Chinese-Backed Mekong-Lancang Projects to Contribute to Addressing Developmental Needs in Cambodia

AKP Phnom Penh–The Mekong-Lancang new projects supported by the Chinese government will contribute to addressing the developmental needs in Cambodia, said H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Cambodian DPM made the remark at the signing ceremony for the Agreement on the Cooperation Projects of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Special Fund 2022, joined by H.E. Wang Wentian, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, and representatives from projects implementing agencies and institutions, at the ministry this morning.

Since its launch in 2016, this Special Fund has delivered tangible outcomes and contributed to enhancing the socio-economic development of the Mekong-Lancang countries, H.E. Prak Sokhonn said.

The Special Fund has further narrowed our development gaps through integrated and inter-connected development, and have strengthened our capacity to better respond to the needs of our peoples, he added.

This year, Cambodia has received an additional 13 new projects with a total budget of more than US$4 million.

“These new projects will further contribute to addressing the developmental needs in Cambodia in the field of rural development, water resources, agriculture, environment, capacity building, and cultural heritage,” the Cambodian top diplomat said.

Through this MLC Special Fund, he pointed out, Cambodia has benefited from 80 concrete projects that have tremendous positive impacts on the lives of the people through resilient and robust economic and social development, as well as contribute to enhancing the livelihood of the people across the sub-region.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn also reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to work closely with China and all Mekong countries to further enhance the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation to a new height so as to build a more open and inclusive community of shared future of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

The Mekong-Lancang Cooperation is a multilateral platform established in 2016 for cooperation between the riparian states of the Lancang River and Mekong River.

Lancang is part of the Mekong that flows through China. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand are five downstream countries of the Mekong River.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press