Vitality injected back into Cambodia capital

PHNOM PENH－Traffic jams rarely stir fond memories among city dwellers, but for the residents of Phnom Penh, the return of honking cars and tuk-tuks to the streets of the Cambodian capital signals vitality and hope after the gloom of the pandemic.

For months, residents had been struggling under the weight of strict restrictions on social and business activities, especially after COVID-19 infections rose earlier this year.

A turnaround in people's fortunes came after China's timely and steady supplies of vaccines against the coronavirus. And, with high vaccination rates, Cambodia has been opening up to economic and social activities. Fully vaccinated foreign tourists are also returning.

Chheang Lida, a 34-year-old fruit vendor at the Old Market in the Cambodian capital, was swamped with customers on Wednesday and happily reported that her sales have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Selling fruit such as bananas, oranges, and strawberries, the vendor said sales began recovering after the government allowed wedding ceremonies and religious functions to resume, and that has triggered demand for fresh fruit.

Sales declined sharply during the pandemic restrictions. "But the sales have now recovered around 80 percent," she said.

"I'm elated to see the reopening of all sectors in the country after the disruptions caused by COVID-19 for nearly two years. We hope that our economy will rebound soon."

Chheang Lida and her family, including a child aged 5, have been fully vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine from Chinese drugmaker Sinovac Biotech.

"We are totally confident in the efficacy of the Chinese vaccine in protecting us from COVID-19," she said.

Cambodia has so far administered at least one vaccine dose to 14.08 million people, or 88 percent of its 16 million people.

High vaccination rate

"Cambodia has become one of the most fully COVID-19 vaccinated countries in the region and around the world, and has achieved a solid herd immunity," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said at the capital's airport for the arrival of a fresh batch of 2 million donated doses of the Sinovac vaccine on Wednesday.

"Cambodia's success in its COVID-19 vaccination campaign is inseparable from China's vaccine supply."

The country has so far received 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from three sources through bilateral procurement, the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility, and donations. Of these stocks, more than 90 percent have come from China as donations or purchases.

Hun Sen said the Chinese vaccines have saved the lives of Cambodians and helped to restore the economy.

"China is a true ironclad friend who always provides timely support to Cambodia in difficult times without any strings attached," he said.

"China's vaccine supply to Cambodia and other countries is a testament to China's commitment to promoting COVID-19 vaccines as a global public good."

Yon Saosopheap, a teacher at the Tuol Svay Prey High School in Phnom Penh, said the Chinese vaccines have helped Cambodia achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus, enabling the country to reopen its borders to all fully vaccinated foreign travelers.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian said he is pleased to see Phnom Penh regain its former vigor as businesses reopen, and he hopes the kingdom's socioeconomic development will recover soon.

"I'd like to reiterate that our assistance to Cambodia will not stop until the pandemic is finally defeated," he said. "The Chinese people will always stand with the Cambodian people to fight against this pandemic."

Cambodia reported 51 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, pushing the total to 119,687, the Ministry of Health said. Five additional deaths were reported, bringing the overall death toll to 2,881.

Xinhua