Cambodia is boosting its transport sector to sustainable transport by reducing the use of fuel-run vehicles to green transport that uses electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce operating costs and avoid greenhouse gas emissions.

During a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham), Public Works and Transport Minister, Sun Chanthol said on Wednesday that Cambodia is considering formulating policies and strategies for green transportation to adapt to the progress of globalisation.

Green transportation, a transportation system which does not affect the environment negatively, is to reduce the greenhouse gas emission and it is to adapt to the progress of globalisation, he added.

Green transportation or sustainable transportation, are forms of transportation that do not depend on diminishing natural resources like fossil fuels and this change of system relies on renewable energy sources and has a very low impact on the environment as there are minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable transportation, including walking, cycling, carpooling, car sharing and green vehicles, is also about balancing current and future needs.

Chanthol said: “The use of electric vehicles will reduce operating costs and avoid greenhouse gas emissions in Cambodia when an electric vehicle recharges with renewable energy.”

To adapt to green transport, the government in February adjusted the vehicle import duty to revive the market and fortify the logistics sector.

The adjustment on the vehicle import duty is also to support the transport sector and environmental protection.

Under the adjusted vehicle import duty that came into effect from March,  electric family cars and electric vehicles will see import duty reduced from 30 to 10 percent, in a nod to environment protection.

To raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles, Cambodia’s first Sustainable E-mobility Campaign was also held throughout February.

The Ministry of Public Works plans further initiatives including switching vehicle fleets of public and private institutions to electric alternatives.

• Tags: electric vehicles, fuel, transport