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•Charter sets framework for 'One Asean'•India eyes US$50 billion trade with Asean•Vietnam posts bigger-ever FDI in 11 months•Korean Posco to invest US$5.8 billion in Vietnam•Vietnamese face rising consumer prices•Indonesian foreign trade up in first nine months•Japan to invest US$900 million in Indonesian oil and gas field•World Bank: Cambodian economic growth to remain strong•IMF cancels US$82 million of Cambodian debt•Thai economy to improve after election: deputy PM

Development Weekly
Development Weekly is the only press review on development in Cambodia.
Click here to view The Mekong Times Today's Articles:
•Tense standoff as armies deploy around Preah Vihear templer:Cambodia and Thailand escalated their troop build-up yesterday in disputed border territory near the historic Preah Vihear temple despite their agreement to hold talks next week to defuse tensions, a Cambodian general has said.An emergency meeting of the General Border Committee – which was originally set up to cope with the two countries’ border problems and includes both countries’ ministers of defense – will be held Monday in Thailand’s border province of Sa Kaeo, to speed up talks on the disputed territory, said The Bangkok Post citing foreign ministry sources. Cambodian Brigadier General Chea Keo said Thailand has more than 400 troops near Preah Vihear temple, up from about 200 on Wednesday, and Cambodia has about 800, up from 380.Cambodia claims the Thai troops crossed the border into Cambodian territory on Tuesday in renewed tensions over land near the Cambodian temple. Thailand maintains it is protecting its sovereignty, while ensuring that any protests by Thais near the temple remain orderly, although a senior Thai military official acknowledged Wednesday that the Thai troops were on “disputed” ground.The border around Preah Vihear has never been fully demarcated.In a letter to the Thai prime minister yesterday, Prime Minister Hun Sen urged Thailand to withdraw its troops from the border area.“Unfortunately, as of 17 July 2008 the situation is worsening due to a continuing increase in the numbers of Thai military inside and around the area of Keo Sihka Kiri Svara pagoda [Preah Vihear Pagoda],” he said.“The deteriorating situation is very bad for the relations between our two countries.” Yet despite the official rhetoric, the atmosphere around the temple appeared to be calm.Cambodian soldiers snapped photographs of their Thai opponents just meters away and some tourists, including an American woman, visited the spectacular site.The long-standing conflict over the territory was recently revived by Thai anti-government protesters and came to a head after Cambodia’s application for World Heritage Site status for the temple was granted last week with an endorsement from Thailand’s government.Both countries claim 4.6 square km of land around the temple, and the Thai protesters have revived nationalist sentiments over the issue, fearing the temple’s new status will jeopardize territorial claims.However, Thais living just across the border sought to calm the situation.Hundreds of villagers in Sisaket province blocked a group of Thai anti-government protesters from marching to Preah Vihear on Thursday. Some shouted at the protesters to “go home” and stop fomenting trouble, as police stood by a barricade blocking the road to the temple.“We are Thais. We should be able to talk about this” to settle any differences, villager Ubondej Panthep said.One protest leader, Pramoj Hoimook, said Cambodians have settled on Thai soil “and we want to correct that.”“We want to get to Preah Vihear to read a statement, asking for our land back,” he said.Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej condemned the Thai protesters for “trying to ignite a conflict.”“Now the troops on both sides are confronting each other. What madness is this? There are people who want to provoke this,” Samak told reporters, referring to anti-government protesters who have seized on the issue in attempts to bring down his government.Samak called for a meeting of all armed forces commanders in Bangkok on Friday in preparation for the border committee meeting Monday.Hun Sen meanwhile urged in his letter to Samak “to ease the tension and order Thai troops to withdraw … [as these] troops have encroached on our territory.”Earlier Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said Cambodia would not “use force unless attacked” and that the “situation was stable.”Thai army commander General Anupong Paojindasaid likewise said he ordered his troops not to use force.Most of the 900 Cambodian villagers living nearby fled their homes when the confrontation began Tuesday. However, some Cambodian and foreign tourists risked possible harm Thursday by visiting the temple. One of them was Liz Shura from New York City.“It’s a little frightening for me, but I don’t think I am actually in danger,” said Shura, discounting the possibility of violence. “The temple is extraordinary. It’s really amazing.”In 1962, the International Court of Justice awarded Preah Vihear and the land it occupies to Cambodia, a decision that still rankles many Thais even though the temple is culturally Cambodian, sharing the Hindu-influenced style of the more famous Angkor complex.(AP, DPA The Mekong Times)•Students unfazed by reporter's murder:Intimidation, detention and particularly murder don’t necessarily make journalism students give up their commitment to the news profession.Keo Kounila, a student at advertising management of Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), expressed sorrow over the murder of Moneaksekar Khmer newspaper journalist Khim Sambo and his son, Khat Sarin, at a press conference Thursday that showcased the achievements of the students with the Department of Media and Communications (DMC) at RUPP. She stressed that the murder will not discourage her from becoming a journalist. “It doesn’t discourage me. I still want to be a journalist because journalists play a key role in a democratic society to inform society with true news,” Keo Kounila said. “To overcome all obstacles as journalists, we must have specific skills, ethics and heavy responsibilities.” Lim Seangheng, a second-year media management student at RUPP, claimed the journalism profession is now open to women. Lim Seangheng is proud of her participation along with other second-year students in forming the newspaper Cambodia Votes 2008, which was unveiled at Thursday’s press conference at RUPP. The first 24-page edition has over 50 articles written by the students and was published with a budget of over US$10,000. The five-day study tour to Stung Treng province and the Lao border and additional research in other regions in Cambodia is part of the “Report on the Election” project, which stemmed from the almost three years of cooperation between the DMC and the German Development Service (DED). “Training journalists in election is the high-quality result of media education. DMC and DED are very proud of the achievements and good cooperation,” said Wolfgang Moeller, director of DED in Cambodia, during the press conference. “DED has assisted DMC for nearly two and a half years by sending its two advisors and media experts.” He added that the DED has provided about US$30,000 in funding this year for the program that includes courses on journalism ethics. Tieng Sopheakvichea, co-director of the DMC, stressed the importance of the program’s mission. “We can say that a good journalism profession relies on a journalist who has knowledge, ethics, and responsibilities,” he said. “At school, each student receives the same training, but they do a different job in society.” The DMC enrolls 30 students per year for a four-year bachelor degree. Pram Seila, a student in the department, said he is “very happy” about the end result of the newspaper. “It shows what we have learned and about the commitment of future professional journalists, and it will provide a lot of benefits to the nation.” Hul Reasmei, reporter from Radio Free Asia, who attended the ceremony, was impressed with the finbal product. “Each story has interviews with sufficient sources, balance, and good usage of words.”One thousand copies of Cambodia Votes 2008 are not for sale, but for free distribution. Pao Raotana

Business Press
Business Press is the only weekly press review on economy in Cambodia.
Business Press Headlines
•Cambodia waits for next Thai gov't to discuss oil reserves•Takeo's rice fields damaged by locusts•GE opens branch•Infinity insurance opens doors•New World Bank head to visit Cambodia•Local investment company plans SEZ in Poipet•PM demands for halt to filling in of Kob Srov lake•Apsara authority orders Korean golf course halted•Cambodia striding towards sustainable energy development

DFDL MEKONG - CAMBODIA
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Major Projects
Technical Assistance (Cambodia) PDF Print E-mail
Technical Assistance
Project Client Description of project and involvement by MLG/DFDL Mekong and lawyers working with DFDL Mekong  
World Bank Road Law Assistance for MPWT – Cambodia (2005-2006) World Bank Advising the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) in a World Bank project to assist the RGC in the detailed drafting of the Road Law and various Sub-Decrees implementing the Road Law, notably the establishment of a Road Board and Road Fund.
Power Reform Assistance for MIME – Cambodia (2003) World Bank (PPIAF) Advising the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) in a World Bank project to assist the RGC in defining and implementing power sector reform, notably the structuring and the detailed drafting of the Law Concessions and the Sub-Decree implementing the Law on Concessions.
World Bank (PPIAF)Private Public Infrastructure – Cambodia (2003 - 2004) World Bank (PPIAF) Advising the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) in a World Bank project to assist the RGC in defining and implementing private participation in infrastructure project, notably the structuring and detailed drafting of the Sub-Decree on the Private Participation in the Electricity Sector and Procurement Guidelines for the electricity sector.
Rural Water Sector – Cambodia (2005) Agence Française de Développement Advising the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) in an AFD project to assist the RGC in defining and implementing the water sector policy in rural areas, notably by analyzing the legal framework and proposing institutional structures to implement such policy.
GRET – Rural Irrigation Sector - Cambodia (2004) Agence Française de Développement Advising the GRET to assist in defining and implementing the legal framework in the rural irrigation sector, notably in the drafting of various implementing regulations for the water irrigation sector.
World Bank Project Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia – Legislative Reform for WTO (2001). As international legal adviser, advised the Ministry of Commerce on the required legislative reform in the light of accession of Cambodia to WTO membership. Notably, advised on the necessary legal reform in the financial sector.
 
General Foreign Direct Investment PDF Print E-mail
General Foreign Direct Investment
Project Client Description of project and involvement by MLG/DFDL Mekong and lawyers working with DFDL Mekong  
Acquisition of Hotel Cambodiana Royal Group of Companies Advise client, negotiate, draft and act on completion of multi-million dollar acquisition of entity.
Purchase of Camintel AZ Communications  
Purchase of Camshin Telecom Malaysia  
Joint Venture for Integrated Community Ciputra Advised client and negotiated joint venture as local counsel in relation to the development of a multi-million dollar integrated community to be developed in Phnom Penh.
Joint Venture for Hotel Development in Siem Reap Royal Group of Companies Advised client and negotiated with respect to all project agreements for the development of a luxury hotel in Siem Reap. 
Joint Venture to establish international-standard bank Royal Group Advise client in relation to the US$18 million joint venture with ANZ Banking Group to form ANZ Royal Bank (Cambodia) PLC, Cambodia's only international-standard bank.
Banking Advice ANZ Royal Bank Adviser to ANZ Royal Bank on all legal matters.  Bank commenced trading in August 2005, with branches nationwide within 2 years.  First externally–linked multi-bank ATMs in Cambodia and first internet banking service provider.
Cement joint venture investment in Cambodia Siam City Cement (controlled by Holcim). Value up to $40 million Cement grinding and manufacturing facility in Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia.
Cement joint venture investment in Cambodia Siam Cement's
Project value: US$100 million 		Investment in limestone mining venture and cement manufacturing facility in Kampot Province, Cambodia.
 
Land Development, Property, Hotels PDF Print E-mail
Land Development, Property, Hotels
Project Client Description of project and involvement by MLG/DFDL Mekong and lawyers working with DFDL Mekong  
Issuance of a Due Diligence report and Legal Opinion on Cambodian entities JSM Indochina Properties Co. Ltd. Issuance of a Due Diligence report and Legal Opinion on Cambodian entities, shares of which are to be acquired by JSM Indochina Properties Co. Ltd. which is a subsidiary of JSM Indochina Ltd., a Cayman Islands registered company listed on the AIM London Stock Exchange as part of the listing of JSM Indochina Ltd. and to raise US$220 million for future land development investments in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Financing and re-financing of Raffles Hotel in Cambodia Colony Adviser and Fairmount Advised client and document secured financing of Raffles Hotels in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Draft all local legal agreements.
Acquisition of Hotel Cambodiana Royal Group of Companies Advise client, negotiate, draft and act on completion of multi-million dollar acquisition of entity which owns the Hotel Cambodiana.
Joint Venture for Integrated Community Ciputra Description Advised client and negotiated joint venture as local counsel in relation to the development of a multi-million dollar integrated community to be developed in Phnom Penh.
Sale of a community development project Northbridge Communities Limited Represented Northbridge Communities Limited in the multi-million dollar sale of a community development project comprised of an international school, sporting facilities, single family homes and apartment buildings.
Purchase of land for development of a hotel resort complex Israeli Investors Represented the purchaser of land in Sihanoukville in a multi-million dollar purchase of land for development of a hotel resort project.
Joint Venture for hotel development in Siem Reap Royal Group of Companies Advised client and negotiated with respect to all project agreements for the development of a luxury hotel in Siem Reap.
Long Term Lease of Kho Phous (Snake Island) and Havai Beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia Kho Phous Investment Group Ltd. ("KPIG") Advised client in the drafting and negotiation with the Royal Government of Cambodia on the two long term leases for the island and beach front property on Havai Beach, whereby KPIG has the exclusive right to develop the island for tourism, the project for which is estimated to be a US$300 million dollar development project.
Development of a Special Economic Zone Manhattan Special Economic Zone Advised client and drafted form Land Sale and Purchase agreements and Long Term Lease Agreements for the client to sell and lease land within the Manhattan Special Economic Zone.
Joint Venture and Land Purchase of a Special Economic Zone Japanese Investors Advised on, negotiated and drafted as local counsel, the Joint Venture Agreement and Land Sale and Purchase Agreement for a foreign investor to enter into a joint venture for the purchase and development of the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone.
 
Energy and Infrastructure (Cambodia) PDF Print E-mail
Energy & Infrastructure
Project Client Description of project and involvement by MLG/DFDL Mekong and lawyers working with DFDL Mekong  

200-250 MW hydro-project   US$200-250 million

China Exim Bank Acting for the lenders in relation to a US$200-250 million Khamchay hydro project to be developed in Kampot province in Cambodia.

20 MW IPP Power Plant   US$30-35 million

Thai Lenders Acting for the lenders in relation to a US$30-35 million IPP project to be developed in Kampot province for providing electricity to a cement factory.

200 MW hydro project   US$280 million

Asian Development Bank Acting for the sponsors in relation to a US$280 million hydro project to be developed in North-East Cambodia.

Transmission Line  US$30 million

Asian Development Bank Acting for the lenders in relation to a US$30 million transmission line project between Thailand and Cambodia.

30 MW IPP in Phnom Penh  US$20 million investment

ANCO Brothers Acted for Anco Brothers in relation to two IPPs.
Railway Concession Sponsor Acting for the Sponsor in preparation of all project documentation.
Power Reform Assistance World Bank and Ministry of Industry Acting for the Royal Government of Cambodia in a World Bank project to assist the RGC in defining and implementing power sector reform, notably all aspects related to financing.
Cam-Tai Power Project  US$50 million investment CTEP Acting for a Taiwanese enterprise in relation to a US$60-70 million IPP in the region of Siem Reap.
Airport Financing
US$10-15 million loan		 PROPARCO Acting for a French bi-lateral financing agency, in relation to the financing of a BOT project in the airport sector.
Telecommunication Financing
US$10 million loan		 PROPARCO Acting for a French bi-lateral financing agency, in relation to the financing of a telecommunication project.
World Bank PPI Project World Bank and Ministry of Commerce Acting for the Royal Government of Cambodia in a World Bank project to assist RGC in defining and implementing private public infrastructure sector reform.
Water Sector Project GRET/ AFD Assisting a bi-lateral organization in developing a water sector project.
Transmission Line
US$20 million investment		 PWC Acting for international counsel to a Thai enterprise in relation to a US$20 million IPP between Thailand and Cambodia.
“Beacon Hill” Power Project
US$93 million investment		 IFC Acting for the IFC, Opic and the Korean Exim Bank in relation to a US$93 million IPP in Phnom Penh.
Two Phnom Penh IPPs
US$5 million to US$15 million investments		 Caterpillar International Acting for Caterpillar International in relation to two IPPs, valued at US$5 million to US$15 million each.
Two Provincial IPPs
US$5 million to US$15 million investments		 Global Technologies Support Acting for Malaysian company Global Technologies Support Sdn Bhd in relation to two IPPs, each valued at US$5 million to US$15 million.
IPP Operation and Management Contract GE International Acting for GE International in relation to the operation and management contract for an IPP.
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airport
US$30 million Investment		 SCA Acting for a consortium of French, Malaysian and Cambodian investors in relation to the US$30 million BOT for the renovation of the international airport in Phnom Penh.
Air Traffic Control Systems