Fifth Edition of EU "Blue Book"Launches
By Christopher Smith
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On July 7, 2009, The University
of Cambodia served as host to the European Commission
Delegates. His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President
of the University was joined by Ms. Michelle Labeeu,
Chargé d’ Affaires with the European Union Delegation to
Cambodia. Also present at the morning’s event was His
Excellency Mr. Andrew Mace, U.K. Ambassador to the
Kingdom of Cambodia. Together, they presided over the launch of the fifth edition of
“European Union Development Cooperation Activities in
Cambodia.” Commonly referred to as the EU “Blue Book,”
the text is an essential resource, detailing the full
range of European Union (EU) development activities in
Cambodia. In his introduction to the university’s honored
guests, Dr. Kao set the informative tone of the
morning’s discussion. He recalled the historical links
between Cambodia and Europe and described the nature of
the modern relationship. “We appreciate the role of EU members to the development of Cambodia,” states Dr. Kao.
Dr. Kao paid particular attention to matters of trade between Cambodia and Europe, illustrating his point with reference to advantageous tariff arrangements for Cambodian goods exported to Europe. He also underlined the fact that Europe offers a range of generous scholarships for students in the region. |
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In her address to
the audience of diplomats, media representatives, NGO
employees and students, Ms. Labeeu stated, “the EU ‘Blue
Book’ provides comprehensive information on EU support
to help Cambodia achieve its Millennium Development
Goals. The report is part of the EU commitment to
transparency, while helping create awareness of the EU’s
comprehensive development program.” She also emphasized to students that “young people will play an important role in Cambodia’s future.” They are the country’s successor. In addition, she noted that in 2008, the European Union donated over US$214 million in support of Cambodian development. These transactions, she said, were guided by mutual respect, in a relationship between equals, not between donors and recipients.
The contributions have helped shape a successful agricultural policy. They have helped stimulate discussion and advances in the field of gender equality and human rights. They have been responsible for significant advances in the struggle against poverty, not through charitable hand-outs, but through fair trade and rational tariff policies. They have funded technical assistance in areas as diverse as packaging Cambodian goods for export and lighting for the nation’s many tourist attractions. |
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All of these activities, Ms. Labeeu said, were conducted in ways that
sought improved effectiveness of delivery through coordination
and alignment of work in accordance with the demands of local
conditions. Overall, she foresaw a future in which the younger
generations created local solutions for the benefit of all
Cambodians.
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In introducing the
morning’s discussion, Ambassador Andrew Mace emphasized
the fact that the fifth edition of the “Blue Book” was
built on a history of two-way communication. To that
end, he threw the meeting open to questions from the
audience. A reporter from the Cambodia Daily wondered if inflation, with food prices set to rise by up to 20% over the next decade, might offset the gains made by development.
Mr. Mace acknowledged that food accounted for a significant proportion of household expenses, and that price increases were always unwelcome. However, he made reference to ongoing discussions on the introduction of a social safety net system. He also stated that the right |
government fiscal policies were already in place to confront inflation.
Dr. Kao added that with continued reform of the agricultural
sector, Cambodia was able to produce over six million tons of
surplus rice per year. With this impressive statistic in mind,
he was certain that no Cambodian was going to go hungry.
Another member of the audience wished to know about trade relations between Cambodia and Europe. In addition, he wished to know if there was any specific European involvement in a Cambodian tourist policy.
Ambassador Mace replied that Cambodian agriculture was a major source of national export earnings. He said that the quality of Cambodian agricultural products, including rice and fruit was second to none. However, Europe would be in a position to provide technical assistance in areas such as packaging, allowing a top quality Cambodian product for export to arrive at its destination in perfect condition.
With reference to a European tourism policy for Cambodia, Ambassador Mace replied that responsibility for policy creation was not part of the Union’s responsibility, hinting that no government would allow outside interference in the final decision making process. However, he emphasized the fact that the EU was always ready to provide support, again in areas such as technical aspects, training of personnel and support for the nation’s ancient culture.
Another questioner sought information on Gender development and the
delivery of aid at local level.
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A reporter from the Cambodia Daily wondered if inflation, with food prices set to rise by up to 20% over the next decade, might offset the gains made by development.
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Ms. Labeeu added that the EU always acted in accordance with various government strategies and the Millennium Development Goals. Furthermore EU activities always sought to strengthen both national leadership and a sense of “ownership” or individual responsibility for the creation of a brighter future in Cambodia. Such happy outcomes required a division of labour, an enhanced education sector, decentralization of authority and national unity.
Ambassador Mace concluded by saying that decentralization and support for individual Nongovernmental Organizations were typical of the EU’s developmental activities. He noted however that such approach does lead to a highly complex system of relationships and networks. He repeated the fact that the Cambodian government would welcome no interference in the regulation of these local relationships and that the EU would take no responsibility in this area.
In concluding, both Ms. Labeeu and Ambassador Mace suggested that areas for cooperation between Cambodia and the EU might include rural development, city planning, agricultural reform and reform of the education sector.
Should there be support for the full spectrum of issues, or focused
assistance in just one or two areas? The ultimate decision
rested with the Cambodian government; the support from for
Europe however was guaranteed.
The University of Cambodia thanks all of our distinguished guests for
choosing our establishment to launch this supremely important
text and for their enlightening treatment of a complex set of
issues.
Anyone can take a glimpse look of the Blue Book at the newly established European Union Information Centre (EUi) at the Toshu Fukami Library. The text of the “Blue Book” will be available in all relevant languages, including Khmer and English.