AKP Phnom Penh, April 24, 2025 --

India has pledged to continue supporting and strengthening the cooperation with Cambodia's Ministry of Rural Development through providing assistance and training, especially in rural development skills.

The pledge was made by H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, during a meeting with H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, at the ministry on April 23.

Thanking the Indian Ambassador, H.E. Chhay Rithisen briefed him on the ministry’s commitment to promoting prosperous, inclusive, innovative, and resilient rural areas in Cambodia economically, socially, and culturally.

He added that the ministry is focusing on strategic priorities, including climate-resilient physical infrastructure improvement, telecommunication development, and promotion of health, sanitation, and water access.

Diversification of the rural economy and job creation and institutional strengthening to provide effective services are also part of the priorities, he continued.

He also highlighted its ongoing initiative on creating model villages, which are development centres providing social and economic services and positive impacts on other surrounding villages to leverage job opportunities, better livelihoods, and improved local economy.

H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung thanked the minister for the update, sharing that the endeavour of Cambodia and India in rural development is similar, as approximately 50 percent of Indian people are living in rural areas.

 
By Lim Nary