Minister lauds controversial sugar industry

24 July 2014
The Cambodia Daily
Agricultural production / Child labor / Economic land concessions and plantations / Economic policy and administration / Government / Human rights / Industries / Labor / Land / Ministries and other national bodies / Ministry of Environment / Social development / Sugar
European Union aid / Ly Yong Phat / Ministry of Environment / Omlaing community / Phnom Penh Sugar Company / Say Sam Al

Environment Minister Say Sam Al on Wednesday lauded the country’s controversial sugar industry and the jobs it has created, saying that companies operating in the sector need to be defended against the widespread criticism they have been receiving. Rights groups and the opposition CNRP have undertaken a campaign in recent years to spotlight abuses in the sugar industry, particularly on plantations belonging to Senator Ly Yong Phat’s Phnom Penh Sugar company. Land grabbing, child labor, the destruction of natural resources and ruination of farmers’ lives are among the complaints against Mr. Yong Phat’s company and other firms in the industry. …

 Khuon Narim and Lauren Crothers
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/minister-lauds-controversial-sugar-industry-64810/