Due to concerns over Covid-19, Prime Minister Hun Sen has decided to postpone the 19th edition of the Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), which was scheduled for April 1.

Secretary-General of the Council for Development of Cambodia (CDC) Sok Chanda Sophea announced the prime minister’s decision on Monday.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce vice-president Lim Heng said he was aware of the postponement, which he says is part of the government’s plan to combat the virus.

“I think the decision to delay the forum is correct. The government and the private sector must focus on monitoring the impact the virus is having on the economy. The government must also prepare a strategy to help the economy recover once the outbreak ends,” he said.

Last month, Hun Sen announced a strategy to help the garment and tourism industries, which have been some of the worst-hit sectors. At the time, the prime minister said a new policy would be announced during the G-PSF.

The G-PSF, which he chairs, is an annual dialogue between the government and 13 working groups, each co-chaired by a minister.

The forum was established in 1999 at the behest of the prime minister to provide a reliable dialogue mechanism for consultation between the government and the private sector on investment issues.