(Phnom Penh): On 17 July 2025, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) hosted a high-level dissemination workshop, supported by Australia, to present the latest Progress Report of the Government–Private Sector Forum (GPSF) – Cambodia’s highest-level platform for public–private dialogue.

The G-PSF started in 1999. It is now 25 years old, underscoring its enduring role in Cambodia. The G-PSF strengthens Cambodia’s business environment through structured and transparent dialogue between government and business. The event was presided over by Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the CDC and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee for the G-PSF.

The 2nd Semester 2024 G-PSF Progress Report, officially endorsed by Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, details progress across priority reform areas, including trade facilitation, tourism, infrastructure, regulatory streamlining, taxation, customs and agriculture. It provides an overview of ministry and G-PSF Working Group actions and outlines steps toward the 20th G-PSF Plenary, anticipated in 2026.
Sun Chanthol said, ‘As we celebrate 25 years of the G-PSF, this mechanism is more important than ever. In the face of new regional challenges – including shifts in global trade practices – the G-PSF helps to strengthen institutions and enable the private sector to reach its potential as Cambodia’s engine of growth.’

‘We look forward to continuing to develop the G-PSF accountability mechanism and ensuring results oriented Working Group consultations,’ he added.

The Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) plays a pivotal role in coordinating the private sector side of the G-PSF, helping to present unified recommendations to the Royal Government of Cambodia. Enabling the private sector to engage in the G-PSF is a direct contribution to unleashing Cambodia’s economic potential.

Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, said, ‘Australia supports institutional reforms and evidence-based policy making to drive economic development in Cambodia. We’ve worked with the CDC to improve G-PSF operations, introduce a digital dashboard, and strengthen the capacity of Working Groups, ensuring this critical platform for dialogue remains effective and robust.’

Australia’s support for the G-PSF began in 2002 alongside the World Bank Group and continues today through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED). The partnership focuses on institutional strengthening, quality of dialogue, and improving the G-PSF’s ability to deliver timely, accountable reform.

The workshop included over 210 participants from the G-PSF’s 16 Private Sector Working Groups, the CCC, international chambers, business associations and development partners – laying the foundation for sustained reform and collaborative problem-solving toward resilient and sustainable economic growth.
=FRESH NEWS