Background
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Mines and Energy share administrative responsibilities for elements of Cambodia’s waterway infrastructure, including inland waterways, maritime routes, and port facilities. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is responsible for regulation and administration of waterway transport, ports, and related maritime infrastructure in Cambodia.
On 3 September 2026, Deputy Secretary of State Chan Tara of MPWT chaired a technical-level meeting between MPWT and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to review and discuss completion of a draft sub-decree on management of waterway infrastructure; senior directors and technical staff from both ministries participated. Sub-decrees in Cambodia are sub-legislative instruments used to specify implementation details and administrative responsibilities under national laws.
Scope of Application
The draft sub-decree under review is presented as an instrument to govern management arrangements for waterway infrastructure administered at the national level, covering port facilities, inland water transport infrastructure, and related maritime installations. Provisions under consideration include responsibilities and interfaces between MPWT directorates responsible for waterways, maritime routes and ports and the relevant offices of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Participants conducted article-by-article technical review and reached detailed technical-level decisions on the draft sub-decree. The meeting placed particular emphasis on clauses that intersect with the statutory authorities of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, with technical teams from both ministries contributing edits and harmonization recommendations.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
A promulgated sub-decree would establish binding administrative rules for the management of Cambodia’s waterway infrastructure and would define the roles of responsible agencies under national administrative law. Entities involved in port operations, inland water transport services, and maritime logistics will need to align operational practices with the administrative responsibilities and compliance requirements once the sub-decree is finalized and promulgated.
Official Source
Source: Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Facebook post, published 3 September 2026. Original post: https://www.facebook.com/mpwt.gov.kh/posts/pfbid02QT4Mm3hkSA4bhNvVE1XzXbcpxpBRjExwGh4A8ZqLDEUfNoLoguhBjKyxWipeU7xsl
