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: 29/12/2024

[1]

It was due to the absence of peace that even the membership in the Olympics, which Cambodia has been one of its members of since 1956, was suspended between in between 1970s and 1994 […] please allow me to share with you the impressions of HE Sao Sokha, (Deputy Commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and National Military Police Commander), with his permission, that he spoke to me last week. Let us take a moment to give time for the heavy-weight footballers to warm up. As the president of the Football Federation of Cambodia, HE Sao Sokha met and shared with me (his thoughts) that I am sharing with the young people sitting here today, as well as those watching this wonderful football match at home.

HE Sao Sokha reminded me that the youth of today are lucky. He said that when he was watching a football match at the National Olympic Stadium, where thousands of people present, sometimes he pulled out his phone and (watch the news) seeing that at the same time, in other countries where there were wars, young people in those countries were scary and in some places were being killed, or suffering misery and/or breaking up families. Putting his phone down and turned around, he saw the Cambodians (are) happy (watching the match) and at peace. This is why he said this generation of youth is lucky.

At this very moment, young people in some countries like Ukraine, countries in the Middle East, and countries elsewhere that are at war, people and/or youth don’t have the opportunity to sit and applaud giving supports to the players like we are doing now. Right now, and right here, the Cambodians are having fun. Soon, we will cheer and be happy to support our footballers without fear of a war. This is the fortune of the succeeding Cambodian generations.

Another memory that HE Sao Sokha brought up was that in 1975, (when the Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh from the Lon Nol’s Khmer Republic,) he also sat at the National Olympic Stadium, but at that time he did not sit and watch the football match. He watched the gathering of the crowd before being evacuating to the provinces. In some places, people were even killed. That is why he said that the Cambodians today are lucky.

Today, we sit in the Morodok Techo Stadium, where there was nothing before. That we can sit and cheer today is in fact the fruit of peace. In a little while, let’s cheer with all our hearts to encourage our footballers without fear that after this, we would lose peace. This is what we say the Cambodians are fortunate.

However, that the Cambodians have been this fortunate is not happening by chance. The fortune that HE Sao Sokha is talking about now is born of the sacrifices of the flesh and blood, the efforts of the previous generation of youth and our leaders. It is because of those sacrifices that the next generation of youth is fortunate to sit and cheer, and support the football match today.

Let’s continue to maintain peace together so that our future generations can continue to be fortunate. The players have warmed up enough to prepare for today’s friendly match, though.

[2]

Today we have two matches. One of the matches is between the Kun Khmer football team and the Cambodian Stars football team, Group B, which has just finished and drew one-one. Congratulations. We are now going into the second match between one side is the Cambodian Stars football team, Group A, and the UYFC football team, whom I said a heavyweight football team. By heavyweight, I don’t mean the position but their footballers who are over 80 kilograms. This is the first time I’ve seen a list of honorable players, not reserve players.

Just now I had met and shaken hands with the footballers of the Cambodian Stars team (and reminded them) to fight as equal. The same is true for the referees. They must be equal. Today, we will all win (because we have lived) in the shadow of peace (that is achieved by) the win-win politics. We celebrate Peace Day by playing (football) in the spirit of friendship and love as the Cambodians.

I wish you all the best and would declare the friendly football match to celebrate Peace Day in Cambodia opening from now on. 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

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(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 […]

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(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: 21/12/2024

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(1) Under Pol Pot, every land titles completely erased

It is a new page that we have completed the survey and registration for the people of Kampong Cham province. If we look at our land history from the beginning, we can say that (this achievement) is historic. Previously, we had never come down to survey (land) systematically throughout the province and register land like this. Before the war, we had some ownerships. The systematic surveying throughout the country […] aimed at reaching a proper management (and this is done) for the first time […] under the Pol Pot era, every land titles registered was completely erased. When people returned (from the evacuation by the regime back to the city, there were no) ownerships. I have come to declare mines-and-UXOs free provinces in about 15 provinces across the country, by which we are reducing the risk of death and turning war sites into places where production and economic activity can take place […]

(2) Development and progress are to distribute benefits to the maximum number of people

That Kampong Cham has been declared the first province to complete this systematic land survey, leading to the provision and guarantee of long-term ownership of the people, is a historical achievement, a result of peace […] the survey, preparation of land registration and the distribution of ownership titles to citizens in Kampong Cham province will be carried out nationwide in the near future, a new era of promoting national development and providing benefits to the people. Development and progress are not just accumulating benefits only, but distributing the benefits throughout the country to the maximum number of people […] I thank our people of Stung Trang, Khuthach, and Kampong Cham provinces, for the trust and confidence in the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party, especially the leadership of Samdech Techo […] in gratitude to the people everywhere, the new legislative term Royal Government is determined to continue to strive to serve and provide more benefits to the people everywhere […]

(3) The 1979 economy was organized as a collective system, with no private ownership

From 1979, the Pol Pots abolished all land ownership. People had to evacuate the city. Upon their return (thanks to the liberation of January 7), in some places, no one returned because the owners were killed by the Pol Pots […] ownership changed. In the first phase, we did not have private ownership. From 1979, the socio-economic situation was difficult, as people lost their entire or part of family members […] we had organized the solidarity production group […] we also had to prevent the return of the Khmer Rouge at the same time […] the economy at that time was organized as a collective system, with no private ownership. However, the subsistence system was implemented, like in Takeo province […] it was until 1989, at the initiative of Samdech Techo, that we carried out economic reforms from a planned economy to a market economy. At that time, we started providing private ownership of land to the people […]

(4) transforming Cambodia as a land that make future generation citizens even better

We have been doing this for almost 40 years […] in 1989, we did not have territorial unity yet. Many places were still fighting […] peace, not only does it allow us to stop shooting each other, but it also allows us to organize the measurement, hand over land to the people, and they can go and create economic activities for their livelihood […] the new Royal Government continues the policies of the previous Royal Government, led by the Cambodian People’s Party […] in transforming the land of Cambodia, which for 500 years had been a land of tragedy, of suffering at times, a land that was divided, a land full of landmines, a land where Khmer used to shoot and kill each other, into a land of harmony, a land where the people can produce crops, a land that can make future generation citizens better than the current generation […]

(5) for land to be beneficial, one needs a clear ownership and land-conflict free

The commitment in the land management sector is to try to complete the measurement, give people proper ownership, make the land more valuable, and people have more opportunities to make use of the land […] up until now, for this land to be beneficial, one important factor is clear ownership […] the second is to end the land conflict […] prepare a socio-economic development plan, and make a master development plan in the province and district is also easy because we know and have clear land data […] we strive to complete the measurement and registration of land parcels by 2025 so that we can complete the distribution of land ownership titles to citizens by 2027, which is almost 40 years, the anniversary of the start of land concessions […] we follow the right method.

(6) Led by the Cambodian People’s Party, the RGC is not a Facebook government

We do not solve it on Facebook. We do not solve it by shouting. We solve it by real mechanisms, real teams, real budgets, policies in place, real technology […] some are preparing to form a government on Facebook. The government led by the Cambodian People’s Party is not a Facebook government. We are doing the real thing on the ground for the people […] some have been the prime minister on Facebook since 2013, competing with Samdech Techo […] the Cambodian People’s Party doesn’t have time to talk on Facebook. In the past 16 months, the government has sent about 5,000 officials (to do this land survey and registration) […] we have increased the budget for the job too. In some places, owners of land parcels are working on weekday, so the surveying staffs have to go at night, on Saturdays and/or Sundays […]

(7) Land provision to landless people and families of veterans in 1991/92; 1998; 2012; 2003 and providing land for forest protection will be in early 2025

Some people have land but the situation has changed that they have lost them. In 1991/1992, people who used to live in camps on the Thai-Cambodian border, when the country reunified, they had to return. They had no land in the country. The government gave them social land concessions […] in 1998, we stopped fighting. we prepared to distribute land in the former Khmer Rouge area to the families of the former Khmer Rouge […] we divided the area and gave it to the landless. In 2012, Samdech Techo launched the Order-01 campaign sending young volunteers to measure the land and give it to the people […] we have again another social land concession program.

In the same year, we suspended the issuance of economic land concessions, withdrawing many economic land concessions that did not comply with the conditions, and giving the confiscated land to the provinces to manage as social land concessions for people who lack land […] we have had a land concession program since 2003 for almost 20 years, donating state land through social land concessions to veterans, military families, border police, and poor people […] and by early 2025, we will put forward a program to add to the existing mechanism […] namely, “providing land for forest protection and for sustainable development” […]

(8) With need of land, people should come through the official mechanism

The state has a duty to protect common land. State land is common land. We give it to people who really have not got land. We give them land […] the state mechanism that we have prepared is not just giving land, but also preparing infrastructure, opportunities and creating activities from scratch, according to the possibilities that can be done. We do not throw people away […] I would ask the people to come together, and do not follow the mastermind behind illegal land grabbing […] otherwise, we will not be able to end the land conflict. We have registered it, the mechanism is there, but this/that person knows how to run around and grab this/that place, use social reasons to create endless conflict. People with need of land, please come through the official mechanism, the Land Management Department, through the provinces, to the Ministry of Land, so that they can help resolve it […] the middlemen who drag the people in this illegal mess, take the people’s money and motivate the people to fight with the authorities, may have to withdraw, and do not do this again, if they love and pity the people […]

(9) To complete measurement, registration and issuance of land parcels in all 25 provinces/capitals

Please join us in eliminating land disputes that arise from land ownership uncertainty. One uncertainty is land acquisition through illegal, unofficial mechanisms or through other people’s propaganda […] without the participation of the people, we will not succeed. I would like to clarify to the people that the government is not inhumane or does not consider the interests of the people, but on the contrary, we must provide land to the people in a win-win method […] please join us in implementing this, process the request for land with the Royal Government and the sub-national levels so that we can have peace in land management for hundreds of years to come. Do not be fooled by the propaganda of those who collect land for other purposes […] we will continue to make land accession possible for the people across the country. Hopefully, in this legislative term, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, and their officials, (on behalf of the Royal Government) will be able to complete measurement, registration of land parcels, and declare their job-done in all 25 provinces/capitals […]

(10) RGC has no time to react on Facebook but to do the real job to protect what is left legally

There are people who pretend to be the government on Facebook, and/or experts on Facebook. They would pick out some land disputes and accuse the government of not thinking about the people, but harming the people, chasing and robbing the people’s land. Let ask, that the people came to receive tens of thousands of land certificates, are they being robbed or harmed? Or people are happy with the provision of land certificates? If the state is to rob the land from them, what good does it do to distribute the land parcels to them? […] they make noise about CLV-DTA on the eastern border. Now they go quiet. They throw it away and chase (another argument) on the western border […] the government has no time to react on Facebook. We do the real job […] we protect what is left legally […] every day, they go around causing trouble so that the people get angry and confused about the government. The government does not play their games though […] it is busy measuring, registering, closing the list, issuing titles and distributing them for the people. We are busy with that […]

(11) Protect the territory, sovereignty, and true independence of Cambodia

We love (Cambodia and its sovereignty) not only on Facebook, but we do it for real, protect the territory, sovereignty, and true independence of Cambodia, promote and strengthen it on the international stage […] the Royal government officials are busy working according to their expertise […]; the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction staff are measuring land, resolving disputes, and preparing data systems. Agriculture is solving agricultural problems, ensuring good prices for agricultural products, and trade is opening markets to send goods abroad. Public transportation is working hard to build roads and ports, and health is working hard to strengthen health centers, making good medicines, and strengthening the code of ethics of doctors […] it is not that we do not listen what is disseminated through the information system, but we do things according to a real research, look into people’s real complaints and help resolve immediately […] this is real business – fulfilling the duty to serve the people […]

(12) CPP is not perfect but it liberated people from Pol Pot, ended the war, fought COVID-19, solved food and road shortages

The people recognize that the Cambodian People’s Party is not perfect, but it is a mature party that the people can rely on at all times, especially in difficult times. Liberating them from the Pol Pot era, ending the war, fighting COVID-19, solving food shortages, and solving road shortages. The Cambodian People’s Party strives to implement real policies to serve the people […] we still have many shortcomings, but we are determined to improve them, and serve the people more. The millions of people who voted in 2023, of which six million voted for the Cambodian People’s Party […] especially the people of Stoeung Trang, know and are proud that the 500 years of war and the division of the country were ended by the policies initiated by the son of Stoeung Trang – Samdech Techo […] another thing that I am seeking your cooperation is not to join in any calls that lead to burning the country, districts, villages, and causing division again. That’s all […] in the past, if the opposition disagreed on something, they blamed those in power to be led by the Vietnamese. Now, if someone talk about supporting the government, they say that someone is a traitor […] and selling his/her head […]

[13] Land titles – a historical asset and passable to children; the flower of peace and win-win policy

(The government working group in every capital and province to distribute land titles to citizens in the localities they are responsible for) as a nationwide mechanism. We distribute millions of land titles nationwide […] this is an important asset, a historical asset in both legal and mechanism aspects, which Cambodia has never had throughout the country […] secondly, citizens receive land titles that they can pass down to their children. At first, there were no land titles in their hands […] there is nothing wrong with the working group joining in to celebrate with the people broadly […] if you add noodles and dance together to receive new land titles, it would be even better […]

Political leaders abroad have been shouting for flowers bloom to make a revolution, like in the Middle East, the Color Revolution […] for Cambodia inside the country, however, our word for flowers bloom is the flower of peace, the flower of a win-win policy, the flower of national development. We have completed the land survey, starting with Kampong Cham province as the first, and continue to distribute land titles to 25 capitals and provinces. This is a flower to give smiles to citizens, to love each other, to unite and take care of the fruits we have, not the flower of an angry movement, a rebellion against the government […]

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(14) Water and land connectivity with bridges are in the pipelines

In the time to come, when the Funan Techo Canal is ready, it will connect to the area along the Mekong River, to bless the potential to connect to the sea through water transportation. As for land transportation, we will continue (to do more). Now, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport are turning non-existent or small roads into main roads, increasing the level of main road connectivity. In addition, we must work hard to add new roads to make it easier to travel from one place to another […] in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces, we are building more connector road […] we are building a series of bridges […] from Kampong Chhnang to Kampong Thom […] and soon, there will be a bridge across the Tonle Sap River […] we are transforming from a bullock cart road into a footpath, into a main red gravel road (to a concrete road) […]

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(15) The key is people earn more income by creating various economic activities

The key factor is not to make the land grow. Land cannot grow. For each family, the population grows, but the land does not […] this is how much land there is. We need to make people earn more income by creating various economic activities […] we have delivered more industries to Kampong Cham province, in Cheung Prey district, for instance […] but above this, when the bridge (of Stoeugn Trang and Kroch Tchmar) is connected, we have been able to create other (economic) areas, making more income for the people by transforming opportunities that are completely based on agriculture into diversification, with other options, for instance jobs in the service sector such as banks, factories, in agro-industrial processing companies, with higher salaries, more benefits […]./.

CMF: 17/12/2024

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(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

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(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) […]

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(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 […]

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(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

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
National and International Guests,
Welcome!

Today, I have a great pleasure to participate (in the 11th Sea Festival in Kampot province). Even the deities are happy with us (as they are blessing us) with rain water. These two years, we have been choosing the event date falling on the rainy days. Last year in Kep, (it was also raining) on the opening day – December 3. Today, in Kampot province, (it is raining again). The rain, however, cannot stop what we do. A little adjustment, but it is cool for us all. Today, though he did not come, did not come, (the Minister of Water Resource and Meteorology) HE Tho Jetha predicted the weather for today correctly. Last year, he was wrong. This year, he predicted correctly […] congratulations to HE Tho Jetha.

(1) Deep-water port and international tourist port are new potentials of Kampot province

I will be brief because (the governor of Kompot) HE Mao Thunin and (the Minister of Tourism – His Excellency) Huot Hak have already spoken a lot in the speeches. Firstly, about the potential of the province. I would like to congratulate the Kampot provincial administration and authorities at all levels for the achievements made, especially in the past year. Recently, we inaugurated two major achievements related to the tourism sector. The first is the Kampot Multipurpose Port on June 6, which is a deep-water port that can help promote the industrial and tourism sectors. Yesterday, there was this soft opening of the international tourist port, which was a joint effort with the Asian Development Bank under the presidency (of the Minister of Transports and Public Works) His Excellency Peng Purnea, and the ADB (representative).

(2) The new port will boost Kampot’s connectivity with other provinces by water and countries

I remember that a year ago, before the inauguration of the Kampot deep-water port, some people took to social media to express their doubts and thoughts that the port we built with ADB was a waste of money and could not function. In fact, it is not like that. We have conducted a clear study. The building of this new port will further boost Kampot’s connectivity with other provinces by water and with countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and other countries that can enter (through) this port. Yesterday, we had the first tourists coming from Thailand, who entered Kampot directly through the port. I would like to thank and congratulate Kampot province for this potential.

(3) Focus on connecting and promoting culture, art and tourism

Secondly, I would like to congratulate and express my gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, the Organizing Committee of the Sea Festival, relevant ministries and institutions, and the Kampot Provincial Administration for their cooperation in organizing the event. I thank the foreign friends, embassies, and countries for setting up booths and sending dance groups to participate. This clearly shows the spirit of “tourism for all, all for tourism”. We connect people through tourism, which is an important part of connecting people in one province with people in other provinces, and connecting people in one country with people in other countries. Culture, art and tourism are important tasks that Cambodia pays attention to this connectivity […] so, organizing this evening event with participation from both at home and abroad is an important task.

(4) The Sea Festival event brings joy and confirms that everywhere is safe and peaceful in Cambodia

I would like to thank you again for the successful organization (of this event). I thank everyone involved, especially those from Kampot Province, who participated in the organization (of this event) in a very positive way. HE Huot Hak has affirmed that besides this dance show, we have prepared many accompanying programs […] this is an event that is both fun and attractive, and more importantly, confirms that everywhere in Cambodia is safe and peaceful. Cambodians and foreigners can come and visit anywhere and at any time, whether it is dry or rainy […] this is what shows the world the fruits of peace that Cambodia has gained from the end (of the war), in which the people reap the fruits of peace, preparing them to serve the people at home and abroad, in all fields […]

Let me thank the Cambodian and foreign artists who participated in this evening’s program. That’s all I have to say. I’d rather leave you time to dance. As HE Mao Thunin and HE Huot Hak have made their reports in detail, they saved me from having to talk much. However, actions have more impacts and meaning than words. I talked less, HE Huot Hak and HE Mao Thunin talked a few things, but what is important is the entertainment programs that are going to be showing today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow. I hope that many of our people will visit Kampot province this Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the Sea Festival. Finally, I would like to thank you and wish all of you happiness, prosperity, and the five blessings of longevity, family, happiness, strength, and wisdom, and may you never be separated from each other. Thank you./.

CMF: 13/12/2024

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(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 […]

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(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 […]

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(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 […]

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(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 […]

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(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) […]./.