Phnom Penh: In a significant meeting held at the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), H.E. Senior Minister Chhieng Yanara, Second Vice-Chairman of CDC, convened with H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union, and other European dignitaries to assess the progress of the Joint European Strategy (JES) for Development Cooperation with Cambodia, spanning the years 2021 to 2027, and the EU Global Gateway Strategy.
According to European Union, the meeting brought together ambassadors and representatives from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, and key organizations like AFD, GIZ, KfW, and EuroCham. The focus was on reviewing the collaborative achievements and future goals between European partners and the Cambodian government. H.E. Chhieng Yanara praised the alignment of the strategies with Cambodia's national priorities and highlighted the tangible benefits for the Cambodian people, emphasizing the importance of these frameworks in supporting Cambodia's sustainable and resilient growth.
H.E. Igor Driesmans underscored the European commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral socio-economic model, stating that the JES and EU Global Gateway reflect Europe's dedication to partnerships based on mutual accountability and shared priorities. These strategies aim to support Cambodia's growth through European expertise and financing in areas like sustainable energy, infrastructure, and governance.
The European Partners have disbursed a total of 992 million USD from 2021 to 2024 to foster Cambodia's green, digital, and inclusive growth as well as ASEAN regional integration. Notable achievements include the Bakheng Water Supply Project, infrastructural advancements, scholarships, and improvements in energy access and governance.
The European Partners reiterated their commitment to a collaborative partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia, the private sector, and civil society. The JES, launched in 2022, aligns with Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy and the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing post-pandemic recovery and themes like human rights and environmental sustainability.
The EU Global Gateway complements the JES by focusing on sustainable investments in line with Cambodia's development goals. By mid-2025, the Global Gateway achieved its global investment target, with efforts in Cambodia aimed at energy transition, infrastructure modernization, and skill development, promoting economic recovery and ASEAN integration.