COUNCIL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAMBODIA (CDC)

2. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE THE LAST CG MEETING IN JUNE 2001

11. Since the June 2001 Consultative Group Meeting in Tokyo, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has made significant progress because of its concerted efforts to: (i) implement the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRSP); (ii) deepen the fiscal and banking reforms; (iii) finalize and implement a civil service reform strategy; (iv) further devolution of power at the commune level, through the commune elections; (v) drafting an action plan for legal and judicial reform; (vi)

              Major Achievements
2.1    Government’s Policy Performance
2.2    Macroeconomic Performance
2.3    Monetary and Fiscal Performance
2.4    Sectoral Developments
2.5    Other Cross-cutting Programs

implementation of the full demobilization program; (vii) ensuring sound management of natural resources, including the adoption and initial implementation of the Land Law, formulation of the Forestry Law and the Community Forest Law and improving the access by the poor to fisheries resources; (viii) implementation of the procurement sub-decree for four priority ministries; (ix) amendment to the Law on Investment; (x) adoption of the Vision and Financial Sector Development Plan for 2001-2010; (xi) finalization of the Second Socio-Economic Development Plan (2001-2005); and (xii) operationalization of the National Audit Authority (NAA). In all its actions and endeavors, the RGC has put forth its best effort to implement the recommendations made at the last CG meeting.

12. Cambodia, at present, is at a historic juncture. The year 2002 is the fourth year of our second term in office and a decisive year for Government’s reform efforts. Over the last twelve months, the country has experienced a level of security and personal safety that it had not witnessed in recent times.

13. The uniquely historic, highly laudable and noteworthy achievement in 2002 was the recent commune elections. It represented an important step forward for democracy and a fundamental expression of deepened reform process in all sectors in Cambodia. The newly established commune councils represent a delegation of power to local communities who will become an integral element of local governance. The devolution of power and the transfer of resources to the grassroots communities will lead the process of change that has now become essential for the Cambodian people. This change process will not only unleash the powerful force of financial devolution and engender a far-reaching stimulus for strengthening grassroots democracy, but will also significantly restructure the social capital of local communities. It will also promote further political stability and security in the country, which is vital for the country's march toward improvement in the living standards of our people, better respect for human rights and sustainable development.

14. According to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the National Assembly Elections Law, the general elections will be held on Sunday 27 July 2003.

| Content | Back | Top | Next |