China grants $2 million for seven development projects in Cambodia

China grants $2 million for seven development projects in Cambodia

Phnom Penh and Beijing sign agreement for $1.98 million under the LMC fund to alleviate poverty and support rural water infrastructure, public health, tourism and digital transformation.

China has provided nearly $2 million to Cambodia under the 2026 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund to support seven development projects. The initiatives advance national priorities in poverty reduction, healthcare, digital transformation and rural development.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Prak Sokhonn and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin signed the $1.98 million agreement yesterday in Phnom Penh.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation statement said the seven projects align with the national development agenda for poverty alleviation, rural development, health, tourism and digital transformation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sokhonn said the LMC Special Fund delivers long-term and tangible benefits to Cambodia and other member countries.

“This special fund plays a core role in supporting Mekong region development projects that promote regional integration and sustainable development for all member countries,” he said.

Sokhonn thanked China for its continuous assistance.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the government and people of China for their active and continuous support of Cambodia,” he said.

Discover moreSince 2017, Cambodia has received approximately $39 million through the LMC Special Fund to support 113 projects nationwide. Ministry officials said the successful initiatives reflect a strong bilateral commitment to building a shared future based on peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

Ambassador Wang said the cooperation mechanism maintains a growing impact, noting that this year’s seven projects focus on practical areas that directly improve livelihoods.

“These projects, whether in shared water supply systems, hepatitis elimination, mushroom cultivation cooperation for poverty reduction, product packaging innovation, green technology or digital transformation, fully reflect the principles of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation,” he said.

He said the projects demonstrate the mechanism’s focus on development, innovation and livelihood improvements while strengthening friendship among the six member countries.

“This is the third time I have attended an LMC project signing ceremony since assuming my post as ambassador to Cambodia,” he said. “Including the seven projects to be signed today, the total number of China-Cambodia LMC cooperation projects has reached 113.”

The ambassador noted the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia participated in more than 40 LMC activities over the past two years, including Lancang-Mekong Week and the Lancang-Mekong Happy Run, to strengthen regional people-to-people ties.

He said 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the first Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting. He called the mechanism a “golden platform” for regional cooperation that delivers substantial benefits through trade, connectivity and development initiatives.

Ambassador Wang said trade between China and the five Mekong countries grew 150% over the past decade, surpassing $500 billion. He cited collaborative efforts under the Safe Lancang-Mekong Action, which expanded cooperation in disaster management, public health and regional security.

“China remains committed to collaborating closely with Cambodia and other Mekong nations to advance the LMC, ensuring these projects deliver maximum benefits to the region’s population,” he said.

The LMC network comprises China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. China launched the special fund during the first LMC Leaders’ Meeting in Sanya, Hainan province, in 2016 to support priority economic, social and livelihood projects.

The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, originates on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, flows through Southeast Asia and empties into the sea, serving as a vital waterway and a symbol of regional cooperation.

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