Closing Remarks by Keat Chhon Senior Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance I am very pleased and honored to join you this afternoon, to help bring to a close this Public Forum on Cambodia’s Membership in the World Trade Organization. I am glad to see all of you here– specially my honorable colleagues in the Royal Government of Cambodia and all the distinguished participants. As the Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cambodian Institute of Cooperation and Peace, I thank you all for your active participation! Through all of the sessions of this Public Forum, all of the participants have had the opportunity to listen to many presentations, and to discuss and reflect upon the points made. The speakers and commentators have offered varied and thought­provoking views and suggestions about the many issues raised regarding the accession to the WTO by Cambodia. There has also been much discussion about the potential impacts of Cambodia’s membership on the social and economic development of the country. The discussions, dialogue and sharing that have unfolded at this forum have been very significant. It is important for all of us to provide comprehensive comments and recommendations in a constructive manner on issues of national development and policy. This kind of constructive communication leads to the building of a strong foundation for the Royal Government’s strategy for the economy to draw maximum benefits from, as well as mitigate the negative impacts of membership in the WTO. 122