Cambodia and Japan Strengthen Cooperation in Water and Sewerage Technology

Phnom penh: The 18th Cambodia-Japan Water Supply and Sanitation Seminar was held in Phnom Penh, focusing on the 'Transfer and Enhancement of Technologies in the Water Supply and Sewerage Sector'. The event brought together policymakers, experts, and operators for a comprehensive exchange of experiences and technologies. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the seminar was a collaborative effort organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Cambodian Water Supply Association, Kitakyushu City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, and the Kitakyushu Overseas Water Business Association. The Japanese Embassy, Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Japan International Cooperation Agency supported the event. H.E. Sim Sitha, Secretary of State of MISTI, highlighted the seminar's importance in enhancing technology transfer, improving water-related technical skills, and ensuring long-term sector sustainabili ty. The seminar witnessed the presence of high-level dignitaries, including Japanese Ambassador H.E. UENO Atsushi, MLIT Deputy Minister H.E. HIROYUKI Ishii, Kitakyushu Vice Mayor H.E. EGUCHI Tetsuro, alongside senior Cambodian officials and industry leaders. Cambodia's national strategy, aligned with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, aims to achieve universal access to clean water by 2030, serving as a cornerstone for the country's Vision 2050. H.E. Sim Sitha emphasized that developing and managing water supply services that ensure quality, safety, sustainability, and affordability is crucial for public health and attracting both national and international private investment. This, in turn, is expected to enhance production quality and support business growth in Cambodia. The country's water supply sector is witnessing growth, with network access now reaching 7,998 villages. Water production averages between 40-50 million cubic metres per month, with private operators contributing 35 percent to the total pro duction.