Jones Town
Cambodia and the United States of America have examined core vision and key strategic goals to promote bilateral trade and investment between both countries.
Key US security consulting specialist in Cambodia
The examination was held between H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), and H.E. Jim Jones, CEO of Jones Group International (JGI), at the CDC headquarters here on Feb. 26.
The meeting was also attended by H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, and representatives from relevant ministries/institutions, Cambodian Oknha Association (COA), Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham), along with national and international investors and relevant officials.
On the occasion, H.E. Sun Chanthol mentioned key strategic goals (such as an increase in trade facilitation like customs procedures, the reduction of trade barriers and administrative regulations, and the enhancement of market demand by expanding market for made-in-Cambodia products, negotiating bilateral free trade agreements, or expanding existing trade exchange in order to deepen bilateral relations), pave the way for new cooperation, and expand better bilateral trade and investment between Cambodia and the U.S.
The First Vice President of CDC added that the U.S. could also support Cambodian investments through initiatives such as technical support, capacity building, and investment promotion in the Kingdom.
For his side, H.E. Jim Jones lauded Cambodia’s development for last couple of years, particularly the Kingdom’s goal to become an upper middle-income country by 2030, and the Royal Government of Cambodia’s vision to transform and modernise the country’s industrial structure from a labour-intensive industry to a skill-driven industry, including a plan to develop infrastructure by using latest technologies.
According to the CEO of JGI, the U.S. was ready to boost bilateral trade and investment of both countries. He was also convinced that, with bilateral trade and investment, bilateral relations between both countries would reach to the next level.
Read more here.
US-ASEAN Business Push
Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 28 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received a courtesy call by Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of the US-ASEAN Business Council Brian D. McFeeters on Wednesday morning (Feb. 28) at the Peace Palace.
The meeting was also attended by leaders of 17 American-invested companies.
1. Abbott Cambodia, a business in the field of nutrition.
2. ADM Company, a business in the supply of food and beverage products.
3. Chevron Company, the parent company of Caltex.
4. ConocoPhilips Company, a business in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas.
5. Estée Lauder Company, a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of cosmetic products.
6. FedEx Express, e-commerce and business services provider.
7. Ford Company, American car manufacturer and assembler.
8. Jhpiego Company, a business in the health sector.
9. Manulife Insurance Company.
10. Mastercard Company, a global financial services provider.
11. Meta Company, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
12. Pfizer Company in Thailand and the Indochina Peninsula.
13. Philip Morris International.
14. RMA Group, a leading company in importing and assembling automobiles, equipment, services and food franchises.
15. Roche Company, a company focused on technology innovation in the health sector.
16. Tilleke & Gibbins, a law firm.
17. Visa Company, a global financial services provider.
Read more here.
US, Cambodia strengthen trade, defence ties, navigate challenges
By Phnom Penh Post
Prime Minister Hun Manet and US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink (left) meet on February 26. STPM
The US highlighted its commitment to enhancing relations and cooperation with Cambodia, while also supporting the country in strengthening democracy and human rights.
Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, made the remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on February 26, as announced on the latter’s official social media.
During the meeting, Kritenbrink congratulated Manet on his appointment as prime minister and acknowledged the progress in relations and cooperation between Cambodia and the US, encompassing both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
He also noted the September 2023 meeting in New York City between Manet and then acting US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland.
Kritenbrink commended Cambodia’s stance on regional and international matters and lauded its successful chairmanship of ASEAN in 2022.
He affirmed that the US intends to strengthen collaboration with Cambodia, especially during its tenure as the coordinator of the US-ASEAN dialogue from July 2024 to July 2027.
“[Manet] and Kritenbrink discussed intensifying and broadening cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, including trade, investment, people-to-people relations, defence and security,” stated the post.
According to a press release from the US embassy in Cambodia dated February 26, the discussions covered shared concerns such as enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea, denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, foreign assistance programmes and the search for prisoners of war (POWs) and missing combatants.
The announcement indicated that both parties discussed enhancing law enforcement by evaluating progress in areas like democracy, human rights, human trafficking, as well as fostering a free and independent media and regional security.
“The US remains committed to the Cambodian people and their aspirations for a more prosperous, democratic and independent country where all voices are heard and respected and Cambodia’s sovereignty is safeguarded,” Kritenbrink was quoted as saying.
Em Sovannara, a lecturer of political science at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that Kritenbrink’s statements and stance signify a diplomatic gateway for the US in its relations with Cambodia.
However, he emphasised the need for further discussions to resolve any uncertainties. Particularly, he suggested that Cambodia engage in dialogue with the US to address any contentious issues, such as the situation surrounding the Ream Naval Base.
“Cambodia-US relations currently are not as robust as they were before 2017 when there was much cooperation, including joint military exercises. The US has ceased scholarships for Cambodian military students and has not reinstated them. The Cambodian side would need to address US concerns to foster greater understanding,” he stated.
Sovannara added that Cambodia’s relationship with the US is crucial, given the US’ significant influence in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and globally. He said that with its extensive network of allies, the US can provide diplomatic protection.
He also noted that the US stands as one of Cambodia’s largest commercial markets.
Seun Sam, an international policy researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the relationship between the two countries is vital and advocated for more frequent meetings to find common ground on differing issues and strengthen their relationship.
He highlighted that Cambodia will also begin coordinating interactions between the US and ASEAN later this year.
Sam suggested that the two countries focus on discussing issues where they can collaborate or find agreement, rather than dwelling on intractable disagreements.
“Cambodia and the US still have divergent views on democracy and human rights. It’s not that Cambodia lacks democracy and respect for human rights; rather, it may stem from different interpretations. The US maintains good relations with communist countries like Vietnam, often cited as an obstacle in Cambodia’s case,” he stated.
Sam emphasised the mutual dependence of the two nations, as the US is a vital market for Cambodian products, and the Kingdom plays a significant role in the US’ ASEAN diplomatic strategy, particularly now as Cambodia prepares to chair and coordinate the US-ASEAN dialogue.
Read more here.
Visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia by Frank A. Rose, Principal Deputy Administrator, U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration
U.S. Mission Cambodia
For Immediate Release
February 21, 2024
Frank A. Rose, Principal Deputy Administrator of the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), is visiting the Kingdom of Cambodia to discuss the nuclear security partnership with officials in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. On February 21, Mr. Rose had a productive discussion on enhancing nuclear safeguards and radiological emergency preparedness with Ung Eang, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Mines and Energy and Vice-President of the Secretariat of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee, and with Ly Vanna, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He met separately with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to address cooperation on nuclear security and nonproliferation efforts.
“NNSA values its collaboration with the Kingdom of Cambodia on nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response, and we particularly appreciate our partnership on nuclear smuggling detection,” Mr. Rose said.
While in the Kingdom, Mr. Rose is also scheduled to meet port and customs officials and engage with university students on cybersecurity before continuing to his next stop in the region, Vietnam.
Read more here.