Cambodia Pushes for Full FMIS Adoption in Sub-National Administrations to Enhance Transparency and Efficiency

The Ministry of Economy and Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, organized an awareness program on "Full Implementation of Budget Planning Functions and Current Expenditure Procedures in the FMIS" for all 25 provincial and municipal administrations and relevant units. The event, held on the morning of July 15, 2026, was presided over by H.E. Dr. Hang Senghip, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Chairman of the FMIS Project Management Working Group. Over 200 leaders and technical officials from ministries, institutions, and provincial-municipal administrations attended. H.E. Dr. Hang Senghip emphasized that the full use of FMIS for budget planning and expenditure procedures by provincial-municipal administrations and related units will contribute to three key areas: First, FMIS is a crucial tool for disciplined administrative work, which is the foundation for the development of provinces and municipalities. This will enhance citizens' trust in provincial-municipal administrations. Proper budget execution leads to improved public services and consequently better livelihoods for the people, as well as more targeted investment and development at the local level. Second, it signifies a shift in mindset and habits from traditional work methods to strengthening and enhancing system ownership through the firm and unwavering commitment of sub-national leaders and technical officials. This reflects a contribution to transforming work methods from traditional to modernized approaches, ensuring that the ultimate vision of the government can be achieved, thereby promoting good governance and supporting rapid public services for local populations. Third, the full implementation of FMIS procedures, set to officially commence for provincial-municipal administrations in early 2027, aims for comprehensive financial operations. This will reduce redundant and value-less paper-based tasks, significantly contributing to public administration reform, public financial management reform, and sub-national democratic reform. Dr. Hang Senghip stressed that FMIS plays a vital role in managing Cambodia's public financial system, not merely recording information but focusing on results and achievements. It ensures the management of financial resources and serves as an effective budget management and execution system, capable of tracking financial operations from budget planning to complete expenditure settlement. Furthermore, he highlighted that the implementation of FMIS procedures has demonstrably reduced the complexity of work processes and the use of paper documents. As a result, the average time for payment to suppliers or beneficiaries has been reduced to just 9 days in 2025, counting from the expenditure request to the final disbursement. In conclusion, H.E. Dr. Hang Senghip advised provincial-municipal administrations and related units to continue strengthening ownership, capacity, and understanding among their responsible officials through training. He urged them to provide cooperation in inputting data and to work together in the spirit of "national interest" and "idealism." The goal is to ensure the successful and highly effective utilization of FMIS by early 2027. Source: AKP Khmer