AKP Phnom Penh, July 02, 2025 --

H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, on July 1 received a delegation from Marubeni Corporation, a leading Japanese conglomerate, to discuss the company’s interest in investing in Cambodia’s water supply sector, with a focus on contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1 — achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), during the meeting, Marubeni presented its global portfolio in water supply services, including operations that serve 10 million people in Metro Manila, Philippines; 2 million in Chile; and 1 million in other regions. The company expressed strong interest in supporting Cambodia’s infrastructure needs by applying similar models in both urban and expanding rural areas.

H.E. Hem Vanndy welcomed the initiative, emphasising the government's openness to responsible private investment and its strategy to expand household-level piped water coverage while moving from small-scale and short-term to strategic and sustainable solutions.

“Water supply is one of the most secure sectors to operate in. While it may not be lucrative, it carries significant social importance,” he said. “Rural today does not mean rural forever. We are expecting to see more pipe connections at the household level, and there is a clear trend for us to expand public utility coverage beyond urban areas.”

H.E. Minister outlined Cambodia’s ongoing water sector reform, which includes encouraging consolidation, improving quality and service delivery, and expanding coverage.

He also encouraged Marubeni to think long-term by factoring in demand for the rising population and industrial development, as well as to explore flexible partnership models — including the wholesale of treated water to public utilities with investment in treatment plants and network infrastructure.

Marubeni Corporation is one of Japan’s largest trading companies. It operates globally across a diverse range of business sectors, including machinery, energy, chemicals, food, textiles, metals and minerals, and more.

In water supply sector, Marubeni has partnered with governments and private entities for large-scale infrastructure projects, leveraging its global network and expertise to address water scarcity and quality issues.

AKP