Cambodia Accelerates Digital Transformation: FMIS Implementation to Enhance Public Administration Efficiency

The Ministry of Economy and Finance has organized an awareness program on the use of the Financial Management Information System (FMIS) for 31 more public institutions. This initiative aims to transform their work from a production-based approach to one focused on productivity through the application of modern digital technology. The FMIS will fully implement current expenditure budget procedures. His Excellency Dr. Han Sahip, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Chairman of the FMIS Project Management Working Group, stated that the use of digital information technology is a priority policy of the Royal Government to accelerate reforms across all sectors and ensure Cambodia's sustainable economic growth. This aligns with assessments by development partners that digital technology will add value to the productivity of all ministries, government agencies, public administrations, and the private sector. Dr. Han Sahip highlighted that the full implementation of current expenditure procedures through FMIS in the nine previously involved public institutions has yielded commendable results. Notably, it has reduced paper usage in financial operations and decreased the number of procedural steps from eight to five. The average payment processing time has also been reduced to three days using FMIS. Information and reports can be generated instantly for decision-making by leaders at the institutional, technical ministry, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and especially the highest levels of government. These outcomes are supported by the positive feedback from representatives of two public institutions, the Royal University of Law and Economics and the National University of Management, who have experienced tangible benefits since implementing FMIS in early 2025. These achievements signify a steady step forward in the Royal Government of Cambodia's public financial management reform and are crucial for enhancing the quality and efficiency of public services in education, health, social affairs, tourism, agriculture, rural development, environment, and culture. These improvements are vital factors for Cambodia's economic and social progress, aiming to become a high-income country by 2050. The awareness program on FMIS for the leaders and technical officials of the 31 public institutions, along with their line ministries and related units, held on July 30, 2026, aims to prepare for the full implementation of current budget expenditure procedures via FMIS, officially scheduled for early 2027. The event was attended by over 170 leaders, representatives from ministries, public institutions, and technical officials to deepen their understanding of FMIS benefits and preparation for its rollout to the remaining public institutions, following the pilot phase in nine institutions at the beginning of 2026. To ensure the successful implementation for the remaining 31 public institutions, Dr. Han Sahip advised leaders and staff to strengthen ownership, develop the capacity of responsible officials through training, foster proactive cooperation in improving FMIS operational procedures, adhere to the Ministry of Economy and Finance's guidelines, and work together with the spirit of prioritizing national interests. Source: AKP Khmer