GOVERNMENT-DONOR COORDINATION COMMITTEE (GDCC)

Minutes of the Third Meeting of the
Government-Donor Coordination Committee (GDCC)
Held on
14 June 2005, 9.00 am at CDC

1. H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon, Chairman of the Government-Donor Coordination Committee (GDCC) opened the meeting by welcoming all participants to the third meeting of the GDCC. He informed the meeting that the main agenda for this meeting includes two items:

First, a review of progress in the implementation of each TWGs action Plan and status of resources mobilized and delivered to implement the Action Plans.

Second, a review of progress that has been made toward achieving the targets of the Joint Monitoring Indicators (JMIs) agreed at the 7^th CG Meeting held in Phnom Penh on 6-7 December 2004.

2. Before addressing the main agenda items of this meeting, H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon informed the meeting about an important decision of the Royal Government of Cambodia on Government-Donor consultations. He noted that the Royal Government and the development partners had spent a good part of 2003 and 2004 to negotiate the restructuring of the working groups that had evolved under the CG mechanism in an ad hoc manner since 1999. He said that an agreement on restructuring the working groups was reached in mid 2004, that was also endorsed by Samdech Prime Minister at the Pre-CG Meeting held on 10 September 2004.

3. He emphasized that the newly structured joint TWGs and GDCC mechanism that has been put in place represents a fundamental change in the institutional set up for planning, managing and monitoring progress on the implementation of development assistance to improve ODA effectiveness. He said that to further strengthen the new institutional set up, the Royal Government has decided that the GDCC will the main forum for Government-Donor consultations on all ODA related issues. Issues previously dealt with at the Follow-up or Pre-CG Meetings, from now onwards, shall be addressed under the GDCC mechanism. He elaborated on the process that shall be followed henceforth. As per the mandate of the GDCC, it shall make every effort to resolve all ODA related issues raised by the TWGs. On issues that may require decision from higher levels of the Royal Government, a "restricted" meeting with Samdech Prime Minister will be organized by the Chairman of the GDCC to which ministers responsible for the issue and representatives of development partners working with the RGC on the specific issue will be invited.

4. To begin discussion on the two agenda items of the meeting, H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon invited H.E. Mr. Chhieng Yanara, Secretary General of the GDCC, to make a brief presentation on the results of progress that has been reported by the TWGs.

5. H.E. Mr. Chhieng Yanara began by informing the meeting that the purpose of his presentation is to provide an overview of the information that is included in the Summary of TWGs Progress Report that has been distributed. He said, "this report includes three tables. The first table presents for each TWG a summary of progress that has made in implementing TWG's Action Plan and progress on any JMI's that are in the area of responsibility of the TWG. The operational issues that have been raised by the TWGs are highlighted in this table for decision/action by the GDCC. Table two, that is organized by JMIs agreed at the December 2004 CG Meeting, presents a summary of progress reported by concerned TWGs on each JMI. It highlights the institutional issues that have been raised by TWGs for decision/action by the GDCC. If these institutional issues can not be resolved at GDCC then they will be forwarded to higher levels for decision. Finally, the third table presents information on memberships of each TWG that the Secretariat of GDCC had as of end of May 2005". He asked each TWG to review the information and if it is out of date, then send to him updated information through the Chair of the TWG as soon as possible.

6. He said that overall the TWGs are making steady progress. He noted that, as the Chairman of GDCC has pointed out in his opening remarks, the newly established TWGs and the GDCC mechanism represent a fundamental change in the institutional set up for planning, managing and monitoring progress on the implementation of development assistance, therefore, it is the case that some TWGs are experiencing start up problems such as getting organized and/or securing resources to implement planned activities. But he said that as we gain experience and our development partners adjust to working in an environment of joint/shared responsibility, the TWGs will find solutions to any problems the may have encountered, and that as we move forward, resources will be mobilized to implement the TWG’s Action Plan and to support the capacity development of the institutions responsible for implementing the Action Plan. He then proceeded to present a summary of the information on progress in implementing the Action Plan and JMIs that has been reported by each TWG and to highlight the issues raised by the TWGs for decision/action by the GDCC.

7. Following H.E. Mr. Chhieng Yanara's presentation, H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon Chair of the GDCC opened the floor for discussion on the issues that have been raised by the TWGs. The discussion and decisions made by the GDCC are summarised below.

Agriculture and Water TWG: With regard to economic land concession, H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon informed the meeting of Samdech Prime Minister's decision, issued on 13 June 2005, to stop all economic land concessions until the adoption of sub-decrees on economic land concession and state land management, as required by the 2001 Land Law. Pertaining to lack of progress to-date on the preparation of a national agriculture sector strategy, it was proposed that consideration be given to developing one or two sub-sector strategies before the preparation of the sector strategy.
Forestry and Environment TWG: The TWG raised the issues of difficulties in getting information from the Ministry of National Defence on MDZs situated in forest and protected areas. It was suggested that the TWG should include one member from the Ministry of National Defense to facilitate the collection of required information. The concern about illegal logging in the Aural wildlife sanctuary and Kulen areas was also raised. To address the issue, the Chair of the GDCC said that he will convene a meeting of relevant ministries to find ways to stop these incidents, and enforce the existing moratorium on logging.
Fisheries TWG: The TWG raised the issue of limited funding from both the Government and donors to the DoF, which is facing considerable tasks. H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon asked the DoF to prepare a priority action program so that the MEF can quickly release funds; he also appealed to donors to suppor the DoF.
Health TWG: The Health TWG reported improvement in budget disbursements. H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon invited the PFM TWG to clarify the status of budget disbursement for Health and also for Education. H.E. Dr. Aun Porn Monirath of the PFM TWG stated that substantial improvements have been made in disbursing the PAP budgets for the two ministries, although the Ministry of Health is a little bit ahead in terms of disbursements for the year 2005. He reported that the ESMC Taskforce, which was formed to address disbursements issue, has been functioning well, and appealed to donors concerned to sit together in the Taskforce to work on this issue.
Land TWG: Donors expressed concerned over slow progress in implementing activities related to land management, especially concessions that have been reported in the Aural wildlife sanctuary and Cardamom mountains. It was decided that the Chair of GDCC will forward the issue to the highest level for decision, and a "restricted" meeting with Samdech Prime Minister will be organized soon.
Legal and Judicial Reform TWG: The donor co-facilitator of the TWG asked the GDCC to consider three specific recommendations regarding the drafting of Anti-Corruption Law. H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon asked the concerned ministry to take note of the recommendations.
Partnership and Harmonisation TWG: H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon emphasized the importance of harmonisation and alignment issues and he urged development partners to give serious consideration to these issues at the planned workshop on 4-5 July 2005.

8. Following discussion on issues raised by TWGs, H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon asked the meeting if there were any issues that need to be passed to higher levels for decision/action. He said that based on discussion at the meeting, he would submit the issues concerning land concessions to Samdech Prime Minister for his guidances and that a restricted meeting would be organised with Samdech Prime Minister to which responsible Government ministries and development partners involved will be invited.

9. He also strongly urged all TWGs to work together such as forming taskforces to solve cross cutting issues. For TWGs that still lack funds for implementing activities, he suggested that the Government and donor members of the TWGs work together to secure the needed funds so that planned activities can be implemented.

10. In his concluding remarks, H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon noted that based on progress reports of the TWGs, broadly speaking, progress on all Joint Monitoring Indicators has been satisfactory.

11. The meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Government:

H.E. Mr. Keat Chhon, Senior Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance Chairman of GDCC
H.E. Mr. Chhieng Yanara, Secretary General, CDC/CRDB Secretary General of GDCC
H.E. Mr. Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister, Minister of Commerce
H.E. Mr. Sun Chanthol, Minister of Public Works and Transport
H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women's Affairs
H.E. Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance
H.E. Mr. Ou Orhat, Secretary of State, Ministry of Planning
H.E. Mr. Eng Huot, Secretary of State, Ministry of Health
H.E. Mr. Noeu Kassie, Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice
H.E. Mr. Veng Sakhon, Secretary of State, Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology
H.E. Mr. Pok Than, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
H.E. Mr. Leng Peng Long, Secretary of State, Ministry of National Assembly Senate Relations and
Inspection
H.E. Mr. Suos Kong, Secretary of State, Ministry of Rural Development
H.E. Mr. Chan Tong Yves, Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
H.E. Mr. Prak Ham, Secretary of State, Ministry of National Assembly Senate Relations and Inspection
H.E. Mr. Chhan Saphan, Secretary of State, Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction
H.E. Mr. Pou Darany, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of National Assembly Senate Relations and Inspection
H.E. Mr. Nhek Samoeun, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Planning
H.E. Mr. Ung Vuthy, Vice-chair, National AIDS Authority
H.E. Mr. Sok Chenda, Secretary General, Council for the Development of Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Ngo Hong Ly, Secretary General, Council for Administrative Reform
H.E. Dr. Tia Phalla, Secretary General, National AIDS Authority
H.E. Mr. Chou Muleng, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Economy and Finance
H.E. Mr. Kong Sophy, Deputy Secretary General, Council for Administrative Reform
H.E. Mr. Leng Sochea, Deputy Secretary General, CMAA
H.E. Mr. Tuon Thavrak, Director General, Ministry of Planning
Dr. Char Meng Chuor, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health
Mr. Nao Thuok, Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr. Sar Sovann, Director, Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction
Mr. Sok Saravuth, Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Chhay Vuth, Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Liv Bunhay, Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Bou Chanphirum, Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Ek Virakdeth, Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Thaung Socheat, Director, Council of Minister
Mr. Theng Pagnathun, Director, Ministry of Planning
Mr. Chea Chantum, Director, Ministry of Planning
Mr. Pich Veasna, Director, Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology
Ms. Nhean Sochetra, Director, Ministry of Women's Affairs
Mr. Srun Darith, Director, Council for Agriculture and Rural Development
Mr. Ieng Sunly, First Deputy Director, Ministry of Economic and Finance
Mr. Uy Se, First Deputy Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Chhim Sareth, Deputy Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Lonh Ponnan, Deputy Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Thao Sokmuny, Deputy Director, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Gubert-Desvallong P., Advisor, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Boeun Chan Born, Senior Socio-Economist, CMAA
Mr. Vann Puthyol, Chief, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Thon Vuthy, Chief, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Ly Sina, Deputy Chief, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr. Pen Sophk Phea, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Nhoung Sokhay, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Hou Kun Vuth, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Net Mony, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Chea Vuthna, Ministry of Economy and Finance
Mr. Eang Saveth, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr. Suon Sovann, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr. Farid Siddiqui, Senior Advisor/Programme Manager, UNDP/ CDC
Ms. Chamnan Lim, Advisor, UNDP/CDC
Mr. Chou Heng, National Policy Analyst, UNDP/CDC

Development Partners:

H.E. Ms. Lisa Kim Felipetto, Ambassador of Australia
H.E. Mr. Yvon Roe d'Albert, Ambassador of France
H.E. Mr. Pius Fischer, Ambassador of Germany
H.E. Mr. David Reader, Ambassador of the United Kingdom
H.E. Mr. Lucien Bruneau, Chargé de mission, Embassy of France
H.E. Mr. Dominique Dordain, Counsellor, Embassy of France
H.E. Mr. Theo Kidess, Counsellor/ Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany
H.E. Mr. Kazumi Jigami, Counsellor, Embassy of Japan
H.E. Mr. Claes Leijon, Counsellor, SIDA Resident Representative, Embassy of Sweden
H.E. Mr. Winston Mc Colgan, Chargé d’Affaires a.i, EC Delegation
H.E. Mr. Douglas Gardner, UN Resident Coordinator
H.E. Mr. Rodney Hatfield, Representative, UNICEF
H.E. Dr. James Tulloch, Representative, WHO
H.E. Mr. Tsukasa Kimoto, Representative, FAO
H.E. Mr. Thomas J. Keusters, Representative, WFP
H.E. Ms. Margaret Picken, Country Director, UNCOHCHR
H.E. Mr. Ian Porter, Country Director, World Bank
H.E. Ms. Nisha Agrawal, Country Manager, World Bank
Ms. Fleur Davies, Head, AusAID
Mr. Stephen Close, Senior Program Officer, AusAID
Mr. Alan Leber, First Secretary, Embassy of Canada
Mr. Gunhsid Garsdal, Attaché, Embassy of Denmark
Mr. Yves Terracol, Director, AFD
Mr. Thomas Engelhardt, Country Director, GTZ
Mr. Franz-Volker Muller, GTZ
Mr. Juro Chikaraishi, Resident Representative, JICA
Mr. Yoshinori Kodama, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan
Mr. Ryutaro Takaku, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan
Mr. Korezumi Tomoaki, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan
Ms. Morikawa Emi, Adviser, Embassy of Japan
Mr. Chikahiro Masuda, Assistant Resident Representative, JICA
Mr. Tomoko Onuki, Project Formulation Adviser, JICA
Mr. Nhean Tola, Program Assistant, JICA
Ms. Im Jiong Hee, Deputy Representative, KOICA
Ms. Elizabeth Smith, Head of DFID
Mr. Phil Marker, Program Manager, DFID
Mr. Nigel Coulson, Governance Advisor, DFID
Mr. Chris Price, Rural Livelihood Advisor, DFID
Ms. Helen Appleton, Advisor, DFID
Mr. Jonathan S. Addleton, Mission Director, USAID
Mr. Purnima Rajapakse, Deputy Head of Mission, ADB
Mr. Alain Goffeau, Project Implementation Specialist, ADB
Mr. Paul Van Im, National Program Officer, ADB
Ms. Anne-Isabelle-Degryse-Blateau, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP
Ms. Alice Levisay, Deputy Representative, UNFPA
Ms. Barbara Orlandini, UN Coordination Specialist, UNRCO
Ms. Yoko Konishi, Junior Professional Officer, UNDP
Ms. Ni Vanna, Social Development Specialist, World Bank

NGOs

Ms. Carol Strickler, Executive Director, CCC
Mr. Sin Somuny, Executive Director, MEDICAM
Mr. Russell Peterson, Representative, NGO Forum