Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 19 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the primary goal of the Royal Government, led by the Cambodian People's Party for over 40 years, is to eradicate poverty and enhance the living standards of the people by extinguishing the flames of war and fostering development.
The premier spoke on Monday (Feb. 19) during a groundbreaking ceremony for Chak Angrae Krom Bridge, Phnom Penh.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that the primary objective of the Royal Government in both the seventh-mandate and previous mandates is to stimulate economic growth and generate more employment opportunities. By converting lakes, forests, rice fields, and landless areas into agricultural zones and extending electricity and factories to the grassroots level, numerous job opportunities have been created.
Samdech Thipadei underscored, "The main goal of the Royal Government in the seventh mandate and the previous mandate is to promote economic growth and create more jobs, to improve the living standards of the people. Reducing the poverty of the people has been the sole objective of the Royal Government for over 40 years. This goal has been pursued by transforming the divided nation into an environment conducive to improving people's lives, achieved through ending wars and maintaining peace to ensure progress."
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei also added that by the end of 1998, following the victory policy of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the country had just emerged from a civil war spanning about 25 years. However, with peace prevailing across the nation thereafter, the lives of Cambodians have markedly improved over the past 25 years.
In addition, the premier continued that from 1979 to 1998, Cambodia had not fully concluded its struggle as the Khmer Rouge still maintained forces in the mountains. A significant portion of the national budget was allocated to procure ammunition and weapons for battle, while a considerable part of the national labour force was mobilized to enlist troops for combat duty.
Prime Minister Hun Manet underlined that during the civil war and post-conflict period, many areas within Cambodia, including those along the borders, were riddled with landmines, causing fatalities and impeding the nation's development. However, after Cambodia ceased hostilities in 1998, the government could redirect its budget and human resources toward land clearance efforts, thereby facilitating national development.
The premier noted that prior to the COVID19 pandemic, Cambodia boasted one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with an annual growth rate of 7 per cent. This growth significantly improved the living standards of the impoverished. Indeed, the construction of new bridges will play a pivotal role in facilitating daily commutes for workers and students, ensuring safe and swift travel. Moreover, it will contribute to the economic development of logistics, urban areas, and tourism, providing benefits to Phnom Penh specifically and Cambodia as a whole.
=FRESH NEWS
