PHNOM PENH, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Monday inaugurated the Museum of Economy and Money here, showcasing monetary troves and artifacts dating back to the first century.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said the museum is a cache of knowledge for students, youths, and national and international visitors who are keen to know about Cambodia’s economy and money.

“It is the first time in our history that Cambodia has the Museum of Economy and Money,” he said. “The museum’s purpose is to collect and compile documents and evidence related to the history of the national economy and money.”

Chea Chanto, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, said the museum, dubbed Preah Srey Icanavarman Museum, displays monetary troves and artifacts dating from the Funan era in the first to sixth centuries.

“The museum is divided into 12 modules, describing the history of Cambodia, while highlighting the economic and monetary system from Funan era to the present,” he said.

The museum also has a library, a gift shop, a cafeteria, and a beautiful garden, according to a booklet distributed at the inauguration ceremony.

Located near the historical site of Wat Phnom, the museum’s building was the former town hall in 1908 and represents the early 20th century protectorate style, the booklet said. Enditem