Preah Sihanouk Province Convenes Meeting to Develop National Strategic Framework Implementation Plan 2024-2030

Preah Sihanouk Province, a key coastal hub in Cambodia, convened a meeting to formulate an action plan for the implementation of the National Strategic Framework for 2024-2030. The meeting, held at the Provincial Department of Planning in Preah Sihanouk City, was led by Governor Mang Sineth and attended by provincial deputy governors, city and district governors, and representatives from relevant ministries and departments. Mr. Thoeun Monysak, Director of the Provincial Department of Planning, presented a summary of the department's specialized work at the sub-national level, serving as a staff arm to the provincial administration. He highlighted the department's role in coordinating and managing planning affairs to promote economic and social development, ensuring quality and efficiency, and contributing to the implementation of the government's decentralization and deconcentration policies at the sub-national level. He further stated that the department plays a crucial role in facilitating the provincial development planning process through the 5-year and rolling 3-year investment programs of the province, cities, and districts. The data collected, he noted, serves not only as figures of success but also as strategic capital for Preah Sihanouk Province to achieve its vision of becoming a high-income country by 2030. Governor Mang Sineth emphasized the province's favorable geographical advantages, positioning it as a strategically vital province for national economic development. He particularly noted its role as a maritime gateway for trade, industry, transportation, and tourism, significantly driving national economic growth towards achieving the aforementioned vision. He stressed that managing the population and developing human resources are paramount, requiring everyone to enhance their capabilities alongside the rapid growth in the province's industry, commerce, and tourism sectors, which have attracted a substantial labor force from other provinces. Consequently, the increasing population necessitates meticulous population management to ensure economic development proceeds hand-in-hand with the provision of quality and efficient public services, especially improved social services. The governor further stated that despite rapid economic growth, the province faces certain social issues. However, he underscored the importance of reproductive health, maternal and child health, and health services for workers and youth. For the implementation of the National Strategic Framework 2024-2030, he indicated that follow-ups and actions from international conferences on population would be crucial tools to help identify target groups needing support and protection, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the province's residents. He concluded by stating that human resource development is the most valuable investment in people, as a healthy populace with a high awareness of family planning and protection against all forms of violence will become a strong driving force to propel Preah Sihanouk Province into an influential economic gateway for Cambodia on the international stage. By: Ngu Somuny © National news agency of Cambodia 2018