US ambassador to Cambodia W Patrick Murphy highlighted the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) numerous projects in key sectors aimed at elevating Cambodia to upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income by 2050.
Murphy made the remarks during his meeting with Minister of Planning Bin Trachhey to discuss various priority works on March 5, according to a ministry social media post.
These projects include the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2024-28, the rolling three-year Public Investment Programme (PIP) and preparations for the transition out of Least Developed Countries (LDC) status.
“In order to contribute to implementing these working frameworks, the US executed many important projects through USAID for assisting Cambodia in areas such as agriculture, trade, education, technology and human resource training,” Murphy was quoted as saying.
At the meeting, he expressed “admiration” for the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving its sustainable development goals (SDGs) and its 2050 vision, according to the post.
He also expressed hope for the reinstatement of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a preferential tariff scheme.
Trachhey acknowledged the support from the US government and people, highlighting the assistance provided to the ministry.
He noted that this included the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) from 2000 to 2022, the 2013 agricultural census and the Cambodia Inter-Censal Agriculture Survey 2019 (CIAS 2019), facilitated through the agency.
Both parties committed to strengthening and expanding cooperation between their respective institutions.
Government spokesman Pen Bona noted the importance of support from the US and other partner countries in helping Cambodia realise its vision of becoming a high-income nation by 2050.
“The support of development partner countries is crucial to achieving our goals, so the Cambodian people can live proudly in a society of peace, security, biodiversity and growing economy,” he said.
Seun Sam, a policy researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, commended the US’ important projects in areas such as agriculture, trade, education, technology and human resource training.
He said the cooperation is essential for long-term bilateral relations.
He added that these areas are crucial for stimulating the country’s development, especially considering its differences with the US over human rights and democracy.
“The US, being the leading superpower economically and militarily, needs to assist other partner countries to earn further respect and influence in foreign policy. No country should be left behind without development assistance from partner countries,” he said.
Sam opined that the US should continue to support Cambodia, focusing on understanding and establishing a mutual basis for human rights practices and democracy in the Kingdom, rather than allowing these issues to adversely affect bilateral ties.
