Phnom Penh, July 7, 2025 — H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, received a delegation from the World Bank led by Ms. Maria Angelica Sotomayor, Water Practice Manager for East Asia and the Pacific, to discuss ongoing water supply projects and explore expanded support for Cambodia’s water sector.

Minister Vanndy commended the World Bank for its continued support, including financing, policy, and regulatory development. He emphasized that addressing climate change challenges is crucial for the sector’s sustainability.

“Climate change is real, and it has already affected our water sources and ongoing projects,” he said, stressing the need to improve water regulation and infrastructure.

Ms. Sotomayor reaffirmed the Bank’s strong commitment to Cambodia’s water sector, offering additional technical assistance and sharing global best practices that Cambodia can adopt in establishing effective regulation frameworks.

She also mentioned that the Bank has recently adopted a new 10-year, multi-phase program approach and welcomed Cambodia’s participation in this regional initiative focused on long-term water sector development.

The Minister welcomed this support and suggested the Bank consider adjusting some procurement rules to better support local industries, stating, “We must continue supporting our local industries—manufacturing pipes, pumps, and other equipment. Our local factories already meet international standards, and they can significantly contribute to this sector.”

The delegation is in Cambodia this week and will visit the Bank-financed water treatment plant of the Stoung-Taing Krasang Water Utilities.

By: The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation