Phnom Penh:Cambodia is seeking assistance from the French Development Agency (AFD) to enhance its water infrastructure and develop a proposed waterway connection between the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the request was made by H.E. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, during a meeting with Ms. Laetitia Habchi, the new Regional Director of AFD in Cambodia. The meeting took place at the Ministry on October 9.
During their discussions, H.E. Thor Chetha welcomed Ms. Habchi to her new role and expressed optimism that the partnership between AFD and the Ministry would grow stronger and more effective under her leadership. The Minister emphasized the need to bolster collaboration to ensure the success of ongoing programs and projects, as well as to identify new opportunities for future cooperation.
Furthermore, he shared that the Ministry is in the process of preparing a five-year strategic plan for the management and development of the water resources and meteorology sector. This plan aims to outline key priorities and requirements for the upcoming years.
The Minister also requested that France consider providing financial and technical support for a preliminary feasibility study of the Prek Angkor Ban project. This project seeks to establish a waterway system linking the Mekong River to Tonle Sap Lake. The meeting concentrated on strengthening existing cooperation and exploring additional support for Cambodia's water resources and meteorology sector.