Cambodia, EU, France Review Progress on Clean Water Projects and Sector Reforms

PHNOM PENH, July 4, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union (EU) have reviewed progress on joint efforts to strengthen the country’s clean water sector, highlighting advances in infrastructure, institutional reforms and workforce development. The discussions took place during the closing session of a project supervision mission, where officials assessed progress on key initiatives including the Bakheng Phase III Water Treatment Plant, provincial water supply projects and the Liveable Cities Multi-Financing Facility. Priorities for the next phase of cooperation were also identified. Minister Hem Vanndy said the government was pursuing reforms to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water sector through improved governance, stronger performance of public utilities, regulatory changes and human resource development. “The Ministry is optimistic about the future of Cambodia’s water sector. We have a clear vision, strong support from our development partners, and a highly committed team. Although challenges remain, we are confident that we can overcome them if we continue working together,” he said. The minister added that Cambodia was advancing plans to establish a national water regulator and a national training centre for water professionals, describing both as key investments in building sector-wide capacity. Sandrine Boucher, AFD’s Country Director, who is completing her assignment in Cambodia, praised the partnership and reaffirmed France and the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting the country’s clean water sector. “Expanding access to clean water has brought about significant improvements in the lives of the Cambodian people. France’s partnership goes beyond building water infrastructure—it is also about building strong and sustainable institutions,” she said. Boucher described the cooperation between the ministry, public water utilities and development partners as “unique,” citing the high level of trust and collaboration in delivering projects. Olivia Gervasoni, Acting Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Cambodia, reaffirmed the bloc’s support for expanding household water connections, establishing a national training centre for water professionals and providing the Global Gateway Scholarship Programme to help develop Cambodia’s future water sector workforce.