Phnom Penh (FN), Jan. 31 – Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia Carmen Moreno informed Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn the EU’s three priorities for its development cooperation strategy with Cambodia, namely: 1) Economic Growth and Job Creation; 2) Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, with a strong focus on Fisheries; and 3) Governance and the Rule of Law.

The meeting, held at the ministry, centered on consultations regarding the EU’s development cooperation strategy with Cambodia for the cycle 2021-2027, according to the press release seen by Fresh News on Sunday.

“The ambassador reflected on a number of achievements made under Cambodia-EU development cooperation; among which is the Bakheng Water Supply Project, which is funded by grant aid from the EU and the French Development Agency (AFD), and loans from the European Investment Bank and will create around 16,000 jobs and supply clean water to the people most in need,” the press release said.

“During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the ASEAN Regional Integration Cooperation in particular the development gap within ASEAN countries including the support of the EU to Cambodia's efforts to integrate into the regional market and value chains, migrant workers, the European market access for Cambodian rice, tourism industry, private sector engagement, skills and social protection, bilateral investment promotion, and the strategies for which both sides agreed on the need to adapt and enhance in light of the COVID19 pandemic.”

Minister Prak Sokhonn appreciated EU’s development assistance to Cambodia, which has been implemented both bilaterally and jointly with European countries and has contributed significantly to Cambodia's socio-economic development over the last two and a half decades. He welcomed the initial consultation to improve and refine EU development activities and looks forward to the conclusion of the EU’s development cooperation strategy with Cambodia for the cycle 2021-2027.
=FRESH NEWS