Sun Chanthol Demands Streamlined Procedures, Warns Private Sector to Obey the Law

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 27, 2025) — Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol has called for sweeping cuts to bureaucratic procedures across government institutions, saying excessive regulation is stifling Cambodia’s economic competitiveness. At the same time, he urged the private sector to fully comply with national laws to ensure smoother coordination and reduce unnecessary burdens.

Speaking after presenting the first-semester 2025 progress report on reforms from the 19th Government–Private Sector Forum, Chanthol said complicated administrative processes remain one of the biggest obstacles to private-sector growth.

“The economy grows at night when the government is asleep,” he said. “We must reduce procedures, step back, and allow businesses — who know best how to run their enterprises — to operate without interference. Too many inspections waste their time and ours.”

Chanthol emphasized that the government’s role is to facilitate, not control, private-sector operations. But he also pressed businesses, particularly the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce led by President Kith Meng, to uphold strong compliance with Cambodian law.

Meng welcomed the remarks, urging reforms in customs and taxation to boost investor confidence. He said such improvements would help Cambodia achieve its Vision 2030 and Vision 2050 development goals.