China's aid contributes greatly to Cambodia's economic growth [-Sorry Vietnam, it's Chinese help that counts!]

2012-02-02
Xinhua

PHNOM PENH - Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen said Wednesday the country's strong economic growth in past years owes a great deal to China's steady technical and financial assistance.

The premier made the remarks during a meeting with Li Ruogu, visiting chairman and president of the Export-Import Bank of China, said prime minister's spokesman Eang Sophalleth.

The country's economic growth last year was 6.9 percent and is estimated at 6.5 percent this year, said the Finance Ministry.

Hun Sen said at present Cambodia is the weakest among all ASEAN member states in terms of infrastructure development and asked Li to consider financing about $500 million for Cambodia's seven infrastructure and irrigation projects in 2012.

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Money for the Poor

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

Cambodia Awarded Nearly $1 Billion in Aid

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
05 December 2008

Click here to listen to the Khmer audio program

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.”

Donor Countries, welcome to the kingdoom with the richest beggars in the world!

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

Top Official Appeals for More Donor Aid

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
02 December 2008

Click here to listen to the Khmer audio program

Cambodian People’s Party Honorary President Heng Samrin appealed to aid agencies and governments Tuesday to continue their donations to the country, in order to strengthen democracy and development.

Heng Samrin spoke at a gathering of CPP officials marking the birthday of the Solidarity Front for the Development of the Cambodian Motherland, the group that originally formed in Vietnam to oust the Khmer Rouge.

He was also speaking a day ahead of an annual two-day Consultative Group meeting, where the government and donor countries and agencies meet to discuss aid distribution.

“I strongly hope that the international community will continue to help donate in the spirit of sharing the cause of peace, democracy and the development of Cambodia,” Heng Samrin said.

Cambodia is seeking at least $500 million in foreign aid, as talks begin Wednesday. Last year, in June, it received $690 million, mainly from the European Union, Japan, China and the United States. The World Bank, Asian Development Bank and some UN agencies are also donors.

“The government, Senate and National Assembly ensure sustainable development, poverty reduction, the promotion of the rule of law, and equity in social justice,” he said in a speech, “as well as the elimination of land-grabbing, deforestation, illegal fisheries resources and the prevention of the national income loss and the strengthening of public order.”

Yim Sovann, an opposition lawmaker for the Sam Rainsy Party, urged donors “to strongly consider corruption without law and the regression of democracy in Cambodia” before pledging money for Cambodia’s coffers.