Phnom Penh — Cambodia’s first-ever joint congress of the Senate, National Assembly, and Royal Government concluded its inaugural day on June 2 with intense, marathon deliberations spanning nearly 17 hours. Convened at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh, the historic session marked a new chapter in institutional cooperation, bringing together the Kingdom’s top legislative and executive bodies to address critical national priorities.
The congress officially commenced at 8:00 a.m. and adjourned at 12:22 a.m. on June 3. In that time, participants tackled three major agenda items: strengthening the social protection system, integrating the informal economy, and advancing the agricultural sector.
From morning until early evening, members focused on Cambodia’s evolving social protection framework—scrutinizing existing mechanisms and exploring reforms aimed at broadening coverage, ensuring sustainability, and improving service delivery. The session paused at 6:00 p.m. for a scheduled break and resumed at 8:30 p.m. to deliberate on the informal economy.
Despite the late hour, the congress successfully completed its second agenda item before adjournment. Discussions on the informal sector examined policy strategies to formalize unregistered labor and businesses, improve taxation fairness, and extend regulatory benefits to millions of Cambodians working outside the formal economy.
Presiding over the session was Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. He urged participants to complete the informal economy discussion on the first day to preserve the congress’s overall schedule. “This is not just a test of institutional collaboration, but a test of our stamina and commitment to national progress,” he remarked.
Hun Sen also announced plans to hold a press conference following the conclusion of the congress to brief the public and media on key decisions and policy directions.
The joint congress has been widely regarded as a milestone in Cambodian governance. It creates a platform for direct engagement between lawmakers and government leaders, allowing for deeper dialogue on national development strategies and enhanced coordination across institutions. The initiative reflects the Royal Government’s broader vision for inclusive, transparent policymaking and long-term reform.
The congress will continue in the coming days with further discussions on the agricultural sector—an area considered central to rural livelihoods, food security, and economic resilience.
Observers noted the disciplined and collaborative atmosphere of the opening day, praising the session’s depth, rigor, and historical significance. The successful start has raised expectations for meaningful policy outcomes as the congress proceeds.
