Phnom Penh, May 6 — On the morning of May 6, 2025, Cambodia hosted the Water Industry Cooperation Forum at the Hyatt Hotel, Phnom Penh, in a significant step toward regional collaboration in water management. The event was chaired by Mr. Tho Jetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia; Mr. Kim Wansup, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Korea; and Dr. Jungho An, Vice President of Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water).

The forum featured a series of activities, including technical workshops, an exhibition showcasing advanced water technologies, and business meetings aimed at fostering dialogue, cooperation, and innovation among participants. The event brought together government officials, representatives of international organizations, private water sector enterprises, and other relevant institutions, all committed to addressing pressing water challenges in a sustainable, mutually beneficial manner.

Organized jointly by Cambodia’s Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and South Korea’s Ministry of Environment, the Water Industry Cooperation Forum seeks to strengthen regional partnerships. Its objectives include sharing knowledge, presenting innovative water management solutions, and promoting collaborative efforts to secure water resources, improve sanitation, and enhance climate resilience—key to ensuring access to clean water and supporting sustainable development goals.

During the opening remarks, Minister Tho Jetha emphasized the pressing challenges faced by Cambodia amidst climate change, rapid population growth, and expanding industrial activities. He underlined the critical need for increased cooperation, technological innovation, and targeted investments in water infrastructure.

Minister Tho reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its vision to become an upper-middle-income country. He highlighted ongoing efforts to optimize water resource management through the development of a national water resources strategy and master plan. These initiatives aim to promote equitable water distribution, boost productivity in agriculture, and uplift local livelihoods through smart irrigation, efficient water use, and continued infrastructure development.

He also emphasized that improving water management will play a vital role in creating jobs, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable economic growth, aligning with Cambodia’s broader development agenda.

The Water Industry Cooperation Forum underscores the importance of regional partnerships in tackling global water challenges and contributes to Cambodia’s vision of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive water management for a brighter future.