Cambodia sets five strategic priorities to transform rural communities by 2035

PHNOM PENH, July 9, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has unveiled a decade‑long rural development policy outlining five strategic priorities to transform communities by 2035, aiming to build resilient infrastructure, improve public services, strengthen local economies, advance digital governance and promote sustainable development as part of its Vision 2050.

The National Policy on Rural Development 2025–2035 envisions “a prosperous, inclusive, equitable and sustainable rural society,” ensuring decent living standards, stronger resilience, better health, a clean environment and dignified livelihoods while contributing to poverty reduction and national growth.

Four development targets underpin the strategy: well‑connected infrastructure, improved health and life expectancy, safe and environmentally sustainable communities, and sustainable household income growth.

The five pillars include climate‑resilient transport networks to link villages with economic centres; expanded access to clean water and sanitation; diversified community development through “One Village, One Product,” model villages and indigenous leadership; higher household incomes via vocational training, entrepreneurship, product processing and market access; and stronger governance through digital transformation and partnerships with government, civil society and the private sector.

The Ministry of Rural Development has identified five priority programmes covering roads, water and sanitation, resilient villages, economic diversification and governance. Annual progress reports and five‑year reviews will track implementation.

The roadmap will guide ministries, local authorities, development partners and businesses in mobilising resources to build more prosperous and sustainable rural communities, supporting Cambodia’s ambition of becoming a high‑income country by 2050.