EU ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans (right) shakes hands with industry minister Hem Vanndy on August 28 in Phnom Penh. Industry ministry
The EU reinforced its commitment to supporting Cambodia’s water infrastructure and expressed interest in broadening its collaboration with the country, particularly in the realms of green industry, research and innovation.
During a meeting on August 28 between Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy and a delegation led by EU ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans, the ambassador reaffirmed the union’s continued support for water supply initiatives, according to an August 29 press release from the industry ministry.
According to the release, the EU’s involvement in the country’s water sector has been considerable, notably with a €12 million ($15.86 million) grant announced in March 2024 during a visit by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.
The funding is earmarked for the third phase of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant, reflecting the EU’s long-term commitment to improving water access and quality in Cambodia.
“The EU has committed an additional €3.5 million [$4.63 million] to establish a dedicated training centre for water supply professionals, with the condition that the Cambodian side provides co-financing,” Driesmans was quoted as saying in the release.
He also mentioned plans to offer scholarships to Cambodian students specialising in water engineering to further bolster the sector.
According to the release, key topics of the meeting included the necessity of crafting a comprehensive master plan for the country’s water supply system and the importance of establishing new regulatory frameworks to guide future developments.
Beyond water infrastructure, it said the EU is also keen to collaborate on initiatives that promote energy efficiency in Cambodia’s burgeoning green industry. The union plans to work closely with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to advance sustainable practices within local factories.
Additionally, the EU delegation expressed interest in supporting Cambodia’s research and innovation efforts, particularly in helping local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) meet international export standards in partnership with Khmer Enterprise, a government-backed entity designed to support the growth of startups and SMEs.
During the meeting, Vanndy welcomed these initiatives, requesting EU assistance in conducting market research. He said this would enable the ministry and its partners to enhance the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, allowing local businesses better access to high-value markets.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water resources and improve household water connections, a coordinated effort involving the industry ministry, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and the Ministry of Rural Development.
Additionally, he pointed to the ministry’s work in developing legal frameworks that support research and development, including a draft sub-decree focused on managing research and development (R&D) activities.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing confidence in the Cambodia-EU partnership, seeing it as vital to driving sustainable development in the water sector and fostering innovation and green industry in the country, as per the press release.
