Cambodia Urges Stronger Cooperation to Advance Waste Management and Clean Development

BEIJING, China (Oct.20, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment is calling for deeper international cooperation to support its waste management goals and green development agenda, following a study visit to a leading waste-to-energy facility in China.

On the sidelines of the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference, held Oct. 17–19 in Beijing, Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth led a Cambodian delegation to Wangneng Co., a facility operated by MIZUDA Group in Huzhou, Zhejiang province.

The plant processes approximately 2,500 tons of urban waste daily using advanced technology and AI-powered systems to generate electricity.

Sophalleth expressed strong interest in the company’s operations and encouraged investment in Cambodia’s waste sector, particularly in modernizing solid waste systems, expanding waste-to-energy initiatives, and supporting bioplastic production.

The ministry is working with national agencies, local governments, and international partners to improve solid and plastic waste management in line with the Environmental Sectoral Strategic Framework.

Launched under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Pentagon Strategy, the framework emphasizes cleanliness, greenness, and sustainability.

Nationwide campaigns are underway to promote public participation in reducing plastic use, improving sanitation, and cleaning public spaces. The ministry is also advancing technology adoption and governance reforms to support recycling industries and reduce overall waste volumes.

Waste management is one of six priority areas under Cambodia’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.