The 4th Cambodia Economic Forum (CEF)

Before the global economic crisis, Cambodia had enjoyed economic growth averaging at more than nine percent per annum from 1997 to 2008, making the country one of the best performers in the Southeast Asian region. This remarkable growth was largely due to success in four main sectors: clothing, tourism, construction and agriculture. Due to its narrow economic base, Cambodia subsequently became one of the hardest hit countries in the region with output contracting in 2009. Although key economic indicators show that the country has rebounded quite well since 2010, the recent crisis exposed weakness in Cambodia’s economic structure which is heavily reliant on too few engines for growth.

Against this backdrop, the fourth Cambodia Economic Forum (CEF) was held in Phnom Penh, on 16-17 February 2011. Titled “Cambodian Economy in Post-Crisis Environment: Industrial Policy – Options Towards a Sustainable Development”, it was organised by the Supreme National Economic Council (SNEC), the economic think-tank for Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. (see below to find out more about the forum materials)

In his keynote address to the Forum, Prime Minister Hun Sen said: “There is no doubt that there is an urgent need for Cambodia to modernize its economy; in practical terms this means “Promoting the Development of Industrial Sector”. Modernizing the economy by promoting industrial development is an appropriate and necessary solution for achieving sustainable growth of the Cambodian economy and will take it to a higher stage of development.”

Discussions at the Forum covered five broad areas:

• Diversifying the narrow base of the country’s economy;

• Investing in human capital to support industrial development;

• Role of the state in industrial development;

• Regional and local context of Cambodia’s industrial development in the regional and international context; and

• Reforming Special Economic Zones in Cambodia.

In his remarks to the Forum, Dr. Ajay Chhibber, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, noted that economic diversification and enhancing regional trade links will help further compliment Cambodia’s efforts to promote economic resilience.

“If the crisis has brought one proposition to global attention, it is this: resilient growth is as important as high growth. Resilience comes from greater inclusion, be it of citizens, of groups, of workers or of regions, in the process by which growth is generated,” said Dr. Chhibber, who attended the Forum as part of his official visit to Cambodia.

The event brought together over 600 participants, including national and international experts from countries such as China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Representatives from the UNDP International Poverty Center for Inclusive Growth were also present as well as, policy makers, senior government officials from line ministries and provincial level offices, private sector representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, research institutes, and university students.

The Cambodia Economic Forum is a regular conference organized by the Supreme National Economic Council with support from the UNDP since 2006. The outcomes of this forum are important for developing the economic research agenda to support the Prime Minister in making effective economic decisions for sustainable and inclusive growth in the future.

On this webpage you will find presentations and papers by main presenters and panelists in each of the sessions of the conference.

Download the Forum Agenda

 

Conference Overview

• Opening Session
• Keynote Address
• Session 1: Thinking Beyond the Crisis
• Session 2: Directions of Cambodia’s Future Industrial Policy
• Closing Session

 

Opening Session

Welcome and Introductory Remarks by H.E. Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth, Chairman of SNEC, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance

Remarks by Mr. Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Manager

Remarks by Mr. Putu M. Kamayana, Country Director, ADB Cambodia Resident Mission

Perspectives by Dr. Ajay Chhibber, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific

 

Keynote Addressby Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia
Key Note Address (En), Key Note Address (Kh)

 

Session 1: Thinking Beyond the Crisis

Chair: H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance, and Honorary Chair of the SNEC

Presentations

International and Regional Perspective

by Dr. Rathin Roy, International Policy Center for Inclusive Growth
Presentation

National Perspective

by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Permanent Vice-Chairman of SNEC, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance
Presentation

 

Session 2: Directions of Cambodia’s Future Industrial Policy

Chair: H.E. Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth, Chairman of SNEC, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance

 

Sub-session 2.1: Industrial Policy Options

Presentations

Diversifying the Cambodian Economy- The Role of Industrial Development

by Mr. Ung Luyna (SNEC Research Team Leader), Head of Social Analysis Division, SNEC
Presentation

Japanese Experiences of Industrial Development

by Mr. Tatsuya Hoshino, International Business Advisor, Organization for SME & Regional, Japan (SMRJ)
Presentation

Human Capital Implications of Future Economic Growth in Cambodia: Elements of a Roadmap

by Dr. Satish Mishra (Research Team Leader), Managing Director, Strategic Asia and UNDP Research Team
Presentation

Panelists' Perspectives

Dr. Viranchirachi Jebamli, Former Principle Advisor to the Director General of UNIDO
Intervention (En), Intervention (Kh)

Mr. Soem Nara, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy

H.E. Mr. Heng Sour, Director General, Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training

H.E. Mr. Nath Bunroeun, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports

Mr. Bretton Sciaroni, Senior Partner Sciaroni & Associates

Prof. Zhang Xinzhu, Director, Research Center for Regulation and Competition, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Dr. Rathin Roy, Director, International Policy Center for Inclusive Growth

 

Sub-session 2.2: Reforming SEZs

Presentations

SEZs Development in Cambodia

by H.E. Mr. Sok Chenda, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, Secretary General of CDC
Intervention

Chinese Experiences of SEZs Development

by Mr. Xu Li Qing, Vice President of Jiang Nan Development Research Institute & Jiang Nan Business School
Intervention 

Panelists' Perspectives

Mr. Hiroshi Uematsu, Managing Director of Phnom Penh SEZ Co. Ltd.
Intervention

Mr. Peter J. Brimble, Senior Country Economist, ADB

Mr. Stephane Guimbert, Senior Economist, the World Bank

Mrs. Seetoh Kum Chun, Vice-President (Planning), Jurong Consultants

Mr. Vo Son Dien, Advisor & Marketing Director, BECAMEX IDC CORP.  

 

Closing Session

Summing Up and Proposed Follow-up by H.E. Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth, Chairman of SNEC, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance

Closing Remarks by H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance, and Honorary Chair of the SNEC