DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia: “CAMBODIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HOR NAMHONG TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE RESULTS OF THE BOGOR MEETING” plus 9 more

In the (Bogor) discussion, there are three poor conditions.

First, Cambodia proposed to send a technical team to search the border pillars number 1 to 23 in the sector 5 of the border without delay. We can start immediately, without waiting for the approval by the Thai parliament. But Thailand refused. They demanded that the parliament has to approve the three agreed minutes of the three previous JBCs first before accepting to send technical team to search for the 23 border pillars.

The second point of this agreement was a autophoto map in order to identify the border pillars on the border. The Cambodian side also proposed that the operation of the autophoto map can be done immediately. No need to wait for the approval of the previous three agreed minutes that once again Thailand demanded to wait until the parliament of Thailand approves the three previous minutes to operate the autophoto map.

The third of these points of agreement was the role of Indonesia as ASEAN chair, including the next JBC meeting. You may know that ASEAN chair has received a mandate from the U.N. Security Council to ease the tension between Thailand and Cambodia to do social way to respect the permanent ceasefire. Therefore, we proposed that the next meeting of JBC should be left to Indonesia to propose the venue and the date for the next meeting. Thailand refused. They said the next meeting of JBC should be done by both sides through diplomatic channel without any role of Indonesia.

So, are you disappointed with Thailand's stance?

Really I do. We can not understand. If Thailand really wishes to have a ceasefire on the border, why should they hesitate to receive Indonesian observers. And everytime there are armed clashes, they always accuse Cambodia to start fighting. In such a case, why shouldn't they accept the role of Indonesia as mediator, why should they reject the Indonesian observers on the border. Secondly, if they really wishes to settle the problem on the border peacefully, amicably, bilaterally, why should reject the three points of this agreement I just mentioned to you.

I'll never be optimistic with Thailand. Frankly speaking, it's difficult to deal with them. On one hand, the foreign minister said one thing, on the other hand, the military, the defense minister said another thing. So, we don't know exactly who really has the right to negotiate.

I always trust Indonesia. Before, Indonesia had in the past, during the peace negotiations in Cambodia, Indonesia played a good role.

Frankly speaking, I don't know. Mr. Marty Natalegawa will try, but we never know if he can succeed in his efforts.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, 8 April, 2011-Cambodian's real estate investment agency on Friday expressed the satisfaction of the 33.6 million real estate investment in Siem Reap from Hong Kong land Limited company.

Soeung Bunna, head of real estate on Friday welcomed the investment on real estate market in Cambodia from Hong Kong. "This is a good sign for real estate in the country," he stresses.  

Hong Kong land limited invested $33.6 million on real estate investment in Cambodia.  According to the statement from the company, it also invested in land and real estate in other countries in Asia.

The company has invested, real estate, rent in Siem Reap province, hub of foreign tourist destination in the country.  . Robert Garman, CEO of Hong Kong Land Limited said:"it is a chance for us to expand our business and we belived the potential of real estate market in Cambodia,". The company said it also invested the real estate in Singapore.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, 8 April, 2011- ATF 2012 TRAVEX boasts 20% more registrations from exhibitors, buyers and media as compared to the same time last year. The 2012 leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services, have reported sales of more than 100 booths till date.

Some 200 buyers and close to 85 media have also submitted their registrations early in order to maximise their chances of getting one of the limited hosted places available. Earlier this year, Cambodia hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 to turn the region to be a biggest destination.

Confirmed exhibitors include hotel chains such as Dusit International, the Sol Melia Group, Jakarta, Sunshine Borneo Tours and Travel, Dorsett International, Centara Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts Indonesia, Eastin Hotel, Siam Kempinski Hotel and Vacation Singapore DMC. Among the 200 interested buyers are organisations like Select Vacations Australia, Big Tree Travels and Tours Malaysia, Optimal Travel Services UK, Tui Netherlands, Go Vacation Thailand and Hotelrooms Inc.

ATF TRAVEX Secretariat believes that much of the early interest can be attributed to a successful ATF 2011 that scored high among the over 2000 attending delegates. Delegates included more than 1,000 exhibitors representing more than 400 companies from the 10 ASEAN nations, more than 440 international buyers representing 55 countries, close to 150 media from across 32 countries and more than 400 NTOs.

Over 90% of Buyers rated the quality of exhibitors and their business appointments as Excellent or Good, reflecting the effectiveness of ATF TRAVEX as a choice business platform. Buyer, Rose Ann Shetty, CEO of Galavantor from UAE said: "It was very productive meeting suppliers of my niche products". The show provides excellent information".

More than 90% of exhibitors expect to receive orders over the next 6 to 12 months. Some 30% of exhibitors estimated their sales value to range from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000.  Exhibitor Mr. Subramaniam of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council remarked that ATF is "A good platform to make contacts and explore business opportunities". Tran Thi Bich Thuy of Buffalo Tours, Vietnam agreed and added, "We look forward to continue getting good sales from ATF TRAVEX."

Said 2012 Exhibitor Mrs. Amornrat Boonwittaya, Director of Sales and Marketing of Zinc Invision Hospitality Co. Ltd, "We have a threefold objective for ATF 2012: 1. To strengthen business relationships with existing accounts and seek prospective clients, 2.To create product awareness and drive business volume within key selective markets and 3. To create awareness of new projects and forge new business relations."

Based on ATF's proven track record, she is confident that it is an effective platform to meet these objectives. Interested 2012 Buyer Mr Fong Chin Lim, Managing Director of Bigtree Travel & Tours Malaysia is also looking forward to ATF 2012. He says, "ATF TRAVEX is an excellent platform for us to meet with ASEAN suppliers and source new products."

ATF 2012 marks the event's 31st instalment. ASEAN member-nation Indonesia will host ATF 2012 in Manado from 9 to 15 January. ATF TRAVEX, the 3-day travel trade mart component of the event, will take place from 13 to 15 January at the newly constructed Golden Kawanua Convention Centre.

In a statement to the TRAVEX secretariat, His Excellency Ir. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Indonesia said, "The Golden Kawanua Convention Centre is just one of the many exciting efforts that Manado is making to contribute to a successful ATF 2012. The convention centre is just 10 minutes away from the Sam Ratulangi Airport, which is accessible from a host of international destinations."

The capital of the North Sulawesi province, Manado is a diver's paradise. Famous for its eco tourism efforts, Manado is home to dramatic and diverse landscapes and a treasure of flora and fauna. Indonesia hopes to introduce the world to Manado through ATF 2012. As always, ATF combines business appointments, an education component and numerous social functions. Held in a sprawling exhibition hall, the business appointments will encompass the majority of delegates' schedules over the three days.

The ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC) – the educational component of ATF – will feature sessions by industry veterans, which will engage the audience through presentations and panel discussions on the major trends, and issues affecting ASEAN tourism today. The social and networking events at ATF will continue to offer delegates the opportunity to create new contacts within the industry in relaxed and unique settings such as the popular golf game, late night functions or the hosted luncheons and dinners. Pre-show city tours and post-show tours to popular destinations in and around Manado will also be a highlight for hosted buyer and media delegates.

Cambodia's gross domestic product (GDP) is set to expand by 6.5% in 2011 and 6.8% in 2012, but the country needs to address several major development challenges if it is to achieve poverty reduction goals and sustainable growth, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says in its new macroeconomic analysis of Cambodia's economy on Wednesday.

The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2011, ADB's flagship annual economic publication released today, says a rebound in tourism and clothing exports, and steady agricultural sector growth, will combine to drive growth in 2011.In 2010 the economy grew 6.3% .

Agriculture is estimated to expand 4.3% in 2011, thanks to continuing investment in irrigation and broader access to fertilizers and high-yield seeds. Growth in industry is projected at around 10.8% based on positive indications for future garment orders from the US and EU. In the EU case, this is partly due to relaxed rules of origin requirements on imports of Cambodian clothing. Services growth is forecast at around 5%.

Higher tourism receipts will contribute to a surplus in services trade. The current account deficit is projected to narrow to 10.7% in 2011 and 10.2% in 2012. Gross international reserves are projected to grow to $2.84 billion in 2011, covering about 4.4 months of imports of goods.

"The continued recovery of exports and tourism in 2011 is expected to help Cambodia sustain its return to a longer-term growth path of 6-7%. However, the pressure is now on to intensify efforts at meeting the long-standing challenges of accelerating economic diversification and improving the general investment climate," says ADB Senior Country Economist Peter Brimble.

Inflation is forecast to average 5.5% this year, up from 4% in 2010. Risks to the forecasts,the report says, center on external events such as unexpected global economic weakness or higher than assumed oil prices, which could hurt prospects for Cambodia's tourism and clothing exports and push up inflation. The budget deficit is set to increase marginally to 6.2% of GDP in 2011.

The ADO 2011 warns that lack of progress on fiscal consolidation, combined with low tax revenue and the absence of government debt securities, may eventually lead to problems in funding the fiscal deficit.

"This will require continued prudent handling of monetary policies and government expenditures, combined with intensified efforts to build capital markets and to broaden the tax base and increase the low levels of revenue collection," says Mr. Brimble.

The ADO highlighted the government's recent rice policy and endorses the need to promote rice production and milled rice exports in order to ease Cambodia's reliance on clothing markets in the US and Europe. Improved rural-urban links are also called for to ensure an inclusive growth process and to support the entry of Cambodia's farming sector into national, regional and global markets.

The ADO stresses the potential benefits of enhanced connectivity with regional neighbors Thailand, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam, and emphasizes the need to improve the competitiveness of the garment, agriculture, and tourism sectors by reducing the high cost of transport, energy, and related infrastructure, raising the quality of existing products and services, and developing skills to add value to products.

"Regional cooperation will be an increasingly important contributor to Cambodia's future growth in all sectors," stressed Mr. Brimble. "And to harness this potential, the country needs to continuously work to cut transport and logistics costs, streamline bureaucratic procedures at the ports and border crossings, and reduce unofficial fees."

Cambodia's gross domestic product (GDP) is set to expand by 6.5% in 2011 and 6.8% in 2012, but the country needs to address several major development challenges if it is to achieve poverty reduction goals and sustainable growth, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says in its new macroeconomic analysis of Cambodia's economy on Wednesday.

The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2011, ADB's flagship annual economic publication released today, says a rebound in tourism and clothing exports, and steady agricultural sector growth, will combine to drive growth in 2011.In 2010 the economy grew 6.3% .

Agriculture is estimated to expand 4.3% in 2011, thanks to continuing investment in irrigation and broader access to fertilizers and high-yield seeds. Growth in industry is projected at around 10.8% based on positive indications for future garment orders from the US and EU. In the EU case, this is partly due to relaxed rules of origin requirements on imports of Cambodian clothing. Services growth is forecast at around 5%.

Higher tourism receipts will contribute to a surplus in services trade. The current account deficit is projected to narrow to 10.7% in 2011 and 10.2% in 2012. Gross international reserves are projected to grow to $2.84 billion in 2011, covering about 4.4 months of imports of goods.

"The continued recovery of exports and tourism in 2011 is expected to help Cambodia sustain its return to a longer-term growth path of 6-7%. However, the pressure is now on to intensify efforts at meeting the long-standing challenges of accelerating economic diversification and improving the general investment climate," says ADB Senior Country Economist Peter Brimble.

Inflation is forecast to average 5.5% this year, up from 4% in 2010. Risks to the forecasts,the report says, center on external events such as unexpected global economic weakness or higher than assumed oil prices, which could hurt prospects for Cambodia's tourism and clothing exports and push up inflation. The budget deficit is set to increase marginally to 6.2% of GDP in 2011.

The ADO 2011 warns that lack of progress on fiscal consolidation, combined with low tax revenue and the absence of government debt securities, may eventually lead to problems in funding the fiscal deficit.

"This will require continued prudent handling of monetary policies and government expenditures, combined with intensified efforts to build capital markets and to broaden the tax base and increase the low levels of revenue collection," says Mr. Brimble.

The ADO highlighted the government's recent rice policy and endorses the need to promote rice production and milled rice exports in order to ease Cambodia's reliance on clothing markets in the US and Europe. Improved rural-urban links are also called for to ensure an inclusive growth process and to support the entry of Cambodia's farming sector into national, regional and global markets.

The ADO stresses the potential benefits of enhanced connectivity with regional neighbors Thailand, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam, and emphasizes the need to improve the competitiveness of the garment, agriculture, and tourism sectors by reducing the high cost of transport, energy, and related infrastructure, raising the quality of existing products and services, and developing skills to add value to products.

"Regional cooperation will be an increasingly important contributor to Cambodia's future growth in all sectors," stressed Mr. Brimble. "And to harness this potential, the country needs to continuously work to cut transport and logistics costs, streamline bureaucratic procedures at the ports and border crossings, and reduce unofficial fees."

Cambodian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Hor Nam Hong Wednesday left here to attend the meetings of general border committee (GBC) and Joint Border committee (JBC) in Indonesia from 7-8 April, according to the invitation from Indonesia, which chairs ASEAN.

"I am very disappointed with Thai behaviors. Thai side has still proposed to resume bilateral talks while Indonesia calls for the meetings. It looks like crazy acts," Hor Nam Hong told reporters at the Phnom Penh airport ahead of flight departure. "Thai side has always said untruthfully and always been flexible. And sometimes, it said like palm and back part of hand," he stresses.

Previously, Samdech PM Hun Sen said that Cambodia could not slap Indonesia as chair of ASEAN and respected UN Security Council's decision which handed over the power to ASEAN to deal the matter. So, we have to stop talking about the bilateral talks anymore. Thai has never ratified the three diplomatic notes which agreed by foreign ministers' meetings. "I have plans to raise the border issues at the upcoming ASEAN summit," Samdech stresses.

Thai side has delayed to approve the notes for several times, and delayed the deployment of the Indonesian observers to monitor the ceasefire at the border issues. Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Feb 22 to allow the Indonesian observers to deploy their officials as Cambodia announced it will warmly welcome and facilitate all works.

"The Preah Vihear temple will be first place for deployment of Indonesian observers, Hor stresses.  "Cambodia has prepared all things including legal documents to international courts of Justice, and border self- defense," Hor said. He added: Cambodia has never cared about Thai side.  Thais side goes to attend the meeting or not. This is matter of Thailand.  But Cambodian side must go according to the invitation from Indonesia, who chairs ASEAN and UN Security Council's decision allowed the ASEAN to mediate and help.  Thai used own map to occupy areas near 11^th Khmer Preah Vihear temple, and other border areas.

"Today I lead our delegation to. We go to Bogor in Indonesia according to the call –on meeting from Indonesia on border issues and Indonesia n observers" Hor said.  Thailand- Cambodia agreed to allow the Indonesian observers to monitor ceasefire but now it is over a month.

Cambodian delegation accompanied by Gen. Hun Manet, deputy commander in chief, Neang Phat, secretary of state of defense ministry, Var Kim Hong, head of border committee of Cambodia, and senior governmental officials. Thai troops opened fire at Cambodian troops at the border areas near the temple on Feb 4-7 which caused the hundreds of families to flee villages for safety. Tea Banh said that he had never contacted directly to Thai defense minister. "Military attaché of Thai embassy asked us to resume the bilateral talk on GBC. I told them back. We could not do so," Tea Banh told reporters at the airport.

Thai side plans to use the temple and border issues to control the Tamoan Temples, and take benefit from offshore oil and gas. Thai side has used the border issues to deal internal political matter in the country and also will use it to topple for the next general election. In 1962, the Hague court ruled the verdict that the temple belonged Cambodia and its troops removed from the temple after occupying in 1954.  Unesco also called for the meeting on the damage of the temple in fresh fighting in early Feb.

PHNOM PENH, April 5 (Xinhua) -- China has been leading in the investments in Cambodia's three sectors including hydro-power dams, mineral resources, garment industry, Ith Praing, secretary of state of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, said here on Tuesday.

During a meeting with the visiting Vice-Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, Zhang Xiaoqiang, Ith Praing said that five Chinese firms have invested total of 1.6 billion U.S. dollars to construct five hydro-electric dams with the total capacity of 915 megawatts in Cambodia.

There are 23 Chinese firms exploring mineral resources such as metallic minerals, titanium, bauxites, and copper in Cambodia, he said, adding that also hundreds of garment factories in Cambodia are invested by Chinese.

"These sectors, especially the investment in hydropower dams, will be much contributed to the long-term development of Cambodia' s economy,"he said, adding"we have observed that all investments from China are good, all projects are active."

"For hydro-power dams, all the five dams being constructed are expected to complete on schedule,"he said, adding"and for mineral resources, some have finished their exploration process and now are applying for exploitation license."

Meanwhile, Zhang said that his visit to Cambodia is to observe the Chinese firms operating in Cambodia and encourage them to strengthen and expand their investment here in order to help Cambodia in its efforts of national development.

"China always gives attention to assist Cambodia in its process to develop its nation,"he said, adding"we are willing to strengthen our cooperation with Cambodia on these above mentioned sectors and also to diversify to other sectors, especially agriculture."

Zhang also said that China is also impressed with the development of special economic zones in Cambodia and pledged to attract Chinese investors to set up manufacturing factories in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone.

China is the largest investors in Cambodia with the accumulative investment of 8 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2010, according to a report of the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

MANILA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government is keen on sourcing this year's rice imports from Cambodia, India and Pakistan, a senior agriculture official said Tuesday.

National Food Authority Administrator Angelito T. Banayo disclosed that he is set to meet with the ambassador of Cambodia on Wednesday for a possible rice supply deal.

"These are just initial discussions. We could buy from (these countries) if the price is right," Banayo said.

The Philippines has an existing rice supply agreement with Vietnam for a maximum of 1.5 million tons of rice. The memorandum of agreement, which was recently renewed by the government, is in force until 2013, when the Philippines expects to be self sufficient in rice.

Just recently, the NFA announced that it bought 200,000 tons of rice from Vietnam under a government to government deal.

For 2011, the Philippines had announced that it will buy 860, 000 tons of milled rice although the figure may go up if local rice production for January to June will not meet the projected production increase of 15.3 percent.

PHNOM PENH, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japanese government will help poor, rural communities in Central Cambodia to develop sustainable small businesses which can take advantage of the country's fast improving road network.

Thong Khon, minister of tourism and Putu Kamayana, ADB country director for Cambodia signed the letter of agreement on Tuesday in Phnom Penh for the project "Improving Market Access for the Poor in Central Cambodia".

The 1.9 million U.S. dollar project granted by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and administered by ADB will provide skills training and support for the production and marketing of local crafts and foods.

The project aims to benefit about 12,000 people in 11 villages situated near the 7th century Khmer temple complex of Sambo Prei Kuk, which is earmarked to become a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The initiative is being carried out in conjunction with another ADB project which is upgrading over 500 km of rural roads, including a link between the temple complex and the country's main north-south highway.

"A key feature of this project is that it will provide a model for how poor communities living alongside newly upgraded rural roads can develop small businesses that enhance the benefits of improved connectivity,"said Putu Kamayana.

Along with training 1,500 people to secure employment in micro and small-enterprises, a craft and local products market will be developed near Sambo Prei Kuk, and promotion and exhibition centers will be set up in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to showcase local products to the domestic market and foreign tourists.

Business support services will be provided and village savings banks strengthened to enable the poor to access to small loans.

The project aims to ensure women are fully involved in all activities, with at least 60 percent of all beneficiaries expected to be female.

The Ministry of Tourism is the executing agency for the project.