Cambodia Strengthens Inter-Ministerial Cooperation for Rural Development

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The 7th ministerial-level meeting of the "Tri-Sectoral" Inter-Ministerial Mechanism, focusing on agriculture, water resources, and rural development, was held in Phnom Penh on Friday, September 4, 2026. The meeting aimed to coordinate the implementation of policy programs and activities related to smart agricultural communities, water-user farmer communities, and model villages. The meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, under the high presidency of H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Also in attendance were H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, and H.E. Thor Cheaththa, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology. Participants included leaders from the three ministries, representatives from other relevant ministries and institutions, provincial departments in target areas, and development partners. The meeting had two main objectives: First, to review the progress and final work results achieved in the communities, particularly the ten selected for joint intervention. Second, to discuss and make principled decisions on the composition of communities to be selected for "Tri-Sectoral" intervention in 2026-2027 and 2028. This initiative is in line with the Royal Government's "Pentagonal Strategy" Phase 1 and its vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, and the Ministry of Rural Development have collaboratively established the "Tri-Sectoral" working group (Agriculture-Water-Rural) under the principle of "Efficiency of the Single Actor System." This collaboration aims to directly address the development needs in rural areas, enhancing and improving the livelihoods of people in smart agricultural communities, water-user farmer communities, and model villages efficiently and sustainably. Source: CPP Cambodia