Phnom Penh — H.E. Prof. Dr. SOK Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions (Multilateral Trade and Economic Affairs) and Chairman of the Trade Policy Advisory Board (TPAB), delivered the keynote address at the Joint Symposium on Cambodia’s Economic Development and Economic Policy: Opportunities and Challenges, held at the Institute for Banking Studies.
The symposium, co-organized by TPAB, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the JICA OGATA Research Institute, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), and the Economic Society of Cambodia (ESC), brought together senior policymakers, researchers, and development partners to explore Cambodia’s economic trajectory and policy priorities.
In his opening remarks, Dr. SOK emphasized the importance of preparing for Cambodia’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029, calling it both a milestone of past achievements and a turning point that demands careful policy planning and collaboration. He highlighted the need to strengthen monetary policy, enhance economic resilience, and ensure inclusive growth through evidence-based policymaking.
Dr. SOK also recognized JICA’s long-standing contributions to Cambodia’s development, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity, citing landmark projects such as the Chroy Changva Bridge, the Kizuna Bridge, and investments in the Sihanoukville Port as symbols of Cambodia-Japan friendship and drivers of economic growth.
Underscoring the need for strong partnerships, he called on government agencies, academia, the private sector, and local communities to work together in shaping a forward-looking economic policy that avoids the middle-income trap and sustains momentum in the coming decades.
“We must identify actionable strategies through open dialogue and informed collaboration,” he stated, adding that such cooperation would be essential in shaping a resilient, equitable, and prosperous Cambodia.
The symposium serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore research, and develop policy recommendations that support Cambodia’s inclusive and sustainable development.
