SEAPPI and AVI co-host first Alcohol Policy Multistakeholder Dialogue

On March 6, 2025, the Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute co-hosted the first Alcohol Policy Multistakeholder Dialogue in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in partnership with the Asian Vision Institute.

The dialogue brought together insights and expertise from across government, private sector, civil society and the research community to share ideas on building an environment that addresses harmful alcohol consumption and supports moderation. Several government ministries were represented, including the ministries of commerce, interior, women’s affairs, labor, and economy.

The dialogue received keynotes from Senior Minister H.E. Chhem Kieth Rethy, Chairman of Economic, Social and Cultural Council of Cambodia and H.E. Men Saman, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Information, contextualizing the challenge of harmful consumption in Cambodia and outlining a whole of society approach including government policy, communication, and enforcement; the role of civil society and community institutions; and responsible economic operators.

Chandara Gnim, CEO, MM4A; presented new data from a research study of more than 1400 Cambodians on social attitudes to alcohol. Ed Ratcliffe, Executive Director, SEAPPI; Dr. Chheng Kimlong, President, AVI; Dr. Marjana Martinic, MM Science Policy Advisors presented the interim conclusions of a policy white paper drawing on the MM4A data, which includes recommendations for addressing underage drinking, road traffic safety, and improving consumer education on alcohol consumption.

A panel discussion heard insights from speakers as well as Mr Penn Virakoudoum, Dep. Director General, Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud, at the Ministry of Commerce and Mr. Ser Chhay Tan from the Wine Spirits and Beer Importers and Distributors Association, on the challenges of implementation and enforcement.

Participants spent time discussing how to localize global best practice which are not currently part of Cambodia’s policy toolbox, such as a mandatory legal purchasing age and national drinking guidelines.

The insights from the dialogue will feed in to a final policy white paper to be co-published by AVI and SEAPPI.

Many thanks to Asia Pacific International Spirits & Wines Alliance (APISWA) for sponsoring this important dialogue to support the development of policy solutions to reduce harmful consumption.