Australia Pledges $61M for Cambodia Development Aid, Bolstering Social Protection and Agriculture

Australia has reaffirmed its long-standing development partnership with Cambodia, pledging an estimated US$61 million (A$94.4 million) in official development assistance for the 2026–27 financial year while announcing new investments in social protection and agricultural development during a two-day ministerial visit. Australia’s Minister for International Development, Dr. Anne Aly, visited Cambodia from 30–31 July, where she met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth to reaffirm Australia’s commitment as a long-term development partner. During the visit, Australia announced an additional US$1.9 million (A$3 million) to strengthen Cambodia’s social protection systems, supporting vulnerable households facing economic shocks and helping improve the country’s resilience to future economic challenges. The funding builds on Australia’s broader development partnership with Cambodia, which focuses on promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening institutions, improving education and supporting climate resilience. Agriculture and Food Security Receive Additional Support Dr. Aly also announced US$6.2 million (A$9.5 million) for a new phase of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) FishTech Program during a visit to the Kampong Speu fishway. The program will support regional economic resilience, improve food security and promote environmental sustainability through fisheries research and innovation while helping strengthen agricultural productivity across Cambodia. The minister also toured Kirirom Food Production, where Australian-supported initiatives are helping Cambodian businesses access international markets, create employment opportunities for women, strengthen rural livelihoods and encourage more inclusive economic growth. Investing in Human Capital Beyond infrastructure and economic development, Dr. Aly met with Australia Awards alumni and Australian volunteers working across Cambodia, highlighting Australia’s continued investment in education, skills development and people-to-people links between the two countries. Australia said these programs remain an important part of the bilateral relationship by helping develop Cambodia’s future workforce while strengthening institutional capacity across both the public and private sectors. Speaking during the visit, Dr. Aly said Australia remained committed to ensuring its partnership continues to deliver practical outcomes aligned with Cambodia’s national priorities. “Australia is proud to stand alongside Cambodia as a trusted and longstanding partner,” she said. “Through our development support, we are helping improve livelihoods while supporting sustainable, inclusive and resilient development.” Australia said it would continue working closely with Cambodia to deliver development initiatives that support economic opportunity, strengthen social resilience and contribute to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.