Phnom Penh, December 19, 2024 : The Royal Government of Cambodia and the French Development Agency (AFD) have officially signed three significant cooperation financing agreements totaling €183 million (equivalent to US$192.2 million). The agreements were executed on December 18, in a ceremony attended by key officials including Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Ms. Sandrine Boucher, AFD Country Director for Cambodia, Mr. Fabrice Etienne, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the French Embassy in Cambodia, and Mr. Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation from the EU Delegation to Cambodia.

The financing agreements include a concessional loan of US$95.6 million designated for the restoration and management of the Svay Check River in Banteay Meanchey province. Another concessional loan of US$84 million has been allocated for the Bakheng Water Supply Project Phase III, Credit No. 2. Additionally, the agreements encompass a grant aid of US$12.6 million from the EU via AFD aimed at supporting the construction of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant, Phase III.

The signing ceremony was highlighted as a pivotal moment underscoring the strong cooperation between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of the French Republic, facilitated through AFD and the EU. This sentiment was echoed in a press release from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The approved projects will significantly contribute to Cambodia’s socio-economic development by addressing key priorities outlined in the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1. This includes enhancing technical skills, improving connectivity, increasing the efficiency of transportation and clean water sectors, and supporting agriculture and rural development.