German Ambassador Pius Fischer signed an agreement with Minister of Economy and Finance Keat Chhon on October 4 to fund two projects totaling $16.5 million.

Roughly $8.9 million was granted for improving Cambodia's access to contraceptives and to provide aid for reproductive health clinics, according to an embassy press release.

"After more than 10 years of German commitment in this field the positive impact is clearly reflected in the statistics. The use of modern contraceptives has increased tremendously and the fertility rate and HIV prevalence declined," Fisher said in an official statement.

Another $7.6 million will go to fund a project to improve rural villagers' access to electricity.