This year is set to be another critical period for Cambodia with

more than 50 international leaders set to convene in the capital on

November 16 and 17 for the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem).

The Post’s May Kunmakara spoke with Asian Vision Institute

president Chheang Vannarith to discuss the agenda ahead of the Summit.

What will the summit mean for the Kingdom?

The 13th Asem summit will be held under the theme of Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth.

In regards to multilateralism, the delegation will focus on

relationships with the UN and the World Trade Organisation – both of

which have an important role in making the Kingdom more open and

efficient.

Since we are a small country with a corresponding economy, we need

multiple partners to help protect our interests and avoid any negative

impact.

We must also find ways to ensure shared growth by strengthening the

global and regional economy to bridge the development gap. Meanwhile, we

are pushing for a Rule-Based International Order – meaning that any

conflict has to be resolved under international law.

How will the strained relationship with Europe impact the Asem?

Although we are trying to resolve some issues with the EU, I do not

see this impacting the upcoming summit. Cambodia’s relationship with the

EU is a bilateral one, while Asem focuses on multilateralism in the

best interest of all.

At the same time, it would be inappropriate to bring up our concerns with the EU during the Summit since we are to host it.

Cambodia does not plan to hijack the Summit to take on the EU. Many

other Asean members have also had issues with the EU. But despite this,

the Asem will proceed as planned. We are more concerned with complex and

controversial issues such as North Korea, China-US relations and

Russia-US relations.

What will Cambodia’s role be during the Summit in terms of addressing critical issues?

Well, all countries must come together to better understand our

common concerns. This requires leaders to come together and exchange

ideas to forge closer ties. Cambodia has planned for bilateral meetings

with participants to iron out those issues.

Will the US-China trade dispute and economic protectionism be on the agenda?

The trade war is a common concern for Asia and Europe. We have

already discussed the issue because it threatens global economic growth.

The rise of protectionist policies will impact multilateral

relationships as we rely on each other for economic growth. We have

raised and debated these two concerns at almost every international

meeting.

The EU and Vietnam have signed off on a Free Trade Agreement.

Vietnam is a communist country while Cambodia is facing the threat of

potential withdrawal from the ‘Everything but Arms’ (EBA) trade scheme –

what is your take on this?

The EU practices double standards because it values Vietnam higher

than Cambodia due to its economic and geopolitical interests there. The

Cambodian economy is smaller, while relationships with the EU and US are

not as significant, which leaves us vulnerable.

The EU’s hypocritical attitude goes against its core values. The EU

claims to practice “normative power”, yet it accuses us of human rights

violations while simultaneously elevating Vietnam to becoming a valuable

trading partner because of economic interests.