Industry players are optimistic that the upcoming 19th Royal Government-Private Sector Forum would address some 20 challenges impacting the transportation and infrastructure sectors, making Cambodia more competitive in future.
Chea Chandara, president of the Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association in Cambodia, said a meeting was organised by “Working Group F” ahead of the forum at the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) on Sept 12 to discuss and prepare a joint proposal for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
The meeting was attended by So Nguon, co-chair of the Private Sector Working Group F, CCC director-general and deputy chairman of the working group Nguon Meng Tech and members of the Japanese Business Association in Cambodia, Cambodia Logistics Association, Cambodian Road Transport Association and Cambodian Road Freight Association, as well as representatives of other private sector working groups.
“The meeting was important for business owners and those involved in the transportation sector as it highlighted 20 common challenges which would be put together and submitted to the government to resolve during the forum, which is scheduled to take place soon.
“I am optimistic that some of the challenges facing the transport sector in Cambodia may be addressed appropriately by the head of the government at the forum. The Prime Minister always said that the government would pay close attention to the private sector because it is the engine propelling economic growth,” Chandara said.
Some of the key issues raised at the meeting include transportation documents, cross-border passenger-vehicles, parking fees and insurance company coordination in the event of problems.
Regarding the current logistics and shipping prices, Chandara confirmed that there is no significant change in activities despite the increase in fuel prices.
Organised by the government, the annual forum is happening after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The event is led by the Prime Minister and attended by ministry heads, state institutions, provincial governors, private sector and institutional representatives and foreign diplomats.
It is a platform for private sector players to highlight issues, make recommendations and engage in a dialogue with the government, and seek resolutions.
During a visit to three special economic zones – Sihanoukville Port Special Economic Zone, Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone and Cambodian Zhejiang Guoji Special Economic Zone – on Sept 12, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol reiterated that the government would strive to make shipping costs in Cambodia competitive with neighbouring countries.
Chanthol said the government would increase investment to build public infrastructure, such the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, Phnom Penh-Siem Reap Expressway, Funan Techo Canal Project, and Phnom Penh-Poipet and Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville railways to ensure connection and reduce shipping costs.
“These projects would reduce the cost of transportation in Cambodia and enable smooth domestic transportation,” he said.