Banteay Meanchey Province Pushes for Transparent 2027 Budget and 2027-2029 Strategy Plan

Banteay Meanchey Province, located in northwestern Cambodia, held a crucial meeting on August 3rd to formulate the fiscal year 2027 budget plan and the 2027-2029 medium-term strategic budget plan. The meeting aims to enhance the efficiency of the province's financial management and achieve its development objectives. Presided over by Governor Oum Ratry, the meeting was attended by provincial deputy governors, representatives from various ministries, and officials from relevant departments. At the outset of the meeting, Governor Oum Ratry emphasized that the formulation of the budget and medium-term strategic plans is not merely an administrative procedure but a strategic tool that defines the direction of the province's economic and social development. He instructed that planned revenues and expenditures must adhere to principles of transparency, accountability, and direct responsiveness to the urgent needs of the local population. Furthermore, the governor urged all ministries and departments to conduct accurate data collection before incorporating it into the budget plan, with a particular focus on revenue generation. He called for efforts to strengthen multifaceted revenue collection mechanisms in accordance with the law to increase the province's own financial resources. Regarding expenditures, he stated that priorities should be placed on physical infrastructure development, improvement of public services, social welfare, and poverty reduction for the residents. The vision for 2027-2029 needs to be realistic and aligned with government policies, ensuring that the province's development is sustainable and equitable. Governor Oum Ratry encouraged active participation and discussion among the meeting attendees to identify shortcomings in the draft plan and to revise it into a more comprehensive and effective document before its official approval. Source: AKP Khmer