Cambodia, ADB See Clean Water and Quality Infrastructure as Next Growth Pillars

PHNOM PENH, Feb 26, 2026 (KPT) – Clean water reform and national quality infrastructure are emerging as strategic pillars of Cambodia’s next growth phase, officials said Wednesday.

Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Hem Vanndy met with an Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation led by Nianshan Zhang, Director General for Southeast Asia, to advance cooperation on water sector reform and institutional strengthening.

“Clean water is not only for household supply or public health – it is a strategic catalyst for industrial and economic transformation,” Vanndy said, citing reforms to improve more than 400 private water operators, strengthen licensing enforcement, promote consolidation, and invest in climate-resilient large-scale systems.

Talks also focused on reinforcing Cambodia’s national quality infrastructure – including accreditation, standardization and laboratory testing – seen as essential for export readiness and trade integration.

ADB Country Director Yasmin Siddiqi said stronger quality infrastructure will be critical as Cambodia seeks to move up global value chains. The cooperation aligns with ADB’s Livable, Resilient and Water-Secure Cities Investment Program, which supports cross-sector planning and institutional capacity building.

The reform push comes as Cambodia aims to deepen industrial diversification and enhance competitiveness, with reliable water systems and internationally recognized standards increasingly viewed as foundational economic infrastructure.