Cambodia Sends Youth Delegation to Russia; Tax Authority Highlights International Exchange and National Development

On August 31, 2026, at the General Department of Taxation (GDT) Tower, H.E. Kong Vibol, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Director General of the General Department of Taxation, presided over a meeting with the Association of Former Cambodian Students from the Soviet Union and Russia, led by Dr. Nhil Radtha, and a delegation of 12 Cambodian youths. This delegation is set to participate in the 2026 World Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The meeting aimed to share experiences and recommendations on leadership, capacity development, advocacy on the international stage, and contributions to national social development. H.E. Kong Vibol shared insights on modernizing tax administration through digital transformation, which has enhanced transparency, efficiency, and convenience for citizens and businesses. He also highlighted international cooperation and participation in the Study Group on Asian Tax Administration and Research (SGATAR). He invoked the vision of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, stating, "Reform to live, not reform to die," and the guidance of Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister Hun Manet, who said, "No reform is easy, but to achieve success, four factors are needed: 1. Clear vision, 2. High commitment, 3. Participation, and 4. Sacrifice." Under the modernization of tax administration, Cambodia has implemented over 70 digital systems and services, including the GDT Taxpayer App, e-Filing, and e-Payment. In the first five months of 2026, the General Department of Taxation collected approximately $2.029 billion, equivalent to about 56.4% of the annual plan. Tax revenue has grown nearly sevenfold, from $730 million in 2012 to $3.572 billion in 2025, while the Tax-to-GDP Ratio increased from around 9% to nearly 18% during the same period. Tax revenue has significantly contributed to salary payments for civil servants and armed forces, the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, the expansion of social protection systems, and the defense of national sovereignty and heritage. Today's meeting clearly reflects the government's and the General Department of Taxation's commitment to investing in human capital, particularly in empowering Cambodian youth with the skills and confidence to represent Cambodia internationally, nurturing them to become knowledgeable and patriotic successors contributing to Cambodia's vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050. The 2026 International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg, Russia, will gather approximately 10,000 youths, with 5,000 from abroad and representing about 195 countries, to exchange ideas, cultures, and experiences, thereby strengthening international cooperation and understanding.