Hun Sen urges stronger tax collection, Vietnam border trade to boost Mondulkiri
Photo: Senate President Hun Sen meets with around 500 provincial, municipal, district and commune officials in Mondulkiri province on July 7. Senate
Senate President Hun Sen yesterday called for stronger tax collection, enhanced cross-border trade with Vietnam and sustainable resource management to support economic growth in Mondulkiri province.
Speaking during a meeting with around 500 provincial, municipal, district and commune officials, Mr Hun Sen highlighted the province’s growing economic potential, citing its strengths in agriculture, tourism, mining and border trade.
Senate President spokesman Chea Thyrith said that during the meeting, Mr Hun Sen urged authorities to strengthen tax and customs administration while taking tougher action against tax evasion and unregistered businesses to increase state revenue.
He also instructed local authorities to expedite land dispute resolution, prioritising out-of-court settlements that are impartial and transparent, while ensuring public services are delivered more efficiently.
“Emphasising sustainable development, Samdech Techo Hun Sen called for stricter protection of Mondulkiri’s natural resources and warned that mining activities must not come at the expense of the environment,” said Thyrith.
Mr Hun Sen also encouraged provincial authorities to deepen cooperation with neighbouring Vietnamese provinces to promote cross-border trade, investment and economic activity.
Thyrith added that Mr Hun Sen concluded by commending Mondulkiri’s officials for their efforts in driving the province’s development and urged them to continue improving governance and public services to support long-term economic growth.
Mondulkiri Governor Kong Kimny reported that the northeastern province is located about 382 kilometres from Phnom Penh and has three operational bilateral border checkpoints with Vietnam—Labakhe in Keo Seima district, Dak Dam in O’Raing district and Nam Lear in Pech Chreada district—while a fourth, at Chi Miet in Koh Nheak district, has yet to commence operations.
Kimny noted that the province has recorded significant development under the Royal Government’s policies, resulting in notable improvements in infrastructure and economic activity.
He said the province currently has about 123,685 hectares of agricultural and agro-industrial land, producing around 524,000 tonnes of output annually. Rubber remains the leading commercial crop, with plantations covering about 43,900 hectares, while tourism also serves as a key growth sector with 105 sites across the province.
He added that the mining industry continues to expand, with 18 companies currently holding 21 licences in the province.
This visit marked Mr Hun Sen’s 17th outreach mission and his 20th provincial stop under a nationwide programme to strengthen accountability between the Senate and local authorities, improve public service delivery and enhance local governance.
-Khmer Times-
