When the clock strikes midnight on NewYear’s Eve, China and 10 Southeast Asian nations will usher in the world’s third-largest free trade area. While many industries are eager for tariffs to fall on everything from textiles and rubber to vegetable oils and steel, a few are nervously waiting to see whether the agreement will mean boom or bust for their businesses.
Exporters nervously await Asian free trade zone
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sam Rainsy’s Letter to the Editor published in The Cambodia Daily, December 28, 2009
Mr. Sam Rainsy raised Mrs. Meas Srey in defiance during the uprooting of the border poles on 25th October 2009. She was latter arrested and is currently in prison.Sam Rainsy’s Letter to the Editor published in The Cambodia Daily, December 28, 2009
FARMERS BEING HELD “HOSTAGE” OVER VIETNAM BORDER CASE
At best scapegoats
PM Abhisit: Hun Sen accusation on planned Cambodia coup won't affect relations between peoples
BANGKOK, Dec 27 (TNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday accusation by his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen over an alleged plan to stage a coup in Cambodia-- which he denied earlier-- would not disrupt relations between the peoples of the two neighbouring countries.
Cambodia holds Khmer traditional measurement exhibition
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Reyum Institute has documented more than 130 Khmer traditional measurements and will run a show-casing of the documentation for the public in Phnom Penh from Dec. 28, 2009 to Feb. 2010, official news agency AKP reported on Monday.
According to Research Manager of Reyum Institute Preap Chanmara, Cambodia has long been using a wide variety of measurements for length, height, weight, depth, size, substance and time. Some measurements have been standardized with human body, things, like coconut fruit and tree, and others have been adapted from French measurements; for instance, meter, kilometer, etc.
Chanmara said that sources of the documented measurements include interview with people, written documents, and observation of people's daily interaction.
Different locations may use and understand different measurements. Some locations may use the same measurements for different meanings.
Vietnam and Cambodia reach US$6 billion business deals
 |
 Vietnam and Cambodia signed investment agreements and contracts worth US$6 billion at a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 26 to promote Vietnamese investment in Cambodia. Under the documents, Vietnam will invest in power generation, food processing, fertiliser production, rubber plantation and bauxite mining in Cambodia. Two-way trade between the two countries has increased significantly in recent years, reaching US$1.7 billion in 2008, up 40% against 2007. Vietnamese businesses have invested in over 60 projects in Cambodia with a total capital of nearly US$900 million. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen, co-chairmen of the conference, welcomed a joint initiative to host the conference as a practical move to promote bilateral co-operation in investment and trade. |
New road shortens travel time between Bangkok, Angkor
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday inaugurated a new 150 kilometer road running from Siem Reap to Poipet, on the border with Thailand.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has funded the rehabilitation of National Roads 5 and 6, the central component of a larger 50 million U.S. dollars road improvement project for Cambodia's northwest.
Vietnam visa waivers to last longer in 2010
A deal allowing Cambodian and Vietnamese citizens to cross the border between the two countries without a visa will be extended from January 1 to allow visits of up to 30 days, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Businesses to invest billions of dollars in Cambodia
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Mr Dung pointed out Vietnamese and Cambodian advantages and said they can support each other in development. Cambodia has a high demand for cooperation in farm produce processing (rubber, sugarcane and wood), power generation, mineral exploration, exploitation and processing, aviation, finance, insurance, banking, telecommunications, oil & gas, fertilizer production and clean energy. Meanwhile, Vietnam has about 460,000 businesses, many of whom are strong in terms of technology, market development, finance, qualitative human resources and experience.
 |
Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses have signed investment agreements and contracts worth US$6 billion to invest in power generation, food processing, fertilizer production, rubber plantation and health care in Cambodia.
The deals were signed at a conference held in HCM City on December 26 to promote Vietnamese investment in Cambodia. The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen, and co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Cambodian Development Council (CDC).
It was reported at the conference that both countries have signed more than 60 documents for bilateral cooperation in almost all areas, and established appropriate mechanisms to facilitate cooperation.
Two-way trade has increased significantly in recent years, reaching US$1.7 billion in 2008, up 40 percent against 2007.
Vietnamese businesses have invested in over 60 projects in Cambodia with a total capitalisation of nearly US$900 million, making Vietnam among the top three foreign investors in Cambodia. Most invested projects have been operating efficiently, especially in forestry, agriculture, mining, telecommunications, banking and insurance.
However, the two countries have not fully tapped their great potential for expanding investment and trade cooperation. A number of Vietnamese businesses have not developed plans to increase operations in this market.
PM Dung and PM Hun Sen welcomed a joint initiative to host the conference as a practical move to promote bilateral cooperation in investment and trade.
PM Hun Sen said Cambodia is calling for foreign investment in its strong areas such as agro-forestry, industry, infrastructure construction, product processing for export, mining and tourism.
He said the royal government has offered incentives to attract Vietnamese investors, and signed agreements on trade, tourism, energy and maritime transport with Vietnam. It has also licensed a number of Vietnamese businesses to invest in fertilizer production, banking-financial services, bauxite exploration and exploitation, and farm produce processing.
The Royal government of Cambodia will create a favourable investment environment for Vietnamese businesses to operate in the country, PM Hun Sen assured Mr Dung and representatives of 600 businesses attending the event.
For his part, PM Dung hailed the efficiency of Vietnamese-invested projects in Cambodia, but said the results have not yet matched the potential of both countries and not lived up to their people’s expectations.
He recalled high-level talks and meetings between the two countries’ top leaders who had agreed to take additional measures to broaden cooperative ties. They vowed to raise two-way trade to US$2 billion in 2010 and increase Vietnamese investment in Cambodia to US$6 billion in the coming years.
He said the strong political and diplomatic ties and the long-standing friendship between the two countries will lay a firm foundation for boosting cooperation in other areas.
During December 2009 visit to Cambodia by Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, Vietnam and Cambodia signed additional agreements on cooperation in power generation, industry, mining and maritime transport
 |
| Representatives of Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses attending the conference |
Mr Dung pointed out Vietnamese and Cambodian advantages and said they can support each other in development. Cambodia has a high demand for cooperation in farm produce processing (rubber, sugarcane and wood), power generation, mineral exploration, exploitation and processing, aviation, finance, insurance, banking, telecommunications, oil & gas, fertilizer production and clean energy. Meanwhile, Vietnam has about 460,000 businesses, many of whom are strong in terms of technology, market development, finance, qualitative human resources and experience.
He proposed that both sides finalise a legal framework to facilitate investment and trade development. He suggested examining and amending the signed agreements, including one on investment protection and promotion, and conducting negotiations and signing new agreements on double tax avoidance, labour cooperation and legal aid.
The Vietnamese government creates favourable conditions for its businesses to operate in Cambodia, Mr Dung said.
He reminded the businesses to explore and abide by Cambodia’s legal system and its customs.
At the event, MPI and CDC signed a memorandum of understanding on investment promotion. The Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade and the Cambodian Minister of Industry, Mining and Energy signed the minutes of their meeting regarding Bauxite exploration and exploitation in Mondulkiri province.
The Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) signed a deal to provide financial services to Vietnamese businesses investing in Cambodia.
The two PMs also granted a decision to establish an association of Vietnamese investors in Cambodia, and investment licenses to a number of Vietnamese businesses.
Businesses to invest billions of dollars in Cambodia
| |
Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses have signed investment agreements and contracts worth US$6 billion to invest in power generation, food processing, fertilizer production, rubber plantation and health care in Cambodia.
The deals were signed at a conference held in HCM City on December 26 to promote Vietnamese investment in Cambodia. The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen, and co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Cambodian Development Council (CDC).
It was reported at the conference that both countries have signed more than 60 documents for bilateral cooperation in almost all areas, and established appropriate mechanisms to facilitate cooperation.
Two-way trade has increased significantly in recent years, reaching US$1.7 billion in 2008, up 40 percent against 2007.
Vietnamese businesses have invested in over 60 projects in Cambodia with a total capitalisation of nearly US$900 million, making Vietnam among the top three foreign investors in Cambodia. Most invested projects have been operating efficiently, especially in forestry, agriculture, mining, telecommunications, banking and insurance.
However, the two countries have not fully tapped their great potential for expanding investment and trade cooperation. A number of Vietnamese businesses have not developed plans to increase operations in this market.
PM Dung and PM Hun Sen welcomed a joint initiative to host the conference as a practical move to promote bilateral cooperation in investment and trade.
PM Hun Sen said Cambodia is calling for foreign investment in its strong areas such as agro-forestry, industry, infrastructure construction, product processing for export, mining and tourism.
He said the royal government has offered incentives to attract Vietnamese investors, and signed agreements on trade, tourism, energy and maritime transport with Vietnam. It has also licensed a number of Vietnamese businesses to invest in fertilizer production, banking-financial services, bauxite exploration and exploitation, and farm produce processing.
The Royal government of Cambodia will create a favourable investment environment for Vietnamese businesses to operate in the country, PM Hun Sen assured Mr Dung and representatives of 600 businesses attending the event.
For his part, PM Dung hailed the efficiency of Vietnamese-invested projects in Cambodia, but said the results have not yet matched the potential of both countries and not lived up to their people’s expectations.
He recalled high-level talks and meetings between the two countries’ top leaders who had agreed to take additional measures to broaden cooperative ties. They vowed to raise two-way trade to US$2 billion in 2010 and increase Vietnamese investment in Cambodia to US$6 billion in the coming years.
He said the strong political and diplomatic ties and the long-standing friendship between the two countries will lay a firm foundation for boosting cooperation in other areas.
During December 2009 visit to Cambodia by Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, Vietnam and Cambodia signed additional agreements on cooperation in power generation, industry, mining and maritime transport
|
| Representatives of Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses attending the conference |
Mr Dung pointed out Vietnamese and Cambodian advantages and said they can support each other in development. Cambodia has a high demand for cooperation in farm produce processing (rubber, sugarcane and wood), power generation, mineral exploration, exploitation and processing, aviation, finance, insurance, banking, telecommunications, oil & gas, fertilizer production and clean energy. Meanwhile, Vietnam has about 460,000 businesses, many of whom are strong in terms of technology, market development, finance, qualitative human resources and experience.
He proposed that both sides finalise a legal framework to facilitate investment and trade development. He suggested examining and amending the signed agreements, including one on investment protection and promotion, and conducting negotiations and signing new agreements on double tax avoidance, labour cooperation and legal aid.
The Vietnamese government creates favourable conditions for its businesses to operate in Cambodia, Mr Dung said.
He reminded the businesses to explore and abide by Cambodia’s legal system and its customs.
At the event, MPI and CDC signed a memorandum of understanding on investment promotion. The Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade and the Cambodian Minister of Industry, Mining and Energy signed the minutes of their meeting regarding Bauxite exploration and exploitation in Mondulkiri province.
The Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) signed a deal to provide financial services to Vietnamese businesses investing in Cambodia.
The two PMs also granted a decision to establish an association of Vietnamese investors in Cambodia, and investment licenses to a number of Vietnamese businesses.
Visa exemption for Vietnamese and Cambodian citizens
| |
As from Jan. 1, 2010, Vietnamese and Cambodian citizens holding ordinary passports valid for at least six months will enjoy visa exemption if they enter or transit the other country, according to the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department.
Those citizens of one country may stay in the other country for up to 30 days instead of 14 days as before, says the department.
Vietnam and Cambodia signed an agreement on visa exemption for ordinary passport holders on November 4, 2008. The agreement, which took effect on December 5, 2008, stipulated that these holders are exempted from visas if they stay in the other country for not more than 14 days.
Court grills officials over border stunt
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
SVAY Rieng provincial court has questioned two commune officials in connection with an October 25 incident in which opposition leader Sam Rainsy led villagers in uprooting wooden posts close to the border with Vietnam, the officials said.
Pov Pheap, deputy chief of Svay Rieng’s Samrong commune and Sok Sam Ien, a councillor from Bavet commune, were questioned by the court Tuesday in connection with opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s role in uprooting the markers, which led to the removal of his parliamentary immunity last month.
Following the session, Pov Pheap said he was questioned for about two hours over the incident, and that questions focused on his interactions with Sam Rainsy and the opposition leader’s meetings with local villagers who joined him in removing the posts.
“I told the court that Sam Rainsy asked how people were and if people had received a good rice harvest. People told him they had not planted much rice because of [Vietnamese] land encroachments,” he said.
Sok Sam Ien was also questioned in connection with the incident, but told the court he did not know anything about Sam Rainsy’s actions because he had only organised the food for the group of Sam Rainsy Party officials who accompanied him to Samrong commune.
He added that a third man, Suk Korn, did not appear at court, citing health reasons.
Judge Long Kesphyrom did not comment in detail on Suk Korn’s absence, but said he would have to present a medical certificate to the court.
Sam Rainsy has also been summoned to appear for questioning on December 28, but has indicated he will not return from Europe for the hearing. In a statement issued Monday, he said he would “happily” let the court prosecute him in absentia, referring to it as a “kangaroo court” under the control of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.
SVAY Rieng provincial court has questioned two commune officials in connection with an October 25 incident in which opposition leader Sam Rainsy led villagers in uprooting wooden posts close to the border with Vietnam, the officials said.
Pov Pheap, deputy chief of Svay Rieng’s Samrong commune and Sok Sam Ien, a councillor from Bavet commune, were questioned by the court Tuesday in connection with opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s role in uprooting the markers, which led to the removal of his parliamentary immunity last month.
Following the session, Pov Pheap said he was questioned for about two hours over the incident, and that questions focused on his interactions with Sam Rainsy and the opposition leader’s meetings with local villagers who joined him in removing the posts.
“I told the court that Sam Rainsy asked how people were and if people had received a good rice harvest. People told him they had not planted much rice because of [Vietnamese] land encroachments,” he said.
Sok Sam Ien was also questioned in connection with the incident, but told the court he did not know anything about Sam Rainsy’s actions because he had only organised the food for the group of Sam Rainsy Party officials who accompanied him to Samrong commune.
He added that a third man, Suk Korn, did not appear at court, citing health reasons.
Judge Long Kesphyrom did not comment in detail on Suk Korn’s absence, but said he would have to present a medical certificate to the court.
Sam Rainsy has also been summoned to appear for questioning on December 28, but has indicated he will not return from Europe for the hearing. In a statement issued Monday, he said he would “happily” let the court prosecute him in absentia, referring to it as a “kangaroo court” under the control of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.
Vietnam repatriates Cambodian beggars
NEARLY 900 Cambodian beggars were repatriated from Vietnam by local authorities in 2009, officials said on Tuesday.
Nget Dara, provincial coordinator for the rights group Adhoc, said a report from the Ministry of Social Affairs showed that Vietnamese authorities had repatriated 898 Cambodian beggars in eight waves this year.
He added that 603 children under the age of 18 were repatriated, and that 143 children were sent home after being involved in human trafficking – 84 of those were young girls.
“A poor standard of living forced them to leave home and cross the border illegally to beg in Vietnam,” he said. “They hear it is easier to find money there.”
Most of the beggars enter through the Bavet border crossing in Svay Rieng province, with most hailing from Chantrea, Kampong Rou and Bavet districts, he said.
He said that the report did not include totals of Vietnamese migrant workers who were sent from Cambodia, adding that the major concern was the repatriation of the Cambodian workers.
Heung Kheung, head of the Social Affairs Department in Phnom Penh, said the number of beggars returned to Cambodia had increased from 776 in 2008.
“We’ve cooperated with some NGOs to help [repatriated beggars] by providing vocational training, such as repairing motors and sewing, as well as providing a small loan to help them run a business in their community,” he said.
The Cambodian and Vietnamese governments signed a bilateral agreement on December 3 to increase cooperation in eliminating the trafficking of children and women.
Vietnam set to reinforce practical ties with Cambodia
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
|
 Vietnam expects to join efforts with Cambodia to develop bilateral relations in a bid to bring practical benefits to both sides, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. PM Dung made this statement while receiving Cambodian Permanent Deputy PM Men Sam An, who doubles as President of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association (CVFA), in Hanoi on November 3. The government leader noted with pleasure that Vietnam-Cambodia ties have grown fruitfully, especially in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics and trade, despite the impact of the global economic crisis. |
Court seeks additional evidence in Shinawatra assets case
Published: 22/12/2009
Bangkok Post
The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on will summon fresh witnesses to testify in the case involving the seizure of 76 billion baht of the Shinawatra family's assets.
The case is one of six graft cases brought against fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra (pictured) by the Assets Scrutiny Committte appointed after the Sept 19, 2006 coup which removed him from office.
The court's verdict on whether to seize the Shinawatra family fortune is seen as Thaksin's political lifeline.
The nine judges comprising the bench hearing the case, headed by Somsak Netramai, met on Tuesday.
"The judges met and they agreed that there should be further inquiry to get to the facts. The inquiry will be on Jan 12 and 14," a judge said after the meeting.
After former foreign minister Surakiat Sathirathai and National Anti-Corruption Commission member Klanarong Chantik, acting on behalf of a member of the disbanded Assets Scrutiny Committee, gave testimony, the court issued an order requesting additional documents and witnesses from seven agencies:
1. The investigation documents from the Department of Special Investigation.
2. The studies on the translation of concession made by the National Economic and Social Advisory Council.
3. The movements of SHIN, THCOM, IFCT, TMB, JAS, TT&T and ADVANC shares from the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
4. The financial information from Thaicom Plc.
5. The National Telecommunication Commission of Thailand's details concerning frequency management.
6. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's information on telecommunications excise tax collection together with the cabinet's resolutions relating to this issue.
7. The studies on the contracts between the public and private sectors from the Thailand Development Research Institute.
The court would like the additional information to be submitted as soon as possible and the litigants can check all the documents and evidence from Jan 4 to 11, 2009.
Mr Surakiat is a key prosecution witness on Thaksin's policy involving the Export and Import Bank of Thailand's four billion baht soft loan in 2004 to Burma to develop its telecom facilities. He testified that it was usual for the government to approve funds to help neighbouring countries.
"Burma was not the only country. Laos and Cambodia also received financial assistance from the Thai government," Mr Surakiat said. "Thailand gained considerable benefits from helping Burma, including in relations, security and economic affairs."
Mr Klanarong, in his testimlony later, insisted Thaksin abused his authority as prime minister to benefit his Shin Corporation by converting the telecom concessions to excise tax liability and reducing a cell phone operators' concession fee from 25-30 per cent to 20 per cent.
The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on will summon fresh witnesses to testify in the case involving the seizure of 76 billion baht of the Shinawatra family's assets.
The case is one of six graft cases brought against fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra (pictured) by the Assets Scrutiny Committte appointed after the Sept 19, 2006 coup which removed him from office.
The court's verdict on whether to seize the Shinawatra family fortune is seen as Thaksin's political lifeline.
The nine judges comprising the bench hearing the case, headed by Somsak Netramai, met on Tuesday.
"The judges met and they agreed that there should be further inquiry to get to the facts. The inquiry will be on Jan 12 and 14," a judge said after the meeting.
After former foreign minister Surakiat Sathirathai and National Anti-Corruption Commission member Klanarong Chantik, acting on behalf of a member of the disbanded Assets Scrutiny Committee, gave testimony, the court issued an order requesting additional documents and witnesses from seven agencies:
1. The investigation documents from the Department of Special Investigation.
2. The studies on the translation of concession made by the National Economic and Social Advisory Council.
3. The movements of SHIN, THCOM, IFCT, TMB, JAS, TT&T and ADVANC shares from the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
4. The financial information from Thaicom Plc.
5. The National Telecommunication Commission of Thailand's details concerning frequency management.
6. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology's information on telecommunications excise tax collection together with the cabinet's resolutions relating to this issue.
7. The studies on the contracts between the public and private sectors from the Thailand Development Research Institute.
The court would like the additional information to be submitted as soon as possible and the litigants can check all the documents and evidence from Jan 4 to 11, 2009.
Mr Surakiat is a key prosecution witness on Thaksin's policy involving the Export and Import Bank of Thailand's four billion baht soft loan in 2004 to Burma to develop its telecom facilities. He testified that it was usual for the government to approve funds to help neighbouring countries.
"Burma was not the only country. Laos and Cambodia also received financial assistance from the Thai government," Mr Surakiat said. "Thailand gained considerable benefits from helping Burma, including in relations, security and economic affairs."
Mr Klanarong, in his testimlony later, insisted Thaksin abused his authority as prime minister to benefit his Shin Corporation by converting the telecom concessions to excise tax liability and reducing a cell phone operators' concession fee from 25-30 per cent to 20 per cent.
Thailand's Thaksin leaves Cambodia: official
2009/12/22
PHNOM PENH, Tues: Thailand’s fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra (pictured) has left Cambodia after spending more than a week stepping up his advisory role and meeting Thai supporters, an official said Tuesday.
Thaksin, who arrived in Phnom Penh on December 13 for a second visit as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government, departed on Monday morning, said deputy cabinet minister Prak Sokhon.
“He left Cambodia yesterday at around 10 am (0300 GMT),” he said.
Officials would not disclose his destination. Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, has based himself in Dubai and travelled widely since leaving Thailand in August last year to escape a two-year jail term for corruption.
During his stay in Cambodia, Thaksin addressed top government officials on how to boost investment, tourism and agriculture.
He also met scores of his “Red Shirt” supporters from Thailand, where he remains a hugely influential figure, witnesses and officials said.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia, who have fought a string of deadly gunbattles on their border since last year, plunged following Thaksin’s appointment as an adviser last month. - AFP
PHNOM PENH, Tues: Thailand’s fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra (pictured) has left Cambodia after spending more than a week stepping up his advisory role and meeting Thai supporters, an official said Tuesday.
Thaksin, who arrived in Phnom Penh on December 13 for a second visit as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government, departed on Monday morning, said deputy cabinet minister Prak Sokhon.
“He left Cambodia yesterday at around 10 am (0300 GMT),” he said.
Officials would not disclose his destination. Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, has based himself in Dubai and travelled widely since leaving Thailand in August last year to escape a two-year jail term for corruption.
During his stay in Cambodia, Thaksin addressed top government officials on how to boost investment, tourism and agriculture.
He also met scores of his “Red Shirt” supporters from Thailand, where he remains a hugely influential figure, witnesses and officials said.
Relations between Thailand and Cambodia, who have fought a string of deadly gunbattles on their border since last year, plunged following Thaksin’s appointment as an adviser last month. - AFP
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