Phnom Penh, December 23, 2024: Japan has committed to enhancing Cambodia’s “clean” campaign by providing 10 additional garbage collection trucks. The signing ceremony for the “Grant Agreement between the Ministry of Environment and the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Cambodia” took place on Monday, with Dr. Eang Sophallet, Cambodian Minister of Environment, and Mr. Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Cambodia, presiding over the event.

Ambassador Ueno stated that Cambodia is experiencing significant rapid development and highlighted the benefits of the Japanese project, which includes the provision of garbage collection trucks from Osaka City. These trucks are designed to navigate small roads while carrying a large volume of waste, thereby contributing to a cleaner environment for Cambodians.

Minister Eang Sophallet remarked that the agreement represents an important step in enhancing environmental protection efforts. He emphasized the significance of comprehensive policy preparation and collaborative implementation for more effective management of urban solid waste.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Japan for its prior donation of 20 garbage trucks, which have already been delivered to target city and district administrations. In 2024, Japan will provide an additional 10 trucks, which will support seven city and district administrations in strengthening waste collection and transportation services to ensure timely disposal of waste.

During the ceremony, Dr. Eang Sophallet thanked all relevant institutions and organizations for their excellent cooperation in participating in the ongoing implementation of the Ministry of Environment's cleanliness campaign. He noted that “Cleanliness” is a fundamental pillar of the Environmental Sector Chakra Strategy, aiming for sustainable cleanliness across Cambodia.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment is preparing an action plan to address "Cleaning National Roads 3, 4, 41, and 51" in areas including Phnom Penh, Kandal Province, Takeo Province, Kampong Speu Province, Kampot Province, Koh Kong Province, and Preah Sihanouk Province. This plan aims to ensure that cities, districts, and khans along these national roads are clean and free from garbage and plastic waste by 2025.