Media Awards Program For Excellent Fisheries Reporting with FHI 360

A Communications Task Force proud announce Media Competition honor excellence journalistic coverage fisheries Tonle Sap Lake. All journalists print, radio television are encouraged participate by submitting qualifying works Global FISH Alliance.

An Awards Event/Ceremony will held August 15th, 2012 announce winners honor participating media houses. Don’t miss out this opportunity participate excellent news coverage the sustainable fisheries sector.

This Media Competition being organized sponsored by Communications Task Force, made up representatives Coalition  Fishers (CCF),  n Center Human Rights (CCHR), Community Fisheries (CFi), Community Peace Networking (CPN), Dem Ampel newspaper website (DAP), Fishery Administration (FiA), Phnom Neang Kangrey Association (PNKA), National Television (TVK), Voice Democracy (VoD), Global FISH Alliance (G-FISH), FM 91 Battambang, FM 93.75, Siem Reap’s police, local authorities.

 Requirements

• A cross-sectorial panel of judges will consider all submitted publications focusing on fishery governance, food security, livelihoods and biodiversity issues in Tonle Sap Lake
• Award categories: print, radio broadcast, and television broadcast, and Honorable Mention.
• News must focus on fishery governance, food security, livelihoods and biodiversity issues in Tonle Sap Lake.
• Media houses or media agencies that provide more time and/or space will also be recognized and honored.
• Awards for all categories will be based on creativity (feature/ documentary), accuracy/ information quality, depth of research, reach (viewership/readership/listenership), educational value, frequency, and newsworthy
• Publications dating from April 2nd, 2012 to July 15th, 2012 will be qualified for this competition but ONLY submitted publications shall be considered. Everyone is encouraged to submit all items published during qualification period. There is no limit on the number of submissions made by any one journalist (the more application, the better)
• Journalists can be qualified for more than one category
• Print articles can be sent via email to: gfishalliancecambodia@gmail.com
• Radio and Video news must be burned into VCD, DVD and CD and dropped at FHI 360 office

For more information on criteria, prizes awards, how submit your application, please contact Ms. Vannsan NOU (Communications Networking Facilitator) Mr. Bunny YORTH (Communications Networking Facilitator).

Posting Date: 23-Apr-2012

Contact:

Name :	FHI 360 Ms. Vannsan NOU (Communications and Networking Facilitator) Mr. Bunny YORTH (Communications and Networking Facilitator)
Phone :	092 88 96 33, 012 500 142
Email :	vannsan_nou@yahoo.com, bunnyyorth@gmail.com
Website:	www.fhi.org

Dropped connection?

Nokia devises strategy to get back on top in Cambodia

When Seth Vitou, 22, started using a mobile phone in 2008, he got a Nokia. “It was the brand that had the highest quality and best design,” he said. Now he’s saving up his salary for a new phone, but this time he won’t be buying one from the Finnish company—Seth Vitou wants an iPhone.

“I think that Apple is the best brand for touch screen sensitivity, camera, and applications,” he said. Nokia, in his mind, just can’t compete with the iPhone or devices that run the Android operating system.

His is yet another small story in the larger, nearly tragic tale surrounding Finland’s Nokia, a company which was once the global mobile phone leader, but has watched its dominance fade as rivals like Samsung, Apple and low-cost Chinese-made phones hack away at its market share. Still, Nokia is not going down without a fight and has now adopted a strategy in Cambodia focusing on the middle-low range of the market. It recently released a new low-cost smartphone that aims to capture a healthy segment of the Kingdom’s still-growing market.

To be continued...

Source: Economics Today, Issue 118

Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=390

Women’s work?

Female restaurateurs have an edge over their male counterparts

Seven months ago, Ngov Sopheakdey opened the Samaky Restaurant along with her brother near Phnom Penh’s Independence Monument. Her 100-seat establishment keeps her busy since she manages all aspects of the business—helping set the menu, making sure regulations are adhered to, doing the accounting, solving conflicts among her employees and dealing with the occasional customer complaint.

“I love communicating with people and in running a restaurant I get to meet lots of new people from different countries,” she said, taking a break from her day to sit down and talk with Economics Today.

Before opening up, she got some help from her mother, who owned the property where the restaurant is located, and from an uncle, whose 10 years of experience in the guest house and bar business helped her avoid a few initial pitfalls.

To be continued...

Source: Economics Today, Issue 117, April 30-May 6

Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=375

Shares start moving

After delays, Cambodia’s stock exchange launches trading

After many delays and some doubt, shares finally began trading on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) on April 18 in what the Finance Minister Keat Chhon called “a big leap forward” for the economy and observers say will spur growth by making it easier for companies to raise capital.

Spirits were high as Prime Minister Hun Sen rang the opening bell via a video link from his home to start the first trade at the auspicious time of 9:09 am—the number nine is considered lucky in Cambodia.

“It is a historic day,” he said, adding that with the opening of the securities market, a long-awaited development was finally taking place.

“The establishment of the securities market will enable the country’s economy to provide financing for enterprises while strengthening their management and helping them earn the trust of investors and the public,” he said.

To be continued...

Source: Economics Today, Issue 116, April 23-29

Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=362

Skill shortages could hold back economic growth

Cambodia’s economic growth will continue to show positive growth in 2012 despite lingering effects from last year’s floods and the struggling EU and US economies, but a serious skill shortage could drag on the Kingdom’s economic growth, according to the Asian Development Outlook 2012 report.

The report, put out by the Asian Development Bank, said Cambodia’s economic growth will moderate to 6.5 percent in 2012 from 6.8 percent in 2011, and then edge up to 7.0 percent in 2013. The ADB forecast agrees with 2012 projections by the Cambodian Finance Ministry, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. But it comes in higher than the 6.2 percent forecast by the Economic Institute of Cambodia.

The expected slowdown in 2012 reflects a fall in exports with only slight growth upticks in the services and agriculture sectors. The picture brightens in 2013 as Cambodia is expected to track the expected upturn in the global economic outlook.

The report warned about a growing rich-poor gap in developing Asia, saying it threatens to undermine the region’s growth and stability. It recommends governments spend more on education and health and infrastructure to reduce imbalances between developed and lagging rural areas.

To be continued....

Source: Economics Today, Issue 116, April 23-29
Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=363

Cambodia benefits from ASEAN-EU trade ties, but looks to long term

Taken together, the European Union and ASEAN make up a market of more than 1 billion people and trade between the two blocs has been brisk—more than US$233 billion in 2011. The EU is ASEAN’s second largest export partner after China. In term of investment, EU companies invested around US$12 million annually on average between 2000 and 2009.

While those numbers are already impressive, the relationship promises to become even more important and growth appears to be in the cards.

“ASEAN as a motor for Asia’s economic development is set to have a major slice of that growth,” said Karel De Gucht, the EU trade Commissioner, who was in Phnom Penh for the ASEANEU Business Summit.
While ASEAN and the EU continue to cozy up to one another, Cambodia is already well positioned to benefit from its relationship with Europe.

“I think only Cambodia has more opportunities [for trade] than other countries in ASEAN region,” said Cambodian Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh.

To be continued...

Source: Economics Today, Issue 115
Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=354

Maybank Upgrade into Incorporation to Catch Market Growth

As the crowed market with 34 licensed banks in kingdom, 18 years experienced still see the space to grow in the future. In believe of grow opportunity of Cambodia, Maybank upgrade branch into incorporation to catch market growth and new opportunities and setting its sights on being among the top in Kingdom by 2015.

“Compare to mature market such as Malaysia and Singapore where the loan to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is more than 100 percent, Cambodia banking market still have the space to grow measured by Cambodia’s GDP to loan was about only 30 percent,” Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, President and CEO of Maybank.

Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar (center), President and CEO of Maybank

 In term of trade facilities between Cambodia and other countries, Cambodia absorbs a lot of business and investment from many countries and ASEAN countries into country, he mentioned.

While upgrading, the bank’s capital raised from US$30 million to US$50 million in a move to enable a better service and meet the demand in country.

At the same time, the bank will invest in a new 10 storey corporate office in Phnom Penh located in Norodom Boulevard which is expected to be read in two years. It will serve as Phnom Penh branch and other country operations of the bank.

“This initiative is a part of our broader strategy to further develop our regional footprint in line with our vision to become a regional financial services leader,” Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said. Currently, Maybank Cambodia ranked 7^th in terms of assets among 33 banks operating in Cambodia.

The Maybank Cambodia had been growing at a healthy pace with assets and deposits doubling in the last 4 years since its branch. Total assets rose from US$129 million in June 2007 to US$313 million in December 2011 while deposits increased from US$100 million US$231 million and loans from US$30 million to US$168 million.

The revenue of the bank rose from US$0.45 million in June 2007 to US$10.2 million at the same time in 2011 while profit tax rose from US$0.38 million to US$8.4 million for the same period. In the last six month of 2011, revenue reached US$12.8 million while profit before tax was US$4.47 million.

The local incorporation would also enable the bank to adopt an enhanced governance framework which will provide additional assurance as it further grows its business in Cambodia. As the increasing of its capital to US$50 million, it will enable the bank to operate at a good capital adequacy ratio above 12 percent whilst maintain an aggressive growth strategy in the years ahead.

Maybank initially operated in Cambodia on a wholesale banking business model with a single branch, mainly serve home based customers doing business in the country. In 2008, it changed to a commercial banking business model which to meet growing demand of local enterprises and individuals.

Besides offering traditional banking products and services such as deposit accounts, financing and wholesale banking products, the bank has recently introduced various products such as Yippie children’s account, Premier current account, trade pack and electronic trade finance to leverage the booming business banking and consumer market.

“Maybank is intent to bring Cambodia market more innovative and value added products and service within this year to tap on the growing demand and increasing affluence in Cambodia,” said Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid. “We will soon introduce internet banking, agriculture loans and more modules of TradeConnex.”

As seeing new opportunities in the new areas of business in kingdom, Maybank is on the way to include financial service such as investment banking, insurance, stock broking debit cards and credit card into industry.

“We are committed to develop Cambodia’s human capital and have provided significant training and development opportunities to our local staff which make up 94 percent of our 172 strong force,” he said.

Peter England, Head of Retail Financial Services of CIMB Bank said short time operate in Cambodia, the bank industry is growing very fast as now it has several branches and promoted effective business. “We believe that Cambodia’s market now is in a good position and the timing is also perfect for us here and we also plan to grow further in Cambodia.” To invest in Cambodia, “We believe that Cambodia has great potential and we are also serious about investing in Cambodia.

By Sok Lak

Cambodia’s rail revamp off the tracks?

Problems and delays hound the Kingdom’s railway project

Efforts to get Cambodia’s train system rolling and improving the country’s transport infrastructure have hit repeated problems and some wonder if the US$142 million project might end up derailing completely.

In March, Australia logistics firm Toll Group and the Royal Group of Cambodia decided to suspend all train operations in Cambodia for one year beginning in April, according to a statement by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The two companies are part of a joint-venture called Toll Royal Railway, which won a 30-year concession to run the Cambodian Railway Network.

But construction delays due to last year’s heavy flooding, as well as land acquisition problems, resettlement questions and cost overruns have plagued the project. Toll Holdings told the Cambodian Finance Ministry in a letter in March that it would suspend its work because the sub-contracted firms that are building the railway network were taking too long, and the project is now not profitable.

To be continued...

Source: Economics Today, Issue 114, April 02-08
Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=336

ADB provides US$300 million Loan to ASEAN

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provides US$300 million loans to ASEAN to broaden the relationship cooperation between ADB and Association of Southeast Asia Nation (ASEAN).

The ADB-ASEAN Memorandum of Understanding for 2012-2015 signed by ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitisuwan on April 4 at Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.

Surin Pitisuwan said that this agreement will continue productive relationship corporation ADB and ASEAN.  “Without support and assistance from ADB, maybe the whole project including master plan of ASEAN connectivity, economic prospect and ASEAN agreement that has will not be possible and human development maybe worth than before.”

Arjun Goswami, Director of Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division at ADB Southeast Asia Department said that the fund US$300 million is every year and it is small increase every year.

Each country in ASEAN could decide to take the fund, he added. However, each county should not take no more than 30 percent of the fund which make sure that every country can access to the fund.

“We hope that all overall countries in ASEAN could use the fund for their benefit,” he stressed.

“The loan will help ASEAN connectivity and the stronger infrastructure in ASEAN the more integrate become in region.”

Every year, ABD provides loans to ASEAN around $2 billion.

New high-speed entry in crowded Cambodian ISP field

A new internet service provider has launched in Cambodia offering highspeed, optical fiber technology in the hopes of carving out a niche for itself among corporate customers in an already crowded arena.

The company, Mega, is elbowing onto a playing field that already has 28 ISPs, but which has invested in an FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) infrastructure that will offer faster speeds but at relatively low cost.

“We’re offering dedicated internet access and differentiating ourselves by focusing purely on high-quality dedicated internet access,” Spencer Weed, chairman of Mega, told Economics Today.

The Cambodian internet market has gone through a period of rapid growth recently as companies increasingly invest in infrastructure upgrades, such as fiber-optic cables, which feature speeds much faster than earlier satellite-based systems.

To be continued...

Source: Economics Today, Issue 114, April 02-08

Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=345

Women mean business in Cambodia

They’re a driving force in the economy, but face high hurdles to advancement

Entrepreneurship in Cambodia is showing its feminine side. Women are more active than ever in Cambodian business, at least on the micro and small end of things. And while traditional Khmer culture often relegated women to the home, more and more have decided to take their talents to the marketplace. Today, more businesses are owned by women than men.

That’s not to say it’s all rosy for females in the Cambodian business world. They still face mighty obstacles, especially if they want to take their small or micro enterprises to the next step. Higher rates of illiteracy and poor educational backgrounds make it harder for women to succeed than men. Still, the outlook for women in business is looking better than it ever has.

Heng Seltik, national coordinator for a project by the International Labor Organization promoting women-owned businesses and gender equality, says the role of Cambodian women entrepreneurs has changed dramatically over the last few years. She says women are very active in many types of businesses today and often running those enterprises with a high degree of professionalism.

To be continued...

Source: Economics Today, Issue 114, April 02-08
Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=323

Pain at the Pump

Cambodians Hurting as Gas Prices Climb and Threaten the Larger Economy

Filling up at the gas station probably counts as few people’s favorite activity, but over the past year, it’s become almost a source of dread for many Cambodians as prices at the pump have jumped at a rate that far outstrips inflation.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, while the inflation rate in Cambodia was 5.8 percent from January 2011 to January 2012, gas prices jumped a whopping 10.8 percent. Consumers have been shocked recently as the increases have become more regular, and many have come to simply expect paying more every time they fill up.

The blame can be partly placed on rising world oil prices. Earlier this month, Brent crude topped US$128 per barrel, although prices have eased somewhat since then. Still, a sharp spike in the first two months of this year has kept prices at the pump high. Tensions in the Middle East and concerns about sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program have made investors nervous. Analysts do not think prices will come down below US$100 a barrel very soon.

Source: Economics Today, Issue 112, March 19-25

Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=303

Keeping Cool is Good Business in Cambodia

Cambodia’s healthy economic growth rates of the last decade have led to the rapid expansion of the urban middle class and the wealthy. These people want to stay cool in the country’s tropical heat, and they have the money to pay for it.

In addition, the growing numbers of tourists from cooler climes like Europe may be willing to sweat as they scramble around the temples of Angkor Wat, but they want plenty of refrigerated air back in their hotel rooms.

Demand for air conditioning units in Cambodia has shot up recently and is on an upward trajectory that appears to be here for the long haul.

“Cambodia’s economy is growing very fast and the demand of modern equipment, especially air conditioning, is growing along with it,” said Sok Pheng, chairman of IP Hybrid Air Con, a seller of air conditioners in Cambodia.

To be continued....

Source:  Economics Today, Issue 112, March 19-25

Link: http://www.etmcambodia.com/blog.php?article=314