Keynote Address at the Dissemination of the National Program for Sub-National Democratic Development

Phnom Penh, August 9, 2010

Excellency Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development,

Excellencies Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, Ministers, and Members of the Royal Government, the National Assembly and the Senate

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ambassadors and Representatives of Development Partners,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure today to join in the Dissemination Ceremony of the National Program for Sub-national Democratic Development. Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Excellencies, Ladies ad Gentlemen and all stakeholders, involved in this reform program, for the valuable contribution through this milestone decentralization and de-concentration policy.

We can recall that since 1993, the Royal Government has fulfilled its mandate to seek peace and national unification, and introduced an array of policies to rebuild the nation following years of chronic civil war and internal conflicts. Starting from scratch and chronic civil wars, Cambodia has gone through a rapid transition period to achieve what we see today including peace, political stability, macro-economic stability and national progress. The current peaceful, stable and safe condition is the pre-requisite for growth and future prosperity of Cambodia. With this concrete foundation, Cambodia is striving to deepen its reform programs and strengthen the national economic policies to ensure sustained growth for rapid poverty reduction and improved people’s livelihoods.

These achievements indeed stem from the firm implementation and deepening of various reform programs which also include decentralization and de-concentration reform. Along with this, as it implements this historic reform program, the Royal Government has a clear policy agenda and strategy to create a new realistic opportunity for addressing issues arising from governance reform within the framework of the national reconstruction.

In particular, after 7 years of our effort, we have made a notable achievement as the decentralization and de-concentration reform has positively changed the behavior of communal councils and people in the development of their own localities. This positive behavioral change is the core of local development and poverty reduction and plays an important role in promoting equitably sustained social welfare at the local level.

Along with this, the achievements and experiences of the commune/sangkat councils have encouraged the Royal Government to expand this sub-national level reform program attested by the adoption of Strategic Framework for Decentralization and De-Concentration Reform in June 2005. Based on this framework, the Law on the Administration of the Provinces/Municipalities and Districts/Khan was adopted in May 2008 and another historic event – the election of the provinces/municipalities and districts/khan councils took place in May 2009. Through the election and based on the Law on the Administration of the Provinces/Municipalities and Districts/Khan, we are restructuring the above administration authorities to transform them into a governance authority which acts as a unitary authority with full capacity to deliver services to local people and be the backbone for local development.

To achieve this objective, we are obliged to clear many obstacles with long-term political determination to build the provinces/ municipalities and districts/khan and strengthen commune/sangkat councils according to the principles stated in the organic law.

Moreover, the principles of the organic law require ministries/institutions to transfer appropriate responsibility and resources to sub-national level with appropriate authority to fulfill the role and manage resources to ensure sustained sub-national democratic development. The Royal Government still oversees the implementation to ensure that the local authorities fulfill their role in accordance with the constitution and national interests. Although decentralization and de-concentration aims at providing local autonomy to sub-national authorities, this does not mean they have sovereignty over their administered zones. Moreover, the implementation of decentralization and de-concentration policy does not either mean the separation between lower and higher authorities but it requires strengthened cooperation and mutual support between all levels of authorities.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to reveal the issue of local autonomy which is the core of the program to clearify some misunderstandings.

Based on the vision of the organic law, the national program is designed to support the sub-national level autonomy. There are two major causes for the support of sub-national autonomy, including:

1. Assurance of improved effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of national policies and public expenditure. That means if the sub-national levels are linked with the national level authority through an appropriate delegation of power and appropriate autonomy for formulating and implementing policies within their administered zones, sub-national authorities can do better as they are fully aware of local issues.

2. The provision of autonomy to sub-national levels can be both essential and obligatory. Apart from helping the national level authorities in implementing national policies and providing public services, they must fulfill their mandate in sub-national democratic development stated in the organic law. Sub-national authorities are able to prepare and use the budget and implement policies and programs for local development in response to opportunity and demand.

In general, providing the autonomy to the sub-national level will contribute to the use of national budget resources and attract various resources of the locality for further effective local development.

I would like to illustrate that decentralization and de-concentration has not just been done at the commune/sangkat level, but also at the whole sub-national levels. In this spirit, this reform will be complicated by not just affecting the governance institution of the sub-national level, but also deeply affecting the national institutions, that are related to the function, resources, structure, working system, including the behavior and habit of implementation at the national and sub-national levels.

Since decentralization and de-concentration is related to the national and sub-national levels and with other development partners and stakeholders, the Royal Government is required to set up a clear cut mechanism that is consistent and smooth among the other national and sub-national administrations and various stakeholders in order to strengthen joint commitment in the implementation according to the set objectives. In this connection, the Royal Government has already gained experiences since the start of reform at the communal level through creating the national committee to support the commune/sangkat and then has been changed to be called the National Committee for Decentralization and De-concentration, that is now transformed to be “the National Committee for Sub-national Democratic Development (NCDD)” that is clearly mandated in the organization law.

At the same time, due to the complication and sensitivity in the reform process, it is required to seriously prepare appropriate phases for this reform based on the foundation of coordination, discussion, consultation and transparency in order to prevent the clumsiness in the implementation. Based on this vision, under the leadership of the Royal Government, the NCDD has been preparing the national program for democratic development at the sub-national level for 10 years starting from 2010-2019, by spending almost 1.5 years to prepare the comprehensive consultation among the national ministries/institutions, sub-national administrations, development partners and civil societies.

This national program has been discussed and adopted during the cabinet session on 28 May 2010. The national program has been set up in order to achieve the vision reflected in the strategic framework for decentralization and de-concentration. Therefore, this national program for sub-national democratic development is the set of interrelated programs that consist of content and necessary process for: (1) implementation of long-term strategic framework for decentralization and de-concentration that can be adjusted as deemed necessary (2) implementation of organization law (3) defining necessary policies and strategies related to decentralization and de-concentration (4) defining and implementation of various supporting projects to support local development, capacity building, investment, public service delivery, management of natural resources and environment as well as the institutional development of the sub-national administration (5) delegation of functions from national levels to sub-national levels.

In this connection, I would like to illustrate that the success of the implementation of this national program is totally relying on the method that we all must participate as partnership in the implementation of this national program for years ahead through planning the 3 years implementation from 2011-2013. The national program and national implementation plan for the first 3 years will use the implementation strategy under the efforts made by the Royal Government with the coordination support from development partners in order to jointly achieve our reform objectives.

In this context, I would like to highlight a number of key issues that need to be urgently solved. We are now in the process of beginning phase 2 of the decentralization and de-concentration reform. We have just set up the municipal/provincial, district/khan council with new roles and responsibilities based on the framework of organic law. Therefore, we have to consider primarily on providing basic resources to those administrations by fulfilling their works because this sub-national level require resources in order to function its generally mandated roles with new accountability aiming to respond to the need of the local people. These administrations require competent officials, management system, buildings, offices and materials, means and other necessary need for implementing its mandated works required by the organic law. The Royal Government is committed to providing its limited nation budget resources in order to meet these needs and we strongly hope that various development partners will actively participate with the Royal Government in supporting the implementation of the national program and the 3 years plan for implementation.

Regarding this issue, there are 4 ministries/institutions being responsible for the implementation of this national program. The Ministry of Interior has to be responsible for transferring officials serving in the municipal/provincial and district/khan council into the new structure of these administrations and preparing a management system that ensures principles of democratic local governance and decentralization and de-concentration according to each administration along with the capacity building of officials and staffs of the sub-national levels to be truly professional. The Ministry of Economy and Finance must be responsible for preparing financial system, budget and property management of the sub-national levels according to each kind of administration whose roles and functions is to be responsible for clearly defining the power and responsibility of each of those administrations in managing and using the budget with transparency and accountability. Along with that, we have to provide training, capacity building for officials in financial and sate owned property management with efficiency and transparency. The Ministry of Planning must be responsible for preparing planning system for sub-national development that is in line with the system and structure of each sub-national level. The Secretariat of the Public Functions together with the Council for Administrative Reform must be responsible for creating laws and legal documents in managing officials of public function of the sub-national level as well as sustaining the human resource management of the sub-national levels.

In actuality, the governance reform is not just the decentralization and de-concentration, but also the coordination between decentralization and de-concentration with other reform agenda, especially the public financial management reform and public administrative reform, which are the key sectors of the national program. Regarding this issue, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Interior, Council for Administrative Reform, Secretariat of the Public Functions and other ministries/institutions related to the issue of governance must monitor, observe and ensure that the efforts of coordination have been implemented with high attention.

As I have illustrated already that NCDD has the obligation to be a direct agency of the Royal Government in ensuring the implementation of the organic law. This inter-ministry mechanism has been mandated to review the “roles, duties and responsibilities of related ministries/institutions and authorities in all levels in defining various functions delegated to the sub-national levels”.

This vital process is the core of implementing decentralization and de-concentration reform. Based on this foundation, NCDD together with other ministries must immediately inform transparent process in order to prepare and analyze their current roles and responsibilities within the framework of organic law as well as to identify appropriate function to be delegated to sub-national level. Indeed, devolution, especially with respect to public service delivery is pretty complicated process and involving all levels of administration. We not only pay attention to delegation of key functions such as functions related to basic health care or primary education, but also care and think carefully about what function suits what level of administration. At the same time, we must consider financial resource, human resource and other necessary resource for to-be-delegated functions. In order to ensure that function analysis and devolution go smoothly and will not affect regularity of public service delivery, NCDD must prepare plan for transferring functions and resources hand-in-hand with capacity of administrations who will receive those function and resources. During the course of transfer, in case of inadequate capacity, transferring institution must be responsible for delegation and capacity building for that administration in order to ensure that transferring process occurs at appropriate time.

During the process, ministries/institutions at the national level will face change in roles and responsibilities. Notwithstanding, despite delegating function and resource, respective ministries remains broadly accountable for respective sectors including policy formulation, setting national standard, controlling, making regulation and legal documents, providing counseling and support, and monitoring and evaluation of performance of council of sub-national administration with respect to efficient implementation those delegated tasks. The council of sub-national administration must be accountable to the government by conforming to provision of organic law and financial accountability by adhering to auditing and security provision of other financial affairs.

In overall, this reform gives focus to sub-national administration. We had started these tasks from commune/sangkat; and we will provide fund and capacity building to commune/sangkat councils to ensure delivery of primary service that matches the administration because they are close to the people and most people clearly understand local priority need. At the same time, we must also consider capacity development of district/city because the district/khan administration and commune/sankat administration is the core of good local governance in Cambodia. Based on the national program, provincial administration has duty to implement project with high technicality and broad benefit within ones’ jurisdiction, and to play role in monitoring, advising and building capacity of district/khan and commune/sangkat councils.

The council of sub-national administration needs obvious support for their new roles as representative of the sub-national level and as local decision maker. This support will be provided within the framework of the national program with consultation and close cooperation with the National League of Commune Council. Moreover, the National League of Commune Council shall be provided institutional capacity development and shall expand coverage and increase membership as I hope that the councils of provinces/municipalities and district/Khan will jointly establish their associations soon.

Obviously, sub-national administration must be adaptable to decentralization and de-concentration policy, organic law as well as the national program. These administrations must consider their new roles and responsibilities and participate in the discussion on decentralization and de-concentration policy and implementation of the national program. Along with that, sub-national administration must discuss and encourage participation from local partners including private sector and civil society in shaping vision and preparing strategic plan. Furthermore, that administration must be ready to take charge and carry out to-be-delegated functions. This process will hugely affect attainment of democratic development in Cambodia, and through this process sub-national administration would be able to deliver quality public service in response to local needs.

Along with that, implementing the national program requires change in behavior, mindset and way we work. Indeed, this change will be difficult for each of us and we must be ready to overcome the challenges emerging from this change. We will face shift in roles and responsibilities, obviously through the establishment of sub-national administration we will see change in those administrations for instance the governing board must be accountable to their council, while the council must be accountable to voters.

To ensure this transformation, besides capacity building, we also need transparent information dissemination, discussion, facilitation and agreement. Therefore, information dissemination is integral part of succeeding the national program in which the NCDD plays role to continue disseminating and analyzing information related to decentralization and de-concentration. We will use and draw lesson from those information as a basis for a better policy decision.

On the behalf of Royal Government of Cambodia, I am very pleased to see gender issue being identified in the national program as multi-sectoral issue. This provides excellent opportunity to promote gender equality and role of women in decision making at every levels of sub-national administration. Also, we will have chance to encourage voice of youth in local decision and promote youth cohort into future leadership at all levels of sub-national administration.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to reaffirm critical success factor for implementing the national program that is participation of ministries/institution and sub-national administration based on whole-government approach. Regarding this issue, I would like all development partners to have consensus to support the national program in facilitated manner based on program-based approach. This approach will promote facilitation, need for less report and operation cost as well as to ensure that on-going project and program is incorporated in or at least is aligned with the national program, and all intervention for sub-national administration will be included in support for the national program.

Once again, I would like to highly appreciate valuable participation of Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen in decentralization and de-concentration reform from the beginning until present. I would like to thank all development partners who have been providing full support with good will for decentralization and de-concentration reform and I would also like to thank NCDD for organizing this important dissemination ceremony.

At the end, along with the Dissemination of the National Program for Sub-national Democratic Development, I would like to wish Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen the 4 gems of Buddhist blessings: Longevity, Nobility, Health and Strength.

Address at the Closing of the 5th General Assembly of the Cambodian Red Cross

Phnom Penh, August 5^th, 2010

- Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
- National and International Guests,
- Dear Participants!

Today I am extremely delighted and honored to participate in the closing of the “ 5^th General Assembly of the Cambodian Red Cross ” which has been held for the last two days. This General Assembly, has indeed provided us with the opportunity to take stock on the achievements made during the 4^th Term of Office of the Central Committee, and allowed us to review the progress and challenges faced by the core areas of the Cambodian Red Cross such as Promotion of the Fundamental Principles and Humanitarian Values, Disasters Management, Health and Care in the Community as well as Organizational Development and Resource Development, which are the key foundations for defining new directions and strategies for carrying out continued activities more effectively and greater success in the upcoming term of office. In this spirit, I strongly believe that this General Assembly has reviewed and thoroughly discussed about the work that has been implemented so far and diagnosed the root of various problems as the base for improving our action plans and identifying a clear direction for this 5th Term of Office of the Central Committee (The Governing Board) for the cause of accelerating poverty reduction, protecting human dignity and the humanitarian values the vulnerable people.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to highly appreciate all levels of management, officials, staffs, volunteers, and youth of the Cambodian Red Cross for putting their utmost efforts and making sacrifices in creating favorable conditions for the establishment of the Strategy 2011-2020 based on strengths, weaknesses, and past experiences withdrawn from the implementation of the Strategy 2003-2010. This work showed the consistency and unity between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Cambodian Red Cross on humanitarian activities and poverty reduction. At the same time, I would like to praise all levels of management, officials, staff, volunteers, youth of the Cambodian Red Cross, and all donors for providing firm support and close cooperation in implementing humanitarian activity under the framework of various Cambodian Red Cross’s strategic plan in its historical mission for serving our nation and people until achieving tremendous outcomes as witness today.

For instance, the stocktaking report of Lok Chumteav the President of Cambodian Red Cross has highlighted major achievements and progress of the Cambodian Red Cross which give good reflection of the leadership, and firm determination for good governance with high responsibility, transparency, and accountability step by step until having established its structure from the national, sub-national, and local levels. At the same time, the Cambodian Red Cross has many volunteers and youth as the human resource who are capable of getting together in the society to mobilize and attract forces from all walks of life to participate in the humanitarian activity.

In this sense, we can clearly highlight that the Cambodian Red Cross has overcome many challenges with firm determination in promoting the value of “culture of sharing” for the common cause of saving victims at all places, in all circumstances, without discrimination, as once said in the saying that “ where there is suffering, there is the Red Cross ”. Indeed, these meanings are in line with the RGC’s long-term vision of constantly mobilizing the whole national strength, solidarity to defend our motherland and develop the country toward prosperity and ensure equitable distribution of the fruits of growth and poverty reduction so that every citizen can live in peace and harmony.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the RGC, I would like to highly appreciate the deed of our respectful His Majesty Preah Korona Preah Bat Samdeh Preah Boromoneath NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of the Cambodia, for his royal patronage yesterday at the opening of the 5th General Assembly of the Cambodian Red Cross. This profound action revealed the caring heart and full support for the humanitarian activity of the Cambodian Red Cross and His Majesty' s kind intention in sharing pain and suffering of the people and vulnerable across the country. All of these actions have indeed helped to strongly promote the reputation and prestige of the Cambodian Red Cross in the national and international arena.

The success of the Cambodian Red Cross’s humanitarian mission during its 4^th term of office, indeed, cannot be separated from the valuable contribution of related ministries/institutions through exchange of dialogues and honest constructive discussion on the work of Cambodian Red Cross and various recommendations for the implementation of Cambodian Red Cross action plans. This General Assembly indeed highlights contribution from related ministries/institutions and we all have unanimously approved the amendment to the Statute and the Rules of Procedure which are the principal legal document of the National Society. In general, the above amendment reflects the flexibility and actual circumstances of the Cambodian Red Cross, and complies with Cambodia’s public administrative reform. In this sense, we hope that the amendment will further strengthen and expand the association’s force in order to realize the spirit of Fundamental Principles and Humanitarian Value as stated in the vision and mission of the Cambodian Red Cross.

Along with this, the newly adopted strategy reflects the institution’s commitment as a whole and triggered its branches and sub-branches to assess priority issues occurring within their respective administrative territories, to continue improve their capacity and ability for addressing vulnerabilities, and continue institution and resource development to strengthen its force in each locality. Through this, we can see that the Cambodian Red Cross’s strategic framework, implementation framework and resource framework have been strengthened and expanded continuously to accommodate the institution’s motto that goes “doing more, doing better, reaching " .

Also, the new strategy indicates that the Cambodian Red Cross continue to draw attention from its braches and sub-branches to focus on disaster management by establishing early warning mechanism, vulnerability database management, the post disasters' recovery and the building up of community resilience. Moreover, the Cambodian Red Cross is determined to continue to improve traffic safety which is one of the man-made disasters as the rate of traffic accident still remain high, cost time, money and lives, and leave the society with disable people, orphans, widows, elders with caretakers, and other social issues. Along with this, the Cambodian Red Cross also strives to save lives and eliminate all kinds of discrimination, eliminate the use of drug and gambling that result in severe disaster for youth and the society, strengthen and expand youth force to be a core force for saving missions, and take part in the promotion of human dignity. In this spirit, I would like to encourage the Cambodian Red Cross to expand its activities even further including broader dissemination work, provision of deepened health information, and support timely life rescue mission everywhere and under all circumstances.

Based on these aspects, we can say the Cambodian Red Cross has been an active partner of the Royal Government and we have joined force to promote public awareness on accidents caused by remnants of war, to promote clean water supply capacity, and provide effective and equitable health services to the people through the expansion of disease prevention and treatment programs and maternal and infant support programs.

Moreover, the Cambodian Red Cross has joined the Royal Government in youth trainings, promotion of social morality, value of women and families, prevention of domestic violence and trafficking of women, promotion of the basic rights of children including the protection of vulnerable children such as orphans, disabled children, children in poor community through more trainings, rehabilitation and vocational trainings for vulnerable children, prevention of oppression and trafficking of children, and disaster management. These Cambodian Red Cross’s initiatives indeed respond to the actual circumstance of our society and take part in the Royal Government’s effort to accelerate poverty reduction and promotion of humanitarian value.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to show my utmost support to the members of the Central Committee newly elected by the 5^th General Assembly as well as the appointed secretary general, deputy secretary general, and the treasurer. I strongly believe that all members of the Central Committee, secretary general, deputy secretary general, treasurer, officials, volunteers and youth of the Cambodian Red Cross will continue your hard work to gain more achievements on humanitarian work and respond to disasters, especially relieve the hardship of vulnerable people across the country. Furthermore, the Royal Government will continue to provide its full support to the Cambodian Red Cross, in terms of policy, legal and supporting mechanism, material and finance, and encourage the Cambodian Red Cross to succeed in the implementation of its 2011-2020 Strategy. In the meantime, the government will continue its support in terms of policy, law, supporting mechanisms as well as equipment and budget to support and encourage the Cambodian Red Cross to successfully implement its 2011-2012 Strategy in the coming term of office as well as in the future.

At the same time, I would like to appeal to all members of central committee, board of management, staffs, volunteers and youths of the Cambodian Red Cross to continue strengthening and expanding responsibility, organizational development and resource development to secure financial sufficiency and stability of the Cambodian Red Cross for the cause of freeing our people from vulnerability, poverty, and strengthening closer relations with community of the vulnerable across the country and definitely transforming those communities into the core of the Cambodian Red Cross work.

Particularly, I would like to appeal to all relevant ministries/institutions, all levels of local authorities and all armed forces to continue paying more attention to providing reliable and effective cooperation and support for the implementation of humanitarian mission of the Cambodian Red Cross including educating, raising awareness on traffic safety, preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, providing first aid, providing community healthcare service, saving disaster victims and so on. Moreover, we make effort to thoroughly understand beforehand vulnerability, potentially vulnerable areas, and group of vulnerable people in the territory of jurisdiction and authority, and then compile a proper data system that facilitate us in planning preventions and taking measures to compensate impact and loss of the people when the emergency and disaster situations occur. These will create a favorable condition for the Cambodian Red Cross to fully and effectively fulfill its obligations and missions, and live up to it name as a leading national association in humanitarian work, and to work across sectors to help Cambodian society, especially to help the vulnerable at local communities.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to appeal to all entities, private enterprises, civil society, NGOs and relevant communities to strengthen our solidarity built in the past so that you can participate in achieving the strategic plan that has been adopted by Cambodian Red Cross. Furthermore, we must create more opportunities for each community to learn from each other about their work experience so that they can take up good points and modify them to fit their territorial priorities in reducing disasters and promoting humanitarian basic principle and value, especially in succeeding ownership of each community.

In overall, the power of solidarity and support with active participation will consolidate into momentum and enable more favorable condition for the Cambodian Red Cross to further strenghthen capacity and capability for more comprehensive executing humanitarian mission and rescuing victims regardless of time and space.

Achievement and success that Cambodian Red Cross has made duirng made duirng 4th mandate, like those during 55 years ago, could not be decoupled from participations from Their Majesties Heroic King Father and The Queen Mother of the Khmer Nation, Honorary President of the Cambodian Red Cross and His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of of Cambodia for continuous attention to lives of the people, children, grand children, great grand children and the vulnerables at everywhere for which Their Majesties always donate Their own assets to help victims of disaster through Cambodian Red Cross.

Taking this auspicious opportunity, I would like to wish His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia, Their Majesties Heroic King Father and Queen Mother of the Khmer Nation, Honorary President of the Cambodian Red Cross good health and long lives in order to remain as symbole of humanitarian power and greatr shelter for all Cambodian people, children, grand children and great grand children.

At the same time, I would like to express my deep appreciation to kind attitude and supports from Excellencies, Lok Oknhas, ladies, and gentlemen, members of great Red Cross family as well as national and international development partners, and all private sectors for providing spiritual and material support to Cambodian Red Cross for the cause of humanitarian act. Indeed, these valuable supports help reduce suffering and hardship and gradually promote safety, dignity and livelihood of our people. Power of great solidarity and culture of sharing of our people and the kind-hearted are immortally priceless.

At the end, along with closing the 5th General Assembly of the Cambodian Red Cross I would like to wish all attending Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, Lok Oknha, Ladies and Gentlemen, National and International Distinguished Guests, the kind-hearted, members, volunteers and youth of Cambodian Red Cross the four gems of Buddhist blessings: Longevity, Nobility, Health and Strength.

Keynote Address at the Conferment Ceremony of Diplomas – the 4th and 5th Batch Bachelor Degrees

Keynote Address at the Conferment Ceremony of Diplomas – the 4^th and 5^th Batch Bachelor Degrees – the 6th Batch Master Degrees – the 4^th Batch Master of IT Degrees (International Program) – and the 2^nd Batch Doctoral Degrees for Graduates of Build Bright University

Phnom Penh, August 4^th, 2010

- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, National and International Distinguished Guests,

- The Management, Lecturers, Staffs,

- Dear Students!

Today, it is my great honor and pleasure to participate once again in the conferment ceremony of Diplomas, Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Degrees to 4097 students of the Build Bright University. On behalf of the Royal Government and my own behalf, I would like to express appreciation to students who are going to graduate soon.

I think that today’s event is deeply meaningful with tremendous pride for the successful students as well as their families and society as a whole due to the fact that through the achievements we have received today it clearly shows Cambodia has increased more potential of competent human resources for socio-economic development.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate and appreciate the Build Bright University who has contributed in building and developing human resources and further upgrading our higher education sector through actively participating with high responsibility from the management, professors, lecturers, and staffs until achieving proud success.

In this framework, the Royal Government has always considered the development of human resource as the most important foundation for socio-economic development and to ensure sustainable economic growth in order to contribute to gradual poverty reduction of the people of at least 1% per year with the objective to promote growth and increase employment, enhance social morality and efficiency of public administration service in Cambodia. Base on this vision, the education sector has always been considered as the priority among all political agendas and in the national economic and social development plan. In particular, the share of national budget allocated to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has been increased every year, in spite of the impact of the global economic and financial crisis. Due to this effort, all levels of the education sector, especially undergraduate and graduate levels, have grew significantly.

As Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen already have been already aware of, to achieve sustained and prosper macro-economic development, it requires peace, political and macro-economic stability and social order. In this connection, Cambodia is now enjoying the full peace made possible by the Royal Government’s “win-win” policy. This historic event represents a great opportunity for the development of all sectors and all localities of the country, in particular, the education sector which is key to socio-economic development and assurance of competitive advantage in the face of regional and global integration.

The Royal Government understands the education is a lengthy and costly investment and requires a great deal of patience while the outcome is mainly invisible and sometimes it takes a generation until the real outcome appears. This means that our effort, apart from producing the fruit we see nowadays, is a highly potential social capital for sustainable development for future generations. In this spirit, the Royal Government regards the education as a priority and key factor for productivity and efficiency improvement so that we can successfully attain sustained development while Cambodia is facing with the storm of globalization.

Moreover, the success of human development relies on the capacity of all education institutions, especially higher education institutions as they are the source of innovation skill, i.e. “knowledge” produced through learning, thinking, practicing, experience, and conscience. Also, higher education institutions are “training centers” for developing student’s capacity, genius, credibility and professional skill, and for building a foundation network for their future life. In this context, in addition to equipping their students with both knowledge and know-how, higher education institutions must pay great attention to the rule of law, social order, code of ethics and principle of righteousness left by our ancestors to transform the students into righteous individual and good citizen after their graduation.

Along with this, in the context of market economy, the success of human development cannot be separated from the private sector’s participation. The Royal Government regards the private sector as the engine of growth. Under current circumstance, the globalization trend and liberalization policy of the education sector are producing positive outcome for Cambodia. This outcome is attested by the rising number of private education institutions and strengthened partnership with the private sector. Along with this, in spite of the impact of the global economic crisis on our annual growth, we still manage to keep employment creation at a controllable level, implying that we have addressed unemployment issue effectively and managed to lessen drawbacks on the economic foundation. This success cannot be separated from the education sector growth and good partnership between the Royal Government and the private sector. Moreover, based on experience from countries, development of all sectors rely on human capital that play a key role in addressing all issues and spread the knowledge through studies reports and academic document. Approaching the 21st century, the era of knowledge and information, the role of human capital is now more important than ever and the knowledge they posses is the most dominant determinant of growth, competing ability and competitive advantage of each nation for maximizing national interests.

Since its inception in 2000 until today, Build Bright University has been actively working with the government to develop human resource which is an indispensible element for a war-torn country like Cambodia to build and redevelop and make way forwards on long journey to development, prosperity and happiness for the nation and people. Taking this opportunity, I would like to encourage Build Bright University to continue fulfilling this mission by adhering to government strategic policy of human resource development.

At the same time, I am always optimistic that all degree awardees will become momentum that is truly equipped with knowledge, know-how, technical skill and genius as well as responsibility, professional ethics, and will become intellectual with rationality and conscience which are factors determining your success and dignity in the very near future.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to remind all degree awardees to use your knowledge in right way and at the right target in order to make something beneficial to yourself, to family and to the nation. You must remember that all works, big or small, have its own value and feature that you have to understand to build your qualification i.e. genius and skillfulness which are vehicle bringing you to desired goals. Our Khmer proverb that goes “knowing ten things is not as good as being skillful at one”. Therefore when you know something; you must really know it, and then you do not need to struggle seeking job, the job will definitely look for you. Furthermore, you are the one who are educated and intellectuals with conscience. Therefore, you do not have to expect existing jobs, but rather you should turn your knowledge into vision, creative idea to create opportunities and create employment for yourself and for others who did not have chance to receive education like you. So, transforming into an entrepreneur and successful entrepreneur in the future is the desire that the family and whole society want all of today degree awardees to make effort to succeed in the future in order to ensure dynamic participation in making socio-economy developed, affluent and prestigious like Royal Kingdom of Cambodia in Angkor era.

Before closing, once again on behalf of the government and myself, I would like to sincerely congratulate and admire all management board, staff, professors and lecturers of Build Bright University for having made effort and succeeded in human resource development mission and made contribution to development of education sector. Along with, I would like to thank and appreciate Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport as well as relevant ministries, development partners and private sector for exerting utmost effort in terms of spiritual, material and financial supports for the cause of human resource development in Cambodia.

Finally, I would like to wish all Excellencies, Lok Okhna, Lok Chum Teav, Ladies and Gentlemen, National and International Distinguished Guests, professors and lecturers and students four gems of Buddhist blessing: Longevity, Nobility, Health and Strength.

Address at the Business Luncheon organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore

Singapore, 26 July 2010

Your Excellency Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister of Trade and Industry

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am greatly honored and delighted to participate in this auspicious business luncheon. I would like to deeply and sincerely thank the Minister for Trade and Industry His Excellency Mr Lim Hng Kiang for hosting this very important event. I also thank all the Singapore investors for their presence and interests in Cambodia.

I am confident that this visit will greatly contribute to the further strengthening and development of the close friendship and fruitful cooperation between Cambodia and Singapore.

I also take this opportunity to extend my profound gratitude to the people and the Government of Singapore for their continued support to Cambodia through the training of Cambodian officials in Singapore and in Phnom Penh and in particular for the establishment of the Cambodia-Singapore Training Center in 2002, where as of today, nearly 5000 officials have benefited from its short term training courses. This support is invaluable as Cambodia still requires to further develop its human resources and will contribute to Cambodia integration into ASEAN as well as to the economic development of the country.

As an ASEAN member, Cambodia wish to acknowledge the critical role of Singapore in many ASEAN initiatives such as the Initiative for Asean Integration (IAI) aiming at narrowing the development divide and enhancing ASEAN’s competitiveness as a region.

Although Europe, and to a lesser extent, the USA are still under threat of a double-dip recession, East Asia seems to have recovered from the global financial and economic crisis. Largely thanks to China and India, the region’s output, exports and employment have mostly returned to the levels before the crisis. Real GDP growth in developing East Asia is poised to rise to 8.7 percent in 2010.

However in order to ensure growth’s sustainability, countries in the region will have to adopt appropriate policies to readjust their economic structure and enhance their competitiveness.

As for Cambodia, the Royal Government has carefully and proactively prepared and implemented a set of key policy measures to weather the global financial and economic crisis. Our basic philosophy was to closely monitor the national economic pulse and ensure a sound macroeconomic environment conducive for economic activities, more importantly, maintain people’s livelihood. Thus, Cambodia has responded vigorously and effectively to the crisis by undertaking budgetary measures in conjunction with monetary policy and close supervision of the financial system in order to maintain monetary stability and a sound banking system which will sustain economic growth.

Within this framework, the National Bank of Cambodia has introduced a set of measures to adjust the level of capital reserve requirement, improve banking supervision, tighten regulation, and undertake on-site inspections in order to strengthen risk management and corporate governance among commercial banks so that they are well equipped to tackle any economic and market shock.

Along with this, the Royal Government has taken measures to promote the domestic economy by increasing public expenditures to develop a social safety net, and provide re-training as well as job opportunities for people in crisis-hit sectors. We have also established an agriculture support and development fund in order to improve productivity and diversify our growth base. Regarding public investments, we have given priorities to physical infrastructures development which will contribute to the agriculture sector growth.

These efforts have enabled us to overcome the adverse impacts from the world economic and financial crisis last year and preserved the foundation of the Cambodian economy. Indeed, in 2009, despite drops in the manufacturing and real estate sectors, as well as the weakening of the services sector growth, the agriculture sector continues to achieve good results with a growth rate of over 5%. Given the vast production potentials and market opportunities for agricultural product’s exports, the Royal Government has recently adopted the rice production and export promotion policy, paving the way for the exports of other agricultural products in the following step. In this context, our target is to achieve a paddy production surplus of over 4 million metric tons by 2015, so that Cambodia can export at least 1 million metric ton of rice. I believe this policy offers good opportunities for all investors, especially those from the region including Singapore investors.

In 2010, economic growth is expected to rebound and forecasted at around 5%. Inflation has drastically decreased due to the drop in food price, and the exchange rate remains stable against the dollar. Foreign reserves have increased from USD 2.3 billion at the beginning of the year to USD 2.5 billion by May which can accommodate 4 months of import. Based on these new indicators, we can confidently conclude that the Royal Government has successfully weathered the hardest stage of the crisis along with the other Asian economies. Over the course of this tough journey, we have been able to maintain a sound financial sector as well as macroeconomic and social stability, particularly maintain the livelihood of the entire population.

Cambodia has gone through a rapid transition; starting from scratch and civil war to the current situation in which the country enjoys peace, political and macro-economic stability and social progress. Cambodia has learnt that peaceful, stable and a secure environment are the pre-requisites for its future growth and prosperity. Based on this solid foundation, Cambodia has actively endeavored to integrate itself into the region and the world, the ASEAN cooperation being of highest priority.

Since Cambodia is back on the path of strong and sustained economic growth, testified by considerable and encouraging achievements during the last few years, I believe that this is most opportune time for the business community and all investors to assess Cambodia’s potential and to seize investment opportunities.

I wish to bring to your attention that Cambodia has great potential in several important sectors such as agriculture, agro-industry, infrastructures, labor intensive industries, export oriented industries, exploitation of natural resources such as oil and gas, mining as well as tourism. These sectors have not been fully capitalized and still offer many investment opportunities.

It is important for me to reiterate that Cambodia treats equally and provides the same rights to both local and foreign investors except for land ownership. However foreign investors can use land through long term leases of up to 99 years. We have opened our economy to Foreign Direct Investments in all sectors including banking, insurance, and telecommunications. I must stress here that in many countries in such sensitive sectors, foreign investors are not allowed to control 100% shareholding without local participation. Moreover, we are actively expanding and deepening our financial sector by strengthening the banking and insurance system and by establishing the Cambodia Stock Exchange which operation is due in mid 2011. This openness has already provided Singaporean companies, pioneer investments in banking and insurance sectors among others, ahead of investors from other countries.

Along the improvements of physical infrastructures in the past years, on the soft side, Cambodia has made significant progress in strengthening its legal framework: although as mentioned earlier, ownership of land is still reserved to nationals, I wish to inform this distinguished gathering that on 5 April, 2010, the National Assembly passed legislation allowing foreigners to own private units in co-owned buildings. In combination with earlier legislation organizing separate titles of ownership for condominium units, this is a significant development for the real estate sector. The rights of private property investors, both Cambodians and foreign nationals are now better secured while reducing the risk for developers and for the final consumer. In practice it will now also become easier for end consumers to finance condominium unit purchases, as the titles serve as secured collateral.

Furthermore a number of legal and judicial reform efforts in the Government’s programs, such as the creation of the National Arbitration Center, will address some of the existing gaps. Commercial arbitration will be implemented. Currently private sector arbitrators are being trained by international experts. The Insolvency Law has been promulgated, significantly improving the rights of creditors and the transparency of enforcing debts. It is also noteworthy that Cambodia is one of the few countries in the region where security on movable goods can be registered online in real time, a procedure that is highly popular with the private sector. A new Law of Commercial Contracts, which is being drafted, will also improve the legal certainty relating to the most common contracts that are used in business.

In addition to the strengthening of the legal framework, the Royal Government is paying great attention to the business environment and welcomes public-private dialogue. Through the Government Private Sector Forum (GPSF), the entire Cabinet and I meet regularly with the business community to consider and address private sector development, trade and investments issues the private sector is facing. Since its inception in 1999, the GPSF has convened 15 times with the last forum being held on the 27 April 2010. For ten years now, the GPSF has provided us with many success stories of partnership between the Royal Government and the private sector.

I am proud to share with you all that in a 2009 World Bank report on public-private dialogues, Cambodia was ranked first out of the 24 countries surveyed. Thanks to this dialogue mechanism, the business and investment climate has been steadily improved. In this context, I strongly encourage Singaporean investors in Cambodia to participate actively in this dialogue mechanism.

Notwithstanding the above mentioned progress and achievements, the Royal Government of Cambodia will pursue its efforts to streamline processes and formalities for private investments; we will implement necessary measures to reduce the cost of doing business in Cambodia, in particular by strengthening governance and lowering transportation and electricity costs. Concerning the latter, the Royal Government expects considerable improvement from 2010 on with the energy generated by our hydropower plants. Also as a first step towards simplification of administrative procedures is the establishment and operation of Special Economic Zones at the borders with Vietnam and Thailand, in the vicinity of Phnom Penh and in Sihanoukville where is located our deep sea port. The One Stop Service at each of those SEZs has already reduced time and cost of transactions.

I wish to invite Singaporean businessmen who have not visited Cambodia yet to come for fact findings, explore investment opportunities, meet and discuss with the Cambodian business community looking for partnership, join hands together to ensure a win-win outcome. You have the capital, the know-how and the experience. Let’s combine yours assets with our endowments and potentials. I see so much room for complementarities between our two economies. I am personally committed to assure you a conducive and friendly business environment.

My key message today, therefore, is that Cambodia is open for business to you Singaporean investors. We wait to welcome you.

Finally, I hope that the Singapore Government will continue its support to Cambodia and further improve the cooperation in all fields in order to contribute to Cambodia’s socio-economic development. Indeed, I strongly believe that our closer cooperation will bring prosperity to our peoples and both our countries, and will strengthen the long-lasting Cambodia-Singapore friendship.

Before closing, I would like to wish Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen attending this Business Luncheon, Happiness, Prosperity and Success in all your endeavors.

Thank you for your kind attention!

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Keynote Address at the Conferment of Degrees and Diplomas to Under-Graduate Students

Keynote Address at the Conferment of Degrees and Diplomas to Under-Graduate Students, Inauguration of a New Class-Room Building and Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Construction of a New Library of the Svay Rieng University

Svay Rieng, July 19, 2010

- Your Venerable Monks,

- Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

- Beloved Compatriots,

I am pleased to be here once again in Svay Rieng province to witness the warmest hospitality from all the compatriots at the “Conferment of Degrees and Diplomas to Under-Graduate Students, Inauguration of a New Class-Room Building and Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Construction of a New Library of Svay Rieng University”. I recall that I was here in January 2006 to inaugurate the “Svay Rieng University” that provided higher education programs to students in Svay Rieng and nearby provinces to develop their skill and capacity to build their own future and contribute to national development. I would like to show my appreciation to all of the 791 graduates who have worked hard to overcome all challenges and obtain the degrees and diplomas.

Over the past four years, apart from its achievement in human resource development, the Svay Rieng Univesrsity has also built some physical infrastructure such as class-room buildings, library building, and educational facilities. Specifically, we are now inaugurating a new two-storey building and opening ground-breaking ceremony for the construction a new library. Therefore, the Svay Rieng University has solid physical infrastructure for training and development skilled and capable human resources. Taking this opportunity, I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to the management team and officials of the university whose role of human resource development has taken part in Cambodia’s socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

The above achievements indeed remind us of indebtedness owed to late H.E. Gen. Hok Lundy, former Commissioner of the National Police, provincial authority and charitable people for initiating and supporting the establishment of the Svay Rieng University. Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I would like to pay tribute to late H.E. Gen. Hok Lundy, former commissioner of the National Police and thank H.E. Hun Neng, Excellencies, Oknhas, ladies and gentlemen for their contributions, which would made this university possible to realize and we all witness. These charitable activities of national conscious will be remembered and recorded in the history. This exemplary inspire the present and future generations to contribute in socio-economic development and ensure sustainable and equitable education for everyone in the society and give them hope in life.

I take great pride in the achievements of the education sector, both in terms of quantity and quality. Along with this, we have implemented the Law on Education adopted on December 8, 2007 and other supporting policies and strategies such as the Education Strategic Plan and the Education Sector Support Program 2009-2010. Moreover, I strongly support the Development Plan for Higher Education Teachers and Administrative Officers, Single Framework for Curriculum Development and Accreditation, Action Plan for Promoting the Use of Information System in the Management of Higher Education, and the Plan for transforming all Public Higher Education Institutions into Independent Public Entity. Through this, I strongly believe that higher education institutions will be able to make a significant progress, both in terms of quantity and quality, and gain international recognition to welcome foreign students.

This progress indeed cannot be achieved without the Royal Government’s clear vision and action plans, joint efforts among all stakeholders including support from development partners, national and international organizations, the private sector and especially the public. More importantly, I observe the present trend of building universities in municipalities and provinces to provide education services on-site such as the University of Battambang, Meanchey University, Chea Sim Kamchay Mea University, the Svay Rieng University and so forth. In this connection, I think we should encourage and provide our full support for the establishment of new universities within other municipalities and provinces to provide on-site education to reduce spending of sending their children to distant higher education institutions and to realize the vision of “one province, one university”. With this regard, I request the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, the municipal and provincial authorities and relevant institutions to work on quality improvement in those higher education institutions to produce skilled, qualified and ethical workers.

To realize the target of “one province, one university”, we must promote the education and training of professional skills that are highly suitable for local and rural development such as agriculture, rural development, agro-industry, health, enterprise management etc. so that the graduates can further take part in local development, that is “development human resource in the province for provincial development”. Therefore, we must ensure that provincial graduates acquire the right knowledge, skills and techniques, more importantly national conscious and will. Particularly, we must encourage them to learn and work with government institutions, private sector and civil society that could be in the form of internship, thesis writing, or workshop participation. Currently, a large number of studying and graduated youths, especially in Svay Rieng province, are working in government’s provincial institutions, the private sector and civil society in their hometown as local authorities pay specific attention to employment opportunity for capable and competent youths. Through this, I would like to request municipal/provincial authorities, district authorities and commune/sangkat authorities to provide employment opportunities to local youths so that they can take part in the development effort.

Youths are comparable to bamboo shoots, as they will become the country’s future leaders and officials. This requires them to study hard on technical skill and respect ethical rules. Youths must remember there is no an end to education because of constant technological change. In this connection, they must work hard and be active for all kinds of work, understand management philosophy as well as politics, economics and social issues. I think they will be an important component of development as most educated youths are now assuming important positions, with full of potential and energy.

All the 791 graduates will receive their degrees and diplomas in a moment, but you must adhere to the concept of “Endless Learning” by all means to become wise, rational and ethical resource in the society. I strongly believe you will apply and adapt your knowledge and know-how into real work and adhere to ethical codes in the pursuit of self and social development. Along with this, I strongly encourage the Svay Rieng University to continue its training and education effort to deliver competent human resources.

We will soon inaugurate a new building named “Hok Lundy Building” and break ground for construction of a new library. We will get additional achievement to meet the needs in the education sector. Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate the management team and all staff of the University for their fruitful achievements so far. Also, I would like to thank the university’s management team, administrative staff and lecturers, relevant institutions, development partners and the private sector for providing emotional and financial support in human resource development effort in Cambodia.

Finally, I would like to wish Venerable Monks, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, especially my beloved compatriots four gems of buddhist blessings - longevity, nobility, healthiness, and vitality.

Speech at the Inauguration Ceremony of Kbal Thnal Overpass

Phnom Penh, 24th June 2010

- Your Venerable Monks

- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

- Beloved Compatriots!

Today is almost thirteen months after my participation in the Inauguration Ceremony of a new Monivong Bridge and Grounding Breaking Ceremony for the Construction of the overpass that was held on 24 June 2009. Once again, I have great honor to join the official Inauguration Ceremony of Kbal Thnal Overpass. A year is over, but the great achievement is in front of us and will be forever with us. It facilitates our travelling and fixes traffic congestion at all time. With a first overpass of our history, I would like to share happiness with your Venerable Monks, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Compatriots all over the country and people living around this bridge. Shortly, this bridge offers countless benefit through our utilization. At the same time, I would like to compliment effort made by the Phnom Penh Municipality and relevant institutions for making this construction project completed within twelve months with attention and high responsibility.

According to the report by H.E. Kep Chutema, Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, this bridge is built on both heads of old and new Monivong Bridge. It is made of concrete and is 308 meters in length, 14.2 meters width and 5.20 meters height. It costs 6,440,216 USD to be built. Certainly, this overpass is not accidentally appeared, it is the outcome of the efforts and firm decision of the Royal Government for the cause of internal integration, economic efficiency, equity of sharing growth and solution to traffic jam. I am of the view that this overpass will raise profile of Phnom Penh which is the heart and center of politics, administration, diplomacy, economy, commerce, industry and tourism of the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia. Moreover, it is a starting point for the construction of other overpasss in Phnom Penh, provinces and cities as the nation is ever making progress and economy is leapfrogging. I strongly contend that Phnom Penh Municipality will make further effort to expand and improve infrastructure and beauty of Phnom Penh in the form of tapping Phnom Penh resources to develop Phnom Penh, namely “using the capital’s budget for the capital’s development” or through mobilizing external resources.

Development of infrastructure such as construction of road and bridge is key priority stated in the Rectangular Strategy-Phase II of the Royal Government and is of significantly strategic nature for implementation of pacifism and physical integration policy, and is also a policy that promotes and supports growth and poverty reduction of the people. Having ensured political stability, peace, security, order and economic growth so far, Cambodia needs to develop infrastructure that is extensively covering the whole nation, modern and responding to the demand of highly civilized society such as construction of overpasss, underground bridges, bus station and railway station. Although, at the present our infrastructure has been remarkably and proudly expanded and improved, we are not going to stop our activities here, that is to say we must continue building, repairing and improving both old and new infrastructures.

At the moment, since Phnom Penh has made a huge progress in socio-economic sector, construction of high rise building, roads and bridges, all of foreign tourists, investors and friends who come to visit Cambodia always deeply admire achievement and development. This makes us feel extremely proud and be strongly committed to the national development process, especially in the capital city of Phnom Penh and other provinces in order to enhance the prestige of the nation as well as attracting investment to transform Cambodia to become a small dragon in Asia in the future.

We can actually realize this vision only if we all, in the Government, private sector, families and individuals, try our utmost as a unified set of resources for common objective, which is the socio-economic development goal in order to transform Cambodia to be a small dragon in the future due to the fact that Cambodia is now already in full peace, security and stability, which is the pre-requisite for development. Together with this long term vision, I have realized that we have to effectively fulfill our duties with good governance by trying to generate more revenue for public spending, which is to support development, economic growth and the implementation of various interconnected and complementary projects. The development of physical infrastructures, especially in the potential areas such as Phnom Penh and other provinces, are the significant priority to achieve the set vision that require us to be highly committed with high responsibility and sufficient capacity.

I clearly understand that we still have many other development projects while our society is in progress in all sectors and the requirement of travelling and transport is also very much growing. In this context, if we do not promote the construction, renovation, expansion, and the improvement of road and bridge infrastructures we will never be able to solve the problems of traffic congestion, local integration and within this we will never be able to achieve economic efficiency and equity of the growth sharing.

In this connection, related ministries and institutions and all levels of local authorities must cooperate and implement the infrastructure development projects according to their ability of resources with high quality, long durability and good beauty. At the same time, when high- rise and modern buildings are being planned or constructed in the country, especially in the capital city of Phnom Penh, we have to also consider the balance of development projects between high rise buildings and sky bridges and the impact on the residential areas and traffic congestion.

In the capital city of Phnom Penh, we certainly need more overpasss in the congested areas that require the Phnom Penh Municipality to study in details and use all means in order to solve the issues of traffic congestion and traffic accidents. Moreover, the Municipality has to study and properly install more traffic signs, traffic lights and road dividers to facilitate transportation and save the traveling time. Furthermore, the Municipality and relevant institutions have to exert more effort to campaign on traffic law, road-bridge traveling as well as driving morality. Taking this opportunity, I would like to urge all people to respect the Traffic Law, to highly keep driving morality, not to race on road, or to load higher than the height of bridge. This will contribute to traffic order and traveling in our city, like a slogan put “Respect the traffic law for all and all for respecting the traffic law”. By doing so, we are a good citizen who contributed to national development as a whole and particularly to Phnom Penh to be a Clean City, Clean Resort and Good Service.

In Phnom Penh, many roads and bridges have been built by the Royal Government, but we are facing traffic congestion due to the lack of respect of traffic law and growing number of vehicles. Currently, I noted that the disrespected traffic law created anarchic and out of order flow on the road and caused traffic congestion and accidents. It becomes a disease of our society. I am aware that traffic congestion and accidents could not be solved by only building more roads and bridges, installing traffic signs and road dividers as well as the presence of traffic police, but by having participation from all travellers. Obviously, traffic police could not control severity of anarchy and law disrespect, while travelers do not deter or follow the traffic command made by the police. However, traffic police have to continue doing their jobs based on the Law and uphold its professionalism, while avoiding using its roles and duties for personal or group’s gain. At the same time, I would resistibly urge our people to promote national dignity by respecting the traffic law and traffic police have to maintain their professionalism for the public interest.

The new achievement that we are officially inaugurating today is ours and it is born with a clear and right consideration of the Royal Government of Cambodia with effort form relevant ministries/institutions, the Municipality and the private sector. Once again, I would like to praise and highly appreciate the Phnom Penh Municipality and Private Sector for jointly investing in building this overpass. At the same time, I would like to appeal to our people, particularly to those living around this bridge and local authority to participate and cooperate to maintain for long-lasting and common interest as well as historical heritage of our nation.

To close with the inauguration of the overpass, I would like to wish your Venerable Monks, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen the four Buddhist blessings: Longevity, Nobility, Health and Strength.

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