Surya Narayan

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the profound impact of peace on national transformation, declaring Cambodia as a tangible testament to the influence of peace. Speaking on November 24 during the opening of the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, the premier underlined Cambodia’s commitment to sharing its hopeful experience with other nations striving for peace and reconciliation.

“Peace is the key to everything—without peace, there can be no development, progress, or future. Without peace, there are no human rights or sustainable development,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stated, emphasizing the nation’s journey toward lasting stability.

He credited Cambodia’s remarkable transformation to the “win-win policy” implemented under the visionary leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen. This policy ended decades of civil war and laid the foundation for national reconciliation and political stability through pragmatic practices rooted in dialogue, reconciliation, and upliftment.

“Cambodia is a testament to the impact of peace that has brought about change, and we are eager to continue sharing this hopeful experience with other countries around the world in search of peace and reconciliation,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Samdech Thipadei also stressed that peace remains the cornerstone for ensuring resilience and sustainable development, providing opportunities to invest in people, institutions, and the future.

As part of this vision, the Royal Government has introduced the “Pentagon Strategy-Phase I,” focusing on five critical areas: people, roads, water, electricity, and technology. This comprehensive framework aims to foster job creation, equity, efficiency, and community growth while protecting the hard-earned peace.

The Prime Minister’s address reflects Cambodia’s dedication to not only sustaining its achievements but also inspiring other nations to embrace the transformative power of peace for development and reconciliation.

A significant milestone was achieved in Cambodia’s journey towards strengthening its intellectual property infrastructure as the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) concluded a wrap-up meeting with Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce. Held on Friday, November 22, 2024, the meeting marked the successful completion of a preliminary survey for the “Cambodia’s National Trademark Management Center (NTMC) and IP-Business Information System Development Project.”

The event, chaired by Choi Moon Jung, Country Director of KOICA Cambodia, and Ouk Prachea, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce, brought together key stakeholders to review findings from the survey conducted between November 18 and 22, 2024. This collaborative effort with Korean experts underscores the growing partnership between Cambodia and South Korea in fostering sustainable development.

Advancing Cambodia’s Intellectual Property System

The NTMC project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to modernize Cambodia’s intellectual property framework. By integrating business data into trademark and geographical indication (GI) registration systems, the project aims to streamline management processes and enhance public service delivery. This comprehensive approach will strengthen Cambodia’s trademark and brand management capabilities, encourage the registration of geographical indications, and bolster intellectual property rights protection.

The initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to Cambodia’s economic resilience and global competitiveness. By empowering local businesses with robust trademark management tools, the project will help establish Cambodian products as globally recognized brands, furthering their appeal in international markets.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

KOICA’s steadfast commitment to Cambodia’s progress was evident in the discussions held during the meeting. Choi Moon Jung reaffirmed KOICA’s dedication to fostering mutual prosperity through initiatives that blend technological innovation and sustainable practices. This project aligns with KOICA’s broader vision of supporting Cambodia in building a digitally empowered and inclusive economy.

Ouk Prachea, representing the Ministry of Commerce, expressed heartfelt gratitude to KOICA for its unwavering support. He emphasized the project’s transformative potential in promoting Cambodian products both locally and internationally. “This initiative is crucial for enhancing Cambodia’s economic resilience and competitiveness. It will position our products on the global stage, opening doors to new opportunities for businesses and communities across the country,” he noted.

Paving the Way for Future Growth

The establishment of the National Trademark Management Center will not only enhance Cambodia’s intellectual property ecosystem but also foster innovation and entrepreneurship. By integrating advanced systems for trademark and GI management, the project will reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve service efficiency, and ensure the protection of Cambodian intellectual assets.

Moreover, the emphasis on registering and promoting Cambodian geographical indications highlights the government’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the nation’s unique cultural and agricultural heritage. This step will contribute to sustainable economic development while celebrating Cambodia’s rich traditions.

A Bright Future for Cambodia and South Korea Collaboration

The NTMC project is yet another testament to the deep and enduring partnership between Cambodia and South Korea. Over the years, KOICA has played a pivotal role in supporting Cambodia’s development journey through initiatives spanning education, infrastructure, and technological advancement.

As this project moves into its next phase, both nations look forward to continued collaboration, ensuring its successful implementation. By working together, Cambodia and South Korea are creating a foundation for shared growth and prosperity, setting an inspiring example of international cooperation.

KOICA’s support for Cambodia’s intellectual property system underscores the agency’s vision of creating a better future through innovation, partnership, and sustainable development. This initiative represents not just an investment in Cambodia’s economic future but also a celebration of the friendship between the two nations.

H.E. KUNG Phoak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, recently led Cambodia’s delegation to the 17th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision (HLTF-ACV) held from October 29 to November 1, 2024, in Hoi An, Vietnam. In his capacity as ASEAN SOM Leader and Cambodia’s Eminent Person for the HLTF-ACV, H.E. KUNG Phoak contributed to pivotal discussions centered on ASEAN’s future, aligning the region’s political and security objectives within the broader ASEAN Community Vision 2045. His leadership reflects Cambodia’s commitment to fostering greater integration and resilience in Southeast Asia through strategic cooperation and forward-looking planning.

During the meetings, the task force engaged in formulating the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Strategic Plan, a core component of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. This strategic plan aims to strengthen ASEAN’s collective security and political stability by promoting peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity across member states. The discussions focused on reinforcing the region’s ability to address emerging security challenges, ensuring a stable foundation for ASEAN’s growth over the next two decades.

A significant part of the gathering involved interface sessions between the HLTF-ACV and various ASEAN bodies, including the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The Executive Director of the AHA Centre provided insights into the importance of disaster preparedness and response in maintaining regional stability, emphasizing how coordinated humanitarian efforts contribute to ASEAN’s long-term security and resilience. By sharing strategies and best practices, these sessions highlighted the necessity of regional solidarity and readiness in addressing humanitarian challenges, such as natural disasters, that can disrupt social and economic stability.

Further enriching the task force’s deliberations, the Chairman of the Centre for Strategic Studies and International Relations Development (CSSD) contributed valuable insights on regional security dynamics and cooperative measures to bolster ASEAN’s strategic standing on the global stage. These dialogues underscored the task force’s commitment to creating a unified approach in the political-security domain, addressing current threats while building a sustainable roadmap for the region’s future. The APSC Strategic Plan, when finalized, will serve as a framework to guide ASEAN in reinforcing regional stability, security, and cooperation amid a changing geopolitical landscape.

Following the HLTF-ACV Meeting, the Cambodian delegation, alongside other ASEAN representatives, participated in a Regional Consultation to review the ASEAN Community Blueprints 2025 and outline directions for the next phase. The consultation provided an opportunity to assess the successes and challenges of the ASEAN Blueprint 2025, drawing lessons that will be essential for crafting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The collaborative effort aimed at fostering a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking ASEAN community—one capable of adapting to evolving global trends while enhancing social, economic, and political cooperation among member states.

The review of the ASEAN Community Blueprints 2025 was essential to understanding ASEAN’s progress and areas for improvement, as well as identifying strategies to strengthen ASEAN’s adaptability in response to new challenges. By evaluating the achievements and limitations of the 2025 blueprint, member states laid the groundwork for a visionary, cohesive strategy to guide ASEAN towards sustainable development and economic resilience. This process also highlighted ASEAN’s role as a regional entity that prioritizes peace, stability, and the welfare of its people.

H.E. KUNG Phoak’s leadership in this high-level dialogue demonstrated Cambodia’s dedication to contributing actively to ASEAN’s collective vision. His engagement in the discussions emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to promoting ASEAN unity, strengthening political-security frameworks, and supporting regional mechanisms that address security, disaster preparedness, and economic integration. The outcomes of these deliberations are expected to shape ASEAN’s direction significantly, ensuring the region remains a stable and cooperative environment where member states can thrive together.

By contributing to ASEAN’s post-2025 vision, Cambodia is playing a substantial role in the region’s trajectory towards 2045. These consultations marked an essential step toward a shared ASEAN identity that values collaborative resilience and long-term stability. The outcomes from Hoi An will be instrumental as ASEAN moves forward, setting the stage for a robust and united community prepared for future challenges and opportunities.

Source: MFAIC