Apsara Authority on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Japanese companies to conduct a feasibility study to solve various environmental problems in the Angkor area.

The MoU was signed between Bun Narith, director general of Apsara Authority, Shoichi Kobayashi, chairman of the Japan Development Institute, Yasumasa Isetani, director of the JGC Corporation, and Makoto Nagao, director of the MAEDA Corporation.

It was witnessed by Cham Prasidh, Cambodia’s minister of commerce, and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yukio Edano.

The MoU is aimed at solving various environmental problems in the Angkor area through the introduction of state-of-the-art technology and building on its eco-friendly heritage model to include a possible emissions-free zone, according to a statement released on the signing.

Bun Narith told reporters after the signing ceremony that the MoU will help the Cambodia’s ancient heritage minimise the environmental impact on the area of Angkor. 

“It promotes the development of the Angkor complex, the Apsara Authority is co-operating with three Japanese company to conduct the study on what the project calls ‘Smart Community to protect our ancient heritage’,” he said, adding that the project starts with the signing of the MoU and plans to be finished next February, under the financial support from Japan’s finance ministry.

The study will focus on the feasibility of an electric vehicle transportation system, photovoltaics, energy management system, water recycle system and mega solar system for the area, according to the statement.

To contact the reporter on this story: May Kunmakara at [email protected]