Vientiane (FN), Oct. 10 – Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced that the IMF will continue its strong partnership with Cambodia to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient socioeconomic development.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet received a courtesy call by Kenji Okamura on 9 October 2024 in Vientiane, Laos.

The meeting covered key topics such as Cambodia's macroeconomic situation, banking and financial developments, and the continued strengthening of the partnership between Cambodia and the IMF.

The IMF Deputy Managing Director noted that Cambodia has maintained a positive relationship with the IMF, particularly in areas such as economic surveillance, policy recommendations, and the strengthening of its economic and banking systems.

For his part, Samdech Thipadei expressed gratitude and appreciation to the IMF and its team for their contributions to several priority areas, including: (1) providing technical assistance, training, and capacity-building for Royal Government of Cambodia officials in key sectors such as economics, finance, and fiscal policy; (2) supporting Cambodia's transition from a planned economy to a market economy; (3) ensuring the stability of the banking and financial sectors, which are vital to supporting the Cambodian economy; and (4) helping organize and improve data management at the National Institute of Statistics under the Ministry of Planning, which is essential for developing clear policies and strategic frameworks to achieve Cambodia's long-term vision.

Prime Minister Hun Manet also informed Kenji Okamura that the Royal Government has outlined key priorities for Cambodia's socioeconomic development through the launch of the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I. He noted that the IMF can play a role in supporting and promoting Cambodia's successful implementation of this strategy to achieve the Cambodia 2050 vision. The strategy focuses on defining clear policy and strategic frameworks by assessing regional and global economic trends and strengthening economic and financial independence.

During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their strong partnership in supporting Cambodia's sustainable, inclusive, and resilient socioeconomic development, as well as in establishing policy frameworks and strategies for the future.
=FRESH NEWS