Cambodia, Japan Sign Waste Management Agreement to Promote Circular Economy

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.08,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to improve solid waste management in Phnom Penh, part of broader efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.

The deal was formalized Oct. 7 during a ceremony in Phnom Penh by Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth and JICA Cambodia Representative Sanui Kazumasa. The project, titled “Implementation of the Regional-Level Master Plan for Solid Waste Disposal Site Management in Phnom Penh,” is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and will run for three years.

The initiative aims to enhance operations at urban waste sites, strengthen technical capacity and encourage sustainable waste practices in the capital, which is facing growing disposal challenges due to rapid urbanization and population growth.

Sophalleth thanked the Japanese government and JICA for their continued support, including the provision of garbage trucks, funding and technical expertise. He called the agreement “another new step” toward effective urban waste management and environmental resilience.

JICA will provide technical assistance and training under the new master plan, with the goal of building long-term infrastructure and capacity. Officials hope the project will serve as a model for regional waste management and support Cambodia’s push toward a national circular economy.