Cambodia is collaborating with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on an ongoing project to improve logistics system in Cambodia in a bid to boost the efficiency of freight traffic through reduced cost of shipping and internationally competitive logistics.

Entitled "Implementation of the project to better the logistics system of Cambodia (Phase 2)", the scheme was launched during a video conference meeting attended by JICA representative to Cambodia Kamei Haruko, government officials and other stakeholders on Monday.

Koy Sodany, secretary of state at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the meeting was aimed at gathering input and feedback from all stakeholders, with the goal of creating a database and information system to implement this project smoothly and efficiently.

She said the development of a national logistics master plan is key to reducing transportation costs, which will enable Cambodia to attract investors and generate jobs.

"In order for Cambodian logistics system to be more developed, the country needs to thoroughly study a national logistics master plan, based on the spirit of solidarity to improve the efficient transportation system with trust and in line with the modernisation of the world," she said.

Cambodia Freight Forwarders Association president Sin Chanthy told The Post that a lack of good and efficient infrastructure was the key facture fuelling high transportation costs in Cambodia as compared to neighboring countries

However, he said that the ongoing efforts in building and repairing it roads, airports and ports will help reduce transportation costs to some extent.