Japan Provides $171 Million to Support Cambodia’s Education and Irrigation Development

PHNOM PENH, June 26, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Japan have signed two financing agreements worth 25.426 billion yen (about US$171.3 million) to support teacher education and irrigation infrastructure, reinforcing their long‑standing development partnership, officials said Thursday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth, representing the Royal Government of Cambodia, and SANUI Kazuma, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia Office, signed the agreements at a ceremony in Phnom Penh.

The package includes a grant of 1.189 billion yen (about US$7.5 million) to establish a Teacher Education College in Kampong Cham province. The project will enhance teacher training through new STEM and assembly buildings, modern equipment and upgraded facilities aimed at improving education quality nationwide.

It also provides a concessional loan of 24.237 billion yen (about US$163.8 million) for the Southwest Phnom Penh Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (Phase III). The initiative will rehabilitate systems in Kampong Speu, Takeo and Kandal provinces to boost agricultural productivity, reduce flood risks and improve rural livelihoods.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance said the agreements reflect the growing strength of Cambodia‑Japan cooperation under Japan’s Official Development Assistance program.

Since elevating ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, the two countries have expanded collaboration on priority development projects. JICA reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s long‑term socio‑economic growth through grants, concessional loans and technical assistance.