With a significant move to bolster US-Cambodia relations, USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced a comprehensive $38 million aid package in Phnom Penh today, emphasizing America’s commitment to strengthening its partnership in Southeast Asia.
The funding will support initiatives ranging from food security to environmental conservation and civil society development.
Quick Facts
- $29 million dedicated to Food for Progress program
- Support for over 1,000 fish species in Mekong River basin
- $6 million allocated for civil society and media development
- $3 million for disability rights and labor protection
Strengthening Food Security and Agricultural Innovation
The cornerstone of the aid package is a $29 million Food for Progress award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to building resilient food systems in Cambodia,” stated Administrator Power.
The program aims to modernize food safety regulations, improve soybean meal processing, and implement climate-smart agricultural technologies.
Environmental Conservation Efforts
Under the Mekong-US Partnership, USAID is expanding its environmental conservation efforts in the lower Mekong River basin. The five-year program will focus on protecting the region’s rich biodiversity, which faces increasing threats from climate change and infrastructure development.
The initiative will involve close collaboration with local communities and the Cambodian government.
Civil Society and Labor Rights Support
The package includes $6 million for strengthening civil society, media, and labor rights, supporting Cambodia’s constitutional commitments to democratic governance.
An additional $3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor will address challenges faced by persons with disabilities, focusing on:
Focal Areas |
Objectives |
|---|---|
| Child Labor | Prevention and elimination |
| Forced Labor | Reduction and monitoring |
| Accessibility | Improved workplace access |
| Integration | Enhanced social inclusion |
Impact and Future Implications
This comprehensive aid package marks a significant step in strengthening US-Cambodia relations while addressing critical development challenges.
The multi-sector approach is expected to create lasting impact across food security, environmental conservation, and social development sectors, potentially serving as a model for future regional cooperation.
Looking ahead, these initiatives will help build a stronger foundation for Cambodia’s sustainable development while reinforcing the United States’ commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Additional: Day 2 report.
Sources: THX News & U.S. Agency for International Development.
