PHNOM PENH: The First Deputy Chairman of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), Senior Minister Ly Thuch, said that the CMAA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Manhattan Special Economic Zone and MedTecs Group to support humanitarian mine clearance in Cambodia.

The signing ceremony took place on the morning of Friday, 8 April 2022, in Bavet, representing the Manhattan Special Economic Zone and MedTecs Group. Representatives of both companies expressed their desire to join the Royal Government in supporting humanitarian demining in Cambodia, with Svay Rieng province selected as a priority location.

At the same time, Senior Minister Ly Thuch said that security for investment must also be involved in ensuring the clearance of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), which the Royal Government of Cambodia has set a long-term and clear vision for, to end the landmine threat in Cambodia by 2025.

He said, "If we unite together, by 2025, there will be no landmines and no more landmine casualties in Cambodia.”

The MedTecs Group has been investing in Cambodia since the year 2000. MedTecs in Kampong Cham produces medical equipment and medical clothing to help fight the spread of Meningitis and, more recently, the spread of Covid-19.

In 2005, the company invested more in establishing the Manhattan Special Economic Zone in Bavet City, which was inaugurated under the high presidency of Prime Minister Hun Sen on 11 August 2005. Today, the Special Economic Zone has more than 35,000 workers and represent about 6% of product exports in Cambodia.