The Economic Diplomacy Coordinating Group (EDCG) of the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) with the support of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund organised here at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Hotel on June 27 the “National Consultation Workshop on Economic Diplomacy in the New Normal” to discuss more roles and responsibilities of diplomats.
The workshop was opened by H.E. Ouch Borith, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Standing Secretary of State of MFAIC and closed by H.E. Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of MFAIC.
H E. Wang Wentian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Cambodia, MFAIC leaders, and representatives from relevant ministries/institutions and the private sector physically attended this workshop, while the Cambodian diplomats abroad attended via videoconference.
According to MFAIC, the workshop aims to support the realisation of Economic Diplomacy Strategy (EDS) 2021-2023; gather inputs from line ministries/institutions and the private sector to further strengthen existing cooperation; address key challenges in EDS execution and clarify the roles and responsibilities of relevant actors; and seek ways to further enhance the capacity of Cambodian officials in carrying out economic diplomacy works.
A number of experts from relevant ministries/institutions and the private sector participated in three panel discussions to discuss and highlight the roles of diplomats in promoting three key sectors namely: investment and trade; tourism; cultural and culinary diplomacy in hope to maximise benefits for the Cambodian people.
H E. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn commended the initiative and efforts of the EDCG in organising this workshop and expressed his appreciation for the accomplishments thus far such as the publication of “The Taste of Angkor” which has won “Best Asian Cuisine Book” in two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) and “Best Heads of State/Food” from Gourmand World Cookbook Award 2022; the organisation of numerous Business Matching Forums with potential trading partners; the publication of informative dashboards on Cambodia’s economy and society; and the enhancement of cooperation/collaboration between embassies/consular offices and relevant ministries/institutions and the private sector in promoting national products, trade, investment opportunities and new investment laws to potential markets.
The workshop recommended that the role of diplomats could be expanded and enhanced in the following areas: publicising information the new investment laws and preferential market access; conducts of market research of potential markets for exports from Cambodia and organise business matching; enhancing information sharing between the public and private sector; disseminating information about tourism potential in Cambodia; and establishing a working group which focuses on promoting specific Khmer dishes on the international stage.
H.E. Dr. Nhim Khemara, Secretary of State and Head of the MFAIC's Economic Diplomacy Coordinating Group, underscored the importance of partnership between relevant ministries/institutions and the private sector in implementing economic diplomacy related works to contribute to Cambodia’s socio-economic growth.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press