The framework focuses on five major priorities – developing digital infrastructure, fostering digital trust and confidence, creating digital citizens, building the digital government and promoting digital businesses. Hong Menea
The government is drafting a 2021-2035 policy framework for Cambodia’s evolving digital socioeconomic environment that optimally facilitates economic growth, according to a press release.
The framework focuses on five major priorities – developing digital infrastructure, fostering digital trust and confidence, creating digital citizens, building the digital government and promoting digital businesses.
Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth on February 17 led a meeting of the inter-ministerial committee tasked with drafting the frameworks for the policies that concern the digital government and economy.
Pornmoniroth said in the release that the draft is in congruence with Rectangular Strategy Phase IV and will provide an important roadmap for the digital revolution.
The release said the framework is designed to respond to the global trends of Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation that is taking place across regional economies and beyond, now more so than ever with Covid-19 underscoring their growing potential to propel development and economic growth.
It added that the framework sets forth a vision for building a vibrant digital economy and society by laying the foundations for digital adoption and transformation across society, businesses, people and the state to generate fresh economic growth momentum and promote social welfare under the “new normal” perspective.
Pornmoniroth added: “I would like to advise the working group to revise the document in the spirit and general consensus reached at the meeting and receive approval for the document in the near future.”
Path Chamnan, founder of Super App Technology Plc, told The Post that the framework would sketch out a livelier and more engaging unfolding of Cambodia’s digital systems.
“We welcome the government’s initiative to promote Cambodia as a digital society, and as part of the private sector, we will be more motivated to develop our digital technologies and ante up for Cambodia’s economic growth,” he said.
Once the framework comes into place, Cambodia’s economy will be all set for growth down the line, he said, adding that digital technology will slash wasted time and costs and lure in more investment in the sector.
“It will help bring our products to a wider international market through [the use of] digital technology. No longer will we have to worry about producing something and then fail to secure a market,” Chamnan said.
Ministry permanent secretary of state Vongsey Vissoth told a February 2 technical meeting on the draft that the framework would be an indispensable tool in the greater post-Covid-19 economic restoration plan.
“This policy will provide direct and indirect support to fuel economic growth by building rich digital infrastructure, attracting investment, creating productivity and enhancing Cambodia’s competitive edge,” he said.
