ADB-Funded Project Progress Meeting Concludes, Focus on Modernizing Irrigation and Flood Control

Cambodia's Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology held a wrap-up meeting on September 21 to review the progress of projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The meeting summarized the outcomes of the ADB-led project review mission conducted from September 7 to 21. The meeting was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance with Zoom, and included representatives from the ADB, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Women's Affairs, relevant provincial administrations, as well as leaders and technical officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, and representatives from the Mekong River Commission and the National Committee for Mekong River Affairs. Chan Sinat, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, stated that the review mission concluded successfully, adhering to ADB's plans and requirements. ADB representatives praised the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology for its efforts in achieving significant results and managing and resolving various risks in a timely and effective manner. Furthermore, the ADB delegation agreed with the Ministry's strategic vision and requests for the development of modern irrigation systems, flood mitigation, ensuring adequate water supply during the dry season, and enabling up to three cropping seasons per year to improve the livelihoods of the people and the national economy. This meeting underscores the importance of cooperation with the ADB in infrastructure development in Cambodia, particularly in water resource management and agriculture. Modernizing irrigation systems is expected to enhance the resilience of Cambodian agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate change, and contribute to strengthening food security.