(Final Version) August 3, 2011 JICA Cambodia Office Remarks by Mr.

Yasujiro Suzuki, Chief Representative, JICA Cambodia Office For the 17th GMS Ministerial Conference On August 4th, 2011 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Your Excellency, Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce Mr. Bindu Lohani, Vice President in Charge of Operation 2, Asian Development Bank

Excellencies, ladies and gentleman,

On behalf of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), I would like to express my profound gratitude to you for gathering here today for the 17th GMS Ministerial Conference. 1. I believe that the celebration of the 17th GMS Ministerial Conference in Cambodia is most significant as Cambodia prepares to play a leadership role for the upcoming ASEAN conference. As we are all aware, Cambodia will serve as the chair country for ASEAN next year.

2. To date, the GMS program has been providing a fundamental framework to support the development of regional connectivity. I also strongly welcome and support the new GMS strategic framework for the period 2012-22. However, we should also pay much attention to the followings points:

Along with the improvement of infrastructure, the enhancement of capacity development is absolutely key.

The link and connection between the GMS framework and the policies of each country is essential.

In addition to the bilateral cooperation, based on the diversity of GMS countries, the effectiveness of south-south and regional cooperation is very important.

The link and connection between the GMS framework and other regional initiatives is required.

Cooperation between the private sector and emerging donors is very urgently needed.

3. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce JICA activities regarding the improvement and strengthening of regional connectivity within Cambodia.

In order to improve the logistics in the Southern Economic Corridor, JICA has been providing assistance on the National Road Number 1 and the Neak Loeung Bridge to be completed in year 2014. In addition, JICA is conducting Feasibility Study on National Road No.5 Rehabilitation.

The Sihanouk-ville Port container terminal currently has a handling capacity of 300,000 TEU. The current volume is expected to increase by December due to the expansion of the container yard. In addition, the Sihanouk-Ville Port SEZ could attract export industries, which could potentially contribute to the trade capacity by stimulating the economic growth of Cambodia. Moreover, JICA is also supporting the capacity enhancement of countrys Directorate General of Customs and Excise to promote trade facilitation.

In the power sector, the regional electricity interconnection is moving forward. In addition to the transmission line project, JICA is considering and planning to provide assistance on the capacity development of the National Control Center.

4. In addition to the support of Japan, the various efforts, cooperation and assistance from other donors have significantly improved the socioeconomic infrastructure in recent years. This enables Cambodia as a core member of the GMS to contribute importantly to the region. 5. It is my sincere wish that the 17th GMS ministerial conference has very fruitful discussions.

Thank you for your attention.