Cambodian PM says new cabinet will work harder to maintain growth, poverty reduction

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday said that even though his new cabinet members are the "same faces," they will work harder to maintain high economic growth and poverty reduction.

"They are old faces, but they have innovative ideas," he said during the launching ceremony of a public financial management reform program here.

He said that with his strong cabinet members, Cambodia has achieved the average economic growth of 8.8 percent per annum in the last decade.

Hun Sen last Wednesday submitted the proposed cabinet changes to the National Assembly. Under which, eight ministers will be either removed or reshuffled.

The reshuffle will see Foreign Minister Hor Namhong relinquish the post, which will pass to current Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Prak Sokhonn. Hor Namhong will remain a deputy prime minister.

Transport Minister Tram Iv Tek will become the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, while Commerce Minister Sun Chanthol will be appointed as Transport Minister.

Commerce Secretary of State Pan Sorasak will be promoted as the Commerce Minister.

Water Resources and Meteorology Secretary of State Veng Sakhon will become the Minister of Agriculture, replacing Ouk Rabun who will be appointed as the Minister of Rural Development.

Current Minister of Rural Development Chea Sophara will be assumed as the Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, replacing outgoing Minister Im Chhun Lim.

Minister of Cults and Religion Min Khin will be removed and substituted by former Culture Minister Him Chhem.

The fifth term government was established in Sept. 2013. Its cabinet comprised one prime minister, nine deputy prime ministers, 15 senior ministers, 13 ministers attached to the prime minister, 27 ministers, and over a hundred of Secretary of States. Endit