Cambodia's economy to exceed 7%

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday that the country's economy is forecast to exceed 7 percent in 2014, driven by robust growth in agriculture, garment exports and tourism. "The country is expected to achieve over 7 percent GDP growth this year after it had achieved 7.3 percent and 7.6 percent growth in 2012 and 2013 respectively," he said at a graduation ceremony for students at the Royal School of Administration. He said the inflation would be suppressed to a manageable rate this year. Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund predicted that Cambodia's economy is projected to grow by 7.2 percent this year due to strong increases in exports, tourism, and construction. It said the inflation is projected to remain low this year thanks to stable food and fuel prices. However, some analysts said ongoing post-election dispute between the ruling and opposition parties may slow down the economic growth this year if it lasts for a longer time. "The political crisis after the election in July last year will have greater impact on economy and investment this year if there is still no political breakthrough," Dr. Chheang Vannarith, lecturer of Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Leeds in Britain, said