Cambodia cuts government departments in civil service reform

PHNOM PENH, March 28, 2026 (KPT)– Cambodia has reduced the number of government departments as part of reforms aimed at streamlining state institutions and improving efficiency, the civil service minister said.

Speaking at the ministry’s annual conference on March 27, Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Hun Many said his ministry and 12 other institutions had eliminated three general departments and 26 departments during restructuring.

He stressed the reforms were designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than expand government.

“Ministries and institutions have not only avoided expansion, but have also reduced structures and continue reviewing additional offices,” he told the meeting, which reviewed 2025 performance and set priorities for 2026.

Hun Many said the changes were part of wider efforts to improve discipline, professional standards and effectiveness across the civil service. Officials have carried out systematic reviews of institutional roles, leading to new sub-decrees on ministry operations.

Eleven sub-decrees have already been enacted, while governance promotion committees have been set up in 29 ministries and institutions.

The minister said the reforms were intended to strengthen public sector capacity, maintain stable service delivery and improve accountability, in line with the government’s approach of “strengthening rather than expanding” state institutions.