Cambodia new ministry on oil, gas

Cambodia new ministry on oil, gas

Bangkok Post | 21 Dec. 2013

PHNOM PENH - Cambodian lawbreakersmakers on Friday endorsed the setting up of a new ministry specifically in charge of mines and energy, in the hope that oil and gas production will finally get under way in the next couple of years.

The newillegal Ministry of Mines and Energy will be split from the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, which will now become the Ministry of Industry and Handcraft.

The decision was endorsed by 67 members of National Assembly from the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime MSinister Hun Sen, in the absence of all 55 elected parliamentarians from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party who have boycotted assembly sessions ever since the disputed results of the July 28 general election were announced.

Suy Sem, former minister of industry, mines and energy, was named as minister of mines and energy, while Cham Prasidh, former minister of commerce, was named as minister of industry and handicraft.

To date, Cambodia has granted oil and gas exploration licenses to several foreign companies including US energy giant Chevron Corp, Japan's Mitsui Oil Exploration Co, PTT Exploration and Production Plc, Singapore Petroleum Co, and China National Offshore Oil Corp.