Senate president Hun Sen remarked that he observed elderly Cambodians joyfully dancing and celebrating during the recent Khmer New Year, showing little concern over recent US tariff hikes, “except for uninformed analysts”.

Speaking at the April 22 opening of the third Session of the Senate, he praised the organisation of the Khmer New Year festivities and the maintenance of public order, which allowed citizens to enjoy themselves. He also highlighted Cambodia’s progress, such as infrastructure development.

“The most striking thing is that the elderly were dancing together, enjoying themselves and celebrating successes. It seems no one was worried about taxes of any percentages — it was calm during that time, except for some uninformed analysts abroad. People in the country didn’t seem to care about much tariff percentages,” he said.

His remarks referred to the “reciprocal tariffs” imposed by the Trump administration. They were initially set at 49% on all Cambodian goods exported to the US, before being temporarily lowered to 10% for 90 days to allow negotiations.

The Khmer New Year, held from April 14 to 16, was followed by a major international event for the Kingdom: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s April 17 to 18 visit. During his time in Cambodia, multiple agreements and contracts were signed.

They included a contract related to the Funan Techo Canal project, valued at $1.156 billion.

Hun Sen noted that Xi’s visit greatly benefited Cambodia-China relations, particularly in economic, trade and investment areas.

However, he asserted that even without Chinese aid or investment, Cambodia would ensure the construction of the Funan Techo Canal.

“The pace of the FunanTecho Canal project will continue, and I must clarify that, with or without our Chinese friends, we must complete it. Fortunately, China has pledged support and involved companies in this phase of the canal project, and we will achieve it according to the plan we’ve set,” he added.