News Highlights from Cambodia and Laos

Local news from Cambodia and Laos are not always the first to hit AP or Reuters, and therefore it can be hard for those outside the region to stay on top of the most recent developments. Naturally, we at DDD are always interested in, and often impacted by, political change and new business and philanthropic developments, so we follow the local news outlets closely. Below is a selection of the pieces that caught our eye in the past week.

Phnom Penh Post, Thursday, September 30th
“What do we mean when we talk about an emerging middle class?”

In a letter to the editor a reader joins the ongoing discussion of how to reach the Millennium Development Goals and encourages a more specific definition of “the middle class”. He says:

“What every country actually needs is a traditional middle class in which both the entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of public service is fostered and properly paid for. However, it is important that consciousness of privilege is cultivated too, and this should manifest itself in a willingness to support opportunities for the sons and daughters of those lower down the economic ladder.

Education is the key to progress in this respect, with well-funded scholarships for the brightest children from poor families.”

Read the full piece here.

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Vientiane Times, Wednesday, September 29th
“Worldbank, AusAID provide seed funding for young entrepreneurs”

Last week the World Bank committed to implementing the Adolescent Girls Initiative (AGI) in Vientiane, Luang Prabang province and Champassak province. Young women in Laos will now have the chance to receive seed funding to set up businesses if they can demonstrate good business planning.

World Bank Country Manager Ms Keiko Miwa is quoted for:

“The purpose of the global initiative is to smooth the transition from school to productive employment for young women by helping them complete their education, build skills that match market demand and find mentors and job placements, and by offering incentives to potential employers to hire, retain and train young women.”

Full piece only available with log-in to the Vientiane Times website.

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Phnom Penh Post, Wednesday, September 29th
“US pledges support for economic growth”

Last week the US embassy in Cambodia sent out a press release announcing a $17 million USD pledge to help economic growth, including aid for small and medium sized businesses:

“Some of the funds will be used to support micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in a capacity-building programme that has already helped 3,800 business owners, according to a US embassy press release yesterday. The programme – implemented by aid organisation Development Alternatives Inc – has helped teach businesses about quality-control, established dialogue between the public and private sectors and linked small communities with suppliers, according to its website.”

Read the full piece here.