Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 9 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over the closing of 2023 annual meeting of the Ministry of Planning on Tuesday (Apr. 9) at the ministry.

Samdech Thipadei gave four recommendations to help guide the work of the Ministry of Planning as follows:

1. The National Strategic Development Plan is an important tool for implementing the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I, as well as other policies and agendas. Samdech Thiapdei urged the Ministry of Planning to expedite the preparation of strategic plans in a timely manner.

2. Samdech Thipadei stated that guidance had already been provided at the launch of the "National Report on Final Census Results Economic Census of Cambodia 2022" on 26 December 2023. In this regard, Samdech Thipadei offered additional advice: "The Ministry of Planning must continue to regularly enhance the capacity of its officers for the necessary surveys and censuses, particularly the ability to produce disaggregated data, which will become detailed, specific, sufficient, timely, and high-quality data, responding to the needs of the government, for a timely assessment of the current situation, problem analysis, response, and appropriate planning for the future."

3. To maximise the benefits of demographic and gender dividends and avoid a labour shortage and an elderly population outnumbering the young population in Cambodia after 2050, Samdech Thipadei urged the Ministry of Planning to carefully consider demographic trends and changes in age structure, as well as scenarios for social support mechanisms for youth and families, when updating the National Population Policy 2016-2030.

4. Regarding the National School of Planning and Statistics, Samdech Thipadei urged the Ministry of Planning to engage in discussions with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as other relevant ministries, about transforming the National School of Planning and Statistics into a public administrative institution. The aim of this transformation is to strengthen and broaden the scope of roles and responsibilities, thereby fostering progress and achieving efficiency in regard to in-service training or capacity building for civil servants and succession officials who are to become managers and leaders. Additionally, this transformation shall be sustained by sufficient financial resources to support high-quality and competent education and training. The National School of Planning and Statistics must enhance its capacity, both in terms of teacher capability and institutional capacity, to serve as a robust foundation for education and training.
=FRESH NEWS