Today in Phnom Penh, Samantha Power, the Administrator of USAID, announced new programs and more than $38 million in funding to help improve the lives of the Cambodian people. These new initiatives will focus on food security, environmental conservation, civil society, media, and labor rights. Cambodia is seen as a key partner in achieving a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
One major part of this investment is a $29 million Food for Progress award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program aims to strengthen Cambodia’s agriculture and food systems. It will help improve how food is handled after harvesting, especially soybean meal, introduce climate-smart farming practices, provide training on food safety, and create better connections between farmers and markets.
Another key area of support is the environment. The Mekong River, which flows through Cambodia, is home to over 1,000 fish species but faces threats from climate change and infrastructure development. Through the Mekong-US Partnership, the U.S. will continue to work with Cambodia and other countries in the region to protect the river’s biodiversity. The U.S. will provide additional funding to conserve the Mekong’s natural resources for the next five years, working closely with local communities and the Cambodian government.
In addition to food security and the environment, the U.S. is also focusing on civil society, media, and labor rights in Cambodia. Samantha Power announced $6 million in new USAID funding to support Cambodia’s democratic system, human rights, and the work of civil society organizations. This funding will help ensure that Cambodian citizens have the freedom to express themselves and participate in a democratic society.
The U.S. Department of Labor will provide an additional $3 million to help improve conditions for people with disabilities in Cambodia. This funding will focus on reducing child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking, especially for people with disabilities. It will also work to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from finding decent jobs.
Lastly, USAID will continue to assist Cambodian citizens who return from the U.S. by helping them reintegrate into society and live independent, stable lives.
These programs demonstrate the U.S.'s strong commitment to supporting Cambodia’s development and improving the well-being of its people.
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