The Japanese government will extend loan and grant totalling $72.72 million for an ongoing water supply expansion project and the implementation of socio-economic development programmes in Cambodia, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

In a press statement on October 8, the ministry said a signing ceremony presided over by foreign minister Prak Sokhonn and Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Masahiro Mikami will be held on October 11.

According to the statement, the loan accounts for approximately $58.21 million to be used for implementing the Siem Reap Water Supply Expansion Project phase II in Siem Reap province.

The grant amounts to $12.49 million for the implementation of socio-economic development programmes in a number of species, including $1.8 million for mine action, $2.27 million for construction materials, $2.27 million for cadastral survey, $3.63 million for human resource development and the remaining $4.54 million for manufacturing.

“The above loan and grant aid extended by the Government of Japan will significantly contribute to promoting the economic and social development of the Kingdom of Cambodia as well as further strengthening the existing good relations and bond of friendship between the two countries,” the press statement said.