PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Economy, DPM Aun Pornmoniroth, has urged the Ministry of Public Works to address certain challenges and expedite some work to complete and contribute to the restoration and promotion of national economic growth more effectively.
During the closing ceremony of the annual meeting to review the work of the Ministry of Public Works in 2022 and set the work direction for 2023, held on Thursday morning, 16 February 2023, DPM Aun Pornmoniroth, on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Sen, made 11 recommendations to the Ministry of Public Works in determining its work for 2023.
These recommendations included the implementation of the master plan on Cambodian transit, the promotion of cross-border transportation, and the construction of priority infrastructure projects, such as the expressways which connect the main economic poles of the country, the Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge connecting Phnom Penh and Arey Ksat, and the priority railway project.
At the same time, the DPM said it is necessary to focus on the arrangement of a new sewer system and rainwater infrastructure. He also focused on the adoption of policies and plans for the development of electric vehicle use in 2023, further promoting the development of inland waterway transport operations and ports.
As traffic accidents are still a problem, DPM Aun Pornmoniroth highlighted the promotion of traffic safety and law enforcement in order to increase the efficiency and management of transportation law, which includes the laws on waterways, ports and railways as well.
The Minister of Economy also urged the Ministry of Public Works to continue providing higher education and technical training in public works and transportation, along with improving the quality of public services to the people.
"I would like to express my full support of the 2023 work direction and I firmly believe that the Ministry will continue to work hard to achieve this work direction in 2023," said DPM Aun Pornmoniroth.
The Minister of Public Works, Senior Minister Sun Chanthol, acknowledged that the results the Ministry has been able to achieve until now are all thanks to the establishment of complete peace and political stability in Cambodia. He further expressed his commitment to achieving more work in 2023.
"2023 is the year to continue improving the quality of building infrastructure and transportation systems with efficiency and sustainability, [and with focus on] the environment and human resource development," said Senior Minister Sun Chanthol. "The setting of this theme as a common direction is in response to the current context of national development and in accordance with the policies and strategic plans of the Royal Government."
According to DPM Aun Pornmoniroth, the Royal Government of Cambodia considers the transport infrastructure sector, as well as multimodal transport and logistics systems, to be a priority area of national economic development policy, which will help ensure Cambodia's competitiveness in the international arena, promote economic diversification, and attract foreign direct investment, as Cambodia forecasts that the economy will grow by about 5.6% in 2023.
