AKP Phnom Penh, March 03, 2026 -- H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, has outlined the Ministry’s key priorities to empower rural communities through the establishment and support of rural community development centres and the advancement of digital technologies to improve quality of life.

He made the remarks while presiding over a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Community Development Centre and related infrastructure in Takeo province on Mar. 3, with the participation of H.E. Kim Chang Yong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cambodia.

The construction of the centre is funded by a grant from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC).

H.E. Chhay Rithisen congratulated the Takeo provincial administration and local residents on this new achievement, noting that it will further drive provincial development and improve livelihoods.

He underscored the progress made across all sectors under the umbrella of peace, guided by the wise leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate, and the continued dynamic leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, toward achieving the vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050.

The Minister noted that the Ministry of Rural Development is accelerating rural development nationwide through the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035, which aims to build a rural society that is prosperous, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

“Resilient and inclusive development of villages and diverse rural communities is a top priority for the Ministry,” he said. “This includes supporting general rural communities, social land concession communities, and indigenous communities through the establishment of rural community development centres and the use of digital technologies to enhance quality of life.”

He added that the Community Development Centre for human capital development and the promotion of Cambodia’s agri-business is the second such centre funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea. It is expected to serve as an innovation hub that will help transform standards in Cambodia’s rural and agricultural sectors.

On the occasion, H.E. Kim Chang Yong shared the Republic of Korea’s experience in poverty reduction and economic growth through rural development, reaffirming Korea’s strong commitment to accompanying Cambodia on its development journey as a close and reliable partner.

Following the ceremony, H.E. Minister, H.E. Ambassador, and the delegation laid the foundation stone, marking the official commencement of construction of the Community Development Centre.

By Chea Vannak