Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - USAID pledges continued development of Kingdom

USAID pledges continued development of Kingdom

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Over 230,000 Cambodian farmers and their families have received aid from USAID Cambodia over the past 10 years. USAID CAMBODIA

USAID pledges continued development of Kingdom

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the continuation of its support for Cambodia’s socio-economic development after reaching the 10-year mark for its programme. USAID claims to have helped more than 230,000 Cambodian farmers and their families escape hunger and poverty.

USAID representative Nancy Eslick told The Post on November 4 that the announcement coincided with the 60th anniversary of USAID, which was established to contribute to the development of partner countries around the world.

Eslick added that through agricultural and environmental programmes, Cambodia’s local communities have improved their business practices, enhanced their livelihoods and increased their household incomes.

As a result, Eslick said, these rural communities have generated an additional $90 million for Cambodia’s economy.

“We reflect on our commitment to inclusive development and our obligation not to leave anyone behind in our development work,” she said.

Eslick told The Post on November 4 that USAID had implemented projects in all 25 Cambodian capital and provinces over the past decade and that USAID had worked with local and international partners to implement programmes that benefit all Cambodians.

She added that USAID’s work tackled a broad range of issues and priorities like strengthening civil society and protecting human rights; improving health and nutrition; supporting education and child development; increasing agricultural production and food security; conserving forests and watersheds; and helping farmers and households adapt to and mitigate the impact of natural hazards.

She continued that the global pandemic has presented some new challenges but the US government, through USAID, would continue to help Cambodia with various programmes.

“Our vision for Cambodia is a more prosperous, democratic and independent country where all voices are heard and respected and the Kingdom’s sovereignty stays protected,” Eslick said.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan welcomed the commitment and efforts of USAID given that it is the US government’s primary international aid agency and said the contributions it makes to the development of Cambodia were helping to lift people out of poverty.

He added that the position of the Cambodian government was to facilitate the continuation of all USAID programmes, which assist the government in supporting development to lift people out of poverty, as well as supporting the education, agriculture and trading sectors.

“USAID is part of the US government and despite occasional disagreements, we’ve always maintained positive and productive relations for the past three decades.

“USAID will continue to work closely with us on developing all economic and social sectors. The government welcomes all cooperative efforts because we need to make sure that everyone working to help Cambodia is pulling in the same direction and not pursuing contradictory plans or policies,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.