The European Union launched new programmes aimed to promote sustainable value chains, energy efficiency and renewable energy in Cambodia.
The signing ceremony of the programme was held here on Mar. 12 between H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance, and visiting European Commissioner for International Partnerships H.E. Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, with Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, Ministers, Senior Government representatives, Ambassadors of EU Member States, including the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Sweden, and partners in attendance.
Promoted by the EU and its Member States, the four new programmes will support the development in the key sectors of Agriculture, Garment, Footwear and Travel Goods, Education and Research, and Trade and Private sector for a total of 79 M EUR (approximately US$85.6 million), according to a press release.
These initiatives aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and integrate Cambodian products into regional and international markets.
The EU’s support also includes measures to involve a wide range of non-governmental players in promoting the green transition.
H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth expressed his deep appreciation to the EU as well as European Commissioner H.E. Ms. Jutta Urpilainen for their invaluable support and assistance to Cambodia’s socio-economic development.
He reiterated that under the EU Global Gateway Strategy, the launch of these new four programmes in priority sectors will play a predominant role in supporting the implementation of the Government’s Pentagonal Strategy to achieve its goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy in 2030 and a high-income country in 2050.
“In this spirit, the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to fostering and strengthening future partnerships with the EU across multifaceted sectors,” he said.
H.E. Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships said the visit is a great opportunity for the EU and Cambodia to take stock of their longstanding cooperation while the EU looks together towards a shared future through the launch of four new programmes in key sectors, supporting sustainable economic development and job creation, and to foster concrete cooperation in critical domains.
“The European Union is committed to its partnership with Cambodia, as Team Europe to promote the green and digital transitions and to accompany Cambodia through the upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country status. The Global Gateway investment strategy will be the EU tool available to Cambodia in this juncture,” she said.
