A Suggestion for National Unity and Development
July 20th, 2013
By Chan Sophal (Individual view, Former President of CEA)
I’m really pleased by what I consider a win-win solution taken by the opposition and ruling leaders of Cambodia. It reflects the spirit of national reconciliation once again and demonstrates wisdom of both sides. I believe as a small and poor country having limited capacity left from the killing fields, Cambodia would be best united in her endeavour to accelerate development. Instead of being fragmented and deeply divided, the scarce Cambodian talents should be united and work together to tackle the difficult reforms for faster and sustainable development for everyone. Read more in English, Khmer.
Cambodia should focus on inclusive growth, not just growth
By Heng Dyna
The article “IMF: How to grow Cambodia” is optimistic and motivating, sharing lessons on how Cambodia can sustain its growth take-off. It also reflects the commitment of an effective IMF team to institutional building and economic growth in Cambodia. Indeed, never before has Cambodians lived in such an exciting moment: long period of political and macroeconomic stability, robust economic growth, located and integrated in the dynamic region, evolving institutions, and hopeful young population.
However, this optimism should not overlook the major challenges and risks that we, the Cambodians, need to address in order to avoid disruption of Cambodia’s growth and development. At the same time, Growth has to translate into poverty reduction and job creation. In this regards, Cambodia should focus on the inclusiveness of growth, rather than just growth. Many studies, including those from the IMF, have demonstrated that more inclusive growth is likely to be more durable growth. Read more in English, Khmer.
By Heng Dyna
The article “IMF: How to grow Cambodia” is optimistic and motivating, sharing lessons on how Cambodia can sustain its growth take-off. It also reflects the commitment of an effective IMF team to institutional building and economic growth in Cambodia. Indeed, never before has Cambodians lived in such an exciting moment: long period of political and macroeconomic stability, robust economic growth, located and integrated in the dynamic region, evolving institutions, and hopeful young population.
However, this optimism should not overlook the major challenges and risks that we, the Cambodians, need to address in order to avoid disruption of Cambodia’s growth and development. At the same time, Growth has to translate into poverty reduction and job creation. In this regards, Cambodia should focus on the inclusiveness of growth, rather than just growth. Many studies, including those from the IMF, have demonstrated that more inclusive growth is likely to be more durable growth. Read more in English, Khmer.
IMF: How to grow Cambodia
Faisal Ahmed (also member of CEA), Rupa Duttagupta and Olaf Unteroberdoerster
Cambodia’s economic take-off has been truly impressive. With peace and stability, and the government’s focus on export-led development, growth has averaged about 8 per cent in the last decade, doubling per capita income and halving the poverty rate.
Cambodia is now poised to enter the next phase of its development and with aspirations to soon join the ranks of emerging markets, the focus now, understandably, is on the continuity of that take-off. That prompts some deeper questions: What is the recipe for igniting and sustaining take-offs in developing countries? What can Cambodia learn from the previous generation of countries on how to navigate the next phase? Read more
Faisal Ahmed (also member of CEA), Rupa Duttagupta and Olaf Unteroberdoerster
Cambodia’s economic take-off has been truly impressive. With peace and stability, and the government’s focus on export-led development, growth has averaged about 8 per cent in the last decade, doubling per capita income and halving the poverty rate.
Cambodia is now poised to enter the next phase of its development and with aspirations to soon join the ranks of emerging markets, the focus now, understandably, is on the continuity of that take-off. That prompts some deeper questions: What is the recipe for igniting and sustaining take-offs in developing countries? What can Cambodia learn from the previous generation of countries on how to navigate the next phase? Read more
Managing Cambodia: The Next Phase of Growth
By Heng Dyna
What Cambodia thinks today affects where it goes tomorrow. In the face of lingering uncertainty and global competition, planning and setting up the platform for the next phase of sustained and broader-based growth is timely and important. With young and hopeful population, the average annual growth of around 8% over the last decade should give us enough confidence to do so and think bigger.
Although agriculture and tourism will continue to play important roles in Cambodia’s growth in the coming decades, this essay focuses on agriculture-based industrialization, which should be another key to effectively develop Cambodia’s economy to a higher growth path. Materialization and success of this type of industrialization will not only boost Cambodia’s productive capacity, but also enhance network and synergy effects among the core existing sectors. Read MORE
What Cambodia thinks today affects where it goes tomorrow. In the face of lingering uncertainty and global competition, planning and setting up the platform for the next phase of sustained and broader-based growth is timely and important. With young and hopeful population, the average annual growth of around 8% over the last decade should give us enough confidence to do so and think bigger.
Although agriculture and tourism will continue to play important roles in Cambodia’s growth in the coming decades, this essay focuses on agriculture-based industrialization, which should be another key to effectively develop Cambodia’s economy to a higher growth path. Materialization and success of this type of industrialization will not only boost Cambodia’s productive capacity, but also enhance network and synergy effects among the core existing sectors. Read MORE
Rethinking Large-Scale Land Concession Policies
(Also on CamproPost and Cambodia Daily)
The majority of Cambodia’s poor lives in rural areas, is engaged in agriculture, and can save little. How can Cambodia turn its agriculture sector into a driver of economic growth and spread development to these people?
In an attempt to promote agricultural development, Cambodia has adopted land concession policies. Large-scale land concessions to foreign and local companies in recent years are for big agricultural projects such as big farms and agro-industrial plantations. The concessions, many of which last almost a century, are aimed to attract foreign direct investment and to promote big farm-led agricultural growth, which is claimed by investors to create jobs and thus alleviate poverty. READ MORE
The majority of Cambodia’s poor lives in rural areas, is engaged in agriculture, and can save little. How can Cambodia turn its agriculture sector into a driver of economic growth and spread development to these people?
In an attempt to promote agricultural development, Cambodia has adopted land concession policies. Large-scale land concessions to foreign and local companies in recent years are for big agricultural projects such as big farms and agro-industrial plantations. The concessions, many of which last almost a century, are aimed to attract foreign direct investment and to promote big farm-led agricultural growth, which is claimed by investors to create jobs and thus alleviate poverty. READ MORE
Proper Framework Vital for the New Stock Market
(Phnom Penh Post. September 27, 2010)
By Heng Dyna
The establishment of a bourse in Cambodia is expected to promote domestic savings and enhance the functions of our financial system, thus increasing the quantity and quality of investment. But will the stock market play an important role in allocating capital to our economic activity and industry?
The answer will depend much on the progress of our economic and institutional fundamentals: sound macroeconomic environment, healthy and developed banking sector, the transparency and accountability of our institutions, and shareholder protection.ReadMore
By Heng Dyna
The establishment of a bourse in Cambodia is expected to promote domestic savings and enhance the functions of our financial system, thus increasing the quantity and quality of investment. But will the stock market play an important role in allocating capital to our economic activity and industry?
The answer will depend much on the progress of our economic and institutional fundamentals: sound macroeconomic environment, healthy and developed banking sector, the transparency and accountability of our institutions, and shareholder protection.ReadMore