Phnom Penh, 22 January 2025 – Today, a rather important workshop was held in the capital city of Cambodia. The Ambassador of the European Union to the Kingdom, H.E. Igor Driesmans, along with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance, H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, co-hosted this remarkable event. About 200 stakeholders attended, including government officials, private sector representatives, and international partners. They gathered to delve into the implementation of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP).
In particular, this workshop aimed to discuss how public buyers might wield their purchasing power to instigate positive change and promote more sustainable goods and services. This is indeed a critical matter, especially considering Cambodia’s imminent graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Ambassador Driesmans, with his characteristic eloquence, stressed the vital importance of enhancing the sustainability of goods and services. He noted that save energy, protect the environment, and combat the impacts of climate change. This shift towards sustainability holds significant potential for bolstering Cambodia’s access to the EU market, a crucial supporter of the nation’s economic development for many years.
He stated, “Our discussions on SPP intersect with two fundamental aspects of the EU’s collaboration with Cambodia: public finance management and sustainable development.” He further added that Eurocodes, which are European standards, facilitate high-quality procurement and construction. They foster a common approach to designing buildings, civil engineering works, and construction products. Proper building standards make structures greener and more resilient against climate change’s harsh effects.
Insights from the Panel Discussion
The event was enriched by a panel discussion. It zoomed in on EU and Cambodian experiences in sustainability policy. The panel also explored public financial systems, market transformation through SPP, and transparency. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), Ministry of Environment (MoE), the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, and EuroCham.
Such exchanges are invaluable, as they offer a platform for sharing insights and experiences on adopting and adapting sustainability practices tailored to local contexts.
EU’s Support for Public Financial Management in Cambodia
- The EU has been steadfast in supporting Cambodia’s Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform since 2006. The ongoing support is part of the “EU-Cambodia Partnership for Public Financial Management Reforms 2022-2028”. The partnership places a strong focus on reforming the management of public funds. This cultivates a progressively more accountable, transparent, and efficient use of these funds.
- Furthermore, the EU extends technical assistance to the Royal Government upon request and endorses institutional twinning. This cooperation includes Cambodian institutions and EU Member States institutions in sectors like Statistics, Education, and, as of 2025, Taxation. Such support also played a pivotal role in drafting the 2023 Public Procurement Law, which introduced the concept of Sustainable Public Procurement into Cambodia’s legislation.
In conclusion, the workshop underscored the critical interconnection between sustainable practices and economic progression. As Cambodia moves forward, maintaining its trajectory of success hinges on its commitment to integrating sustainability into its core policies and operations.
To delve further into the significance of sustainability, readers might wish to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.