Foreign affairs minister Prak Sokhonn and Japanese ambassador Mikami Masahiro, pictured here signing an MoU on Japan’s Concessional Loans and Grants last year. AKP
The Japanese government has agreed to provide a grant of over $3 million to Cambodia to stimulate human resources and socio-economic development and further promote existing cooperative ties between the two nations.
In a June 11 press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said minister Prak Sokhonn and Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Masahiro Mikami will on June 13 sign documents for the extension of Japanese Grant Aid up to $3.36 million for the purpose of the Implementation of the “Human Resource Development Scholarships” (JDS) project.
“The above grant aid extended by the Japanese government will significantly contribute to the Royal Government of Cambodia’s efforts to stimulate economic, social and human resource development in the Kingdom as well as further promote the existing good relations and bonds of traditional friendship between the two nations,” it stated.
Foreign ministry spokesman Chum Sounry said he could not provide further details until after the signing date.
“During the signing ceremony, the minister and the Japanese ambassador will provide further comments,” he said.
Cambodian Institute for Democracy president Pa Chanroeun said Japan’s grant in human resources to Cambodia was a valuable aid that could help Cambodians develop skills to build the nation over the long term.
“Students and officials will get scholarships and become valuable human resources for developing Cambodia in the future. This aid is also a sign of the friendship between the two nations and to promote people-to-people friendships in addition to diplomatic relations,” he said.
In 2021, Japan provided about $3.3 million to the Cambodian government for the implementation of the “Human Resource Development Scholarship” project. Through the project, a total of 26 Cambodian officials were able to pursue their advanced degree studies in Japan with 24 officials pursuing Master’s degrees and two pursuing doctorates.
During the signing ceremony at the time, Sokhonn said that since its launch in 2000, JDS had played an important role in supporting human resource development in Cambodia.
He noted that for over 20 years, the JDS has provided scholarships to about 500 officials, 25 of whom worked for the foreign ministry.
“Japan’s aid has covered infrastructure development, health and education, among other sectors, and has greatly contributed to human resources and socio-economic development in Cambodia,” he said.
