Phnom Penh: Cambodia and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation on development projects during a meeting between Bin Trachhay, Minister of Planning for Cambodia, and W. Patrick Murphy, US Ambassador to Cambodia.

The delegation, including USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman, Director of Political and Economic Affairs Aleksandra Zittle, and Deputy Director Moses An, was warmly received by Minister Trachhay, who expressed his appreciation for the US's continued assistance and partnership. This collaboration has notably supported the Ministry of Planning's initiatives, such as the Demographic and Health Survey and agricultural censuses, enhancing Cambodia's planning and development capabilities.

Ambassador Murphy reciprocated the gratitude, acknowledging the opportunity to engage in productive discussions on key initiatives and strategies crucial for Cambodia's development. The meeting focused on the preparation and execution of priority tasks aligned with the Royal Government of Cambodia's strategies, including the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) for 2024-2028, the development of a three-year rolling public investment plan, and efforts towards Cambodia's graduation from Least Developed Country status.

Highlighting the support provided by the United States through USAID, Ambassador Murphy outlined several significant projects aimed at assisting Cambodia in agriculture, trade, education, technology, and human resource development. He commended Cambodia's dedication to achieving its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, with aspirations of becoming a high middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.

Additionally, the discussion touched on trade relations, with Ambassador Murphy expressing hope for the reinstatement of Cambodia's status under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a program facilitating duty-free export of goods to the United States, which awaits Congressional re-approval.

The meeting concluded with both parties reiterating their commitment to continue and expand the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Planning of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United States through USAID and other development partners, underscoring a shared vision for Cambodia's prosperous future.