Minister of Justice Koeut Rith has asked the relevant government agencies to be ready to work together and ensure that Cambodia is lifted from the money laundering “grey list”, as the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG-JG) visits next month.

Koeut Rith made the request on December 23 while leading the seventh round meeting with Cambodia's ad hoc sub-commission tasked with implementing an action plan laid out by the ICRG-JG.

The meeting reviewed on-the-ground reports that are set to be submitted to the FATF in the near future, and outlined additional work to be done, especially that relating to the ICRG-JG’s work visit on January 11-13.

The minister praised relevant ministries and institutions for their efforts towards Cambodia’s removal from the FATF’s infamous “list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring” – commonly known as the “grey list” – since the Kingdom was placed on it in 2019.

Koeut Rith hailed the “good progress” made to this effect, which he said has ensured transparency, confidence and resilience in the Cambodian financial system.

“The minister has requested that relevant ministries, institutions and working groups … continue to work with a high sense of responsibility and be ready to do well during the [ICRG-JG’s visit] to have Cambodia struck from the FATF’s ‘grey list’ in the near future,” his ministry said on social media.