Reflecting on 2013 and the Year Ahead

Reflecting on 2013 and the Year Ahead  

By William E. Todd, US Ambassador to Cambodia  / Cambodia Herald | 29 Dec. 2013

 

There are countless ways to ring in the new year, whether it’s watching a television countdown show, raising a glass for a toast, or stealing a kiss from a loved one.  No matter how it is celebrated, however, the approach of January 1 is a cause to reflect on the achievements of the past year and look forward to what the year ahead may bring.  Many of the questions I received over the past week show this sense of reflection among Cambodians, with Sochea asking,“What do you think is the biggest area of progress in Cambodia in 2013?” and Vireak asking, “Are you optimistic about Cambodia’s political and economic development in 2014?”

There were many significant developments in Cambodia this year that make me optimistic about the country’s prospects in 2014.  Of course the most high-profile event was the national elections.  On July 28, the world watched as millions of Cambodians headed to the polls and exercised their right to vote.  The high turnout demonstrated the Cambodian people’s determination to play a leading role in shaping their country’s future, and the generally peaceful and open environment during the campaign period and on polling day represented a positive step forward in the country’s democratic development.  While the months following the elections have tested Cambodia’s commitment to democratic principles, for the most part,people on all sides have responded admirably by adhering to nonviolence.  Public demonstrations test every democracy, but peaceful and respectful protests are an important avenue for voicing opinions and encouraging debate.  I commend all Cambodians who have exercised their democratic rights in a constructive and nonviolent manner.  I also commend the Royal Government of Cambodia for providing the security and political space for citizens to exercise their freedoms of assembly and expression in an open and peaceful manner.

Along with political progress, Cambodia’s economy continued its strong growth this year, driven by the hard work of Cambodians seeking a better life for themselves and their families.A significant positive development in the labor field was the signing of a new agreement that will allow the Better Factories Cambodia program to make public its reporting on factory conditions, which holds great promise for improving the labor conditions for half a million Cambodian workers.  There was also progress on raising the minimum wage in the garment sector.  Ongoing disputes between workers and business owners over basic pay, benefits, and safety, however,highlight the challenges that need to be addressed in 2014 to allow Cambodia’s economy to keep growing.I remain optimistic that mutually acceptable solutions to these and other challenges can be found, and I pledge to continue my own efforts to promote bilateral trade and investment to help Cambodians see a brighter future.

As I reflect on Cambodia’s progress in 2013, I would be remiss if I did not mention civil society’s admirable work for the betterment of all Cambodians.  Civil society organizations work tirelessly on a broad range of issues focused on the needs of the Cambodian people, including strengthening democratic institutions, improving healthcare, protecting the environment, promoting economic development, defending human rights, and enhancing education.I am extremely grateful to the members of my NGO Advisory Council and Environmental Advisory Council, whose dedicated efforts are making a difference in the lives of so many Cambodians.  I look forward to continuing the close partnership between the U.S. Embassy and civil society in 2014 as we pursue our shared goal of producing positive results that translate into real improvements in the welfare of the Cambodian people.

Heading into 2014, I know that the current political impasse still weighs heavily on the minds of many.  Reaching a resolution will require the Royal Government, the opposition, civil society groups, and ordinary Cambodian citizens to work together for the benefit of society.Although the disagreements may seem difficult to bridge, I believe negotiation remains the key to resolving the differences, and I am encouraged that both parties have shown a willingness to return to dialogue.  The Cambodian people have demonstrated unquestionable support for the democratic process and resolving political disagreements in a constructive, nonviolent manner.  Democracy may not always be a clean, easy, or fast process, but it is worth the investment of time and commitment.  I am encouraged to see some recent positive signs of progress, such as a new focus on combatting corruption, which if stepped up further could make a real difference in Cambodia’s development and the lives of its citizens.  Therefore, I continue to urge the parties to resume talks to find an outcome that best benefits the country.  In particular, I strongly believe that a focus on democratic reforms in the year ahead could make this one of the most transformative times in Cambodia’s history.

As 2013 draws to a close, I would like to thank you for your questions and comments, which have given me unique insights into the pressing issues facing Cambodia over the past year. I also deeply appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on how I can make the U.S.-Cambodia relationship more effective.Your opinions are shaping how the U.S. Embassy conducts its work in Cambodia, which is what a constructive dialogue is all about.  In the coming year, this column will remain an important channel for me to engage with the Cambodian people, and I hope you will continue your enthusiastic support of this effort.

Thank you for reading this year’s final column.  In 2014, please continue to send me your questions and comments,in English or Khmer, by emailing AskAMBToddPP@state.gov and please follow my blog at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd/.I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia