Decade‑long rural strategy unveiled to transform Cambodia’s countryside

PHNOM PENH, July 6, 2026 (KPT) — A sweeping 10‑year rural development strategy has been launched to reshape Cambodia’s countryside, pledging investments in infrastructure, services and livelihoods to cut poverty and drive inclusive growth, officials said Monday.

The National Policy on Rural Development 2025–2035 provides a roadmap under the government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I. It aims to build resilient, inclusive and sustainable rural communities while narrowing gaps between urban and rural areas, supporting Cambodia’s ambition of becoming a high‑income economy by 2050.

The plan prioritises rural roads, clean water, sanitation, electricity, healthcare, education and vocational training. It also promotes sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship and digital connectivity, with emphasis on gender equality, climate resilience and support for vulnerable groups, including indigenous communities and residents of border regions.

Officials acknowledged that despite socio‑economic progress over the past two decades, many rural communities still face challenges in infrastructure, employment and access to essential services. The policy calls for balanced development tailored to Cambodia’s four major regions — the central plains, Tonle Sap basin, coastal areas and highlands.

The Ministry of Rural Development highlighted achievements already made, including management of more than 50,260 kilometres of rural roads, clean water coverage of 89 percent, sanitation coverage of 94 percent and nationwide Open Defecation Free status by 2025. It has also promoted model villages, community programmes and rural entrepreneurship to strengthen local economies.

The policy supports broader government objectives of reducing poverty, expanding employment and fostering peace and cooperation in border areas. Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the framework as comprehensive and practical, saying it would be a key instrument for advancing resilient and inclusive rural development.

He urged ministries, local authorities, development partners, NGOs and the private sector to work together to ensure effective implementation. The Prime Minister Hun Manet pledged close monitoring to address challenges and deliver tangible results, stressing that rural development must contribute to national interests and improve the well‑being of Cambodian people.

As Cambodia advances toward Vision 2050, the strategy is expected to provide the foundation for more prosperous, resilient and inclusive rural communities, ensuring that economic growth benefits people across the country.