Gavroche has selected for you some notable news in Cambodia during the past week. An essential overview of the news for anyone interested in this South-East Asian country.
France
The results of the European elections in Cambodia on June 9 show that of the 3,239 registered, 655 people voted, of which 645 votes cast were counted, representing 20% of those registered. Marion Maréchal obtained 68 votes, Manon Aubry 81 votes, Jordan Bardella 62 votes, Marie Toussaint 72 votes, Valérie Hayer 116 votes and François-Xavier Bellamy 42 votes.
The leader of the Cambodian opposition in exile published an article demanding that the next French government, resulting from the legislative elections of June 30 and July 7, stop receiving Cambodian leaders in Paris.
Politics and Diplomacy
Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul touted investment opportunities in Cambodia during a business event in Siem Reap. She highlighted political stability, sound macroeconomic policies and public-private dialogue as keys to the country’s economic growth, which has experienced an annual average of 7% for more than 20 years.
The 20th ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Summit was held on June 7 in Siem Reap, under the theme “Application of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Future” . Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet insisted on the need for “human-centered” STI development.
Hun Manet also announced the official launch of the Funan Techo canal project, scheduled for August 5. He denied rumors that the government was resorting to foreign loans to finance this megaproject, specifying that foreign investments only represent 49% of the capital, the rest being financed locally.
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won a majority of seats in capital, provincial, city and district council elections. Of the 559 seats available, the CPP won 504 seats, the Khmer Will Party (KWP) won 47, and the National Power Party (NPP) won eight.
Economy
Economic analysts and the World Bank predict sustained growth for Cambodia in 2024, driven by the tourism and textile sectors. Trade figures for the first five months of 2024 show an increase of 12% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching USD 21.6 billion. However, Cambodia’s trade deficit increased by 13.6%, with imports of USD 11.4 billion compared to USD 10.2 billion of exports.
The Funan Techo Canal project, 140 km long and 80 to 100 m wide, aims to ensure Cambodia’s economic autonomy by connecting the Mekong to the sea via four provinces and creating a new deep-water port in Kampot. This project is expected to be completed by 2030 and represents an investment of approximately USD 9 billion.
Company
A tragedy occurred on June 8, 2024 in Cambodia, when a ferry carrying schoolchildren capsized, causing the death of a 13-year-old girl. The governor of Kampong Thom province offered his condolences to the bereaved family.
Cambodia conducted an inaugural test of the Kiha-183 trains on June 8, 2024. These second-hand diesel trains, purchased from Japan, were tested on the line linking Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh. They are intended for the future Phnom Penh-Poipet high-speed line.
Cambodian police are searching for a group of foreign men suspected of being involved in a June 8 shooting outside a KTV in Phnom Penh. An investigation is underway to find the suspects and bring them to justice.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued strict guidelines for artistic troupes participating in Khmer weddings, to stamp out immoral behavior seen during some ceremonies. An awareness and supervision program will be put in place, with legal sanctions in the event of repeat offenses.
Tourism and Culture
Cambodia and China have launched a joint cultural series, “Visiting Yunnan and Angkor”, aimed at promoting cultural tourism between the two countries. In 2023, Cambodia welcomed more than 550,000 Chinese tourists.
APSARA is preparing for the rainy season by renovating the main water valves at the Angkor site to avoid flooding. The restoration of the Naga balustrade on the ground floor of the east side of Angkor Wat was completed in late 2023.
Construction of the new Techo International Airport (KTI) in Cambodia is progressing well, with the first phase at 75.8% completion. The airport, which will replace Phnom Penh International Airport, is expected to be operational in the first half of 2025.
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