The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a series of significant agreements with the Royal Government of Cambodia to bolster the nation’s economic growth and environmental sustainability. The deals include the provision of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans for major infrastructure projects and the launch of a new solid waste management initiative for the capital.
On October 13, loan agreements were signed in Phnom Penh by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth and JICA President Tanaka Akihiko. These loans are aimed at improving Cambodia’s essential water supply and power transmission networks.
Focus on Waste Management and Circular Economy
In a separate, but equally significant development for environmental management, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with JICA on October 7, 2025.
The MoU establishes a partnership to implement a comprehensive master plan for managing the capital’s regional solid waste landfills. The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Eang Sophallet, Minister of Environment, and Mr. SANUI Kazumasa, JICA Representative in Cambodia.
This partnership is designed to enhance the effectiveness of solid waste management in Phnom Penh. JICA will provide technical assistance, focusing on building local capacity to manage landfills in line with the structured three-year master plan set to commence in March 2026.
H.E. Eang Sophallet described the collaboration as “another new step” towards minimizing environmental impacts while advancing Cambodia’s journey toward a circular economy.
The Ministry of Environment has previously reported that Cambodia generates over 4 million tons of waste annually. With this collaboration, officials believe enhanced management practices will significantly reduce environmental damage and safeguard the planet’s resources for future generations. This initiative represents a crucial move in the fight against waste management challenges, demonstrating Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation.
