ASEANEWS-Business | Cambodia preps for ASEAN rural development meet

 Secretary of State and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Working Group Pen Pichsaly presides over a meeting to review preparations for the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE) in Phnom Penh on Thursday. MRD

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Synopsis: The upcoming SOMRDPE aims to unite the nations in exchanging vital insights on rural growth and poverty alleviation.

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The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has accelerated preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE) and its related forums. The effort aligns with Cambodia’s goals to bolster regional cooperation on rural development, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth.

According to the news statement released yesterday, Secretary of State of the MRD and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Working Group Pen Pichsaly presided over a meeting to review the progress of preparations and set priorities for the working group at ministry headquarters.

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The meeting brought together 33 senior officials and relevant representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development, including undersecretaries of state, directors general, deputy directors general, department directors, office chiefs and other officials involved in preparations for the ASEAN meetings.

The upcoming SOMRDPE is expected to provide a platform for ASEAN member states to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation in rural development and poverty eradication. These areas are closely connected to economic development, particularly through efforts to improve rural livelihoods, expand economic opportunities and support more balanced development between urban and rural communities.

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For Cambodia, rural development remains an important component of broader economic development. Improving conditions in rural areas can help strengthen household livelihoods and create better opportunities for communities to participate in economic activities. Stronger rural development can also contribute to reducing poverty and promoting more inclusive growth.

During the meeting, the working group reviewed the progress of preparations and identified priority tasks that need to be completed ahead of the ASEAN gathering. Officials also discussed the responsibilities of relevant members and established implementation timelines to ensure that preparations remain on schedule.

The discussions focused on three key objectives: reviewing progress in preparing for the meetings, identifying priority tasks and responsibilities, and setting future directions for the working group.

Following the discussions, Pichsaly called on the working group to accelerate the implementation of agreed tasks based on the master checklist, timeline and division of responsibilities. He stressed the importance of ensuring that preparations are carried out efficiently and within the required timeframe.

He also instructed officials to maintain close cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders, particularly in preparing documents and other materials needed for the meetings.

In addition, the working group was encouraged to regularly report progress and any challenges to the leadership so that potential issues can be addressed promptly. Officials will use the established Telegram channel to facilitate communication and coordination among members of the working group.

The preparations highlight Cambodia’s continued engagement in ASEAN cooperation on rural development and poverty eradication. Regional collaboration in these areas can support the exchange of development experiences and approaches while helping member states address challenges facing rural communities.

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As Cambodia continues to pursue inclusive and sustainable economic development, strengthening rural economies and improving livelihoods remain important to ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach communities across the country.

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