PHNOM PENH: Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Rehabilitation and Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara, met with a Chinese delegation representing the China Disabled Person’s Federation (CDPF) to discuss the provision of assistive devices for persons with disabilities in Cambodia.

In the August 10 meeting, Sec. Em Chan Makara discussed the CDPF’s upcoming donation, in addition to plans to send members of the Disability Action Council to attend a training course on how to use the equipment in China.

The Chinese government is currently focusing on the development of the disability sector in Cambodia and other countries along the Mekong River to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and to strengthen friendship with those countries through cooperation in sustainable aid development projects.

At the same time, the Chinese delegation requested the Disability Action Council to widely promote the program and to prepare a report on persons with disabilities who need assistive equipment so that they can help disabled children, the poor and those living in remote areas.

Sec. Em Cha Makara thanked the CDPF for the charitable gift, which will greatly benefit Cambodia in its mission to empower persons with disabilities. He expressed his happiness that the relationship between China and Cambodia in the field of disability has improved and emphasized that this is not the first time that China has provided such assistance to Cambodia. He said he looks forward to strengthening cooperation in the future.

He also mentioned recent developments of the disability sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen. He said that today, persons with disabilities receive many benefits through cash subsidies and programs meant to support them in various communities.

The CDPF is expected to return in November 2023, when the equipment will be officially handed over based on the needs reported.