CNV: 07/01/2025

• Venerable Samdech Preah Akka Moha Sangha Reach Thipadei, Samdech Preah Sangha Reach, Samdech Preah Reachia Kana, Preah Thera Nuhera;
• The Board of Directors of the Cambodian Islamic Council; The Christian Leadership Council;
• Samdech, Prince/ss, Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Lok Oknha, Neak Oknha,
  Ladies and Gentlemen, National Distinguished Guests;
• Representatives of Foreign Diplomatic Corps and Embassies to the Kingdom of Cambodia
• Leaders of Political Parties,
• Members of the Meeting and Compatriots

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the historic 7 January Victory Day, on which the genocidal Pol Pot regime was overthrown, the Cambodian nation and people were saved and enabled  to live a new life, free from the brutal regime’s killings, and ushered in a new era for Cambodia – which is an era of independence, peace, freedom, democracy, and social progress. After the victory on 7 January 1979, the Cambodian People’s Party united the entire nation, led the country through countless obstacles and difficulties, achieved great success in the cause of restoring, building, and defending the homeland, as well as in the pursuit of peace and national reconciliation, enabling the nation to move away from a state of devastation and chronic war, and to reach the proudest stage of development in all fields under the shade of peace.

We celebrate this historic Victory Day in the spirit of never forgetting the great crimes committed by the Pol Pot genocidal regime against the people. At the same time, we always remember the great deeds of the heroic officers, soldiers, and women of the Cambodian Revolutionary Armed Forces and the heroic Vietnamese Volunteer Army who fought and sacrificed valiantly on the battlefield to overthrow the genocidal regime and protect the people’s revival. We all bow down and pay our respects to the souls of our compatriots who lost their lives unjustly to the genocide, and we pray that their souls may rest in eternal peace.

On this solemn occasion, let us all express our deepest respect and gratitude to the most revered His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Mother of the Khmer Nation in freedom, dignity, and happiness, and offer our best wishes to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother of the Nation for excellent health, considerable physical strength, bright intellect, and a long life of more than a hundred years, so that they may forever be a cool and peaceful shade for the Cambodian people everywhere.

The Meeting and Dear Compatriots,

Cambodia’s actual history has shown that since 1970, our nation’s journey had been extremely meandering (twisting and turning), complex, and catastrophic. After our nation gained full independence on 9 November 1953, under the royal crusade of the most revered His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the Cambodian people lived in peace for only 16 years. The coup d’état of 18 March 1970 by the Lon Nol clique, who followed foreign orders, plunged Cambodia into an all-out and bloodiest war that killed nearly 1 million Cambodians and decimated the national social structure. After the overthrow  of the Khmer Republic of the Lon Nol clique on 17 April 1975 by the people’s national liberation struggle for independence, peace and freedom, a new catastrophe came immediately. The Pol Pot clique, who betrayed the will and interests of the people, completely plundered the achievements of the people’s struggle and carried out the most brutal genocidal policy. The entire territory of Cambodia became a prison without walls and a killing field flooded in a sea of ​​people’s blood and tears. The Pol Pot regime brutally killed 3.3 million Cambodians, while the rest lived in fear, waiting only to be killed by them.

In this extremely difficult circumstance, the struggle for national liberation from the Pol Pot genocidal regime continued. On 20 June 1977, I decided to leave for Vietnam, using my life as a capital to seek support for the struggle to liberate the country from this regime of killing fields. After overcoming many obstacles and receiving assistance from Vietnam, the Cambodian National Liberation (Salvation) Army (Armed Forces) was established on 12 May 1978. At the same time, inside of the country, soldiers and people throughout the eastern region rose up to fight against Pol Pot on 25 May 1978, under the leadership of Samdech Heng Samrin and Samdech Chea Sim. The unification of anti-Pol Pot forces from all directions and places formed the National United Front for the Salvation of Kampuchea (NUFSK) on 2 December  1978, which inspired, mobilized, and organized a people’s movement to fight to overthrow the Pol Pot regime. In this great movement, the rapidly growing Cambodian forces, together with the support of the Vietnamese volunteer army, achieved a brilliant victory on 7 January 1979, which saved the lives of millions of people from the brink of death in a timely manner and brought back to the people all the freedoms that had been completely lost under the Pol Pot regime. The Cambodian people all over the country celebrated with euphoria   the NUFSK fighters’ victory. The smile of 7 January has always been etched in the heart of every Cambodian who survived the regime. Therefore, the Cambodian people have dubbed that “7 January  is their [our] second birthday.”

After the victory of 7 January the Cambodian People’s Party led the “People’s Republic of Kampuchea” through countless obstacles to prevent the attempted return of the Pol Pot regime, protect the people’s revival, and restore and rebuild the homeland from scratch in the state of both peace and war. The successes achieved by “People’s Republic of Kampuchea” in the eight years after the liberation day created the prerequisites and basic conditions for a search for a political solution to the conflict in Cambodia, which began with the first negotiation meeting between me and Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk from 2 to 4 December 1987 in Fere-en-Tardenois, France, until the Paris Peace Agreements were reached on 23 October  1991, which was an important and positive turning point in Cambodia’s history. After the first national election in May 1993, the Kingdom of Cambodia continued to move forward with hope on the path of peace, national unification, democracy and development, but still faced many major obstacles caused by both internal and external factors, especially the rebels of Democratic Kampuchea, who walked away from the Paris Peace Agreements and continued to wage a destructive war. In this context [Against this backdrop?], on 11 February  1996, I launched a win-win policy to resolve the war issue among the Khmers themselves, and all Khmers were the winners, which finally completely dismantled the political and military organizations of the rebels of Democratic Kampuchea, ended the protracted war, and established complete peace and national unity, complete territorial unity since 29 December  1998. This is the first complete peace that Cambodia has  never experienced in more than the last 500 years of its history.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest respect and gratitude to all the implementers of the win-win policy who have devoted their physical and mental strength to implementing this policy and achieved great success for the nation. This is the second time that I have used my life as a capital for the nation and the people. The success of the win-win policy has created a solid foundation for lasting peace, national reconciliation and development in Cambodia, and has also eliminated a major security concern for the entire region, as well as for many countries around the world.

The Meeting and Dear Compatriots,

The past 26 years, under the shade of peace, has allowed us to mobilize all national strength, resources and wherewithal to promote development in all sectors at a rapid pace, bringing about historic changes that were almost unimaginable. Cambodia, previously torn by a protracted war, was a killing field, an insecure area and infested with mines and unexploded ordnances,  became a sovereign and independent state with complete peace, strong political stability and the rule of law in accordance with the principles of liberal multi-party democracy. Cambodia, which started from zero, has made remarkable achievements in restoring, building and developing the economy and society, gradually reducing the people’s poverty to below 10% before the COVID-19 crisis. Cambodia has transformed from a country with a severe deficit in state revenue and reliance on development partners for financing to  a country with the ability to manage its national budget with a sense of ownership and responsibility, with reserve capital/funds to ensure economic stability and the stable living conditions of its people, as well as to withstand crises and disasters. Cambodia, which was once unjustly blockaded, sanctioned, and isolated, has deeply integrated itself into the region and the world, and has become a country that can send its forces to participate in peacekeeping missions in many countries. From all these facts, I would like to emphasize that there is no doubt that the Cambodian People’s Party is a symbol of change of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

[Start of Comment 1]

I do not think it is necessary for anyone to say whether there is or is not a need to change. The Cambodian People’s Party is a symbol and a driver of change from a difficult situation to a more comfortable one. Please trust the change we have made.

[End of Comment 1]

In 2024, the first year of the Royal Government for the 7th legislative term of the National Assembly led by Samdech Maha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Royal Government has made many major achievements in implementing its political (policy) program and the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I. In fact, peace, political stability, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity have been adequately protected; social security, order and safety are good; the national economy has achieved a growth of around 6%; the exchange rate is stable; inflation is at a low and manageable level; and the employment situation and people’s living conditions are also stable. On 5 August  2024, the Royal Government opened the construction site of the Funan Techo Canal to benefit the national economy and strengthen political independence in waterway transportation. This canal will be completed by 2028. The Royal Government announced its withdrawal from Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Cooperation Agreement (CLV-DTA) to maintain peace for the people, while the general cooperation between and among the three countries continues to be strengthened and expanded as usual. At the same time, the Royal Government has initiated the establishment of a fund for building infrastructure along the border which will benefit the development of the border area and the protection of territorial integrity. I would like to express my respect for the deep patriotic spirit of the people of all directions and places, both at home and abroad, who have acted together in the national mass movement, giving full support to the Funan Techo Canal Development Project, the withdrawal from the CLV-DTA, and the establishment of the fund for building infrastructure along the border, which have successfully thwarted the machinations of the extremists and some ideological circles who are attempting to use these issues to cause political instability and national division. By the end of 2024, Cambodia had successfully hosted and chaired four international meetings – (1) the Executive Committee Meeting of the Centrist Democrat International (CDI-IDC); (2) the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP 12); (3) the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP 11); and (4) the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World. Through these meetings, Cambodia’s prestige has been further enhanced, and many countries adopted the most valuable lessons from Cambodia’s experience in the quest for peace and national reconciliation.

With a spirit and stance of high responsibility, the Royal Government of the 7th legislative term of the National Assembly is currently carrying out its noble mission with strong commitment to accelerate socio-economic development and promote the implementation of deeper (comprehensive) and broader reforms towards achieving the vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050. At the United Nations General Assembly on 19 December 2024, the Kingdom of Cambodia was elected as a member of the  Organizational Committee of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (OCPBC) for the 2025-2026 term and approved the decision for Cambodia to officially graduate from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category on 19 December 2029. Based on this fact, it is clear that the decision that I myself and the Cambodian People’s Party have made to transfer the leadership responsibility to a young leader is the exactly right decision to ensure national continuity, peace, and long-term development.

[Start of Comment 2]

Allow me to address this point briefly. I have been very clear when I announced after the election that I would not be serving as Prime Minister again, and on August 22, 2023, when I finally left the position of Prime Minister, (1) there were some concerns about how the situation would change after Hun Sen left the position. Those who had been in the cars that Hun Sen drove had great faith in him. But that faith and concern at that stage have been reduced now. So far, what the successive leadership has done over the past 16 months is enough (for people) to understand and assess that (2) the successive government has done a good job beyond our expectations.

As someone who has held key positions since 1985, and more recently, within the framework of the 1979 joint leadership, I understand the feelings and experiences related to the effectiveness of (how the) works (are being fulfilled). (If) comparing the previous government and the current one, (3) the effectiveness (of the current government) is faster than that of the previous one. This is not to disparage the previous generation, but rather in light of the age of its ministers, some of whom is now already 70 years old. Therefore, the speed of implementation would not be as fast as that of the younger generation.

I once said (and used an old saying) that “the young have strength, but the old know the way.” At this point, I would like to point out that we should not say this anymore. We should say (4) “the young have strength and know the way, and the old have experience.” History has proven that (5) some old people have led young people astray, including in Cambodia. Who created the problem for this nation in 1970? It was the older generation who led young people astray. Since 1979, our ministers at that time were not yet old. Samdech Heng Samrin and Samdech Chea Sim were only over 40 years old. We have been working continuously. I took office as Prime Minister at the age of only 32. These points also indicate that the young have both strength and know the way, while the old have experience.

(6) The older generation did a lot of works in liberating the country from the Pol Pot genocidal regime, preventing the return of the Pol Pot genocidal regime, resolving the famine left by the Pol Pot genocidal regime, and seeking peace for the nation. We have worked hard to both liberate the country and seek peace.

Latey, it is the stage of maintaining peace and fostering development. (7) The pace of development has not slowed down in the past 16 months. Economic growth is still good, macroeconomic stability is still ensured, and exchange rate and inflation are well controlled. This is a lesson and experience that (came from) the fact that I and other leaders have left the Royal Government in order (8) to give up personal power in exchange for long-term peace and development. This is part of the experience that our late King-Father preserved for us.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the late King Father Samdech Preah Borom Ratana Kaod had abdicated and handed over the throne to the current King – His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, by which, (9) (Cambodia has had) a stable monarchy for 20 years. The stability of the monarchy is the stability of the institution of the head of state. Some countries are currently experiencing a crisis in the institutions of both the head of state and the government. The current cases of South Korea and France clearly demonstrate the loss of stability of the institution of the head of state. Therefore, choosing a constitutional monarchy with the King as the head of state is a correct choice, whereas (10) the stability of the monarchy, which has been the institution of the head of state for 20 years in Cambodia, has given the Royal Government the opportunity to carry out the work of building the country quickly.

I would like to thank all the leaders who, together with the leaders of the People’s Party, have voluntarily stepped down (from their positions/powers). Samdech Heng Samrin also stepped down as the President of the National Assembly, Samdech Say Chhum also stepped down as the President of the Senate, and some Deputy Prime Ministers have stepped down, leaving room for successive officials to continue doing their good work. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Your Excellency, the Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, State Secretaries, Undersecretaries of State, and all the ministers who have worked hard to do good work in this 7th legislative term.

[End of Comment 2]

The Meeting and Dear Compatriots,

It is true that 46 years has passed since the overthrow of the genocidal regime, but the spirit of victory of 7 January still shines brightly in our hearts and continues to illuminate our path to build a glorious future for Cambodia. The spirit of 7 January reflects the great strength of our nation’s solidarity, its unwavering determination to overcome all obstacles for the continuing and stable existence and progress of the nation and the motherland. At the same time, the spirit of 7 January gives us the hope and confidence of victory. 7 January had only one enemy, which is the genocidal regime. Now that this brutal regime has been destroyed, those who still oppose 7 January are those who want the genocidal regime and war to return to Cambodia.

After more than 50 years of serving the nation and the people, on this occasion, I would like to emphasize to my fellow countrymen the following points:

1. The coup d’état of 18 March 1970 by the Lon Nol clique, who followed foreign orders, was the spark of a full-scale war that completely destroyed the fragile peace in Cambodia, caused incalculable national devastation, and pushed Cambodia into a genocidal catastrophe. It is clear that without this coup, there would have been no genocidal regime; the Kingdom of Cambodia would have continued to develop in peace; and the people would not have been massacred by murderers. Therefore, we are committed to preventing all activities that lead to power grab, which is unconstitutional and contrary to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

2. The genocide committed by the Pol Pot clique’s Democratic Kampuchea is a historical fact. The victory of 7 January 1979, the day on which the Cambodian nation and people were liberated from the genocidal regime, is another historical fact. The Cambodian people had to wait for 43 years to receive justice for the crimes against them committed by the Democratic Kampuchea regime, with the closure of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), which was established in 2001 to prosecute crimes committed during the Democratic Kampuchea period. At the same time, I would like to request that competent institutions pay attention to enforcing the “Law Against the Non-Recognition of Crimes Committed During the Democratic Kampuchea Period” in the strictest manner.

3. Peace and reconciliation are the main issues of the world, while wars are raging in some regions, involving many potential actors that threaten human civilization. People living in war zones are crying out for the lost peace, not knowing when peace will return. For Cambodia, even though we have had complete peace for 26 years, peace is still a current issue in the daily lives of our people, while there are still a small number of extremists who are constantly trying to sow extremist sentimental politics in our society, aiming to incite, instigate, and goad people, the armed forces, and civil servants to work against the legitimate government, which is a real threat to peace.

We have been through decades of protracted war, so we know very well the invaluable importance of peace. Without peace, we cannot talk about human rights, democracy, or development. Therefore, let us all strengthen our spirit of love for peace and protect this hard-won peace to last forever in our unfortunate homeland, and never ever allow anyone or any force to destroy this peace.

In this spirit, I believe it is time to create a law that will define any person or group who plans or conspires to create an extremist movement, cause chaos and insecurity in society, provoke conflicts with other states, and attempt to overthrow the legitimate government as terrorists who must be brought to justice to protect peace. At the same time, we must clearly understand that peace cannot last long without national reconciliation, justice, and sustainable and inclusive development.

4. The Kingdom of Cambodia is currently striving to advance on the path of peace, democracy, the rule of law and development to build its future to become a civilized country like other countries in the world, without the reoccurrence of war and genocide. The Cambodian people are united as one under (the roof) of the Constitution and the cool shade of HM the King, the most revered person, and are united around the Royal Government of the 7th legislative term of the National Assembly to realize new achievements in building and defending the homeland as well as improving their living standards. On this occasion, I would also like to remind once again that countries should learn from the two “mistakes of historic proportions” that some countries have made against Cambodia, so as to avoid making a third mistake. The first mistake was supporting the coup on 18 March 1970, and the second mistake was giving the genocidal clique the right to occupy Cambodia’s seat at the United Nations for 12 years from 1979, and imposing unjust economic, political, and diplomatic sanctions against those who liberated the people from the genocidal regime, while ignoring the suffering and true aspirations of the Cambodian people. We hope that the national sovereignty, right to self-determination, and pure aspirations of the Cambodian people will be respected.

5. On the basis of the victory of 7 January, Cambodia, which had fallen off the path of development and had to go backwards for decades, is now strengthening and expanding itself in forward steps in accordance with the law of social development that has provided extraordinary benefits to all people to live in peace, freedom, dignity and with hope for the future. Of course, in order to build the Kingdom of Cambodia as an advanced and strong state with a robust economy and become a civilized country, we must continue to travel a long way, which requires double efforts with confidence, to make our dream come true, that is “Cambodia is a developed country by 2050”. We will definitely realize this goal, because the past 46 years has already tested our strength, will and capabilities. At this point, I would like to emphasize that the people’s ownership of the nation’s destiny is the deciding factor in the victory of our nation.

6. On this occasion, I would like to reiterate my eternal gratitude to Vietnam and its leadership for helping build the Cambodian army and sending its volunteer troops to help liberate Cambodia from the genocidal regime of Pol Pot. I would like to express my eternal gratitude to the international community for its efforts to find peace for Cambodia within the framework of the United Nations and countries that are friends with Cambodia, and for continuing to strengthen and expand fruitful relations and cooperation for the cause of peace, democracy and development of Cambodia.

The Meeting and Dear Compatriots,

On behalf of Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, Honorary President of the Party, Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister, other leaders of the Cambodian People’s Party, and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to our compatriots, both at home and abroad, who have given their firm support and unshakable faith in the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party over the past 46 years. I, the Cambodian People’s Party, and the Royal Government are always with the people and will continue to do everything for the well-being of the people and the progress of the Cambodian nation. I would like to take this opportunity to call on party organizations at all levels, officials, and members of the Cambodian People’s Party, fellow citizens, political parties, and all progressive circles to strengthen national solidarity, continue to protect peace, and actively participate in the implementation of the Royal Government’s policy program and Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, so as to realize many new great achievements in 2025.

Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to all the venerable monks and Preah Thera  Nuthera, to all the members of the meeting, and to all our compatriots everywhere of success and happiness in this new year, and the four Buddhist benedictions and one blessing: Longevity, Beauty, Health, Strength, and Wisdom. Thank You!

CMF: 26/12/2024

[2]

(1) Figuring out a database where theses of previous generations of students can be stored and retrieved

Regarding this (issue of publishing the scientific) journal […] we have many students who had written theses so far. If you ask where we can go (find) theses that thousands of students have written, however, there is none accessible besides going to the school/university […] we should study and create (a common database of these theses). Some countries have scholarship journals that can be updated. Each student who writes a thesis should have a place or library to store them […] there should be a national mechanism and participation […] this collection and storage is the basis (for expanding research and further compilation). A study or research needs data. The research data carried out by previous students is a fundamental knowledge for further studies (on the same topic). I think we should examine and organize this work so that we can continue (increasing knowledge) further […]

(2) Strengthen national data and transform the National Institute of Statistics into a public institution of the state

Second, strengthen national data. (I have) approved the plan to transform the National Institute of Statistics into a public institution of the state, so that it has more independence in own management […] in the near future, (when we have a data center) we will go to one place to have all the data […] currently, we have data in bit and pieces, sometimes not in sync with each other […] there is no data accessible from a common platform. Therefore, we cannot analyze or evaluate it […] (we need) to get data (in accurate form) […] the Royal Government is no different from education (institution in this case). We must collect and organize data, especially the research results of our students, and store them in one place […] the works of the Cambodian students, whether in Phnom Penh or in the provinces, studying and writing theses abroad or locally, should have a copy kept inside the country for the sake of sharing and learning […]

(3) Data from ministries and state institutions should be available in one place in easy to find and comprehensive format

I talked with some to researchers, who expressed their intentions of doing some researches. I asked where they can find documents. They said data can be obtained from some ministries and/or institutions, and regarding the students’ thesis on interested topic they have to apply to a school either abroad, or here and there, a local school. Thesis of a student from which school, they get to request to that school. Sometimes students in ten schools wrote their thesis on the same topic. If we put them in one place, with one go, we will see all 10 thesis and have a comprehensive overview […] we prepare an archive for the Cambodians, for researchers from all over the world to study. We collect, collate, classify and organize in such a way that they are accessible for retrieval. Whether it is real science or social science or any topic, data management is an important task […]

[3]

(4) Regarding maritime border issue, no nonsense talk, but take concrete action

Some people have challenged men to shout on Facebook about the (maritime) border. As I said the other day, I don’t need to be talkative about maritime borders but we take concrete action […] regarding territorial concerns and protection, the Royal Government has carried out actions according to the following principles – to negotiate and clearly mark the border as some areas, such as from Tbong Khmum up to the dragon-tail shape like area, there had never been a real border marked since the French era. It was only in our era that we have completed them. After marking the border […] we must relocate people to live those places. So, demining and building roads there will promote development for the people. Transforming the places where there used to be mines into places where people can live and farm, as we do to the western border […] where, in 1998, it was mostly bamboo forests and mines […] now, after we built roads, we have a special economic zone […] and now we are preparing to open another port – “Ban Nong Ien” (on the Thai side) with the Stoeung Bot (on the Cambodian side) […]

(5) Negotiate and establish a demarcation line according to the legal map deposited with the United Nations

As far as the territorial issue is concerned, we must negotiate and establish a demarcation line according to the legal map that the late revered HM (King Norodom Sihanouk) deposited (with the United Nations). Some demand that we take back the 30 provinces that France gave out (to the neighboring countries) […] who are also demanding that their governments taking back the provinces that France gave them out to us. Thus, countries and countries, governments and governments […] are busy arguing without end […] and the most worrying thing is the creation of hostility between people and people […]

(6) We love the nation by strengthening human resources, ownership, independence, sovereignty, and determining our own destiny

The fact that the government does not respond on Facebook and social media does not mean that the government does not work to protect and strengthen the territorial integrity and promote the development and promotion of the nation on the international stage. We do it every day […] by way of strengthening human resources, we are strengthening ownership, independence, sovereignty, and determining our own destiny. We love the nation every day. We do this every day. It is not necessary that every day we must raise the flag but shouting and insulting at each other, gathering opposition on this and that […]

(7) For the bamboo shoots to grow and have good capabilities and to prevent them from being rotten

Today, we celebrate the graduation of the new generation – which we are considering them strong bamboo shoots – the basis for the future of bamboo. We must ensure that young bamboos grow well, build good capabilities, and at the same time, we must also pay attention to preventing them from becoming rotten […] the Ministry of Justice had held a press conference on two topics, the first of which related to the trial of Oknha Srey Sina (regarding the criminal charge) […] there has been a decision now to sentence him to 31 years in prison and 2.5 million dollars in compensation […] money cannot buy back a life, but this trial shows responsibility and strict law enforcement […] I thank the prosecution and judicial institutions for providing justice to the victims. I hope this trial is an important message for everyone not to commit such acts […]

(8) Continue to crack down on gangsters, with over 2,000 in prison

Another issue is gangs. According to reports, they have been subdued for a while now, but they seem to be on the rise again. According to the data here, over 2,000 are still in prison […] I thank and appreciate the police force as well as the capital/provincial administration’s efforts for carrying out this work […] I advised the Mayors/Governors of the capital/provincial (authorities) last night to continue to take action without easing up […] there has been two schools of thoughts in the media – one, actions should be imposed strongly, and another, actions should not be too strong, for the sake of the future of the children […] it is my personal opinion that that we did not impose it strongly that it ruined their futures […] the legal action on the 2,000 gangs held in prison will continue and the Ministry of Justice will review the law regarding cases that gangs carrying Samurai swords on motorcycles; and people who brag on Facebook (and social media) […] pulling out swords and challenge each other to a fight. Is this not the same as threatening to insult life? […] if the law we have is too lenient, please consider amending it to make this point strong […] hopefully, the harsh measures will help discourage other (gangs) […]

(9) Enforcing law to prevent physical and/or life-threatening injuries; to educate and to keep them from damaging their future

The other day, I gave the principle of confiscating the motorcycle from wheelies riders for three months. They cannot do wheelies without a motorcycle or if s/he walks or rides a bicycle […] I hope that the public and parents support us when we implement the law. Parents do not want to destroy their children’s future, but to protect their children so that they, first, do not get beaten up or beat others, killed, or imprisoned. Second, we believe that we can help educate them for a while so as not to damage their long-term future […] I thank the Ministry of Justice for holding a press conference to show what the law does to them to the public […] please find a way to spread the word widely […] we do not intend to arrest this many people. However, if the activities, publicity, and law enforcement help thwarting those who intended to do it to no longer want to try it, that is good. Let us turn them to books or gentleness, which is what we want […] to help communities, schools, especially high school students, teenagers […] train and educate people from the bottom up. We have to strengthen legal measures to deal with those who are causing trouble, and together build a society where young people reduce their negativity […]./.

CMF: 23/12/2024

[1]

(1) What guarantees successful exam is studying hard and don’t rely on luck

Last year, there were over 1,600 grade-A students. This year, the number has increased to over 2,200 […] year after year, the ability level of the students who passed the (secondary school) exam, whether with grade-A (or with) other grades, has increased […] I would like to thank the noble spirit of the national leadership, the national working group to assist works at the provincial, district, and city level, as well as the various philanthropists who have encouraged the students at the local level […] the Royal Government cares about all (students), and here are the ones that show their abilities, work hard, and with luck and good health, pass the exams with honor […] science has been moving fast. What guarantees success is (to study hard, and memorize hard), don’t rely on luck […] an A- grade is a celebration of hard work, but preparing for real life, an A-grade alone is not enough […]

[2]

(2) To change the mindset from relying on external forces to on personal efforts

The acters that I admire and highly value are the students themselves and their parents and/o guardians. The Royal Government puts forward policies, organizes examination management methods, and cooperates to ensure the examination is accurate […] whether passing or failing the exam. The main goal is to change sustainably the mindset. It is not just changing the mindset of the Royal Government (or) or the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) the officials who oversee the exams, but changing the mindset of (the students and their families) from relying on external forces to relying on internal forces, from parents who try to negotiate with teachers for their kids to pass, to trying to send their children to school […] by helping their children pass (at this phase) would create them an obstacle when they get to (the university) […] this kind of help is not sustainable, and it does not prepare children to have self-confidence […]

(3) Certificate of learning and of actual experience will open the door and what is inside you in key

Every parent tries to educate their children the same theory – “we parents have no better wealth to give for the children than for them to learn and gain knowledge” […] albeit, they must build self-confidence. Therefore, this baccalaureate exam is a measurement, a test of one’s own ability and confidence, for which their children strive to achieve […] on Facebook, some people seem to be pessimistic on why making effort to study since everyone has got to have a channel to expand (i.e. to get a job and move up the rank). It is not entirely so. We have millions of citizens, and there would not be millions channel to give to […] it would not be possible to have a leadership of a few people. Hundreds of thousands of capable people are needed. If so, what is the important point? It is important for you – the nephews and nieces, to study hard a diploma, whereas a certificate of learning and of actual experience will open the door for you, and everyone should remember that the important point is what is inside you […]

(4) Though have not passed, don’t lose hope

Preparing for the test is a good indication, but it is not the only one. Therefore, I ask all students, whether they are A-grades, B-grades, or C, or D, or E-grades, or those who have not passed, to have a positive attitude. Don’t think that that you have not passed the test are hopeless in this life […] work and life have ups and downs […] the basis (of success or passing the test) is hard work […] you just need a positive attitude. Don’t let the fact that you have not gotten an A-grade be the reason for you to drop off effort. No one has failed you except ourselves. Students who have not passed, don’t lose hope. This is a test. Our lives are still long. We have other options […] those who are good at it should use the experience as a formula for their continued successes. Those who have succeeded but have not gotten an A-grade must continue to work hard, along with those who have not passed, do not give up on their efforts, whether they go to college, take up vocational training, or work of some kind. Let learning continues […]

(5) Be prepared to become head of the family to take care of future generations

No one could be sure that no matter what you do in this life, you will always be successful […] please be prepared that your real life will be faced with many tasks that you have to work harder for. For the time to come, you will enter the real world. The real world cannot be perfect like the one when we were in school […] after this stage, you have to make own choices. Some people choose to go to college. Whatever major you choose, you have to work hard to finish it, try your best, don’t study for two years and give up […] you have freedom, independence, and control over your life, and think of it as a crossroad. Be prepared to live in the real world. We are ready to take another step to become the head of the family, to become the one who takes care of the lives of future generations […] and be sure that we are an asset to the family […] it is time for you to go out and solicit your achievements to help ourselves and families […]

(6) “What is difficult that does not kill us makes us stronger”

This is no different from the government that has to decide whether to leave the status of a poor country or not. This year, we have decided (to leave) […] the World Bank, as a partner, has asked whether “we are leaving or not”. We have no choice. We cannot depend on other always for help forever. If we are still the LDC country, they would continue to give us many preferential conditions for exports, but to maintain that status, it is necessary that the living standards/income of the people had to remain below (a certain level) […] are we still willing to work only for survival and our people remain poor? No, we must set the goal of being self-sufficient step by step, even if other countries no longer help in full terms […] take the experience that we have achieved good results (baccalaureate exam) today as a factor that shows that the harder that we work, the better the results that we score […] please believe in what is real. Nothing is easy. They say that if what is difficult does not kill us, it makes us stronger. No one kills us except us who block the way/gate for the development of our lives […]

(7) If no one creates opportunities for you, you have to create it yourselves

Sometimes we fail. Sometimes we succeed. However, don’t forget to look back. Don’t just look ahead. While looking at what we don’t have, don’t forget to look at what we have. While comparing themselves with others, some people forget to compare themselves with the progress they have made from a few years ago and/or forget to compare themselves with those who are equal or with those who are less fortunate […] no one succeeds without effort, and no one succeeds from sitting around complaining about fate every day […] one has to face (with) problems and solves […] people may have different life pattern, but it all starts with opportunities, starting from what they have and increasing more opportunities. If no one creates opportunities for us, we have to create it ourselves […] as a basis for building more success in the future […] therefore, we must prepare our human resources strongly […] from primary school to grade-12, and strengthen our knowledge and attitude. After completing grade-12 (the twelve years education), they can go out (to work) […]

(8) Make yourselves good at a degree, it is not a degree that makes you good

No skill is better than another. Knowing one clearly is better than those who do not know clearly. That IT subject is better than any other skill, but people do not know it clearly, they would do well either. We make ourselves good at a degree, not a degree that makes us good. Remember. We are the ones who make schools more famous, not schools that make us (famous). Each school is famous only when students leave that school with real abilities to do good work […] So, have a positive outlook for yourself and a positive outlook for the nation. Our country is not rich and/or without problems. There is no country in the world that is without problems. We must focus on the potential we have, trying to push the country forward. If we just sit and mourn the Khmer Rouge killing three million Cambodians, or the fact that the country has been at war for 500 years, and would not do a thing, we would not become a lower middle-income country and set a goal to become a more developed country and leave the status of an LDC country by 2029 […]

(9) Setting a goal to promote a positive outlook for yourselves and for the nation

My dears, either you are the Phnom Penh residents, provincial residents, wealthy residents, and/or poor residents, the fact that you have a chance come here to sit together, must set a goal to promote a positive outlook for yourselves and a positive outlook for the nation […] all of you, whether an A grade or other grade or have not passed, are resources for the nation and the family. We must take this perspective to strengthen ourselves, strengthen our families, and strengthen the nation because no one can do it for us, only all of us, Cambodians. Let’s not allow fighting (to happen like in the history) of 500 years […]

We must create harmony. Increase more opportunities. Let’s build a nation together so that our children’s generations will be better than ours […] our friends help us, but (building and defending the nation) is our business. We must work together […] if Cambodians are not united, Cambodians cannot end the war. Even if there were to be tens of thousands of UN soldiers and billions of dollars to spend, they could not make Cambodians stop fighting. (As we Cambodians found) the sustainable peace now, there are countries coming to learn from what Cambodians did […]

(10) Khmer remains the only national language of Cambodia

There are those who make noise that the Ministry of Education, (Youth and Sports) would include Vietnamese in the national language curriculum. That is not true at all. As long as the Cambodian People’s Party leads the country, I assure you that the Khmer will remain the only national language of Cambodia. It is not French, not English […] we aim to strengthen primary education by strengthening the foundation of Khmer language even more strongly, from primary school onwards. We have to do it. There is no plan for which language to replace Khmer. Khmer people must learn Khmer. Not only learn Khmer in writing. Now in GOOGLE, there is Khmer language […] we are promoting the development of Khmer language from manuscripts to books, printed paper, and now to digital […]

Preserving and promoting the Khmer language is what the Royal Government and the Ministry of Education (Youth and Sports) have put in place. We are promoting the development of a digital system to modernize it. Let us further the Khmer language to modernize. Don’t be afraid or worry that the Royal Government or the Ministry of Education (Youth and Sports) are selling the national language and replacing it with another language. This is totally fabricated and false information […] the Cambodian people, both youngsters and the masses, please research and grasp the real aspects of the (RGC) policy to preserve the national language […]

(11) Encouraging readership, learning Khmer, and numeracy without help of technology

The Ministry of Education (Youth and Sports) and the Ministry of Culture (and Fine Arts) jointly organized a day of reading and writing exams in Angkor […] it was an encouragement. I am happy. Now I see the day/place where people exhibit and sell books. People go to the exhibition every time. Parents take their children to buy books to read. I encourage them to do more […] please encourage the children to read books […] take computers as a second choice. We must teach people to write and read, relying on books/paper. Don’t let some schools start modernizing and stop putting book in libraries […] before using calculators, let them learn numeracy with their hands and brains (without help of technology). We should be careful that if one day there would be no machines, (our children could still work with number). Don’t abandon the basic methods […]

I support learning Khmer language, counting and adding numbers, i.e. strengthening mathematics, strengthening Khmer literature from primary school […] I encourage the Ministry of Education (Youth and Sports) to continue to reform and strengthen the foundation of primary school to grade 12, focusing especially on the national language, Khmer, mathematics […] as one the children completed their 12-year education, they could go out to work, compete and struggle to learn more. They should have this mindset of success, a positive mindset, making themselves human resources of the nation. I urge that you do not do anything that violates the law and society […] and adhere to morality, virtue and behavior to become individuals for themselves, for their families and for the national society in the future […]

(12) Cracking down delinquents, and let society be filled with those who do good

Trust between parents and schools is important. It must be strengthened to achieve social change since society is made up of people. If many children work hard to learn well and do social work, an environmentally friendly society is good, and those in the minority will follow suit […] I have ordered the provincial governors and provincial and capital commissioners to crack down (delinquents) until they are all gone. Let the society be filled with those who do good […] we enforce the law because we have no better choice. (If we let those delinquents continue, it is like) we ruin their future. If we don’t take action, they will still be going their ways. It is better if they correct themselves now […] we have set up a committee to strengthen the education pilot project of 42 schools. This year, we will expand to 100 more schools. We are making the behavioral education in primary schools strong […] if we are strong in the first six years (pf primary education), it will reduce the headaches in the next six years in middle and high schools […] and after the 12th grade, we will have a stronger human resource already educated and well-manner […]./.

CMF: 17/12/2024

[2]

(1) Infrastructural connection from one region to another helps development

The development of infrastructure in each region and geographical connectivity are important factors […] building infrastructure in each region not only helps to facilitate people’s travel activities and facilitates economic growth, but also connects regions to each other […] our people here today may want to take a picture of the current place. There is now empty land, no economic activity, except for grass. But in the next five to ten years, there will be a lot of changes […] the governor of Kandal, HE Kuoch Chamroeun has been concerned that any development in Kandal, adjacent to Phnom Penh, may result in cut (land from Kandal province) […] in the past, Phnom Penh had absorbed some districts of Kandal province […] it is not necessary to work only for the development in Phnom Penh, but all provinces must have the same development […]

(2) The east bank of the Mekong River will become a potential area of growth

I want to talk about infrastructure connectivity, especially bridge connectivity. We have seen that since 1979, we had only one and a half bridges in Phnom Penh. The one intact is the Preah Monivong bridge, and the other in half was the Chroy Changvar bridge, since it was broken in (in the time of war) […] the connection of the Chroy Changvar bridge has made the economy in the east grow step by step […] we now have more bridges (going from Phnom Penh in the west bank to the east banks of the Mekong, the Tonle Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers) that help expand economic activities in the east bank […] the connection from National Road 6A to the Khsach Kandal side and to the Vihear Suur area, connected by the Prek Tamak bridge and National Road 8, boosted economic activity with factories being placed there. Infrastructure connectivity will make the eastern region (the Mekong River grow) […] I am optimistic that the eastern region (of the Mekong River) will sooner or later become a potential area (where there will definitely be growth) […]

(3) Areykasatr will become an industrial and service city with modern infrastructure

In the future, the development of connectivity here will lead to turning Areykasatr from agricultural area to an industrial and service city like the other side. The living conditions of the people here, who are now mostly farmers, will change (with) factories, enterprises, urban development, and modern infrastructure coming that will facilitate them to live comfortably here […] we have a plan to build a Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge that connects Phnom Penh in the west bank of the Tonle Sap to the Sokha Hotel Complex (at Chroy Changvar) and then to Areykasatr of the east bank of the Mekong. However, (even) this bridge (is to come,) there is going to be not enough […] after the Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge, which is being built, economic activity here will increase and can help reduce travel time […] and the infrastructure connecting Areykasatr to National Road 8 will help solve (traveling time) problems for the people there as they do not have to go to the Prek Tamak Bridge (for traveling to Phnom Penh) […]

(4) Propose a study for a bridge and/or an underwater passage connecting between the Areykasatr and Koh Nora

I have seen a study on a connection from Koh Nora to Phnom Penh. I have asked the private sector to look into the possible connection between here (Areykasatr) and Koh Nora, studying the options for an overwater bridge and an underwater passage to connect and open up access for the people who live on this side of the river. In the near future, people will be able to cross the river to the National Road No. 1 without having to go far, or even detour to Koh Nora […] if there is an underwater passage, it will be even better.

Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to get this ambition fulfilled […] to improve the beauty of the Chaktomuk River […] however, we must really think about traffic […] we also are building a bridge at the Dey Ed district on the 3rd Ring Road […] which will be connecting to the Kandal section’s Lvia Em Highway […] the potential of this connection will bring development to the east of the Mekong river, not just to Areykasatr or just this 210-hectare area, but will expand to the east, connecting to National Road No. 8, becoming an industrial area, an area that is considered modern like the one on the west side […]

(5) Our citizens need to live in good environment with public spaces and parks

We can call this now a new city east of the Mekong River. Please pay attention to the infrastructure system, such as wider roads. I saw a report from the company representative that out of these 210 hectares, one-third was reserved for public infrastructure. This is the right thinking. Our citizens need to live, not only with buildings and normal living spaces, but also the good environment around them. We need to think about public spaces, public parks like on Koh Nora, and also arrange green spaces […] it is important to arrange tourist and sports areas. This is to make it attractive and lively for citizens […]

Land is getting more expensive to reserve land for the public, if we think about the value of money. If we think about the value of the economy and the benefits, both investment places are very beneficial and necessary. It is necessary to keep the space in this new city area, both infrastructure and connecting roads, as well as the roads in the city, well organized. Let the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction cooperate with the company to organize which areas and decide where shall be commercial, residential, and recreational. You may want to arrange them in orderly forms […]

(6) Houses to be built at a reasonable price, selling and paid for by installments

We see in the development project that (1) there are schools, hospitals, health centers, which are important. These infrastructures provide necessary services for our citizens; and (2) affordable housing for citizens. According to the company, the formula for construction here is not to ask money first and build (later). This means that the house is already built and then put up for sale. The whole house is purchased and then paid for by installments. So, think about creating an affordable (housing) area for our citizens to live in. This is to create opportunities for the middle-class people living in the royal palace and the citizens here […] I would like to encourage various private sectors to participate in the development of our eastern region to prosper. All this is more than just building a city, establishing a location in this place, and creating physical infrastructure buildings […]

(7) Bridging the economic gap between the east bank and the west bank

What is mentioned here is that it provides soft infrastructure benefits and benefits to the livelihood of the people, transforming from a sandy land place that only grows grass into a place that in 10 years will be covered with concrete roads, high-rise buildings, public parks, health centers, people’s residences […] which will enhance the image of Phnom Penh, especially bridging the economic gap – the gap in living standards between the east bank and the west bank. Hopefully, the what we are starting today is the first step towards (such development) in the east bank […] that will increase the potential of this adjacent area. This island is growing, the adjacent area will continue to grow, whether it is the real estate sector, the agricultural sector, and we can supply the needs of living, tourism and services in Phnom Penh because of the connectivity, transportation and services step by step, before it turns into industry and services center […]

(8) Let us keep the “Flowers of Peace”

This connection is a blossoming strategy. Someone abroad, talks about flowers blossoming, but in a sense to overthrow the government, and create war. We talk about flowers blossoming, but in a sense to plant seeds of development, and the private sector develops here so that it can flourish and lead to other places to develop more. We will transform it from a quiet place, a place that is difficult to connect with the west bank to a place that can be connected, a place where there are many people living, serving services and improving the people’s lives. This is the flower we want. The flowers of peace. The fruit of peace that we can grow in harmony. War destroys tall buildings. The other day, in a forum where I met with leaders from many countries, they wanted to study peace in Cambodia. They asked what has peace brought us? I said, if you don’t just look at the fruits of peace, but look at the results of losing peace, then you will know how valuable peace is […]

(9) To preserve peace for the Cambodian children

In 12 days, we will celebrate the 26th anniversary of Cambodian Peace Day. It is a holiday but also a day that we celebrate our survival and no longer hear gunfire like in some countries […] especially the young people here. They have a long future ahead […] you must learn to gain knowledge, build a foundation of ability to seize job opportunities to do things, to help yourselves, and help our families and society. Don’t let (them) become (a generation) without choices like those in the 70s and 80s, when they were all forced to leave homes/cities/education […]

Some say that Hun Manet and the Cambodian People’s Party talk only and tirelessly about peace. That’s right, I am never tired of it. I keep reminding people because peace is fragile. We must remember it together […] they say that Cambodia would not have peace for long. For the past 26th year, if we consider the 500-year history, it is the longest peace we have had. However, we do not want it for just 26 years […] in order to develop not only infrastructure, but also the lives of the people in the era of peace, and to increase and grow continuously. This is the fruit of peace that we must preserve not only for 26 or 30 years (but) for hundreds of years to come, for the Cambodian children […]

(10) Development is transforming what gives little to a few people into giving a lot to many

When your grandchild grows up, you may want to tell your grandchild that you were in this place when there was nothing. In 10 or 20 years later, it will has changed. This is development. Development is transforming one square meter of land, one hectare, ten hectares from a small area distributed to a small number of people into a place that creates a lot of economic activities to provide more to the people […] it is nothing like they say that “development only harms the people” […] we have put in place many policies to solve difficulties so that the people can benefit, not only for the private sector or the leaders, but also for expanding (it to reach many people). I see in the report that out of the 210 hectares, 2/3 are used to build economic activities that creates jobs, civilization, public service facilities such as hospitals, health centers, schools, infrastructure, and the other 1/3 to serve the needs of the people. I hope to see this achievement soon, not long into the future […]./.

CMF: 16/12/2024

[3]

(1) Micro and small businesses with an income of less than 250 million riels per year are subjected no obligations

I have previously stated this principle on the one-year anniversary of the Royal Government. Micro and small businesses with an income of less than 250 million riels per year […] when they are registered into the system, they are not subjected to any obligations. HE Kong Vibol (of the tax and excise department) is here. Let me state it again. When the informal economy sector enters the system, and their income is less than 250 million riels per year, they are not obligated (to pay anything) […] if we calculate it in dollars, it is more than 60,000 dollars. I (have learnt) that when asked, the most feared thing is – “what will be the obligation, (if we register in the system)?” Everyone is worried about being taxed. So (businesses with an income of less than) this amount (250 million riels per year) will not be obligated (to pay anything) […]

[5]

(2) Build a database to provide targeted, rapid, and effective support to the informal economy

(Building a database that will provide targeted, rapid, and effective support to the informal economy, especially during times of crisis, is beneficial) as was the experience of the past COVID-19 pandemic time. In short, in order for the government to be able to help you in a targeted and timely manner, by knowing who you are? Where you are? What you do, and what you need help with? This is (a rule) to (provide) effective support […]

[6]

(3) Registering in the digital platform system is to benefit with help, without additional burden and on voluntary basis without coercion

In short, the preparation and implementation of the digital platform to register informal economy workers is to help, and not to be an additional burden for them. This is based on the principle of complete voluntary participation, without coercion. For what you (listened) this morning, and you don’t remember, just keep in mind these two points – this digital registration system – firstly, helps, not harms, not imposes additional burden, and secondly, it will be a voluntary acceptance, without coercion. You can study more what are the results and what are the benefits in detail about the institution and additional work, because we regularly issue training policies. As I said the important thing is to know who you are, where you are, and what do you need? […]

(4) Informal economy workers are at higher risk than formal ones

A few years ago, we needed to provide assistance in the health sector for the threat of pandemic disease such as COVID-19. Now, in the health sector, we are helping with interventions, the introduction of economic policy programs, training programs for children of poor people, health coverage programs, health services, and other benefits. In the future, we can issue more policies that can orientate assistance to the targeted beneficiaries (when) we know how many, in which province, and what we need to help, especially in the context of unbeknown disaster, because informal economy workers are always at higher risk compared to those who are firmly established in the formal economy […]

(5) Digital registration platform helps the government know you and you know the entrance point

In the six priority policies of the 7th legislative term Royal Government, there are talks about the informal economy. The informal economy is large. In order for you to come and register, we have conducted studies how to make sure you are interested in registering to benefit like others. We learn that there are still some concerns, especially the question – “if I register, what will happen?” We have delivered understanding for the obligation to comply, as well as the obligation to tax. The main thing is the policies of the Royal Government provides assistance to the targeted groups through communications. In short, if you don’t know where you are, you don’t know how to help. If you don’t know which entrance point to enter, you don’t know how to call the government for help. So, this registration helps the government know you and you know the entrance point to benefit. This is a simple explanation of the organization of this digital platform […]

(6) Digital platform reduces complexity, costs and ensures accuracy

Why did we create a digital platform? (1) to reduce the complexity of registration; (2) to reduce costs/costs; and (3) using a digital system can ensure accuracy and no complexity. Therefore, we must pay attention to creating a hotline or a rapid response system to help solve problems. Let us not put machines and human in the rapid response system […] (if you put people in place to answer) questions, asking people and giving answer right away, would be more efficient […] either online or at a gateway somewhere […]

Furthermore, (the response team should) explain the benefits, because the important thing is the first stage. The first ones to enter really benefit, know how to use the system, they would definitely spread the word […] please pay attention to the monitoring, resolution and implementation mechanisms of the digital registration platform. Let us make the system simple. Don’t make it too complicated […] this is a voluntary thing […] and it will be the success of implementing the policy “think big, act small”, that I have said […]

(7) Please visit the community/organize a forum to explain to the people

I would urge the ministry concerned to visit the community or organize a forum to explain everything to the people […] in the past, whenever we were planning something for the public benefit, there were people who pretended to be concerned institutions representatives and took money from people in exchange for their services, and in this case the registration (of informal economic sector in the digital platform). Please remember that the Prime Minister has announced that no money is taken for the registration process […]

Please help the provincial and capital administrations to spread the word […] and be very careful with this digital online system […] pay attention to the implementation of all these tasks and implementing measures to ensure consistency, not to create confusion, according to the voluntary principle, to provide results in a timely manner, and to try to prevent exploitation in all forms, especially from groups who would take advantage of the process, especially […] relating to personal data […]

(8) Comprehensive information prevents misapplication, loss of confidence in the system and in new policies, especially in the early stages I would like to emphasize these points and ask the Ministry to pay attention to cooperating with other partner institutions to disseminate information widely, especially the capital and provincial administrations. Please help spread the word because the informal economy is the population in the capital and provinces. In some provinces, there are already groups of people in the informal economy, such as PassApp operators, small traders, and self-employed people. Please use this mechanism to disseminate information and ask the Ministry to meet (the community/organize forums) because providing information is important. Comprehensive information helps prevent misapplication that causes loss of confidence in the system and in new policies, especially in the early stages […]./.

CMF: 13/12/2024

[1]

(1) Cambodia’s finished products for domestic supply and for export

At the entrance, we see displays not only of raw materials such as rice that we export, but also of finished products, including agricultural products in packages, which are for export. We have finished products not only for domestic supply but also for export. We also see the capabilities of the Cambodian producers […] we need to show Cambodian citizens as well as foreign visitors the potential, opportunities and capabilities of the Cambodian people […] we also have the kiosks where people can ask for job information […] and we have them placed in public places […] which ascertains that the use of this technology is important […]

(3) Turning producers into buyers by changing working methods, technology and production chain methods

I see connecting our communities, connecting various mechanisms as a good thing. Trade has two halves – domestic and foreign. The main thing is to turn producers into buyers, whether domestic or foreign. So, it requires changing working methods, changing technology and changing production chain methods, starting from the producer. Now producers are no longer individual farmers. They are connected as a community to ensure scale and quality […] please appreciate the development in the trade sector, both production, collection, sales, distribution, ensuring quality both domestically and internationally. This is the best way to connect domestic products with domestic and foreign markets, whether the products are food, souvenirs or technological devices […]

(5) Trade connecting through the internet, logistics and e-commerce

We continue to do these things and connect with other partners […] check in to see if there is a possibility to seize the opportunity. Now we connect sellers and buyers through the internet. Another issue is solving the logistics transportation problem. Those who invest in logistics can also look into that area […] whereas, e-commerce is also an opportunity for investors in domestic and international transportation […] I always say that seeing once is better than hearing a thousand times. Not just seeing and then leaving. I think the setup (of this exhibition) here is the best. We not only do lecturing and allow exchange of opinions, but also provide opportunities to connect with the private sector. Once they come, don’t let them leave. Connect with them and increase the relationship between the private sector […]

(7) B2B for the private sector to increase its friends

I always pay attention to this business matching […] and Nak Oknha Kith Meng, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as others in the Oknha associations, organized programs outside the country […] let us not forget that B2B (or private sector to private sector) is an important task. The government only has the opportunity to show, organize, but the important thing is when people walk through each booth, pass business cards back and forth, and connects. This is what we want […] just now I saw a product with a robot that one can click and order […] but one may be interested to know that there might be many types of produces internally. This is information dissemination. Information is very important […] let us prepare an investment booklet to provide for the future. The CDC has paid attentions to this work, but we still need to do more to spread information regarding our investments […]

[2]

(9) “Think big, act small” – a medium to solve the target issues  

Meet directly with the operator. This is what I call “think big, act small.” We should think big in all aspects when we put forward policies. But when putting forward policies, implementation must consider each key and solve the target issue. If we put forward a 100-page policy and do not know what the priorities are or which priorities are the keys, or which are the pillars, (that would be incomprehensive) […] solving the target issue requires us to look at them as “acting small”. It does not mean that we look at the small things, but look at what is important. There are some among small things that are the keys […] I have seen many excellencies, madam ministers, holding such meetings. Sometimes, in joint meetings, we have difficulty understanding because there is a lot of information. Then, a person has to synthesize. The synthesis of the person who submits the report is certainly based on the perspective that he thinks which is and is not important. Then, the key issues that the private sector addressed in that sector may be lost […] only by meeting in person that we can solve it […]

[3]

(10) Review all laws and commercial regulations to be more effective

When we solve small problems, the method is not to tie ourselves up with existing regulations […] we have to consider what the final result is. We study (the problem) and design (a solution). We then trace back for the concerned laws and regulations. How to adjust the regulations […] there has been an experience about trying to set up a transshipment in Sihanoukville province. It took six months for the concerned Ministry/institutions to go about working on it and they could not do it because of this/that law, or regulations that tied them up. I instructed that once has to design what kind of transshipment we want, using what formula, and once in action, it will be highly effective. (With the design,) we then look at the regulations, sub-decree, royal decree or a law […] we may need to adjust and add if there is a need […] we go backward, or I say “backward planning” […] let set a goal of the result we want in front and draw the path towards it […] I would ask the Ministry of Commerce to review all the laws and regulations that have been made, […] as this is a reform to make it more effective […]

(12) Adjust the Green Trade leadership structure to play the role of a marketing actor

The other day I ordered for the adjustment of the Green Trade leadership structure […] we have been doing it for years and it is effective, but I ordered to adjust the leadership structure again for it to play the role of a marketing actor. The private sector is coming in. The state must reduce its role in managing the Green Trade. We can have the private sector (to take up the role) as CEO, that is, operating it like a private sector, and the state must act as a board of directors. We may need to consider what level of authority should this board of directors have to help […] we have to think that the market is moving fast, and the competition in trade is moving fast too. If we are still stagnant, they are moving past us […] so this to reform and increase efficiency. We want to have high efficiency, so reform of the structure of ministries and institutions is what we are doing. We are in the process of analyzing the functions […]

[4]

(13) Diversifying market channels to connect farmers through the organization of modern agricultural communities

The private sector has organized another work – namely to bring foreign markets into the country through the establishment of a wholesale market. It is being studied. Foreign buyers can purchase local agricultural products and prepare them in the country for export standards […] we are trying to diversify market channels, for what? To provide connection to farmers, who have been organized by the Ministry of Agriculture into modern agricultural communities […] originally, there was solidarity (production) group. Now, (we organize them) into new form (of communities) for efficiency and effectiveness. Let us continue to diversify the trading chain because this helps every step of trade – the farmers, middlemen, exporters, or distributors in the local market effectively […]

[5]

(14) Take care of existing customers because they are the best promoters

If we are paying no attention to taking care of the old market and/or the old customers, it will be difficult for us to convince new customers. If we could make the existing customers happy with us, they will tell others […] they may ask each other how is it to invest in Cambodia? If the existing businessmen say it is going well, it is a good thing that they will attract the new ones. There may be problems, but we solve them in time. This is the key […] at the Cambodia Development Council (CDC), initially, we only had forums with the Japanese private sector twice a year. Now we are expanding such meeting to be with Korea, with the United States, with Europe and listen to their concerns. (We then) solve them. We have prepared a reform policy in taxation. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has also adjusted and/or canceled some procedures, so as not to cause difficulties (for the private sector/investment). (The Ministry) of Commerce should be doing the same. Taking care of the existing customers because they are the best promoters […]

(15) Exports to foreign countries increase in quantity and number of countries

The world is a competitive market […] the main priority is to maintain the existing markets. If the market size decreases because the target country is adjusting (their rules and regulations regarding) the quality, then it is their law issue (there nothing we can do about it). However, we fight, protect, and strive to (maintain product quality) so that it does not (become a problem) because of us. On this note, maintaining quality, both product quality and transportation quality, must be ensured. I am happy to see that every year, exports to foreign countries are increasing. The number of countries is also increasing. This means that the countries that import our products retain in number and/or increase the size of imports, and there are new countries to do business with Cambodia too […]./.

CMF: 12/12/2024

(1) Preventive measures are the effective way to tackle human trafficking

Over the past year, as the Royal Government’s general staff in law enforcement and efforts to prevent and combat various security issues, including human trafficking, the Ministry of Interior, all law enforcement agencies, the National Police, the Military Police, and relevant agencies and ministries/institutions, have been working actively […] in this contemporary world, human trafficking has been jointly prevented by all countries (thus) it has changed from being (carried out in the) open to being clandestine and with many creativities and innovations. (effective) prevention of human trafficking is not just finding a way to solve it, and to respond by repression. Prevention is the key task […] for instance, is it illegal to marry a foreigner? […] is surrogate pregnancy for a childless couple illegal? Many countries do not clearly define it. When there is surrogacy pregnancy for sale, then it is illegal […]

(2) Relevant ministries responded promptly to requests for intervention on social media from citizens

On this occasion, I would like to thank the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labor (and Vocational Training), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs […] who – when received requests for intervention on social media from Cambodian citizens tricked into marriage or work in other countries – together have resolved cases in a timely manner. Once received, we handled them immediately. Thanks to the Cambodian Embassies and Consulates General in many countries who cooperated well […] in some places, (our citizens) go to work legally, but they overstayed their legal period and do not return (back to the country, they have) also become illegal (immigrants). This is the case where prevention is important […] and in another example is when a foreigner come into our country to get surrogacy pregnant, claiming she does that because her living condition is poor […] we would then have to examine the legal aspect, the technical aspect, and the humanitarian aspect intertwined in each case […]

(3) Together prevent through education, training, and publicizing the risks of being tricked

We must work together to take preventive measures through education, training, and publicizing to families, parents, and spouses about the risks of being tricked. With the (advances in) technology, (taking actions have turned out to be) complicated […] regarding this scam, innovation has been fast developing. Our authorities sometimes can’t catch up. They are almost one step ahead of us. It is like a cat and a mouse […] take for instance the issue of adopting a child/orphan. Normally, adoption is a humanitarian work. When adoption is done well, the bad guys start to see it as a business opportunity, the results of their advantage taking has been damaging to others. At that time, we definitely have to stop for a while. It makes some children lose the opportunity to have good parents […]

(4) Combating human trafficking is a duty of humanity

This being said does not mean that (because it is) a complex problem, we do not do it. We must face it […] we must comprehend that that we prevent a case successfully means we have helped one life, one family, and one happiness. The Cambodian people abroad are no different from foreign people in Cambodia. The values ​​and priorities of rendering help must be given the same attention without discrimination. This is our approach. People are the same, difficulties are the same. We help people of other nationalities and other countries help our people in their countries […] I thank the national and international partners who have joined hand with Cambodia in this cooperation. This task (of combating against human trafficking) is a human responsibility, not just for Cambodia, the United States, or ASEAN countries. It is a responsibility for all of humanity. We must work hard to prevent, respond, control, and resolve the exploitation of human trafficking […]

(5) Strengthen and transform challenges into opportunities to strengthen technological capacity development

Strengthening law enforcement mechanisms, drafting laws and preparing to strengthen technology (in the combat against human trafficking have been our stringent efforts) […] wherein, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication, and each institution paying attention to strengthening technology. At present, bad guys are using sophisticatedly advanced technology. We have harvest technology. We cannot ignore technology. If we shut down the Internet, however, it will be shut down for all. We cannot do it. But if we turn it on, we have to face challenges. Therefore, we have to strengthen technology, take it as a tool to help us. It is a challenge, but we have to transform it into an opportunity to strengthen both our development and our capabilities […]

(6) Classification/evaluation of Cambodia’s efforts on human trafficking has not been accurate or fair

Human trafficking affects Cambodia’s reputation and every sector. In the past, we have faced problems with fake news that have damaged our reputation. In some places, the classification/evaluation of Cambodia’s efforts on human trafficking has not been accurate or fair […] Cambodia has never denied that it is facing with issue of human trafficking problem or other insecurity problems. It is (because) of this recognition and clear goodwill that we have strengthened mechanisms and law enforcement, and cooperated with foreign countries (to tackle the issue) […] we cannot suppress or forbid from sharing the information, and say that Cambodia has got not a problem […] but we have to publicize our practices, as well as respond to some slander […]

(7) For twisted facts, we must deny and respond

Some people accuse the Cambodian government of never admitting the truth and always denying it. It is on the contrary. We admit it, but for the twisted facts, we must deny it and respond […] the other day, there was this hot topic of blood slave story. It has been made to believe that Cambodia is a country (where blood is being pumped from someone and sold). A foreigner posted that blood was being pumped from his body and sold. The truth is not like what he said. He has leukemia. He ran out of money, acting in collusion with some in a clinic, he made up the story in order to get donations. In the end, it ruined the reputation of Cambodia […] the story (that Cambodia was a bad country) that he posted was watched by millions of people […] and just 2 weeks ago, someone reposted the case of two Taiwanese kids, a YouTuber and/or a TikToker, who wanted to be famous, coming to Cambodia and pretended to be kidnapped […] they used Cambodia as a business […] when we implement the laws strictly, the news was broadcast in Taiwan, most Taiwanese commenters do not support them […] If there is any distortion, we must respond. Relevant institutions must be informed immediately […]

(8) Protecting Cambodia from bad image for the millions of Cambodians

Some may say what they want about us making excuses […] the (National Committee for the Combat against) Human Trafficking, the Ministry of Interior, the National Police, the Military Police, ministries, institutions and each capital city and province are trying to implement their duties […] for the reduction and prevention of the human trafficking issue. However, if you come to smear us, we have the right to defend ourselves. Protecting Cambodia is not protecting the government, but protecting the image of Cambodia, the millions of Cambodian citizens in the country. It is not permissible for Cambodians to go abroad and be seen as coming from a country (where human trafficking or crimes are committed). It is our national honor […] we cannot allow foreigners to come and destroy our honor in order to profit from it. We must implement (the law) both on those who sneak into Cambodia to destroy Cambodia (through damaging its) image, and on those who write from outside (the country) based on inaccurate information or with destructive intent. We must respond to defend justice […]

(9) Preventing human trafficking is saving the nation and contributing to reducing and preventing the global network of human trafficking

(Peace that has been prevailing now for) 26 years (is a) short (time yet). In the 500-year history, (the civil war period) had been longer than peace. We must (continue to maintain peace) for hundreds of thousands of years and prevent war from returning […] we must maintain a life of safety, security and peace. We want tourists to come to Cambodia, to run in sports, to celebrate the water festival without fear, with our citizens […] to work (against) and prevent human trafficking is not just for the sake of saving individual or victim, but saving the nation and contributing to reducing and preventing the global network of human trafficking, which affects all citizens around the world. Cambodia cannot intervene to work on behalf of any other country, but Cambodia exercises control over its own country, which will contribute to reducing (global) […]./.

CMF: 10/12/2024

[1]

(1) Equipping with modern and up-to-date equipment is a long-term consideration

Not only the foundation plan is being laid, but, according to the speech of the Minister of Health, the expansion plan is already in place […] everyone needs good health […] therefore, ensuring good, quality and sufficient services is an important task […] whereas equipping (the hospitals) with modern and up-to-date equipment is a long-term consideration […] modern equipment may be different, living conditions may be different, but people are born with the same cells […] in this regard we have to bring in the modern technology that treats people abroad (into the country). (That is why there is) the recent equipment, construction […] and we are working on equipping some hospitals with chemotherapy ability to treat cancer […]

[2]

(2) The value of health is vital

Invesments in building hospitals and equipping them may seem like a big budget, but the return is the good health of the people, which should not be considered only in economic terms. The value of health is vital. The value of family happiness, the value of family reunions is invaluable. Those who are sick and seek treatment are cured […] as Cambodia ended the war, and is rebuilding the country, (the Republic of Korea), with a romantic sense, comes to our assistance not only in terms of investment, and economy, but also in terms of humanity and helps to establish good relations […] I would like to thank the Government of the Republic of Korea for helping the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia, and I would like to encourage further cooperation […]

[3]

(3) Investing in human health is an investment in increasing the national assets

Human resources have been the number one priority of the Royal Government of every term, especially in the past 40 years. After the liberation from the genocidal Pol Pot regime on January 7, 1979, the main priority was to rebuild human resources […] speaking of human capital, we mean they have good health, ability and knowledge. Investing in human health is an investment in increasing the assets of the nation. Healthy citizens are assets. Citizens with poor health are a burden on their families and society […] a healthy person can help themselves, their families and society to the best of their ability. Investing in healthcare is therefore an important task […]

(4) Over 40 years, health infrastructure strengthened and expanded to the grassroots

We want a strong health sector that can treat the people […] for over 40 years, we have been doing this. In expanding the coverage of the health system, we have expanded, strengthened and pushed the health infrastructure to the grassroots. Building connecting infrastructure, roads, bridges, and highways is one way, but allocating health posts, health centers, and expanding district referral hospitals throughout the country is another […] as of 2023, we have 125 referral hospitals, 1,216 health centers, and 131 health posts […]

(5) Expanding the coverage and improving the quality of health services for people in vulnerable families and in the informal economic sector

In addition, the government has set a goal to strengthen the health sector by focusing on improving the quality of health services and expanding the coverage of health services for people, including people in vulnerable families and those in the informal economic sector. The state has already established local treatment facilities, but people have to be better of to afford it […] the better the doctor, the higher the price. We must invest in medicine. We must invest in doctors, as the best doctors would be costly. Hospitals also invest in modern equipment. We do not prohibit hospitals, both private and state, from investing more, (only that when the investment is high), they should try to avoid taking more money out of the pockets of the people. We must therefore create a social security system, which the private sector calls it health insurance […]

(6) Voluntary social security for dependents and those in informal economic sector

In this new term, we think about who else is left uncovered (by the National Social Security Fund – NSSF)? If they are not poor, not civil servants, and not company employees? We see that there are people who have a modest living, not very well off, but not too poor in the informal economic sector, for instance, those who have their own stalls to sell stuff. Civil servants are members of the NSSF now but their spouses, children, and dependents are not. What to do? That is why we have created something called the voluntary social security regime. This means that a person would pay only 15,600 riels or less than 4 US dollars a month, s/he can receive the same NSSF benefit […]

We put this formula into practice to make people able (to receive health services). If we just open health centers or allow private clinics to operate, but people in need cannot go for treatment, the policy would not be comprehensive. That means they cannot go because they lack the means. For this reason, we have allocated funds to help those in need through the Health Equity Fund and opened more channels […]

In a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy and Finance, HE Aun Pornmoniroth, and the Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, HE Heng Sour, I have asked for the consideration of more family packages […] can there be a discount for people whose whole family is joining […] even if they have to contribute a small part […] before reaching the possibility that we are able to have a social security regime distributed to the people (to achieve the expansion) of healthcare coverage. Counting in from August 22, when the government was born, 16 months ago, the growth of our expansion and coverage has increased a lot […]

(7) Strengthening the quality of health services focusing on four major factors

For strengthening the quality of health, I think we are focusing on four major factors – 1) physical infrastructure; 2) modern medical equipment; 3) medicine; 4) human capital. These are the for major factors that need attention and that we have done so far. In this year, the Royal Government has achieved many health achievements (on the basis of development) built from the previous terms and that we have started to implement in this term […]

If we talk about (1) the physical health infrastructure, let us find out what we have done in this year. Firstly, we officially inaugurated the Techo Santepheap National Hospital, the largest in Cambodia with 10,000 beds […]; secondly, we inaugurated Techo Sen Koh Thom Hospital in March 2024 […]; thirdly, the surgical service building at the Siem Reap Referral Hospital […]; and fourthly, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 3-story medical building at Calmette Hospital the other day […] all of which are achievements and/or means to ensure the health of citizens, maintain and strengthen the assets of the nation. At the same time, we have maintained the process of modifying, repairing and equipping Luang Mae Hospital, which we will turn into a cancer specialist […]

In addition, we plan to build two regional hospitals – one in Siem Reap province and one in Kampong Cham province, which means upgrading the equipment and skills so that people (with illnesses) don’t have to come and rely only on hospital and medical services in Phnom Penh, but can find help regionally. Since we don’t have the capacity to deploy them in all provinces, we will do it at the regional level first. We will equip them from top to bottom. The approach to modernization and increasing treatment capacity […] the Ministry of Health is also improving the physical infrastructure at district referral health centers to increase capacity (to provide health services) […]

The second factor is to equip hospital and healthcare facilities with more modern equipment. For hospitals that I have inaugurated in the past year, they all are well equipped […] in the future, in addition to regional hospitals, we will increase the capacity of provincial hospitals. We do not need to create heart surgery capacity at the district hospitals […] hospitals at the provincial level are to be equipped with what they need for heart surgery, brain surgery, and cancer […] particularly, the commune health centers and district referral hospital can treat general diseases and strengthen the capacity of primary survey and improve the ERT delivery system […] though some citizens have the ability to go abroad for medical treatment […] most citizens who do not go abroad must have the ability to receive treatment inside, where hospitals are equipped with modern equipment and operated by well-trained specialists […]

The third factor is making sure the medicines are being used to improve health, ensuring the quality of health […] in recent years, the Royal Government has increased (the size of) the health package. It is important to invest in medicines. In this 7th term, I told the Minister of Health, HE Chheang Ra, from the beginning that the bidding for medicines must be based on quality and reasonable prices […] in October 2023, I talked about increasing the quantity of some medicines, especially high blood pressure medicines and diabetes medicines, so that citizens do not have to come for it every five days […] we have increased the quantity/ration from half a month to a month […] that we are increasing the quality and the quantity, we need to invest more […]

The fourth point is concerning human. Improving the quality of health services, you need human resource […] I have set a policy for the Ministry of Health to cooperate with the Ministry of Civil Service to recruit and deploy more doctors in health centers. I have prohibited (recruitment by) many ministries over the past year, waiting for the functional analysis. Except for agriculture, where we have a policy of deploying (agricultural experts to help farmers), the two ministries that I have not prohibited are the Ministry of Health and Education, because there is the needs of doctors and teachers […]

(8) Modernization is top-down, strengthening is bottom-up

At the district referral hospital, we are taking the approach of “strengthening the base from the bottom up”. Modernization is top-down, but strengthening the base is bottom-up. The basis of services and provision of general medical treatment is from the health center, district referral hospital. Considering people is an important factor, we are strengthening human capacity with quality on professional ethics, codes of conduct, especially for health service providers, both state and private. In this work, I ask the Ministry of Health to pay attention to both state hospitals and the private sector, especially the private sector, on codes of conduct and responsibility, professional ethics, especially clear management of licenses […]

(9) An FDA-like institution in consideration

Regarding health, prevention and treatment are important. Prevention, strengthening the management of drugs, proper food with quality and safety, ensuring effectiveness, and not affecting the health of the people are tasks that relevant ministries and institutions are working hard on, including the Ministry of Health […] I have asked the (relevant) management policy framework institutions to consider a common institution, a common authority mechanism as FDA (Food and Drug Administration), which they have abroad and looked at everything from the beginning to the end or from the entrance to the end to ensure consistency. It should embody related inter-ministerial agents to increase efficiency and consistency […]

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education (Youth and Sports) should educate, monitor, and guide the sale of school food to young children […] there has been an increase in people with diabetes in their age of 30 and over 40 […] investment in health is not just in treatment alone, but a huge part of it is in prevention. If we only respond to treatment, it means we have already lost one battle […] the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health, especially Health, should cooperate to organize and promote awareness. Understanding, helping each other in the responsible use of food, medicines, and other drugs is very important […]

(10) A tough exam tells whether one is ready to give people medical treatment

(Also, regarding human resource), education and competence […] must be taken care of. We cannot have medical exams that are easy for those who take them. We must promote high-standard training and management […] having a tough exam is a good thing. It is a time when you can tell yourselves whether you are ready to give people medical treatment or to ensure their lives, to help the sick to recover, and the dying to live […] we are not angels, but we are doing the work of angels […]

The quality of people in the health sector is key because the quality of people in general is an asset, but those who help increase and maintain assets are doctors. Those who help maintain and treat the health of the general public are doctors, whether traditional or modern […] we consider each patient as brother or sister, relative, as a merit-making ritual […] I am urging those who work in this field, take the approach that you are in the field of treating diseases, increasing the number of people who are healthy, not increasing the number of people who are sick […]./.

CMF: 26/11/2024

(1) Disputes on residential city project has decreased in social media

Before providing recommendations for continued works of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), I would like to draw your attention to the points raised by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of LMUPC, HE Say Samal, and reflect the government’s experience over the past 15 months […] the land dispute is a hot topic that is difficult to resolve, and can ignite or cause instability or become a political issue that is becoming more serious […] you can compare, however, in the last 15 months – at what extent had the disputes been posted on Facebook, and to what extent have they decreased so far. This is not happening by chance but (resulted from the government’s efforts together with concerned ministries/institutions in) defining a resolution strategy from the beginning […]

I would like to emphasize the orientation on some topics, including land disputes, Borei (residential project) disputes, Tonle Sap Lake area, Angkor temple area, social land concession and construction issues. As for land disputes, it is not a new thing. It is a chronic thing […] the historical perspective and a protracted war had destroyed the opportunity to organize (land ownerships) for years. The Pol Pot generation burned away the private property […] in 1993, some political parties came in (and propagandized) that if they won the election, they would return the pre-war property. (If that was the case, then) people would have definitely fought each other […] (with peace,) we now have reorganized (the land ownership) through measurements by (1) solving the problem we are having at hand and (2) determining a long-term solution strategy to put out the fire once and for all […]

(2) Over 3,000 land disputes resolved in 15 months of the new RGC’s term

According to reports, we had from the start over 15,000 land dispute cases – nearly 16,000. We have made effort to resolve them, and so far, we still have less than 1,000 (cases to resolve). In these 15 months alone, we have resolved over 3,000 cases. We are using extrajudicial mechanisms, land dispute resolution mechanisms of ministries/institutions, provinces/capitals […] to resolve land conflicts/disputes between people and people, people and state or community […] this long-term resolution preparation expedites land measurement, registration, and title issuance […] since the beginning of the term, I have approved the proposal of the Ministry of Land, Urban Planning and Construction to increase the budget for this work […] we have prepared over 5,000 people […] and earmarked 100 million US dollars to push this job forward. Hopefully, in this term, we can complete this task […]

(3) Making land a living capital asset of the citizens/nation

When we have a solid mapping and certificate (of land titles), in addition to help ending disputes, it also helps facilitate use (of the land titles) to increase opportunities for various economic activities. The other day, I have asked for a book that I have read, written by an economist (titled) “The Mystery of Capital”. The book talks about dead capital and living capital. Dead capital […] refers to land and/or real estate that is lifeless because it has no title, and therefore cannot be used, or does not have value […] we have been working on resoling the problem of dead capital that many countries are stuck with. We make it come to live. We turn it into a living asset for our citizens through measurement, registration, and issuance of (land title) certificates […] while putting out the fire, we even give the opportunity for those lands to become living assets for the people/nation […]

(4) Kampong Cham will be the first to complete the registration of land parcels

Can we complete the work of determining the boundaries, measuring and issuing land title certificates in this term? We have done 7.7 million. Last term, we issued 7 million titles […] we have done about three million. There is still about 1.5 million to be done. Please finish this work in the near future to extinguish the fire of uncertainty (regarding land titles) […] next month, I will announce Kampong Cham the first province to complete the survey and registration of land parcels […] the economic reform started in the era of the State of Cambodia, the time when Samdech Techo Hun Sen first introduced the land ownership policy in 1989. If we complete this work by 2029 (we will be able to celebrate) the 40th anniversary of (the implementation of the land reform). We will be able to achieve the goal of ending disputes of unclear border demarcation […]

(5) The real estate sector affects the banking and every other sectors

The second point is the Borey dispute. We can say that land disputes are an old thing that has been around for a long time, but the Borey dispute is a new thing […] we must accept which problem is at hand and must be resolved. It is a very sensitive issue that must be resolved with flexibility, understanding, and patience. I divide the Borey into two. The Borey that does the right thing, with real intentions, but just faces challenges due to wrong valuations and the Borey that has fraudulent intentions […] (the reason for this concern is) if there is a problem in the real estate sector, it will affect the banking and every other sectors. We have two major goals to achieve. First, solve the problem at hand, which is the dispute. Second, what should be done to ensure the survival and not the death of the real estate sector […] everyone invested because there were buyers. There were buyers because the market was rising. The more investors turn over (capital) to build Borey, the faster they will lose the market […] both the investors and the customers were miscalculating. They are all victims […] firstly, we must be flexible, gentle, and understanding in resolving (the problem) […] but we must take careful steps (2) to avoid creating confusion […]

(6) Exemptions and preferential policies introduced to help the real estate sector

Not all of the disputes in the 99 Boreys (can be resolved). While some Boreys have already gone bankrupt, some are still capable of moving forward and some are able to solve problems, and have recovered somewhat […] I have looked at the monthly data […] and I see that there is a picking up trend. In the last six months, according to the report, there have been more than 1,600 projects with an investment of more than two billion USD. It is gradually recovering. The important thing here is to see if it has reached the bottom? […] the Royal Government has introduced many exemptions and preferential policies […] that helped the real estate sector, especially in the Borey, such as (1) making exemption from tax on capital gains on real estate, where buyers and sellers do not pay taxes, and they can reinvest the profits […] (2) allowing construction development companies to pay taxes in packages according to projects […] as we are easing and simplifying procedures. (3) exercising exemption from stamp duty on the transfer of ownership and right to occupy all types of housing, at the price of 70,000 (dollars) and/or below. If the price is more than 70,000 dollars, we deduct USD 70,000 from the tax base […]

(7) More preferential policies to help save the real estate sector and national economy

Three major problems that have not been implemented even with the policies introduced. Firstly, some Boreys do not have a license […] therefore the buyer cannot claim. Secondly, some people buy (their houses/shophouses/flats) before the government policy was issued. Samdech Techo announced the policies in 2020 […] and thirdly, they have bought a house/flat/shophouse) in Borey, but ownership transfer was from an individual […] so, they could not benefit from the policy […]

Firstly, the Borey that does not have a license […] please go and see which Borey has the necessary qualifications. If the Borey is bankrupt, we need not issue a license […] we will let them go, no penalty is necessary. However, we must ensure that his construction is technically sound. Construction technology and public safety must be guaranteed […]

Secondly, some buyers bought their houses before February 25, 2020, when Samdech Techo announced the policy[…] (and I have decided) to extend the principle of exercising exemption from stamp duty on the transfer of ownership bought at the price of 70,000 (dollars) and/or below, till late 2025 […]

Thirdly, the Borey that does not have a license and has gone bankrupt. For citizens who have bought a house, there is a clear letter from the Borey that has gone bankrupt, please ask the MLMUPC to issue them the titles. If the price is 70,000 USD and below, the will have the favor of stamp duty too […]

I am preparing another policy to (encourage) people to buy houses. For first-time home buyers in Borey or condos of a house at a price worth more than USD 70,000 but less than USD 210,000 […] they will be exempt from stamp duty too […] the main idea is to help save the real estate sector and help the national economy, increase purchasing power, put more money into the market […]

Those buyers who has the resource ability […] must help pay so that Borey can have that money and build the house for other buyers. If we don’t help each other, how can we (save the real estate sector) […] please continue to pay […] at least protect our own reputation, our own credit […] integrity is required in this difficult time […] I thank the Bank Association for issuing credit management policies, and easing penalties […] some people have been better after restructuring and some are still in difficult state. However, we have provided them with solutions […]

(8) Leng Channa’s project was not fair from the start

We have examined two projects – the former Oknha Leng Channa and Oknha Chea Saran […] we must implement the law […] firstly, we evaluate (the project). Has it been fair or unfair? (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of LMUPC) HE Say Sam Al has been working on this for a while. Finally, we evaluate that the project (of Oknha Leng Channa) from the start is not a fair project […] it has problems from the start – the Ponzi scheme thing […] I look at the court’s announcement, about 20 people have been arrested, further investigations have been conducted, and a policy has been issued to freeze the assets of some of the people involved […] the case of Oknha Chea Saran is the same […] the Kampot Provincial Court has issued an announcement that, as of this time, 106 bank and microfinance accounts have been frozen, 2012 land plots belonging to those involved have been frozen, and the court is looking to collect additional assets […] the assets collected will be figured out how to return them […]

(9) Protecting Tonle Sap Lake for the Cambodian people in the whole country

Regarding the Tonle Sap Lake case, at the 2023 work summary conference of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in January, I put forward this principle […] the Royal Government, on the one hand, considers the interests of the hundreds of families in the area, and on the other hand, the 17 million people. Furthermore, we are protecting this Tonle Sap Lake not only for the 17 million people. The Tonle Sap Lake is for 17 million people at the moment, but in 20 years, the Cambodian population can increase possibly to 20 million or 30 million. We protect this Tonle Sap Lake for the Cambodian people all over the country, no matter how many millions there will be […] I would like to emphasize that what we are doing in Zone-3 is for the millions of Cambodian people, for the ecology system, for the biodiversity system, for the fish system […] we still have a long future ahead […]

Zone-2 is where people can use in principle. There will be no ownership, no trading, but only the right to use. They can be rented from the state. The land there is given to the six provincial authorities to own and manage, or the right to let people to benefit from it, but not ownership […] I would like to make it clear that after the delimitation, there will be no further border adjustments. We must maintain it for the benefit of all […] considering the livelihood of the people, we must find ways to help them, help diversify from relying only on Tonle Sap Lake to other income sources […]

At the previous meeting, the Governor of Kampong Chhnang province raised the possibility of organizing some areas into industrial zones, special economic zones aimed at creating income for tens of thousands of people in those areas […] it is for this reason that we will build a bridge across the Tonle Sap from Kampong Thom to Kampong Chhnang and the national road 50C, creating a special economic zone, and logistics in Kampong Laeng district to help people who previously lived solely on agriculture during the dry season […]

At the same time, we are preparing a special economic zone and a cashew agroindustry project in that area. Soon, the Funan Techo Canal will create economic activities in the lower basin area. That is the strategy to provide opportunity to the people around Tonle Sap Lake, after land accessibility […] in the effort to transform from agriculture to agroindustry, and to light industry, or from garment and textile manufacturing now to car assembly […]

(10) Protect Tonle Sap resources, diversify economic sources, infrastructure investment in the six provinces around Tonle Sap Lake

Krakor District of Pursat Province used to be a place where people traveling past back and forth. Kampong Chhnang too […] protecting the environment and the Tonle Sap resources is not just by defining zones, but also by finding ways to diversify economic sources for the people, including creating more agroindustry and industries there by building connectivity infrastructure, and encouraging more investment in the six provinces around Tonle Sap Lake. Yesterday, Kampong Thom asked for approval in principle […] to establish a cashew agroindustry zone in Kampong Thom […] those who have the right to work in Zone-2 must respect the code of conduct. After defining the boundary, the principle is to set the conditions for land use and farming, but do not overuse fertilizers or do anything that is destructive to biodiversity or soil […] in the last 15 months, we had implemented the five approaches in many areas […] I have no other interest in the Tonle Sap Lake other than the duty to protect it, to ensure a balance between what the people need to live on and the natural resources that are protected for the common good of all. The duty as the head of government must be bold enough to intervene […] to set clear boundaries and to publicize them to the people. We must clearly define the principles and conditions of what this area can and cannot do, what Zone-1 is for, what Zone-2 is for, and what Zone-3 prohibits […]

(11) The Angkor Wat site has seen population growth and expansion of living space

Another issue is the Angkor Wat conservative site […] we have designated Angkor Wat as a heritage site. We asked UNESCO for help in 1992. It was 32 years ago. Angkor Wat was a highly vulnerable site. The situation has changed in the past 30 years, but that does not mean we give up on the goal of protecting it as a heritage. We cannot accept it that in another 50 years or there will be a 20-story hotel next to the temple. We must, however, recognize that in the past 30 years, there has been real population growth in the area. Secondly, there has always been constant conflicts between the Apsara authorities and the people who live (and expanding the living area) due to population growth. We therefore have to study again, redetermine the conditions for land use, redetermine the geographical location of ancient mounds, whether they are or are not, and ensure a balance in which people can live and where we absolutely have to protect […]

(12) Envisioning the 400 square kilometer area of ​​Angkor to become in 15 to 50 years

The Apsara Authority has the responsibility to protect the heritage […] if we do not have clear conditions, in 20 years the area will change because there will be increasing population and demand will rise. This has required us to set a clear vision of what we want the 400 square kilometer area of ​​Angkor to become in 15, 20, or 50 years? […] we do not stipulate that people should not live in the 400 square kilometer area (but) if they do, they will definitely have children […] the meeting the other day agreed that firstly, we must determine the land conditions in the 400 square kilometer area, what rules we should relax. However, we must not lose ownership […]; secondly, along with the needs of the people, this area should maintain Khmer-style buildings […] I think LMUPC, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and I would envision the participation of the architectural and engineering committees, to determine what the village areas in the Angkor area should look like in the next 50 years […]

(13) Managing Khmer architectural style in Angkor area to become a national heritage gem

Regarding the conditions of the construction in the Angkor area, if people are allowed to stay (in the area), we must recognize that they have a certain degree of rights to development and participate in the maintenance and conservation, and at least, allow them to have children and expand their families, and transfer of ownership from father to son, like outsiders […] if the place is organized as a village properly, the management of the Khmer architectural style at the exterior – that place is a gem. We protect our heritage […] the value of the Angkor area and other heritage sites is not only about that much […] it must be reviewed. Which areas are truly ancient mounds that must be protected? Which areas we thought were ancient mounds but now are no longer ancient mounds, and allow people to expand […]

(14) Social land concession program, forest protection land for development …

The problem of land shortages among citizens and land encroachment. Social land concession work […] first started in between 1991-1993, when the Royal Government gave land to our citizens who returned from the Cambodian-Thai border. Secondly, in 1998, we gave land to our brothers and sisters when the former Khmer Rouge people were integrated. Later, we gave land to citizens according to the 2012 National Land Act, where 700,000 plots of land, equivalent to 1.2 million hectares, were given as ownership to citizens. Later, we have a mechanism for giving state land through social land concession programs such as LASED, in three phases, to veterans, military families, border police, and poor citizens starting in 2003. To date, we have given 490,000 families 1.4 million hectares of land and built 8,200 houses […] moving forward, we will continue the social land concession program […] early next year, we will implement an additional program, namely the provision of forest protection land for development […]

(15) Forest concession reviewed; aesthetics and safety Borey and safety construction standard observed

State land is common land, and is no different from Lake Tonle Sap […] the state has a duty to take care of the people […] I have instructed concerned authorities to review companies that have concessions to cut down forests. Let me send a clear message. They should not cut beyond the concessional border […] Th customs has asked for permission to allow export of natural charcoal made from acacia trees. Clear inspection must be made to make sure that the charcoal companies do not cut the forest beyond their permissions […] or we will withdraw the license and the charcoal companies will be fined […]

Another point I would like to raise is related to the aesthetics and safety of the citizens […] we do not just prepare the land titles to avoid disputes, but also define both aesthetics and the master plan, no matter big or small city, even in the countryside, which we call rural Borey, to have water, electricity, sanitation, and living in the style of the locals […]

(Regarding the electricity,) the other day (the Ministry of Energy and Mines has reported that) 99% of the transmission lines were lined in, and we are still trying to connect them in some places. We still have private electrical line service providers. The state electricity is what we are trying to promote. In terms of industry, large urban areas, we must solve the need clean water […] the other day, in terms of religion, Minister of Religious Affairs and Cult HE Chay Borin has had many plans to develop temples. In short, everything is modern, even the temples are modern […]

Secondly, safety construction standards. The Real Estate Association should control the quality of construction […] another matter of concern is the old construction in Phnom Penh. On this issue, HE Say Samal has been talking to me for almost a year. He has an idea that something needs to be done […] most buildings in Phnom Penh do not have foundations, and now on Phsar Thmey Road, old buildings need to be inspected a little bit. Find a way to help solve it […] for safety in Phnom Penh. Please form a public-private partnership, like the one we have between public-private partnership and Japan, etc. […] the aesthetics and organization of new cities, especially those that are new, must prepare a master plan […] I always advise to think about zoning when planning a new city to determine where the commercial zone will be, where the residential zone will be […] in old town areas, it is now difficult to expand roads […] we are studying underground communication possibility, but it will take a long time. We have to solve (connectivity problem) on land, especially the bus system, prepare public transportation routes in the future […]./.

CMF: 21/11/2024

[1]

(1) Sawn Stone – the first fruitful solution

The sawn stone sector – is the first solution that I have provided in my term as Prime Minister. In September 2023, I remember going to an exhibition in Nanning (China) […] a sister, who has now confirmed that she is the daughter of Oknha Leng Rithy, approached and whispered to me, “Samdech, maybe you could do something to help us in the sawn stone business. It is facing challenges and closure. Some factories have been closing down.” I asked her why? She said, “There are many problems like the post-COVID-19, and all, but some of the challenges are related to taxes. Our rates are high, plus some other complications” […] upon my return, I formed a committee and assigned the task to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance – HE Aun Pornmoniroth, who appointed HE Keo Rattanak as the chairman of the committee mechanism to lead the urgent discussion. There was a strong negotiation over how to lower the tax rate […] I stepped in and offered my agreement to do it. Now, the momentum of the growth of the mining sector […] from September 2023 to September 2024, according to the ministry’s report, went from nearly crashing to growing four times this year, with increasing royalties too. It’s like taking money from the left pocket and putting it back in the right pocket […]

(2) Four factors that make the sawn stone sector successful

I am interested in four factors that make the sawn stone business successful. The first factor is that we had to dare to intervene […]; the second factor is that we have a clear, precise, and strict mechanism to monitor, implement, and help promote implementation […]; the third factor is that all officials must implement honestly and create no further burden on the sector. If we only remove customs rates, but if other relevant officials create a burden, it will still cause the business to fall […] The honest participation of officials in carrying out their duties creating an unnecessary burden helps the private sector on the sawn stone business […]; and the fourth factor is that the private sector itself must participate sincerely and harmoniously […] it must be honest with the state and pay taxes in full. The sawn stone sector has played this role […]

(3) Sawn stone sector is in fact one of the first prides

The sawn stone sector is in fact considered to be one of my prides. If one day, when I retire, I write a book about my experience (of leadership as Prime Minister), perhaps the sawn stone sector will be one of the sectors that I remember. In the meantime, I have also scored many more issues, where they are successes from monitoring mechanism, promoting implementation, working thoroughly and with flexibility, officials working together in honesty, not creating additional burdens, plus the private sector working together honestly […]; let us ensure that this mechanism work not for one year, and have problems next year. Should there be a problem, you can report it to me and I will take it as an urgent task immediately. If there is a problem related to the sawn stone sector, come to me […]

[2]

(4) Stop granting, cancel licenses and downsizing mining operations in the Prey Lang and Kampot conservation areas, and export no construction stone products

I have given the unified principle to be implemented since the establishment of the Royal Government. Firstly, stop granting new mining licenses in the Prey Lang conservation area […], whereas the areas that already have licenses should be reduced because they have been kept without actions for too long […]; a few days ago, I decided to cancel a limestone resource industry license in Kampot Province […] and will keep this site as a place for religious affairs, eco-tourism and cultural tourism […]; and we are pleased to continue the correct policy of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the former Prime Minister, who determined not to allow the export of construction stone products to save them for the future needs of our nation […]

[3]

(5) Conservation and development must go hand in hand

I gave a principle to (the Minister of Mines and Energy,) HE Keo Rattanak (on) construction minerals. When building a road, we need stones. But let us not quarry every mountain just for every road we need to build. Of course, quarrying mountains for stones reduces the cost of construction, but (we should also study) the cost of damaging those mountains too […] we may be willing to pay a little more, but rather concentrate the quarrying for stone in one place. Don’t scatter it everywhere […] let us study the areas where stones can be extracted, how much we may need for the road, what areas to serve, where to take what resources to serve, for example. This is where we need to promote sustainable development. Conservation and development must go hand in hand […]

[5]

(6) RCAF/Royal Cambodian Police strengthen explosives management for rock blasting with companies

Today, we have the presences of the Commander-in-Chiefs, the Commissioner-General of the National Police, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. The management of explosives, especially rock blasting, is the issue that need to be absolutely managed […] we must work with companies to be responsible for explosives/dynamite management. Otherwise, it is dangerous. (It is) our national security. The private companies must cooperate and manage this work – both on-site maintenance and transportation, with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Royal Cambodian Police. They will help inspect, monitor, and look at the storage areas at the companies […]

[7]

(7) Maritime boundaries to negotiate based on the spirit of protecting each other’s national interests

Now regarding issue of demanding and connecting technical and economic issues with politics from extremist groups in both the neighboring country and in Cambodia […] (let me remind that) during my official visit, I announced, with His Excellency the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, at a press conference that “we are discussing the matter.” This is not a new thing. We negotiated from 1995 to 2001 and issued an MOU and have continued to negotiate for economic benefits, and we have not given up the right to negotiate the border issues. Regarding borders, the (Cambodia-Thailand General) Border Committee works on it, and regarding the economy, we negotiate to share the benefits […] no one has ever demarcated the water boundary in that area, since the French era. Though they have demarcated the land boundary. We are trying to negotiate the boundary so that in the future the people of the two countries can live and know where Cambodia’s sovereignty is, where Thailand’s sovereignty is, and where people can open channels to increase their relations. Regarding maritime boundaries, we negotiate based on the spirit of protecting each other’s national interests […]

As far as the OCA (overlapping claim area) issue is concerned, it has nothing to do with losing territory. Politicians should not mix politics with technical issues. The border is resolved based on the law and border technology. When politics is brought up on Facebook, it becomes a different matter […] we are still negotiating. Until we sign an MOU or there is an agreement, then we know where the border will be. We can go see for ourselves where it is lost and where it is left. If we still do not have an agreement, and we are still negotiating, how can we complain? Who should we sue to, and what should we sue for? This morning, Samdech Techo said, “A wound that does not hurt, they take a stick to pick it” […]

The government also loves the country […] let us leave the people of both countries have the benefits of living together. There is no choice to move the countries away from each other. We only have to the choice of strengthening cooperation. This morning, I accept in principle for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, HE Sar Sokha, to negotiate opening the Stung Bot pass (with related Thai authroity) […] for (the trade flow) to continue (growing). That is what is called a cooperation. The two countries, the two people are together. The solution must be implemented according to the principle of non-violence, the principle of law, the principle of technology. Do not incite the people to hate the government, to oppose this country, go against that country, to incite people to fight each other […]

The maritime border has not yet been agreed upon, and we will continue to negotiate. Economic benefits that do not affect sovereignty, if possible, we will do it for the benefit of both our people […] some groups of people want to coo up a story, especially a nationalist one. This border issue is always used to inspire the people. During the water festival, they came out and talked about it again and again in order to gather and mobilize people to protest. As I said, the people did not listen to that. The people come to celebrate the water festival, and not to protest. The people need festive activities […]

Mr. Um Sam An (I did not reveal his name this morning) was a troublemaker […] in 2016, he was imprisoned for forging documents that said a treaty had been signed by Samdech Heng Samrin to dissolve the border between the two countries – Cambodia and Vietnam. In fact, there was no such document. They created fake documents and posted it in social media. He must be punished. In 2018, he asked to be released by writing (a letter of apology) to Samdech Techo […] now he is doing it again […] the DCM (Deputy Chief of Mission) of the US embassy did not come, did he? He (Um Sam An) accused me of corruption when I was admitted to the West Point. He said he was the one to take the exam but I was the one to be selected. May I remind him that this was a matter of American procedure, and he should be careful not to curse the Americans […]

As for his boss, he sits around and only mentions about the Bangladesh successful formula. I don’t care which country they are talking about, but they should monitor the situation […] he liked to create a movement abroad and did not recognize the elections […] now there is a desire to create another government in exile abroad. Is this legal in a democratic country? Whatever he and his people do, I am begging that they don’t come and incite action like what they did on August 18 – organized a violent uprising against the government. Please don’t use all this to incite the people to misunderstand the situation and push (for demonstrations) to burn down the country […]

What I am saying is to ensure harmony based on real information. Please do not promote fake news, incitement, and especially illegal activities like on August 18. Cambodia has been through 500 years of war […] and trying to bring politics into things like the OCA negotiations, border issues, etc., is dangerous. I appeal to the people to have a clear position, to understand clearly the reasons, and the government’s efforts to protect national interests. Whether the OCA negotiations are for economic benefits, protecting the territorial integrity of our waters and land, or promoting cooperation, developing the country, and good cooperation with friends – these are the good point of the government […]

[9]

(8) Oil refining location consideration so as not to affect the environment and other potentials

If there is a petroleum refining operation in our country, it is good, but you must consider the location clearly, where to keep it for petroleum, petrol chemical, etc. Think about it. Don’t put it everywhere. Locate it near to the port, or near something else, etc. Otherwise, this or that person will ask to put it here and there and if we do it for a long time, after 20 years, all the places will be chemical sites, petroleum sites, what else will be left […] [lease evaluate for me what are the benefits and disadvantages of placing one there. How are we going to readjust it? […]

Now I am giving no more beer licenses. We already have seven of them. If it is produced for export abroad, I would consider, but if they do it for local market, I will not give them anymore […] we have to advise interested parties not to do that, it won’t work. We must dare to make them understand that our market is limited […] I advise thinking about car assembly factories. Now there are many. With this size of market, how many car assembly factories are needed? If we give licenses too many, those who already have them may not grow […] we have to make sure those who have (licensees) grow […]

I hope that this promotion (of oil refining plants) can be done. Promoting the production of more raw materials, not only in the energy sector, but in other industrial sectors, that I have recommended, needed to do more. Cambodia is not a place where all finished products are consumed, but we can have the ability to process raw materials […]

[9] 23 clean energy development projects with a total capacity of 5,950 megawatts approved

The Royal Government has approved 23 energy development projects with a total capacity of 5,950 megawatts […] currently, (we have) 62% of our energy from clean sources […] and will increase to 70% by 2030 […] standing 2nd in ASEAN […] in these 23 projects, we have solar, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, and energy storage projects […] for each project, we have negotiated the price (of energy production) to as low as possible. Even some world institutions say that it was not possible. For example, 3.8 cents for solar. In developed countries, it costs 6 cents. Unless the investment company agrees to produce and sell to EDC for 3.6 cents (they would not receive approval.) we negotiated for such a price so that EDC can distribute it further at a low price to the people […]

[13]

(10) Energy-efficient technology and citizen consumption pattern help reduce energy consumption

Let us study new (energy-efficient) technologies to reduce costs […] private sector participation can import products and technologies that use less energy, plus citizen consumption (pattern). This is not just the government’s job. In order to reduce energy costs, citizens have to exercise thrifts to save money […] we work together to reduce consumption and energy, because if we reduce our use, and leave the rest for others, the total cost can be deducted […]

[14]

(11) Draw more benefits from green energy sources

The Ministry of Environment reported to me the other day that we have this REDD+ project (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries), and we sell and make about USD 6 million just in the three areas of the environment protection in Keo Seima, Pursat in the south and Phnom Kravanh, and in Prey Lang. We are studying 12 more places. All this money can be poured into the community […] I ask the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the relevant ministries, to help put a telescope to look for more places. Sometimes they are there, but we don’t know yet […] we play the role of a member country of the world that is proactive. Let us draw benefits back, especially from our participation in the dedication to protect the environment. In this, I see that the Ministry of Environment is doing a good job […] I hope that the Ministry of Mines and Energy is involved. That has to do with finance, the Green Finance thing […]

[16]

(12) EV is no longer the future but the present

I have issued a policy that “hands over the installation of the power charging station to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will look into matter of vehicle technical inspection […] the EV related policy is led by the Ministry of Mines and Energy […] I urge that both ministries and the relevant committees and institutions continue to move forward because EV is no longer the future. EV is now the present […] EV are coming in. They are being used in the city, and there must be a place to control them. There are policies that have been issued to control technical standards, which is important, in addition to the code. We are working on this. These points related to the energy sector are principles for the ministry to continue to lead its own prioritized sectors[…]./.