Embassy of India

Phnom Penh

Press Release

India and Cambodia Sign two MoUs for Quick Impact Projects on Community Support for Schooling and Solar Energy

On 24 March 2025, India and Cambodia signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the implementation of two Quick Impact Projects: (i) Solar Energy to access information and improve knowledge and (ii) Community Support for Schooling in Kratie Province of Cambodia.

The MoUs were signed by H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information on behalf of the Ministry of Information of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India.

The QIPs aim to support education and expand access to clean energy in Cambodia. The Project on Community Support for Schooling will provide bicycles to students in rural areas, addressing transportation challenges that often lead to school dropouts. By improving mobility, the initiative aims to reduce absenteeism, lower travel costs, and promote a sustainable and healthier mode of commuting for students.

The Quick Impact Project on Solar Energy to Access Information and Improve Knowledge will equip 60 households and 35 community spots in Snuol Commune, Kratie Province, with solar home systems. This initiative will ensure access to reliable electricity, enhance the quality of life in remote areas, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

On signing of the MoUs, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s socio-economic development. He highlighted India’s longstanding partnership with Cambodia, emphasising that these initiatives align with the shared vision of inclusive growth.

The QIPs are taken up under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework, and India provides annual grant assistance for 10 QIPs in Cambodia, focusing on key sectors such as education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and IT, among others. To date, 61 QIPs have been sanctioned in Cambodia, with 42 successfully completed and 19 currently in progress.

India and Cambodia share a rich history of cultural and economic ties. Within the framework of India’s Act East Policy and ASEAN cooperation, Cambodia remains a key partner. With its Act East Policy and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, India continues to assist Cambodia through collaborative projects.

The signing of these MoUs marks another step in the strong and growing partnership between India and Cambodia, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.

Phnom Penh

24 March 2025