Cambodia Strengthens Local Governance

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 1, 2025) — Cambodia is reinforcing its commitment to good governance and grassroots development as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth chaired the fifth board meeting of the National Sub-National Investment Fund (SIF) on Monday.

The meeting reviewed progress from 2017 to 2025, during which 141 municipal and district administrations nationwide received a combined $29.4 million in performance-based grants to improve local infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage systems, parks and street lighting.

The board approved a new Annual Performance Assessment Guideline for municipal and district administrations, set to take effect in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen administrative capacity and institutional quality under the government’s Pentagonal Strategy.

The SIF Secretariat also presented its 2026 action plan, which calls for nationwide performance assessments and incentive grants for the top 15 performing districts.

Pornmoniroth highlighted the fund’s role in improving local governance and announced plans to expand support to commune and Sangkat administrations, enabling deeper investment in grassroots development.

He thanked ministries and local administrations for their cooperation and urged continued commitment to achieving the fund’s strategic goals.