Chun Sophal
The Mekong Times
In what he said was a bid to reduce poverty and kick-start development, Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday appealed for greater participation in the government’s upcoming ‘second-step’ financial reform program.
“We cannot gain victory in financial management if some reforms and developments do not reach their targets,” he said, adding that Cambodia’s development partners must continue to provide long-term support, financing and technical assistance.
John G. Nelmes, International Monetary Fund Resident Representative to Cambodia, agreed that a stronger public financial management system would play a vital role in Cambodia’s development.
“Development partners continue to maintain a firm stance that public financial management is a priority for strengthening governance and upgrading public services,” said Nelmes. “We are fully determined to continue supporting the government’s efforts in order to achieve all targets in the public financial management reform programs.”
Cambodia, where an estimated 35 percent of citizens live below the poverty line, plans to begin second-step public financial management reform programs in December of this year.
Minister of Economy and Finance Keat Chhon said true reform is a challenge that will be amply rewarded. “We think that reaching the next level of development needs active participation from all ministries and institutions,” he added.
Hun Sen said that “each ministry and institution [must] take ownership of the second-phase public financial management reform.”
“We know that to address this problem is difficult,” the premier acknowledged. “But we have to begin with transparency and goodwill to ensure the sustainable development of our country and effective alleviation of poverty.”
“We cannot gain victory in financial management if some reforms and developments do not reach their targets,” he said, adding that Cambodia’s development partners must continue to provide long-term support, financing and technical assistance.
John G. Nelmes, International Monetary Fund Resident Representative to Cambodia, agreed that a stronger public financial management system would play a vital role in Cambodia’s development.
“Development partners continue to maintain a firm stance that public financial management is a priority for strengthening governance and upgrading public services,” said Nelmes. “We are fully determined to continue supporting the government’s efforts in order to achieve all targets in the public financial management reform programs.”
Cambodia, where an estimated 35 percent of citizens live below the poverty line, plans to begin second-step public financial management reform programs in December of this year.
Minister of Economy and Finance Keat Chhon said true reform is a challenge that will be amply rewarded. “We think that reaching the next level of development needs active participation from all ministries and institutions,” he added.
Hun Sen said that “each ministry and institution [must] take ownership of the second-phase public financial management reform.”
“We know that to address this problem is difficult,” the premier acknowledged. “But we have to begin with transparency and goodwill to ensure the sustainable development of our country and effective alleviation of poverty.”
