(Phnom Penh): Kong Vibol, director general of the General Department of Taxation (GDT), on August 31, 2026, shared his leadership experience and insights on public-sector reform with a 12-member Cambodian youth delegation preparing to attend the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
The discussion took place at the GDT Tower during a meeting with the Soviet-Russian Former Cambodian Students Association, led by Dr Nhel Ratha, and the Cambodian youth delegation.
The meeting focused on leadership, capacity building, international advocacy, and the role of young Cambodians in contributing to national development and representing Cambodia on the international stage.
During the meeting, Vibol highlighted Cambodia's efforts to modernise tax administration through digital transformation, which he said has improved transparency, efficiency, and convenience for taxpayers and businesses.
He also shared the GDT's working principles, management approaches, and leadership values, as well as Cambodia's international cooperation through its participation in the Study Group on Asian Tax Administration and Research (SGATAR).
The director general cited the reform philosophy of Samdech Techo Hun Sen: "Reforming brings survival; non-reforming brings death." He also highlighted the guidance of Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet that successful reform requires four key factors: a clear vision, strong commitment, participation, and sacrifice.
As part of Cambodia's tax administration modernisation, the GDT has introduced more than 70 digital systems and services, including the GDT Taxpayer App, e-Filing, and e-Payment.
According to GDT figures, tax revenue collected during the first five months of 2026 reached approximately USD 2.03 billion, equivalent to 56.4% of the annual target.
Annual tax revenue has also risen significantly, from USD 730 million in 2012 to USD 3.57 billion in 2025, while Cambodia's tax-to-GDP ratio increased from around 9% to nearly 18% over the same period.
The tax revenue has helped finance public-sector salaries, infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, social protection programs, as well as efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and cultural heritage.
The meeting underscored the importance that the Royal Government and the GDT place on human capital development, particularly on equipping Cambodian youth with the knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence to represent the country internationally.
The initiative also helps nurture a new generation of capable and patriotic young leaders who can contribute to Cambodia's development and the country's ambition to achieve Vision 2050 as a high-income nation.
The International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg is expected to bring together around 10,000 young leaders, including approximately 5,000 international participants from around 195 countries, providing a platform for young people to exchange ideas, cultures, and experiences while promoting international cooperation and mutual understanding.
=FRESH NEWS
