60 meters male single match, 50 meters male single match, 30 meters male single match, 50 meters female single match, 30 meters female single match, 60 meters group match, 50 meters group match and 30 meters.

As the result, Van Bunny (first place), Van Radeth (second place) and Nget Dara (third place) become winners in 60 meters male single match. Van Tyna (first place), Van Bunny (second place) and Phan Pirun (third place) become winners in 50 meters male single match. Van Tyna (first place), Van Bunny (second place) and Cheok Long (third place) become winners in 30 meters male single match.

For female tournament, Pich Gadavith (first place), Ngin Navy (second place) and Pich Gadanee (third place) became winners in 50 meters female single match. Pich Gadavith (first place), Pich Gadanee (second place) and Chem Vutha (third place) become winners in 30 meters female single match.

According to group result of tournament, Kan Meanchey club (82 points) got the champion, Reach Sey club (36 points) and Thnon Sor Chey (30 points) got the second and third place in 60 meters group match. For 50 meters group match, Kan Meanchey club (145 points), Reach Sey club (131 points) and Lokta Khlaing Meung club (92 points) are winners. Reach Sey club (175 points), Neak Meansrith club (174 points) and Kan Meanschey club (171 points) are winners in 30 meters.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly (SEAW), March 13-19, 2011/ Vol.5, Issue 11, Page 6

Cambodia Promote Korean Investor and Business to Invest in Country

By Sok Lak

The Cambodia Mekong Forum 2011 was held on March 09 in Phnom Penh at providing information and opportunity to Korean investors and businessmen to learn more about Cambodia’s economic situation and investment opportunities. Around 20 Korean companies attended the forum to explore any investment opportunity in Cambodia and meeting with concern government authorities as well as directly converse with its future Cambodian partners.

H.E. Keat Chhon presides over the the Cambodia Mekong Forum 2011

H.E. Keat Chhon, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy and Faineance, and Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia (SECC), said the Royal Government of Cambodia has adopted “Vision and Financial Sector Development plan 2001-2010” and then updated into “Financial Sector Development Strategy 2006-2015”, which is a congregated political framework in developing financial sector for establishes and develops Securities Market in Cambodia.

He continued that the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia and the Government of Republic of Korea underpinned establishing Cambodia Securities Market, which is a starting point of cooperation between Cambodia and Korea in establishing of Securities Market in Cambodia. The Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) is in form of a joint venture which government of Cambodia and Korea holding shares 55 percent and 45 percent respectively.

“The securities and exchange commission of Cambodia (SEC) Cambodia has granted an approval to Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) to be a Market Operator, a Clearing and Settlement Operator and a Depository Operator,” he said.

The CSX which sets to go into operation by mid 2011 will promote Corporation Government (CG), Accountability and Transparency within listed companies, as well as to create an exit strategy for investors. The development will allow Cambodia to attract more foreign investment in financial portfolio and foreign direct investment (FDI) especially from Korea. One of the key factor to attract Korea investors into ASEAN included Cambodia is “Agreement on Investment under the framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation among the Government of the Member Countries of the ASEAN and the Republic of Korean”.

Recently, Cambodia also mentions policy of diversification in basic economic growth. They are capturing more value added in existing important sectors: agriculture, tourism and garment sector, promoting industries that have potential to grow and creating new comparative advantage or discover latent comparative.

The establishing securities market will also newly create potential for investment in real economy through long term financial resource at reasonable cost. Major reforms are underway actively such as tackling corruption, reforms of juries and judicial system and public administration, he added.

Dr. Cho Hwan Eik, President of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), said that this forum is an opportunity to promote cooperation between two countries. KOTRA already recognized the potential and important of Mekong River Area economy.

He added that cooperation between Cambodia and Korean is strengthened very fast. In 2005, the business of Korean in Cambodia is only 150 million dollars, but the business increase 2.5 times in 2010 with 376 million dollars. For the investment, since 1992, the total Korean investment in Cambodia is 2800 million dollars. The labor in Cambodia is not only cheap, but other reasons are the supreme culture, the hardness of leader and modernization within country.

Korean always focused investing on real estate and architecture, but now Korean start to expand investment on product processing, agriculture, financial and transportation.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 13-19, 2011/ Vol.5, Issue 11, Page 6

Japan Provides Grant Aid for Three Project

By Sok Lak

Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen will preside over a signing ceremony between H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and H.E. Mr. Masafumi KUROKI, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia.

The signing ceremony will take place at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on 15 March for the Exchange of Notes on the extension of a grant aid up to the amount of ¥7,758,000,000 approximately (US$ 94 million) for the implementation of the three projects including ¥3,700,000,000 (around US$ 45 million) for flood protection and drainage improvement in the Phnom Penh City (Phase III); ¥2,760,000,000 (around US$ 33.66 million) for replacement and expansion of water distribution systems in provincial capital; and ¥ 1,298,000,000 (around US$ 15.83 million) for improvement of equipment for demining activities (Phase IV).

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, March 13-19, 2011/ Vol.5, Issue 11, Page 6