Daily Update from Local Newspapers July 13-15, 2013

1.                               Politics/Human Rights

Cambodian Foreign Minister Talk about the Royal Pardon for Mr. Sam Rainsy

The royal pardon for Mr. Sam Rainsy is neither foreign pressure nor foreign intervention, yet it is the policy of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and PM Hun Sen’s determination of national reconciliation, said H.E. Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation during a meeting with Mr. Jeff Diagle, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires on 13 July 2013. As a matter of fact, it is not the first time that PM Hun Sen has suggested His Majesty King for a royal pardon for Mr. Sam Rainsy. This is PM Hun Sen’s commitment to having a democratic, free and fair national election, he added. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 14-15 July 2013)

Cambodia’s Trade Volume Still Keep Increasing despite the General Elections This Year

Although the upcoming general elections will be held this month, the process of elections will not affect the increasing of Cambodian trade volume, said Mr. Kong Putheara, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce. During the first semester of 2013, Cambodia’s trade sector up 20 percent with the amount of 7,62 billion USD. From January to June, Cambodia exported products worth 3,15 billion USD, up 26 percent, while the imported products worth 4,47 billion USD, up 16 percent, according to the report. Indeed, during the first semester of last year, Cambodian total trade worth approximately only 6,36 billion USD. The major trade partners of Cambodia are the United States, the European Union, China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. (Rasmei Kampuchea, 13 July 2013)

2.                 Diplomatic Issue

3.                 Economy/Development

4.                 Korea’s interest in Cambodia

Korean Group Singers “Rania” Visit Smart Store

Korean group singers “Rania” visited Smart Store Boeung Trorbek so as to meet their fans in Cambodia. This was a good opportunity for their fans to have the photos taken and to receive the concert tickets from Rania at Smart Store. Smart Company is the famous mobile phone company and it is also the biggest sponsor for Rania Concert which was held on 14 July at Bayon TV. Smart Company always support the Charity Concert in society and sponsor for national and international concerts in Cambodia including U-Kiss and BTOB Concert with the aim of making fun for its customers. “We are pleased to see a lot of Cambodian fans support us. This support will enable us to try all our efforts to perform and release more new songs”, said Rania. (Kampuchea Tmey, 13 July)