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Headlines:
Senate Election Cements Hun Sen as Leader
Digital Governance and E-Parliament
Cambodia Firm on Marijuana Cultivation Ban
Tri-Nation Tourism: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
A Bid for Lasting Peace with Vietnam
Surge to $18 Billion in Industrial Investment
India-Cambodia Joint Business Council
Decade-Long Transit and Logistics Master Plan
Ream Base Continues to Concern India
Government Claims Unprecedented Development Under CPP Leadership
Banks Simplify Access to Emergency Funds
Thai Investors Eye $1 Billion Expenditure
Boosting Japan Economic Relations Via Growth and SEZ Development
Diplomatic Roundup: AUS, JP, Canada, Singapore
From Refugee to U.S. Secret Service
Senate Election Cements Hun Sen as Leader
Cambodia's fifth Senate election saw the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) claim a sweeping victory, with former Prime Minister Hun Sen set for the Senate presidency. The election, described as free and fair by the National Election Committee, saw nearly universal voter turnout among the eligible lawmakers and local councillors who voted in this election.
Read more: Bangkok Post (Overview), Khmer Times (Conduct), Khmer Times (CPP Victory), VietnamPlus (Election Day), Radio Free Asia (Hun Sen Role)
Digital Governance and E-Parliament
Cambodia is set to host an international forum on digital government, hoping to demonstrate strides it has made in digital technology within governance. Separately, discussions on the readiness for an e-parliament are ongoing.
Read more: Khmer Times (Digital Government Forum), Cambodianess (E-Parliament)
Cambodia Firm on Marijuana Cultivation Ban
The Prime Minister has firmly rejected the possibility of legalizing marijuana cultivation for foreign investors, doubling down on the country's stance against the drug. Despite rising interest from foreign companies looking to invest in marijuana for medical purposes, similar to neighboring Thailand, Manet stated that as long as he is Prime Minister, such laws will not be implemented in Cambodia. The government's decision is backed by concerns about control, usage, and the potential for increased drug addiction among youth.
Read more: Khmer Times (Government Stance), Khmer Times (PM's Message)
Tri-Nation Tourism: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are collaborating to promote a unique tri-country tourism experience, encouraging international visitors to explore all three nations in a single journey. Under the "One journey, three destinations" initiative, these countries would like to offer a seamless travel experience, taking advantage of their shared history, similar, yet diverse cultures, and natural beauty. The collaboration will address challenges like visa requirements and transportation links across the Indochina region.
Read more: Khmer Times
A Bid for Lasting Peace with Vietnam
Vietnam and Cambodia, haunted by a tumultuous past, are working to build a lasting peace beyond their historical conflicts. A recent visit of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet to Vietnam is part of an effort to elevate their relationship, despite challenges rooted in centuries of rivalry and the scars of the Cambodian-Vietnamese War. Achieving reconciliation will require addressing deep-seated grievances and working towards mutual understanding through public education and cooperation in areas like environmental protection and economic development.
Read more: Lowy Institute
Surge to $18 Billion in Industrial Investment
In 2023, Cambodia's large-scale factory sector saw big growth, with investments reaching $18.56 billion, a step up from the previous year. reports indicate the addition of 241 new factories, bringing the total to 2,125 nationwide and total employment for more than one million workers. The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) touted these achievements at its Annual Congress, setting a positive outlook for 2024 with a focus on national quality infrastructure, clean water access, public service reform, and innovation.
Read more: Khmer Times
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India-Cambodia Joint Business Council
The India-Cambodia Joint Business Council (ICJBC) was officially launched to work towards improved economic relations between the two countries. Facilitated by the commerce ministries of both countries, the ICJBC will create a platform for private sector collaboration. With annual meetings set to alternate between India and Cambodia, the council hopes to identify opportunities and address challenges in bilateral economic development, promising a new chapter in Cambodia-India relations.
Read more: Khmer Times (Launch Details), Khmer Times (Objectives)
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