Original report from Phnom Penh
05 December 2008
Cambodia was awarded nearly $1 billion in aid promises Friday, with Chinese aid surpassing that of any other country or agency.
“This week is a $1 billion week for Cambodia,” Keat Chhon told reporters after the two-day donor meeting ended Friday. “This aid package we have not yet divided into loans and grants,” he said, and the total so far did not include aid from some agencies or countries.
Of the total $951.5 million, China pledged $257 million, compared to $91.5 million. The EU pledged $214 million, compared to $170.2 million last year. Japan maintained its aid level, promising $113 million this year, compared to $112.2 million in 2007.
The US, which was the No. 3 donor last year, with $48.8 million in pledged aid, did not disclose an amount Friday, but officials said they were committed to a strong relationship with the government.
The government said in a statement Friday the country’s economic growth rate was likely to fall in 2009, meaning “the Royal Government will need to maintain commitment to the current reform program, react swiftly to minimize adverse effects of global recession on key sectors and the poorest segments of the population, and to focus on rural development and the modernization of agriculture in order to protect people’s livelihoods.”
“This week is a $1 billion week for Cambodia,” Keat Chhon told reporters after the two-day donor meeting ended Friday. “This aid package we have not yet divided into loans and grants,” he said, and the total so far did not include aid from some agencies or countries.
Of the total $951.5 million, China pledged $257 million, compared to $91.5 million. The EU pledged $214 million, compared to $170.2 million last year. Japan maintained its aid level, promising $113 million this year, compared to $112.2 million in 2007.
The US, which was the No. 3 donor last year, with $48.8 million in pledged aid, did not disclose an amount Friday, but officials said they were committed to a strong relationship with the government.
The government said in a statement Friday the country’s economic growth rate was likely to fall in 2009, meaning “the Royal Government will need to maintain commitment to the current reform program, react swiftly to minimize adverse effects of global recession on key sectors and the poorest segments of the population, and to focus on rural development and the modernization of agriculture in order to protect people’s livelihoods.”
4 comments:
Khmer people is blessed to have the CPP behind them.
I hope they get more grants than loans. Imagine how many future generation have to pay back these loans that the CPP people put in their pockets.
it's nice to hear some country involve,pity,blessing,caring,and have mercy to the poor people in cambodia.but im not too sure about the poverty family will ever get this opportunity aid.i still see most of them are in need very badly,and where all the support go to.it seem there is no clue where the money go most of them.if any country ever want to donate and support the people that is really in need.please set up a counselor or an agency to provide in person care,that way you will see some change to many people that are suffer of surviving each of everyday live.there is a secret,do not trust a closer friend than your enemy,or fall into a wrong hand that you shake them,
More cooperation with China is needed. We can kick the U.S. out because they give us only 48 million a year. But they talk the loudest.
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