Australia has reaffirmed its support to Cambodia’s Government–Private Sector Forum (G-PSF) when representatives of the Australian Embassy met with officials of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) who serve as the public and private secretariats of the G-PSF, respectively.
According to the Australian Embassy in Cambodia’s press release this morning, Australia recognised the importance of open dialogue between the public and private sector, and reiterated its commitment to supporting the G-PSF as the primary platform for facilitating this dialogue.
G-PSF was established in 1999 by the Royal Government of Cambodia to improve the business environment, build trust, and encourage private investment through a demand driven process with the private sector identifying issues and recommending solutions. By fostering capacity and a strong relationship between the government and private sector, the G-PSF is considered a key pillar in improving the investment climate in Cambodia.
The G-PSF received support from the Australian Government from 2002 to 2009, during which time it was recognised as a global leader in public-private dialogue best practice. Since then, the G-PSF has expanded from 6 to 14 working groups, illustrating the importance of private sector dialogue to improve the business enabling environment.
“Cambodia’s private sector has great potential to support Cambodia’s economic development. The G-PSF is a valuable tool for unlocking this capacity and potential by fostering close cooperation between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Working Groups to address private sector challenges,” Australian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Justin Whyatt said.
Australia’s support is being delivered through its flagship economic development programme, the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED). CAPRED is providing technical support to build best practice approaches and ensure inclusive participation in the G-PSF.
The 19th G-PSF plenary meeting will be held on Nov. 13, 2023 at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.
