Economic Growth Has Come at High Cost, Experts Warn
Prince Norodom Sirivudh, Supreme Privy Councellor to the King of Cambodia and former co-minister of the interior, talks at a forum on sustainable development at the Royal University of Phnom Penh on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum to discuss issues facing Cambodian development, with the financial support from the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Nov Povleakhena, VOA Khmer)
PHNOM PENH —
Experts say that Cambodia’s economic growth remains fragile and unsustainable, bringing environmental degradation, social inequality and, at times, unrest to the country.
Cambodia has maintained a high economic growth rate in recent years, up to 8 percent, “but that high growth comes with high costs,” said Prince Norodom Sirivudh, who took part in a wide-reaching economic forum in Phnom Penh on Saturday.
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum to discuss issues facing Cambodian development, with the financial support from the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others.
Environmental degradation, a widening wealth gap and “social exclusion” have all accompanied growth, Norodom Sirivudh, who is the supreme privy counselor to King Norodom Sihamoni and a former defense minister, said.
“The urban-rural divide is getting more serious,” he said. “This leads to social and political tensions and instability. The victims of land grabbing, human right violations, injustice and corruption are calling for help. Who can help them? Who should be responsible and accountable for this?”
Forum Focuses on Sustainable Cambodia
1/17The forum is attended public institutions, private companies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss about the emerging development issues and challenges and to find sustainable development solutions in Cambodia. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
2/17Participants register at the “Sustainable Development” forum at Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Saturday, August 23, 2014. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
3/17The guests such as from public institutions, private companies, civil society organizations, and other are discussing before the forum starts. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
4/17Mr. Say Mony, VOA Khmer TV-Video Unit Coordinator in Cambodia, gives a welcome remark. VOA is one of the financial supporters of this forum. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
5/17پناهغوښتونکې د ژمي په سړې هوا کې د مقدونیې له سرحد څخه صربیا ته د ورتلو په حال کې.
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
6/17Dr. Kem Ley, an independent social analyst and guest speaker in this forum, discusses the topic ‘development challenges in Cambodia and the Mekong Sub-region’. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
7/17Dr. Kem Ley, an independent social analyst and guest speaker in this forum, discusses the topic ‘development challenges in Cambodia and the Mekong Sub-region’. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
8/17Participants ask questions and express opinions to the guest speakers during the discussion. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
9/17Ann Sovantha, a Cambodian researcher talks at the forum. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
10/17Participants ask questions and express opinions to the guest speakers during the discussion. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
11/17Mr. Silas Everett, Country Representative of the Asia Foundation delivers a welcome remarks. The Asia Foundation is one of the financial supporter of this forum. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
12/17Participants ask questions and express opinions to the guest speakers during the discussion. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
13/17Dr. Oum Ravy, Vice-Rector of Royal University of Phnom Penh gives a welcome remark at the forum. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
14/17Prince Norodom Sirivudh, Supreme Privy Counselor to the King of Cambodia, delivers a keynote speech about sustainable development in Cambodia. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
15/17Participants ask questions and express opinions to the guest speakers during the discussion. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
16/17Mr. Chheang Vannarith, Co-Chair of Enrich Forum on Sustainable Development gives an interview to the media about the importance of this forum. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
17/17Mr. Chheang Vannarith, Co-Chair of Enrich Forum on Sustainable Development gives an interview to the media about the importance of this forum. (Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer)
Representatives from the government, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders gathered in the forum about sustainable development in Cambodia, organized by the Enrich Institute. The forum was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center with the financial support from the the Asia Foundation, the Voice of America and others. (Photo: Nov Povleakhena/VOA Khmer )
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Tek Vannara, executive director for the NGO Forum, a coalition of rights, development and other organizations, said Cambodia’s growth has brought advantages and disadvantages.
“We see major improvement in infrastructure, the social security net and the livelihood of some people,” he said. “At the same time, we are also witnessing major challenges every day, such as land disputes, deforestation and forced evictions, as a result of some development projects.”
Other experts agreed, saying the benefits of the nation’s growing economy are not being shared. And it has brought about corruption.
“The ones who benefit the most from this corrupt practice are high ranking officials, investors and some rich people,” said Kem Key, a social analyst. “The development is a zero-sum game. If we get a road, we lost natural resources.”
Sao Sopheap, a spokesman for the Ministry of Environment, said that if the government failed to bring about development, it would also be criticized.
“I don’t know what measurements they use to assume that the negative effects outweigh the positive ones,” he said. “I am not sure if they are right or wrong. Any development that affects us socially or environmentally, we have our approaches to deal with it.”
