The Law on Inland Water Transport has been formally put into effect by official promulgation, signed into law at the close of last month.
The comprehensive new legislation, comprising 18 chapters and 275 articles, is expected to mark a significant stride towards enhancing waterway investment and port management in Cambodia.
The law defines the management and development of Cambodia’s inland waterway and port sector in detail, providing opportunities for both investment and increased competitiveness for national and international trade.
The Law on Inland Water Transport is applicable to ships, port crews, ship owners and operators, shipyard facilities, waterway infrastructure and other activities within Cambodian territory related to waterborne logistics.
However, the law’s jurisdiction will exclude ships, ports, and port facilities under the management of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Interior.
In addition, the Law on Inland Water Transport adds new requirements for coastal vessels and domestic vessels operating inland in Cambodia to register their ships with authorities, except for vessels used only for family transport.
Minister of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Peng Ponea, in a consultation with the National Assembly regarding the reforms in February, said that the waterway transport sector was in “imperative need for management”.
“The government is confident that the enactment of this law will provide a comprehensive legal framework able to ensure the effective and sustainable management of ships, crews, ports and waterway infrastructure related to the waterway transport sector,” Ponea said.
The Office of the Council of Ministers, which approved the draft law in February, stated that the inland water transportation sector nationwide is crucial in promoting socio-economic development.
The council concluded that the new law has the potential to both foster opportunities for domestic and international investors, while enhancing employment and improving the living standards of residents along coasts and waterways.
