AKP Phnom Penh, February 26, 2026 -- H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, received here on Feb. 26 Mr. Nianshan Zhang, Director General for the Southeast Asia Department at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and his delegation to discuss expanding cooperation on infrastructure and services.

In the meeting, H.E. Chhay Rithisen highlighted the Ministry’s vision on building Cambodia’s rural society to be prosperous with inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability across economic, social, and cultural dimensions, aligned with the National Rural Development Policy 2025–2035. 

This policy sets out five priority programmes to promote rural integration, accelerate development, and ensure sustainable household income growth and well-being, he said. 

He further underscored past cooperation with ADB on rural road development projects totaling 3,000 kilometres, as well as rural water supply and sanitation initiatives, along with other projects under implementation and those planned for the near future.

For his part, Mr. Nianshan Zhang expressed high appreciation for the Royal Government’s efforts to drive Cambodia’s rapid progress across all sectors. 

He emphasised ADB’s partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia and with the Ministry of Rural Development on public investment and diverse technical assistance for Cambodia’s development. 

ADB will continue strong and close cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development to further accelerate development in rural areas, he said.

By Sum Kosal