Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 26 — Below is full speech of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the 77th Session of UN-ESCAP on “Building Back Better from Crisis Through Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific” on 26 April via Videoconferencing.
- Her Excellency Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of UN-ESCAP;
- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Today, I am pleased to attend the 77th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), under the theme “Building Back Better from Crises through Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific.”
Although the global economy is expected to recover in 2021, yet we are still facing great uncertainty with the resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic, especially the faster-than-expected mutation of Coronavirus, which has continued disrupting the economic recovery dynamics. In parallel, the disparity between developing countries and developed countries in accessing vaccines can pose risks and hinder the regional and global economic recovery; in short only a handful of countries could achieve fast recovery while many others continue to suffer in both health and economic sectors.
In this context, fighting against the Covid-19 and strengthening the quality and effectiveness of the health system is an utmost priority for us. Cambodia would like to emphasize the importance and urgency of the distribution and utilization of the Covid-19 vaccines in an equitable and affordable manner, especially for developing countries.
Besides that, Cambodia would like to appeal to a number of countries not to hoard the vaccine more than needed as well as not to use the vaccine as a political tool. Taking this opportunity, I also would like to share my personal views related to the post-crisis recovery that we have to focus on, as follows:
(1st). Continuing to promote and support the principles of globalization via expanding greater openness of international trade and supporting stronger multilateralism system as well as providing preferential treatment to developing countries to ensure that the benefits of globalization are equitably and effectively allocated.
(2nd). Promoting digitalization by placing priority on the establishment of digital government and development of supporting infrastructures as well as encouraging the private sector to widely adopt the use digital technology, in which will serve as a new pillar of economic growth as well as to promote the competitiveness and economic diversification.
(3rd). Enhancing social resilience by strengthening the health system, promoting public health services and social protection systems, in terms of quality and scope, so as to be ready to respond to the crisis or other risks that may occur in the future, and developing the human resources.
(4th). Enhancing the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by promoting the formalization of the businesses and ensuring access to supports, both in terms policy and financing, as well as the management skills in order to strengthen their linkage with production chain and their supply to large industries. At the same time, increasing investment in green infrastructures in order to adapt to the climate change and manage natural disasters, with the aim to building resiliency to crises and ensuring sustainability and inclusiveness of socio-economic development.
Overall, Cambodia firmly believes that the fight against Covid-19 and the post-crisis recovery requires us to urgently address regional and global challenges in a responsible manner with the spirit of unity, collaboration and mutual respects.
Finally, I wish this 77th Session fruitful outcomes.
=FRESH NEWS
