Phnom Penh, February 15, 2019 –Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen said the suspension of the European Union’s Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme will not much affect Cambodia.
While presiding over the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of the Ministry of Interior held here yesterday afternoon, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said it will take the EU 18 months to decide whether or not to suspend the EBA scheme for Cambodia.
“We won’t die or will become rich even though we continue to have or lose EBA. The loss of EBA is just a matter of time,” underlined the Cambodian Premier. “In business, paying taxes is unavoidable, but we have dignity and stability. Therefore, we need to find all means to make our economy more competitive.”
“All workers, if you still have job with decent income, don’t care about what others say. All civil servants, armed forces and retired officials, if you still get your salary every two weeks, don’t care about what others say,” he added.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen also called for more internal reform while expanding foreign friendship in an independent and neutral spirit. In this sense, the Prime Minister affirmed to continue good relations with all countries in the European Union.
“The EBA issue is not the obstacle to the relations between State and State and between community and community. Cambodia will work with other ASEAN member countries to continue the negotiations on ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement,” he said, stressing that Cambodia will continue to discuss with European partners on the topics and process of the ASEM 2020 to be hosted by the Kingdom.
Moreover, Samdech Techo Hun Sen appealed to the EU business community in Cambodia to continue their business activities normally. “I would like to take this opportunity to speak to hundreds of European companies investing in Cambodia. Please continue your business and stay with joy and peace,” said the Prime Minister, reaffirming the Royal Government’s commitment to further improve investment environment while maintaining peace and political stability in the country.
By Khan Sophirom
