Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 9 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the Ministry of Planning's five key roles. These include serving as the Royal Government's secretariat for coordinating the development of national strategic plans, public investment plans, identifying impoverished and vulnerable families, promoting nutrition, as well as planning and managing the national database.

The premier spoke on Tuesday (Apr. 9) during the closing 2023 annual meeting of the Ministry of Planning at the ministry.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, "The Ministry of Planning holds significant responsibilities as the Royal Government's Secretariat, coordinating the development of national strategic plans, public investment plans, identifying impoverished and vulnerable families, promoting nutrition, as well as planning and managing the national database. It also disseminates crucial national statistics on demographics, economy, health, social welfare, and agriculture to ministries and institutions. This information aids in crafting development plans and monitoring progress in various sectors, as well as population and development endeavours."

"Additionally, the Ministry of Planning serves as the focal point for coordinating international initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening and overseeing activities related to the International Conference on Population and Development, and organizing efforts for Cambodia's graduation from the least developed country status. The National School of Planning and Statistics serves as a pivotal centre for human resource development in planning, statistics, and demographics, aligning with the government's strategy for enhancing human capital,” the premier added.

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

Prime Minister Hun Manet 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."

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.

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 to strengthen and broaden the scope of roles and responsibilities
=FRESH NEWS