PM Hun Manet eyes single product inspection system to cut bureaucracy

PHNOM PENH, June 30, 2026 (KPT) – Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Cambodia is considering consolidating state institutions and introducing a single product inspection mechanism to simplify regulatory procedures, improve efficiency and reduce overlapping responsibilities.

Speaking at the National Micro, Small and Medium‑sized Enterprise (MSME) Day in Phnom Penh last week, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet noted that the current inspection process involves multiple ministries and agencies, creating unnecessary complexity before products reach the market. He said the government is studying whether to establish a joint inter‑ministerial task force or a single agency to oversee inspections.

“The objective is to ensure inspections are transparent, effective and efficient, without multiple layers of review, while clearly defining responsibilities,” Samdech Thipadei said. He added that reforms would streamline procedures, align regulations with the digital era and benefit both businesses and consumers by ensuring quality products reach the market more quickly.

The announcement comes as part of broader institutional reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy. Hun Manet recently ordered restructuring of the Council for the Development of Cambodia to create a leaner investment promotion agency capable of delivering faster services.

Economic researcher Ky Sereyvath of the Royal Academy of Cambodia welcomed the agenda, describing Hun Manet’s approach as “quiet but not inactive.” He said reforms should be gradual and strategic, noting progress in streamlining institutions and cutting unnecessary spending.

Sereyvath argued that productivity improvements should extend across ministries, while research and higher education institutions should continue to expand to support innovation and human capital development.