The World Bank points to a rise in some agricultural and non-garments manufacturing exports this year despite a pandemic-induced economic downturn as it forecasts that Cambodia will be back to economic growth next year.
Economists say the standardizing of regulations in 15 countries that signed a regional free-trade deal could make it attractive for companies to operate in or relocate to low-cost countries like Cambodia.
Following aggressive expansion by the country’s delivery services, a number of drivers speak of fast-dropping delivery fees, which some say have fallen to a third of what they once got; uncertainty over worker benefits; and a lack of collective representation.
About 16,000 factory workers are currently unable to go to work due to flooding in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal and Takeo, the Labor Ministry said on Wednesday, with an economist warning of a hit to the economy and rising prices due to the recent extreme weather.
The Asian Development Bank on Tuesday revised Cambodia’s expected economic contraction this year from 5.5 percent to 4 percent, noting growth in non-garment exports thanks in part to demand for work-from-home electronics.
The government must ensure the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement has the nation’s and the people’s interests at heart, and both improves the country’s economic competitiveness and garners Chinese investment that produces local jobs.
During the rainy season, rising waters in the rice fields surrounding Takeo’s Koh Andet district provide an ample supply of rodents. As the global economic downturn leaves many jobless, some are turning to catching and exporting rats to make ends meet.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has touted Cambodia’s “strong” agricultural sector as a solution to economic pressures during the global pandemic, though some observers doubt agriculture could make up for garment sector losses due to Covid-19 and the pending withdrawal of some E.U. trade perks.
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday said the government would distribute about $25 million per month to assist families registered in the IDPoor social benefits system as the country struggles through the pandemic-driven economic downturn.
Cambodia could see negative growth this year — for the first time since 1994 — due to the pandemic-spurred economic crisis, the World Bank projected on Friday, estimating even more severe hits to the nation’s key industries than it did two months ago.
Defense and government lawyers, and even the judge, exchanged fiery accusations over alleged prejudgement, criminal intentions, lack of evidence and use of a controversial ethnic slur in a tense first trial hearing against labor leader Rong Chhun on Friday.
Power Line to Cut Through Prey Lang, Troubling… Dec 23, 3:14 pm 
Hun Sen Orders Production of TV Drama About Hun Sen Jan 8, 7:29 pm 
‘Missing’ Teen Witness Shows Up to Court to Defend… Dec 18, 8:46 pm 
Man, 59, Dies by Suicide After Falling Victim to… Dec 24, 8:01 am 
Brigade 70 Official Listed as Oknha Investigated in… Dec 28, 4:46 pm 
VOD is a local independent media outlet producing radio programs and disseminating information to the public via the Internet.
© 2019 VOD. All Rights Reserved.
