Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 5 – Cambodia has successfully implemented her Rectangular Strategy, now progressed to Phase IV; and pushed the GDP growth in circle of 7 percent over the last 21 years, thanks to the Japan’s Official Development Assistance.

Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn spoke Friday at the signing of the Exchange of Notes with the Japanese Ambassador Mikami Masahiro on the Extension of Japanese Grant Aid held Friday at the ministry.

The 41.4 million USD aids, signed today, cover three projects, which include:

(1) USD 3.2 million for Human Resource Development project through scholarship programs for young talented Cambodian officials to pursue their master and doctoral degrees in Japan;

(2) USD 19.8 million for the improvement of health facilities, medical equipment and health-care services in Referral Hospitals in Siem Reap Province; and

(3) USD 18.4 million for Socio-economic Development Program through the provision of medical equipment for fighting against COVID-19 in Cambodia.

Cambodian foreign minister said: “On behalf of the Royal Government and people of Cambodia, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for extending these latest Official Development Assistance (ODA) packages, in addition to the generous support provided to Cambodia since the early 1990s. Thanks in large part to the Japanese ODA, Cambodia has successfully implemented its Rectangular Strategy, now progressed to phase IV, and pushed our GDP growth by more than 7% annually for the last 21 years.”

“The assistance signed today will significantly improve the health and quality of our human capital to achieve Cambodia’s economic diversification and fulfil her aspiration to transform Cambodia into an upper middle-income country by 2030."

According to the minister, the Japanese Government has extended a total of 34,138 million Japanese Yen (approximately USD 310 million) in grant and loan for (a) the expansion of water supply in Ta Khmau, (b) Mine Clearance and Landmine Victim Assistance, (c) Economic and Social Development Programme, and (d) National Road No. 5 Improvement.

Cambodia sincerely thanked the government and people of Japan for extending these latest Official Development Assistance (ODA) packages, in addition to the generous support provided to Cambodia since the early 1990s. The aids will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
=FRESH NEWS