AKP Phnom Penh, December 11, 2025 --

Cambodia’s national push to expand water supply continues to gain momentum with renewed technical and financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD) and Team Europe.

During a meeting between Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation H.E. Hem Vanndy and an AFD delegation led by Mr. Jean-Pierre Marcelli, AFD Southeast Asia Regional Director, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to long-term cooperation, including new initiatives in priority provinces.

The two sides reviewed ongoing efforts to strengthen public utilities and private water operators, expand service coverage, and secure investment for water-supply infrastructure across the country.

Minister Vanndy noted that MISTI has been conducting a nationwide assessment of private power operators (PWOs) and exploring innovative financing channels, including non-collateral loans. He asked for AFD’s additional support, especially through Proparco, to help PWOs improve service delivery and ensure water quality for communities.

Mr. Marcelli underlined the depth of the 30-year partnership between Cambodia, AFD, and the European Union, calling Cambodia’s water sector, especially in Phnom Penh, a recognised “global success story” and highlighting ongoing consideration of a new programme in Siem Reap under the Livable City Project.

AFD Country Director Mrs. Sandrine Boucher also reaffirmed Team Europe’s continued engagement through the EU Global Gateway, noting plans for further assistance, a multi-tranche framework agreement, and cooperation to help Cambodia establish a modern water regulator based on international best practices. 

AKP-MISTI