Switzerland (FN), May 22 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen signed an agreement to purchase locally-produced COVID19 vaccines due to the recent slowdown in domestic vaccine production, speaking during a meeting with more than 1,000 Cambodians from European countries in Zurich, Switzerland on 21 May 2022.

The premier added that Cambodia has so far received more than 52 million doses of vaccines through donations and purchases, with more than 42 million doses used. Among them, the Royal Government of Cambodia allocated the national budget to buy more than 28.5 million doses.

Samdech continued, although the kingdom’s COVID19 situation is at ease, the vaccine still plays an important role.

"We have seen delays in the productions and the packaging of local vaccines as our government has not signed a contract. So, I decided to sign the purchase agreement of domestic vaccine, therefore other countries can buy vaccine from us and we can also buy from ourselves to inoculate our people,” the premier underlined.

China commits approximately 15 million doses to Cambodia and the US 5.5 million doses, so an additional 20.5 million doses will be delivered soon.

In addition, some countries in Europe are also negotiating to provide vaccine to Cambodia, the premier added. Therefore, Samdech planned to ask the Chinese government to delay the supply of vaccines, while the domestic vaccines are also being prepared for production.

Meanwhile, premier Hun Sen also mentioned the establishment of a homegrown vaccine factory, which needs to be precautious, as the development of virus is unforeseeable. Cambodia is currently building hospitals that can accommodate up to 10,000 COVID19 patients, the premier added.
=FRESH NEWS