Hun Sen Begins Japan Visit [to look for money]

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
13/06/2007

Prime Minister Hun Sen began an official three-day visit to Japan Wednesday, where he is seeking more aid for infrastructure and other investment.

Hun Sen's visit comes ahead of a donors meeting scheduled for next week. Japan is Cambodia's largest donor.

Ahead of the visit, Hun Sen said he would appeal for aid to build a bridge across the Mekong River at the Neak Loeung ferry crossing southeast of the capital. The prime minister would also seek funds for the restoration of National Route 2 between Kandal and Takeo provinces, he said.

"I am going to find the bridge, to find the Neak Loeung bridge, pushing for the Neak Loeung bridge," Hun Sen said, "and to look for money for the country's development and bring more Japanese investment."

Hun Sen is leading a delegation of 25 cabinet ministers and is scheduled to have an audience with Emperor Akihito.

Hun Sen to seek more Japanese investment and aid during his visit to Japan in June

Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Cambodian PM to seek more investment from Japan

AFP

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday he will seek more investment and aid during an official visit next month to Japan, the impoverished kingdom’s largest donor.

“There will be a lot of discussions involving development issues, aid, investment and tourism for Cambodia,” Hun Sen said during the opening of a Japanese-funded hospital in northwest Cambodia.

Hun Sen, whose international profile rose this year with a state visit to France, said he will travel to Japan on June 14. He said he would also ask Tokyo for more help in improving Cambodia’s infrastructure, which is in tatters after decades of civil war and neglect. Japan pledged more than $100 million at last year’s donor meeting, which netted Cambodia some $600 million in aid.