Paris (FN), Jan. 15 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that within the 42 months of the COVID19 pandemic, the Royal Government allocated nearly USD 1.3 billion to assist more than 700,000 vulnerable families, benefitting 2.7 million people.

The premier spoke during a meeting with Cambodian community living in Europe on 14 January 2024 in Paris, France.

Regarding the COVID19 pandemic, Samdech Thipadei underscored, "The Royal Government has implemented a policy over the past 42 months, starting in 2020, to offer cash support to impoverished and vulnerable families. This initiative expanded during the COVID19 pandemic to include children from birth to five years old, as well as others, and individuals living with HIV. In the last 42 months, the government allocated nearly USD 1.3 billion to assist over 700,000 families, benefitting 2.7 million people."

Samdech Thipadei underlined that the world currently faces two challenges including the pandemic and the economic crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This year, many countries anticipate a new rice crisis, which may benefit farmers but concern consumers about rising rice prices. The government has prepared measures to address this issue to some extent.

On the occasion, the premier added that in Cambodia, some regions predict a water shortage between agriculture and domestic use. In response, provincial administrations have issued guidelines to suspend farming temporarily to mitigate the problem. This challenge is not unique to Cambodia; other countries like France and Australia face similar issues during dry months, advising people to use water sparingly.

The premier added that global inflationary pressures have impacted the economy, including Cambodia. Despite these challenges, the Royal Government has provided additional cash subsidies to vulnerable families since the end of 2022. Over 490,000 families, totalling 1.8 million individuals, have benefited from this assistance, and more aid is planned to support people during challenging times.

Samdech Thipadei further continued that the government's commitment to assisting citizens when they are in dire need, allocating substantial funds for assistance even when facing financial constraints, as helping the people remains a top priority.
=FRESH NEWS