Newspaper cuttings from The Phnom Penh Post cover issues of poverty and development between March 19 and 26.
The Cambodian Economy is good
In its annual Asian Development Outlook, the ADB said that while the Kingdom’s GDP grew 7 per cent in 2014, lower than the 7.2 per cent average over the three previous years, growth is estimated to reach 7.3 per cent in 2015 and 7.5 per cent in 2016. (ADB sees 7.3 pct growth for 2015)
HIV village in Battambang
Three months after their community was shaken by a mass outbreak of HIV, support continues to pour in for residents of Battambang province’s Roka commune. (Fears abound in HIV village)
Trade through Poipet is booming
“Now, two to three years later it should be higher than this,” he said. “Poipet border check point must receive at least $200 million per year in custom revenues.” (New road at Poipet to boost trade ties)
Microfinance Institutions outstanding loans
Cambodia’s 39 MFIs reported $2.03 billion in outstanding loans last year, rising 44 per cent compared to 2013. The total amount of savings at the seven deposit-taking MFIs reached $897 million by the end of 2014, more than doubling from 2013, according to the Cambodian Microfinance Association. (Advans SA increases holdings in local MFI)