The 17th Cambodia-Japan Water Supply and Sewer Seminar kicked off on December 24, 2024, showcasing advancements in water supply and sanitation technology while promoting collaboration between Cambodian and Japanese stakeholders. Co-organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), alongside their Japanese counterparts, the two-day seminar brought together about 300 experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from both nations.

It focused on innovative strategies for optimizing the hydraulic cycle, which is increasingly critical as climate change intensifies water scarcity and flood risks. The event highlighted advanced technologies, knowledge-sharing, and business matching opportunities in the water supply and wastewater sectors.

H.E. Sim Sitha, Secretary of State at MISTI, said, “This seminar serves as a bridge to transfer experiences and knowledge on water supply and wastewater, connecting Japanese companies with Cambodian water operators to enhance water supply services across Cambodia.” He noted Cambodia’s progress with over 1.4 million water connections and the current production of approximately 45 million cubic meters of clean water per month.

He advocated for greater collaboration among stakeholders—national and sub-national, domestic and international—to advance these essential services to meet Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) on Clean Water and Sanitation by leveraging best practices and modern technologies to address common challenges, especially the impact of climate change on water sources.

Japanese Ambassador UENO Atsushi emphasized Japan’s long-standing support for Cambodia’s water supply and sanitation sectors. “The remarkable success in providing potable water in Phnom Penh, known globally as the 'Miracle of Phnom Penh,' reflects the fruitful partnership between our countries. We now aim to expand this model to regional areas and achieve more 'miracles' in clean water and wastewater management,” he said.

Ambassador UENO also highlighted recent ODA-supported projects in Siem Reap, Pursat, Svay Rieng, and Mondulkiri provinces.

H.E. Kem Bory, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, pointed out the interconnected nature of water supply and wastewater systems. He said sewerage and wastewater treatment infrastructure will be enhanced, thanks to the recently enacted Law on Wastewater Systems. He cited the seminar’s role in advancing the technical skills of engineers and professionals in the wastewater sector.

The 17th Cambodia-Japan Water Supply and Sewer Seminar also included the exchange of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between MISTI and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, focusing on comprehensive cooperation to provide efficient and sustainable water supply for the improvement of public health and Cambodia’s socio-economic development.