PHNOM PENH: The First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), Senior Minister Ly Thuch, met with the President of the International Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia, Paul Clements, to discuss the progress of the mine action sector in Cambodia. The meeting took place at the CMAA office on Thursday, 2 June.

The Senior Minister thanked Paul Clements for expressing his intention and interest in understanding and supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts in humanitarian mine action to ensure that Cambodia achieves the 2025 Mine Action Goal of a mine-free Cambodia.

During the meeting, he mentioned the achievements made over the last 30 years of mine action in Cambodia, under the care of the Royal Government, and the participation of development partners, national and international operators and all other stakeholders.

The Senior Minister further stated that these achievements were made because Cambodia has a clear structure to manage the field of mine action, from the national, to the sub-national level, under the leadership of the Mine Authority, who manage, supervise, lead and coordinate mine action activities throughout the country.

He added that in addition to the support from donor countries and development partners, the mine action sector is beginning to receive the attention and support of the private sector, and philanthropists who are doing business in Cambodia participate in the implementation of the mine authority village mine mechanism, according to what resources are available.

The President of the International Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia said he has been living in Cambodia since 2008, and over the past 14 years he has been pleased with the observation of the Royal Government of Cambodia's leadership in ensuring political peace and stability, by providing many opportunities and favorable conditions to investors. He added that he especially respects the culture, traditions and friendliness of the Cambodian people.

At the same time, Paul Clements extended his praise and appreciation for the great achievements made in demining work, saving countless lives and improving the lives of people in rural areas.

He further expressed his desire to mobilize resources from the private sector to support demining, disability and gender work, to especially provide priority employment opportunities and promote persons with disabilities and their families, who have been affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).

He said he will promote and discuss further work with members of the International Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia, other chambers of commerce, the private sector, both domestic and foreign, and overseas funds to join the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the CMAA, in demining and disability relief activities.