SIHNAOUKVILLE: The Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, Long Dimanche, responded to comments made by the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, W. Patrick Murphy, on some of the issues he sees prevailing in Preah Sihanouk Province.
U.S. Ambassador Murphy shared on his official Twitter account that he was visiting Preah Sihanouk Province to meet with a few U.S. partners, but was “also taking a moment to reflect on much human tragedy in the area.”
“Unsafe boats, trafficking, scam centers, abandoned buildings, a casino glut. There’s a real need for broad action to address the storm clouds here,” he wrote.
Deputy Governor Long Dimanche wrote a three-point response on his Facebook page, addressing these concerns expressed by the U.S. Ambassador. He highlighted that Preah Sihanouk is a province that the Cambodian government has “prioritized transforming into a gateway city and major economic hub of the Kingdom.”
“Understandably, development always goes hand in hand with challenges,” he added, saying that “Preah Sihanouk Province still has a long path ahead of it, and on this journey, many concerns and challenges need to be addressed properly.”
Regarding the issue of unsafe boats, Deputy Governor Long Dimanche said that all passenger boats or cruise ships that do not meet the safety standards are strictly prohibited from operation, and anyone who disobeys or violates the set regulations will be held accountable before the law.
Secondly, in regard to trafficking and online scam activities, the Deputy Governor wrote that authorities have “has established various inter-agency mechanisms, including the “Operation Leading Committee,” under which the competent authorities have taken effective measures in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure timely prevention and suppression of such illegal wrongdoings in the province.”
Lastly, on the subject of abandoned buildings, the Deputy Governor said that these have “resulted from the wake of the government’s efforts to eliminate the premises of online casinos and gambling in the province” and was worsened by the direct impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is undeniable that the unfinished construction poses a protracted challenge to the developmental prospects of the province, particularly as the province is implementing the ambitious plan to transform it into a Multi-Purpose Model Special Economic Zone Master Plan,” he added. “Therefore, albeit challenging, the provincial authority has been cooperating closely with various actors from the public and private sectors, experts in real estate, bankers, and other related stakeholders to tackle and address these issues as soon as possible.”
The Preah Sihanouk Deputy Governor concluded his message by saying that he looks forward to effectively addressing this issue soon and to witnessing the province’s positive transformation “as a model for growth, high-tech, and industrialized special economic zone contributing sustainably to the regional and global production chain.”
He further reiterated that Cambodian authorities have always stated their “undivided position that is neutral and friendly to all foreign friends.”
