A senior Cambodian official and the EU ambassador to Cambodia expected the bloc to earmark $500 million for the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 and express optimism that the relationship, cooperation, development, and partnerships between the two sides will strengthen.

These were raised during a courtesy meeting between Chhieng Yanara – secretary-general of the Council for the Development of Cambodia’s Cambodia Rehabilitation and Development Board (CDC) – and newly appointed EU ambassador to Cambodia Carmen Moreno on March 3.

According to a press release issued by the CDC, the MIP 2021-2027 in Cambodia would be similar to the 2014-2020 programme at nearly $500 million.

Yanara said the implementation of the Joint European Development Cooperation Strategy 2014-2020 and MIP 2014-2020 had strengthened partnerships and contributed to the sustainable and inclusive development of Cambodia.

Moreno said the formulation of the new draft of the 2021-2027 strategy and the bloc’s MIP 2021-2027, which has been finalised, would be discussed at the Consultation Meeting between the government and the EU as well as its partners after approval from the European Commission.

MIP 2021-2027 is a mechanism used between the EU and Cambodia to implement the strategy based on three priority sectors – green growth and jobs, education and skills, and good governance.

The press release said the strategy aligned with the Cambodian government’s Rectangular Strategy Phase IV – namely human resource development, economic diversification, private sector and job development, and sustainable and inclusive development.

Yanara also expressed his sincere thanks to the EU and its partners for providing substantial support to Cambodia in response to the prevention of Covid-19. According to the EU, $3.4 million in aid was provided to Cambodia in support of the health system.