DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia: “Cambodia hosts int'l food, hotel exhibition to promote tourism” plus 3 more

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Newly-appointed Asian Development Bank's director for Cambodia Eric Sidgwick said Wednesday that promoting inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth that will help improve the quality of life of Cambodians, especially those who are most vulnerable, are his key focus areas.

"This is an exciting time to be in Cambodia and I am privileged to be here," said Eric Sidgwick, a French national who assumed the post in late September.

"The country has some unique challenges, but has made steady progress in the past decade," he said in a media statement, adding that he would work with the government, private sector, development partners and vibrant civil society in ensuring effective support from the ADB to accelerate the progress in reducing poverty and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Sidgwick replaced Putu Kamanyana, who moved to become head of the extended mission in Myanmar.

Sidgwick joined ADB in 2007 as a senior country economist for Cambodia. In his new position, Sidgwick will help ensure effective support in five priority areas transport; water supply, sanitation and urban development; agriculture and natural resources; education; and finance to promote inclusive economic growth and social development.

These five priority sectors are specified in the 500 million U. S. dollars Country Partnership Strategy 2011-2013 and are consistent with the government's National Strategic Development Plan Update, the statement said.

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Danish bunker supplier Go4 Bunker Denmark on Wednesday officially expanded its business into Cambodia, aiming at supplying fuel oil to international ships sailing through the country's sea.

Go4 Bunker Denmark will partner with Cambodian companies to develop not only the Cambodian offshore marine fuel oil business, but also related business in connection with the Cambodian National Petroleum Authority (CNPA) offshore exploration and local service, the firm said in a statement.

"Go4 Bunker-Cambodia will create a new industry for Cambodia in Offshore/Marine Fuel Oil Supply and will create countless jobs for Cambodians ranging from entry level to senior management positions within the sector," the statement said.

The firm said it would leverage its Danish education, field knowledge, educational programs and trainee exchange programs with the Danish oil and gas sector to assist in Cambodia to be positioned on the world map.

"After 12 years developing the Go4 Concept in the Global Bunker Industry and four years developing in the Gulf of Thailand ( Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore), we are pleased to introduce the Go4 Bunker concept in the Cambodia Offshore Economical Zone," said Tommy Christensen, Chief Executive Officer of Go4 Bunker-Cambodia.

Chan Dararith, board of directors of Go4 Bunker-Cambodia, said after the launching ceremony that the firm will supply fuel oil to international ships passing Cambodia's maritime space.

He said that the firm can supply as much as 10,000 tons of marine fuel oil a month in Cambodia, adding that previously, all international ships traveling through Cambodia have their fuel oil tanks re-filled in either Thailand or Singapore.

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will visit Cambodia next month to attend the 21st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related Summits, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tsuyoshi Saito confirmed on Tuesday.

Speaking in a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong here, Saito said that the upcoming visit of Yoshihiko Noda to Cambodia, besides attending ASEAN Summits, is to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries, according to Koy Kuong, spokesman for Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties between Cambodia and Japan and between the ASEAN and Japan.

In addition, they exchanged views on regional issues such as the South China Sea and East China Sea issues, and both sides expressed their desire to see peaceful solutions to the disputes, Koy Kuong told reporters after the one-hour meeting.

Hor Namhong told Saito that all concerned parties in the South China Sea and East China Sea issues are Cambodia's friends. As the chair of the ASEAN, Cambodia's stance is clear that disputes shall be solved peacefully based on international laws.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cambodia will host the 21st ASEAN Summit and related Summits on Nov. 15-20 in Phnom Penh.