DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia: “China leading investments in some fields in Cambodia: official” plus 9 more

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.

PHNOM PENH, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government will encourage Chinese banks to lend to Chinese investors wishing to do business in Cambodia, said Zhang Xiaoqiang, Vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission on Tuesday.

Zhang made the remarks during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace, the premier's spokesman Eang Sophalleth told reporters after the meeting.

Zhang said that his visit to Cambodia was to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two countries after the leaders of the two governments announced in December to raise the two countries' relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

He is to visit Chinese firms operating in Cambodia "in order to encourage them to continue and expand their investment to contribute to the development of Cambodia," Zhang told the premier.

Zhang highlighted that the bilateral trade between China and Cambodia was 1.4 billion U.S. dollars last year and would be more this year.

He also promised to urge Chinese companies to import more goods from Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen asked China to consider importing agricultural products from Cambodia including rice, corn and cassava.

"Cambodia is full of agricultural potentials; this will be a good opportunity for Chinese investors to put their ventures in agricultural processing plants here," he said.

PHNOM PENH, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's corn exports jumped 38 percent over the first two months of 2011 compared to the same period last year, local media reported on Tuesday.

In January and February, 6,694 tonnes of corn were shipped from the Kingdom, compared to 4,481 tonnes in the same period last year, reported the Phnom Penh Post, citing the General Directorate of Camcontrol, which is a department of the Commerce Ministry.

The corn exports fetched about 280,000 U.S. dollars over the first quarter, an increase of 60,000 U.S. dollars year-over-year, with most of the product going to Thailand and Taiwan.

"Exports are on the rise because domestic corn production is doing well this year, and the prices are also high," Khuon Savuth, director of Comcontrol, was quoted as saying.

"Growth in corn production and the higher price will be able to help farmers have a better standard of living," he said.

Chea Kea, president of PBCK Development, which exports farming product to Thailand, said the company has just started a new operation to buy corn from farmers in Pailin province this year. He has collected roughly 10,000 tonnes of corn so far, he said.

PBCK so far this year has exported approximately 6,000 tonnes of corn and plans to export about another 3,000 tonnes more soon, Chea Kea was quoted as saying.

"Corn output this year increased more than last year and the price is getting more expensive," Chea Kea said. " One tonne of corn is about 300 U.S. dollars higher than last year," or around 40 percent higher, he said.

LONDON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has been confirmed to be "abolutely fine" after being involved in a minor car accident on Monday morning.
The Spanish midfielder, who just returned from an injury lay-off after missing two matches due to a reoccurrence of his hamstring problem, had the collision on the way to training Monday morning.
"Hi, you have probably heard that I had a car accident this morning. I'm absolutely fine, nothing to worry about. These things happen," read a message on the 23-year-old's twitter.
Also the English Premier League club confirmed it, as an Arsenal club spokesman said: "Cesc was involved in a minor car accident on his way to training this morning.
"After the incident, Cesc made his way to our training ground in London Colney and took part in a training session as normal.
"The Police are fully aware of the incident."

MADRID, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Following are the results from the 151.2 km first stage of the Tour of the Basque Country on Monday:
1. Joaquin Rodriguez, Spain, Katusha, 4 hours 2 minutes and 42 seconds
2. Samuel Sanchez, Spain, Euskaltel, same time
3. Andreas Kloden, Germany, RadioShack
4. Christopher Horner, United States, RadioShack, at one second
5. Ryder Hesjedal, Canada, Garmin, 6
6. Damiano Cunego, Italy, Lampre, 6
7. David Lopez, Spain, Movistar, 6
8. Robert Gesink, Netherlands, Rabobank, 6
9. Danilo Di Luca, Italy, Katusha, 6
10. Xavier Tondo, Spain, Movistar, 6

HOUSTON, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Connecticut beat Butler to claim the 2011 U.S. NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) men's basketball trophy Monday night.
Thrid-seeded Connecticut defeated Butler, the No.8 seed from the Southeast region, 53-41 in the CNAA final at the Reliant Stadium in Houston.
The University of Connecticut huskies headed to the final after topping No. 4 Kentucky 56-55 while the Butler bulldogs made their return to the NCAA championship after beating 11th-seeded VCU 70-62 in the semifinals Saturday.
Upstart Butler ended the first half of Monday night's final 22-19 over Connecticut, largely thanks to its three-point shoots. However, long-time powerhouse Connecticut came from behind to claim the team's third NCAA title.
Kemba Walker scored 16 points for Connecticut.
It was the second straight year Butler lost in the NCAA championship. Last year, the team from a 4,500-student campus in Indianapolis were beaten 61-59 by Duke.
This year marks the third NCAA Final Four since seeding started in 1979 that no No. seeds played.
The 2011 NCAA final is the 2,900th all-time game in the NCAA tournament. This is also the first time that the NCAA Men's Final Four has been played in Houston since 1971.
An average of 8.4 million viewers reportedly watched the NCAA preliminary-round games. NCAA President Mark Emmert said the NCAA TV ratings in March reached a record high in 18 years.

CANBERRA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Kylie Palmer on Monday became the 10th fastest 200 meters freestyle swimmer in history.
Palmer, 21, swam 1:55.73 at the 200 meters freestyle final to claimed her second title at 2011 Telstra Australian Swimming Championships in Sydney.
She finished just one hundredth of a second ahead of 22-year-old Bronte Barratt.
Palmer's 200 meters time saw her claiming a national record time, as well as becoming the 10th fastest woman in history (including those swum by swimmers in the controversial polyurethane suits), with Barratt (1:55.74) is just a fingernail behind in 11th.
The pair have been qualified for Australia team to swim in July's World Championship events in Shanghai of China.
"Just awesome," Palmer told ABC Sports on Monday.
"If I can just get back in the water and keep training the way I was, it gives me great confidence.
"If roles were reversed I'd be happy if she (Barratt) beat me, we have a really good friendship like that and we've always been happy for each other when we do well and we always work off each other."
In 2009, Palmer considered giving away the sport after she had her shoulder reconstructed, and missed the world championship in Rome.
During her rehab, every morning for three months Palmer woke and asked herself two questions; 'what am I doing?' and 'why am I doing this?'
"I also had to get back more for myself than anyone else," Palmer said. "I knew if I gave it up I'd have a lot of regrets. It was a really hard stage and I never want to be back there again."
A year later, her shoulder healed, and at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi of India, Palmer won gold in the 200 meters freestyle and the 4x200m relay.
On Friday, Palmer and Barratt also fought out the 400 meters freestyle final, with Palmer winning that battle by only seven hundredths of a second.

The following are China news stories moved by Xinhua News Agency as of 16:00 GMT, April 4:

TOP STORIES
*Chinese Premier calls for all-around development in poverty-stricken areas
TAIYUAN, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called for more support for poverty-stricken areas during an inspection tour to Luliang Mountains, a hinterland of north China's Shanxi Province.
*China Focus: China highlights revolutionary spirit by mourning martyrs
BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese are pouring into cemeteries and memorial parks to mourn martyrs who gave their lives to the country during the Qingming holidays, in a year China will mark the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
*Radioactive cesium detected in more Chinese regions amid Japan nuclear crisis
BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Trace levels of radioactive isotope cesium-137 and -134 were detected in the air of 13 of the Chinese mainland's 31 provincial-level regions on Monday, up from eight regions on Sunday.
*China Exclusive: Body donation for scientific research grows in China
BEIIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- As the annual tomb sweeping day is to fall on Tuesday, tens of thousands of people gathered at Beijing Changqingyuan Cemetery in the east of the city to mourn for their deceased loved ones.
*Weak life signs detected, 60 hours after seven trapped in flooded coal mine in N. China
TANGSHAN, Hebei, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers on Monday detected weak life signs, as they approached a flooded shaft under a coal mine in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, where seven workers remained trapped underground for more than 60 hours.  

BUSINESS & FINANCE
*Bank of China says business risk in Libya under control
BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The Bank of China (BOC), the country's third largest lender, said that its business suffered no "actual losses" amid the Libyan turmoil and that the risks are controllable.
*China's largest coal producer builds processing project on China-Mongolia border
HOHHOT, April 4 (Xinhua) -- China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., the country's largest coal producer, has planned a huge investment to build a coal processing project on China-Mongolia border to better use coal imports from the Republic of Mongolia.

FEATURE:
* China Exclusive: Taking challenge to put final touches on late Chinese leaders
BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Death is the start of Liu Rui'an's work.
The 52-year-old has been working at the backroom of Beijing's Babaoshan Funeral Home for almost three decades, embalming and dressing up no fewer than 200,000 bodies.
Renowned as the master of mortuary cosmetics, Liu has faced a number of deceased senior leaders of the Communist Party and the state on the slab before him.
*China Focus: Rose beside the coffin -- Female embalmer in Beijing dignifies the deceased
by Xinhua writers Lu Qiuping, Lai Zhen and Xu Lingui
BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- It is surprising that 22-year old Yang Weiwei, a woman who often smiles and loves dolls,  regularly deals with corpses.
Yang, whose name means rose in Chinese, has been working at Babaoshan Cemetery in western Beijing for the past year  and is the only female embalmer at the cemetery.