Dear Editor,

I am a fourth-year student of political science and computer science at the University of Washington of Seattle, Washington. I would like to voice my opinions over Prime Minister Hun Sen’s announcement for the world’s second-tallest tower to be built on Phnom Penh’s Diamond Island.

After hearing from many sources that the tower is achievable, I am thrilled and excited for the future of Cambodia. One major aspect that Cambodia currently lacks is modern national pride. Cambodia is a country torn apart by war, and, even so, it is making a remarkable recovery and is steadily catching up with the rest of the world. If the tower is built, it will dramatically boost Cambodia’s development speed and pride for the people of Cambodia, as it represents Cambodia’s appearance on the world stage.

The tower will be a symbol for Cambodia’s entrance onto the world’s economic stage, as well. Not only will it strengthen the confidence of the people of Cambodia, but also of the people of the world. Investors’ sense of belief in Cambodia’s economic development will be stronger and they will be more likely to invest in Cambodia.

The benefits of investments are enormous, including more jobs and more money, which leads to more development; from what we have seen, investments are starting to play a very important role in Cambodia’s economic development.

Lastly, despite the cost of the construction, one can see it as an investment for Cambodia’s future.

Cambodia needs to emerge into the international arena for its people and for the citizens of the world. Cambodia is a nation full of potential and is capable of achieving great things. And, if the tower does not clearly show what potential Cambodia has, it certainly displays the direction Cambodia is heading.

Sothie Keo

Seattle, Washington

Send letters to: [email protected] or PO?Box 146, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Post reserves the right to edit letters to a shorter length. The views expressed above are solely the authors’ and do not reflect any positions taken by The Phnom Penh Post.