Oxfam together with 13 civil society organizations organizes the 7th Extractive Industries Governance Forum (EIGF) today under the theme “Cambodia Mining, Oil and Gas Outlook 2019 and Beyond” at Sunway Hotel. The forum is a multi-stakeholder platform chaired by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, with registered membership of oil gas and mining companies, and 14 civil society organizations.
The forum will enable participants to share and dialogues on wide ranges of agendas including two main panel discussions on local communities perspectives on Extractive Industries, and Extractive Industries Outlook 2019.
“There is no doubt that mining, oil and gas could bring great economic opportunity. “But, being able to materialize such benefits, all mining project must at least ensure that the country can achieve three things: Optimize size and scale of national fiscal collections, Improved livelihood of local communities nearby industry sites, and Sustained quality of natural environment and public welfare,” said H.E. Meng Saktheara, Secretariat of State of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
“It would require a serious sector reform and a meaningful inclusive approach of governance to achieve such dream. EIGF is keystone to create such governance.” he added.
Ms. Solinn Lim, Country Director of Oxfam in Cambodia, said “Secrecy breeds distrust. Transparancy is key to manage stakeholders and public expectations which is key to success. The forum offers space for meaningful dialogues between communities, regulators, operators and other interested stakeholders on responsible investment in extractive sectors.”
Mr. Chan Sophal, Director of Center for Policy Study, said that: " EIGF is an innovative mechanism for key stakeholders to exchange and build trust with each other. If well managed the EI sector will contribute significantly to the development of the Cambodian economy. If not, it can be a liability causing public health problems and discontent."
There will be representative from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Mining, Oil and Gas Companies, Commune Councilor, and local community members from Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear and Sihanoukville, Research institution and, CSOs and youth groups.