Cambodia 20240212

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Feb 12, 2024

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Headlines:

Cambodia Spearheads ASEAN’s Clean Power Push

Tax Amnesty to Boost Business Compliance

Thailand, Cambodia to Unlock Gulf Gas Reserves

Economy Insulated From China Slowdown

Mondulkiri Tagged for Massive 100MW Wind Farm

Rights Groups Wary of Cambodia’s Embrace on Global Stage

ADB Partnership to Unlock MSME Potential

Diplomatic Roadshow: Korea, Brunei, Nordics, Belgium, Malaysia, UAE, Indonesia

Preferential Vietnamese Tariffs Give Exports a Lift

Local Credit Rating Agency Inaugurated

Thailand and Cambodia Expand Ties

Australia Looks to ASEAN, KH to Diversify Trade

Urge for Vietnam to Transform Crossing for Trade

Roadmap Plots Course to Electric Mobility Future

Cocksmen Face Crackdown in Prey Veng

Cambodia Spearheads ASEAN’s Clean Power Push

Cambodia is leading ASEAN’s charge towards a regional green power grid. With the Asian Development Bank’s backing, the country now champions the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. By linking members’ renewable energy networks, the plan can curb coal reliance and improve the bloc’s sustainability. As Cambodia pivots from electricity importer to solar and wind exporter, its renewable transformation stands to benefit Southeast Asia’s collective carbon-cutting goals.

Tax Amnesty to Boost Business Compliance

Cambodia is offering companies a tax compliance olive branch until mid-2024. Approved sectors can voluntarily correct past declaration errors without penalty under a new amnesty. While terms apply, it aims to improve accountability without punishing oversights.

Thailand, Cambodia to Unlock Gulf Gas Reserves

Thailand and Cambodia are returning to the negotiating table - both literally and figuratively - as they work to settle maritime border disputes. The talks, stalled since 2001, will reopen debate on overlapping Gulf of Thailand claims spanning 26,000 square kilometers. Both sides now seem willing to carve a path satisfying national interests while chasing mutual gains.

Joint development contracts could unlock disputed gas reserves and advance energy security for both neighbors. But boundaries must be firmly delimited first to avoid future dispute, so the focus rests on securing sovereign rights and resources without sacrificing regional stability or bilateral ties. It remains complex terrain to navigate. Resolution may rest on commitment to pragmatism - not positionalism - at sea.

Read more: Pattaya Mail (Renewed Talks), Cambodianess (Joint Exploration), Cambodia Daily (Integrated Approach)

Economy Insulated From China Slowdown

A dramatic contraction in China looms large over Asian markets, but experts believe diversification will shield Cambodia’s expansion from major blows. With GDP still set to grow 4-5%, adverse impacts look limited. Further, deep bilateral ties via the Belt and Road should cushion the country. As long as the government maintains focus on domestic measures, Cambodian resilience seems set to carry the day.

Mondulkiri Tagged for Massive 100MW Wind Farm

Cambodia’s renewable energy push just gained momentum with a major new wind farm. Partnering with Royal Group, The Blue Circle launched plans for a 100MW wind project in Mondulkiri province. As one of Southeast Asia's prime wind locations, the site can boost Cambodia’s energy mix sustainability. By complementing dry season solar and wet season hydro power, its turbines can will push the country towards its 2050 carbon neutral target.

Rights Groups Wary of Cambodia’s Embrace on Global Stage

As PM Hun Manet racks up diplomatic missions abroad, human rights advocates grow wary. Despite allegations of repression, world leaders continue welcoming the premier with open arms. To critics, this signals a troubling disregard for democracy and freedoms back home. It also seems to disregard the precarious status of exiled opposition groups who face severe reprisals. So while the PM touts global ties, his crackdown casts a shadow over Cambodia’s renewed international embrace.

ADB Partnership to Unlock MSME Potential

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) just teamed up with Cambodia’s Foreign Trade Bank on an ambitious mission - empowering the country’s MSMEs to drive economic growth. By fixing small business financing gaps, the initiative can promote diversification and innovation domestically. Blending the ADB’s resources with local banking insights, the scheme also looks to expand regional trade participation to support development.

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