April 22nd is Earth Day, and for the nearly fifty years since its inception, people the world over pledge to take actions to protect our planet. And in Cambodia, there is much to protect; from award-winning rice to globally coveted Kampot pepper, the natural abundance of the Kingdom is awe-inspiring. The responsibility falls on us all to contribute to the well-being of those in our communities and the surrounding environment.
This is a core value of Thalias and it is our distinct pleasure to be participating in this year’s CSR Contest presented by EuroCham. This programme recognizes and rewards companies that play an active role in maintaining Cambodia’s rich ecosystem and protecting its human capital.
By doing so we hope to promote positive role models for CSR and encourage innovative sustainability projects countrywide. In consideration for the well-being of those in Cambodia’s working class, I strongly oppose the EU’s proposed withdrawal of its preferential trade partner status under its Everything but Arms initiative.
Sanctions are counter-productive to human and labour rights development; therefore, I strongly urge the EU to conduct a human rights impact assessment before taking an action. Withdrawal can hurt those most vulnerable to slipping back into poverty; especially workers in sectors, which have benefited greatly from a surging economy backed by tariff-free trade to Europe. Read my letter to the Phnom Penh Post below.
Yours sincerely,
Arnaud DARC
