AKP Phnom Penh, June 01, 2026 —

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on partnership cooperation to advance development in the tourism and rural sectors, aiming to strengthen collaboration and improve livelihoods in rural communities across Cambodia.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, and H.E. Hout Hak, Minister of Tourism, at the Ministry of Rural Development in Phnom Penh on Monday morning.

According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the MoU seeks to enhance and expand cooperation between the two ministries to promote the development of community-based tourism and rural communities in a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive manner.

Through the partnership, the ministries will work together to foster economic, social, and cultural development in rural communities and tourism destinations nationwide, while making effective use of existing resources.

The agreement focuses on three key objectives: strengthening cooperation to promote tourism development in rural areas through improved rural connectivity, water supply and sanitation services, community development, model village initiatives, and economic diversification; enhancing public service delivery and living conditions for both rural residents and tourists in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner; and promoting the exchange of experiences, technical knowledge, and information related to rural development and tourism to maximise cooperation and resource utilisation.

The two ministries expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute to the sustainable growth of Cambodia’s tourism industry and rural economy while supporting the Royal Government’s broader development goals.

By C. Nika