Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 20 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the new Royal Government has initiated a number of policies for rural development to narrow the gap in living standards between rural and urban populations.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Mar. 20) during the closing 2023 annual meeting of the Ministry of Rural Development in Phnom Penh.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, "The seventh-mandate Royal Government, through the Pentagon Strategy, set out policies to enhance local development in rural areas, recognizing that the livelihoods of rural residents are crucial for ensuring sustainability and resilience in socio-economic development... Accordingly, efforts are directed towards narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas to foster more effective integration."

Premier Hun Manet continued that Royal Government of Cambodia has pursued an approach aimed at fortifying the solid foundation for the country's long-term development.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei added that that reliance solely on urban centers is unsustainable. Thus, the Royal Government has implemented key measures to strengthen grassroots initiatives in education, healthcare, and social order across villages, communes, sangkats, districts, and cities, benefiting citizens.

Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored, "The Royal Government has devised policies for local development, including the National Building and Defense Program for 2023-2028 and the Pentagon Strategy-Phase I, which prioritises the continuous advancement of rural development strategies by outlining key objectives."

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei also instructed the Ministry of Rural Development to gradually diminish poverty and narrow the urban-rural gap. The new government will persist in developing additional rural areas to enhance the well-being of rural residents.
=FRESH NEWS