Phnom Penh, December 19, 2024:  Leaders from three key ministries convened on Thursday afternoon at the Ministry of Rural Development for the 3rd tri-sector meeting focused on agriculture, water, and rural development. Minister of Rural Development Mr. Chhay Rithsen, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mr. Dith Tina, and Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology Mr. Tho Jetha led discussions aimed at reviewing the progress of priority policy programs related to modern agricultural communities, water-using farmers' communities, and model villages.

The meeting brought together leaders from the tri-sector working group, the secretariat, and experts from all three ministries to assess advancements and strategize on future implementations.

In his opening remarks, Minister Chhay Rithsen emphasized the importance of collaboration in aligning with the Royal Government’s vision. “This meeting is crucial for promoting cooperation, enhancing efficiency, and addressing the needs of local communities,” he stated, highlighting the objective of improving livelihoods through comprehensive agricultural and water resource development.

Minister Dith Tina conveyed optimism about the fisheries working group’s progress, noting that they have reached an advanced stage of selecting target communities for future initiatives. He underscored the potential for transformative joint efforts among the ministries, emphasizing that this collaboration would effectively address local challenges and result in meaningful, long-term benefits for communities.

Minister Tho Jetha praised the collaborative spirit displayed by the ministries and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Fisheries, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Sector Working Group. He reiterated the need for seamless coordination to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives that support local populations.

Key agreements reached during the meeting included:

1. A progress report and findings regarding target communities presented by the Fisheries, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Sector Working Group.

2. The selection of six target communities to undergo pilot implementation of joint activities, scheduled to begin in 2025, organized into two phases.

3. The initiation of joint interventions for four priority target communities as part of the first phase, with a clear action plan set to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

4. A commitment to study additional potential target locations to identify communities for subsequent implementation efforts.

This collaborative effort reflects the Cambodian government’s dedication to enhancing agricultural practices, resource management, and rural development, paving the way for improved quality of life and increased resilience within local communities.