Cambodia, EU Reaffirm Drive to Boost Investment in Energy, Clean Water

PHNOM PENH, April 3, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising investment in quality infrastructure, particularly in the energy and clean water sectors, under the Global Gateway and Team Europe initiatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

The pledge was made at the 13th EU–Cambodia Joint Committee meeting on March 26, following subgroup discussions on cooperation, trade and investment, governance and human rights.

The session was co-chaired by Kan Pharidh, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service.

Both sides highlighted alignment between Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, citing progress in flagship projects such as the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant and the Partnership in Education for Green and Digital Jobs.

Talks also focused on strengthening public financial management, promoting trade and private sector development, and supporting Cambodia’s graduation from Least Developed Country status through export diversification and value chain development.

The EU and Cambodia underscored the importance of deepening investment coordination and engaging European businesses to attract greater investment. Bilateral trade reached €7.2 billion (US$8.3 billion) in 2025, according to EU figures.

The committee reviewed Cambodia’s access to the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences and its future transition from the Everything But Arms arrangement, stressing the need to improve the investment climate and ease of doing business.

Human rights were also discussed, including civil and political rights, freedom of expression, labour rights, rule of law and justice reforms, alongside gender equality, minority rights, and efforts to combat human trafficking and online scams. While acknowledging differences in assessment, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international human rights law and agreed to continue dialogue.

Regional and global issues were raised, including developments in Ukraine, the Middle East, Myanmar and the Cambodia–Thailand border, as well as EU–ASEAN cooperation.

The meeting concluded in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to convene the 14th EU–Cambodia Joint Committee in Brussels.