Driving Japanese Investment and Technology Transfer in Cambodia’s Clean Water Sector

• Proeksa Meas
• 25 October 2026
• Construction Focus
• 65 Views

Phnom Penh, October 7, 2026 — His Excellency Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, welcomed a delegation from Kitakyushu City, Japan, led by Deputy Mayor Keisuke Tachi, to deliberate on expanding cooperation in clean water supply, technology transfer, and strategic investment. The high-level meeting underscored water security as a foundational pillar for economic development and community resilience.

During the discussions, the Minister emphasized that clean water remains a top national priority, encouraging Japanese enterprises to ramp up investments and introduce advanced technologies to support private water operators and extend services to underserved regions. Highlighting the government’s proactive stance, Minister Hem Vanndy noted the country’s openness to Japanese technology transfer and practical solutions that balance commercial viability with community needs, while outlining infrastructural demands for large-scale water treatment facilities and the upcoming establishment of a dedicated water regulator to govern the sector effectively.

Deputy Mayor Keisuke Tachi acknowledged that the bilateral partnership between Kitakyushu City and Cambodia has successfully reached its 25th milestone, affirming that Kitakyushu will continue to encourage Japanese companies to explore dynamic investment prospects in Cambodia. He added that the Ministry’s strategic priorities would be directly communicated to stakeholders in Kitakyushu to foster broader collaboration encompassing both clean water management and wastewater systems. The delegation’s mission in Cambodia also included participating in the 19th “Cambodia-Japan Water Supply and Wastewater Seminar” held in Phnom Penh on October 8-9, 2026.

The enduring partnership between the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation and Kitakyushu City serves as a vital catalyst in advancing Cambodia’s water infrastructure. By actively securing Japanese investments and facilitating advanced technology transfers, Cambodia is well-positioned to enhance regulatory governance, expand safe water access, and achieve long-term socio-economic sustainability for its citizens. (read more)

• water infrastructure
• MISTI
• Water supply