On 12th June 2009, five NGOs launched a new coalition called Cambodians for Resource Revenue Transparency (CRRT) as part of an event on Extractives Industry revenue management. Those NGOs included Development and Partnership in Action, Center for Social Development, Economic Institute of Cambodia, NGO Forum on Cambodia, and Youth Resource Development Programme.

CRRT‘s work will focus on advocating for transparency on revenues gained from extractive industries sector in Cambodia.

CRRT hopes to play a key role by bringing examples of good revenue management strategies from other countries to the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and by helping the public to have realistic expectations about the implications of the discovery of oil, gas and mining resources. “By working together we believe that we can learn from other’s mistakes and the benefits of such knowledge can be equitably shared,” Mr. Mam Sambath added.

The Cambodians for Resource Revenue Transparency coalition believes that:
o An informed public should contribute in open discussions to influence decision making on the financial management of revenues from extractive industries.
o Information should be widely available on operations for exploitation of extractive resources and earned revenues to facilitate public oversight of the extractive industries sector.
o Revenues from extractive industries should be efficiently and fairly used for sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.

Four guest speakers, including Miss Lim Solinn, Oxfam America; Mr. Chhith Sam Ath, Executive Director of NGO Forum; H.E Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economic and Finance, and Mr. Stephane Guimbert, Senior Country Economist from the World Bank were invited to address participants and media representatives present on why transparency and proper management of extractives industry resource revenues are important for Cambodia.

Tentative event agenda:
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Registration
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.  – Welcome Remarks
9:30 – 10:00 a.m. – Guest Presentations on EI revenue transparency
10:00-10:30 a.m. – Launching Ceremony with a photo opportunity