49th Workshop Meeting of Heads of NPOs
21–23 October 2008, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening Statement
by H.E. Ith Praing, Interim Minister
Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy
Secretary-General Shigeo Takenaka, of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), Distinguished delegates, advisers, observers, guests, ladies, and gentlemen:
On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I would like to welcome you warmly and express our heartfelt gratitude to you all for attending the 49th Workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations held in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I am delighted to see you all.
Productivity improvement is crucial for national development, especially in Asia. In this connection, the APO, the spearhead of the productivity movement in the Asia-Pacific region since 1961, has been actively and fully playing its role and has a noteworthy record in making invaluable contributions to the socioeconomic development of the region through the productivity movement. This has been greatly appreciated by all its members. I have learned that the recent remarkable progress of the APO would not have been possible without the tireless, indispensable efforts of the Secretariat under the visionary leadership of Secretary-General Takenaka. Therefore, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the APO and especially to the Secretary-General.
Cambodia, like other countries in Asia and the world facing the opportunities created by globalization as well as by increased competition in international and domestic markets, must harness the regional productivity movement. Concerted efforts will create the conditions for sustaining and continuing productivity improvement in various economic activities in each country. National productivity movements vary from country to country as they must address situations and priorities dictated by that particular country’s needs and actual development strategies. In this regard, Cambodia will launch a productivity movement based on the rectangular strategy of the Royal Government to address critical needs for the development of the country. For instance, the existing agricultural policy of the Royal Government, which focuses on the improvement of agricultural productivity, agricultural diversification, and transformation of agriculture into a spearhead sector so that it can provide additional dynamism to promote economic growth and significantly contribute to poverty reduction, also reflects the future productivity movement of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Looking at the economic growth of Cambodia in recent years with the invaluable contributions of the APO to its socioeconomic development, I am very optimistic that the country will be in a much better position to promote and boost productivity development in its manufacturing, service, and agriculture sectors, which continue to generate substantial national income and employment. Let me assure you that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Akkak Moha Sena Batei Techo Hun Sen, the Royal Government of Cambodia is strongly committed to working closely and cooperatively with the APO Secretariat and APO member countries to share knowledge and learn from best practices. This will enable all member countries to steer the productivity and quality movement in the right direction to achieve the common goal of becoming more prosperous nations with dynamic and competitive economies and subsequently a better quality of life.
Being a member of the APO working to promote productivity development in Cambodia and the region is always a very useful experience for Cambodia. With the strong support of the APO Secretariat, Cambodia is honored to host this significant meeting. I am convinced that this Workshop Meeting of Heads of NPOs will gain new knowledge and experiences from all member countries, other international organizations, and advisers to innovate the productivity movement so that the common goals of economic growth and poverty alleviation will eventually be achieved.
I would like to conclude by wholeheartedly expressing my sincere appreciation once again to the APO Secretariat for its support for and continuous guidance of the National Productivity Center of Cambodia so that we could organize this workshop meeting to meet our mission of achieving economic growth, prosperity, and the well-being of the people in the region. My profound gratitude is also due to all delegates, advisers, observers, and guests for attending.
I declare this meeting open. I hope that you all a very fruitful meeting and an enjoyable stay in this cultural tourism city of Siem Reap, the Kingdom of Cambodia. Thank you.
