Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 15 – “As two developing countries, there is tremendous potential for Indonesia to work hand in hand with Cambodia to booth both countries’ health sectors.” Such hopes were pronounced by the Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto during his meeting with Cambodian Minister of Health, Chheang Ra on 14 March 2024 in Phnom Penh .
According to the Ambassador, there are at least three areas that could be the focus of this cooperation. First, developing a framework of cooperation through developing a bilateral agreement on health cooperation. Second, enhancing the capacity of each other’s human resources through scholarships, internships, and other forms of direct interactions among medics and health workers. And third, increasing the trade of health products, including medicines, herbal supplements, and medical equipment.
Minister Chheang Ra provided an overview of the priorities of the seventh-mandate Government in the health sector, including preventing infectious diseases, addressing non-communicable diseases, developing social safety, enhancing human resources, and developing digital health. Both sides agreed that there is ample of room for Indonesia and Cambodia to work together in commonly addressing these issues.
On efforts to further enhance the trade in health products, Ambassador Santo highlighted that Indonesia’s exports of pharmaceutical product last year doubled in comparison to the previous year. This makes medicines as one of Indonesia’s top 5 export products to Cambodia. “I seek the Ministry’s assistance in facilitating the continued access of Indonesian medicines and supplements to the growing Cambodian consumer base”, the Ambassador mentioned to Minister Chheang Ra.
The Ambassador also sought the support of the Ministry in providing more health education to Indonesians living in Cambodia, which was responded positively by Minister Chheang Ra. Ambassador Santo added, “as more Indonesians make a living in Cambodia, we are noticing that many of us are simply unaware of the many health issues out there and how to overcome them”.
This year, the two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Indonesia is Cambodia’s No.6 trading partner and the Embassy of Indonesia in Phnom Penh is keen to further the progress of these economic connections through concrete cooperation activities. In September, it will organize a large-scale solo exhibition in Phnom Penh, promoting bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and education, including in the health sector.
=FRESH NEWS
