Prime Minister Hun Manet announces the implementation of the “Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces” on April 9. FN
Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed authorities in the four provinces of Cambodia’s northeastern region —Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie and Stung Treng — to strengthen public security and prevent any crimes that threaten order, particularly online scams and other technology-based offending.
Speaking at the launch of the “Special Programme to Promote Investment in the Four Northeastern Provinces” on April 9, he said: “This work requires caution. These four provinces have been steadily developing since 1999, and have never needed to rely on technology crimes. We will continue to live without the need for these kinds of activities.”
“We must promote real investment, in legitimate sectors, without anything related to illegal activities or issues that affect security,” he added.
Manet compared technology-related crimes to planting cassava, which spreads quickly and damages the soil, in the same way that crimes tarnish the reputation of the northeastern provinces.
“Security issues, like technological crimes, are like cassava. They spread fast and yield quicker results than cashew nuts, but they exhaust and ruin the soil. Don’t rely on the presence of online fraud and call it market growth — don’t let it happen. Each of these provinces can thrive through natural tourism and other means. Let’s continue with agriculture and other sectors. Online scams may exist, so I urge the four provinces to pay close attention to this issue,” he warned.
“The special programme aims to expand the economic base in these areas by encouraging private investment and strengthening national economic connectivity, for greater resilience and inclusivity,” he added.
The prime minister explained that the initiative stems from an ambition to boost economic activity in provinces far from growth centres and diversify the economy.
He urged authorities to protect lawful investments – without discriminating against the origin of investors – as long as they comply with the Kingdom’s investment laws and bring positive benefits to the Cambodian people.
“Such investments should enhance the provinces’ potential, create a positive image, generate income, ensure long-term stability and security, and enable the people of these four provinces to prosper,” he said.
In the recent past, the majority of online criminal networks were uncovered in provinces such as Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kandal, Svay Rieng and Poipet in Banteay Meanchey, as well as in Phnom Penh.
However, in March, a major online fraud operation run by foreigners was uncovered in Mondulkiri, apparently for the first time. During the ensuing raid, the authorities detained 258 foreign nationals from China, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Finance minister Aun Pornmoniroth addresses a ceremony held to announce the special programme. FN
Aun Pornmoniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance, noted that the new special programme aims to transform the four northeastern provinces into economic hubs reliant on agriculture, agro-industry and tourism. It also seeks to address real challenges with quick results through private investment.
He added that the programme will foster synergy through clustering to achieve economies of scale, rather than scattered investments that lack connectivity.
Private investments in the four provinces will receive tax and customs support, access to financing at reasonable interest rates, assistance in reducing production costs, streamlined procedures and support for private investment activities.
Pornmoniroth explained that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with total capital of at least $100,000 can apply to register for incentives. He added that the government has already prepared funding to provide loans at reasonable rates, through the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) and SME Bank.
