AKP Phnom Penh, August 17, 2026 —

The Ministry of Rural Development has officially launched the Rural Road Infrastructure Development Strategy 2026–2033, aiming to further strengthen the quality, resilience and connectivity of Cambodia’s rural road network.

The launch ceremony was held at the Ministry of Rural Development on Monday under the presidency of H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, with the participation of senior ministry officials, representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, development partners, technical advisers, project managers, contractors, and officials from the ministry and its 25 municipal and provincial departments.

H.E. Chreay Pom, Director General of Technical Affairs, delivered a welcome report outlining the process of preparing the Rural Road Infrastructure Development Strategy 2026–2033, from its initial stage through its successful completion, as well as the objectives of the official launching ceremony.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Chhay Rithisen expressed his appreciation to representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, development partners, national and international non-governmental organisations, and civil servants for their valuable contributions to the important event, which reflects their responsibility and strong attention to rural development, particularly rural road infrastructure development.

The Minister highlighted the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 and the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035. In line with the first strategic direction of the national policy, the Ministry of Rural Development has been placing high priority on developing quality and resilient rural infrastructure and transport connectivity.

He said the ministry is working to improve the quality and sustainability of rural roads and their maintenance in order to connect and integrate economic, social and cultural activities between rural areas, towns and cities, while facilitating business activities and creating greater economic dynamism.

Such connectivity serves as a foundation for increasing household incomes in rural areas and contributes significantly to improving the efficiency of the logistics sector, he added.

To ensure the construction of quality rural roads that are resilient to climate change and usable throughout the year, the ministry has also undertaken a number of reforms based on four key principles: benefit, quality, safety and economy.

The Rural Road Infrastructure Development Strategy 2026–2033 has been developed under the vision of “Building an Interconnected and Resilient Rural Road Network.”

H.E. Chhay Rithisen called on all relevant stakeholders to use the strategy as an official guiding document for implementing activities related to rural road infrastructure development. He also put forward a number of key recommendations aimed at promoting the construction of rural road infrastructure in an efficient, quality and resilient manner.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Minister presented copies of the Rural Road Infrastructure Development Strategy 2026–2033 to representatives of ministries and institutions, as well as national and international distinguished guests attending the event.

By C. Nika