In addition to the prepared text, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen made impromptu comments on selected issues as followed:
Triangle Area Development – Cambodian Prime Minister’s Initiative
Before ending this speech, let me share with the press that I am so proud to say that I, as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was the one to initiate idea for the Development Triangle Area – DTA (among the three countries – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam). It was so fortunate that the initiative was supported by former Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh of (the People’s Democratic Republic of) Laos, and former Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải of (the Socialist Republic of) Vietnam. Cambodia brought up this initiative when its per capita income was at 294 USD. As of present, the figure rose to 1,300 USD and the country is on its way from low-income country to lower-middle income status.
The Three Countries Propose Five Triangle Development Projects to Partners
The triangle area was formerly isolated, mainly on the Cambodian side. At present, Cambodia has been working to transform it into one of the most potentials in the country. In order to further the development, the three Prime Ministers have agreed to approve initiatives proposed by their Ministers and Senior Officials that each country will propose five projects to development partners, especially Japan and the Asian Development Bank, for supports.
In addition to this, we see the need to expedite development in the area through various other initiatives including issues of infrastructures, human resource training, etc. We have identified the fact that Vietnam has ability to provide more on human resource training and development. Laos has energy resource. Its electricity can be helpful for Cambodia and Vietnam. Cambodia will put together a plan on wiring electricity from Laos to Cambodia. Vietnam may as well work out a plan to purchase electricity from Laos, who is one of the batteries in the region.
VDO Conference on DTA Established for the Three Prime Ministers
This evening we have agreed to have connectivity that is very important in term of communication. We have established VDO conference connection among the three Prime Ministers and related works on Development Triangle Area (DTA). We have decided to have more communications at Prime Ministers’ level in addition to those of Ministers’. I am sure that from this time onward our officials and people as a whole will benefit more from efforts made by the three Prime Ministers. Let us work together to transform this poor area into a developmental one in the time to come./.
