Background
On 6 March 2023, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Sun Chanthol, met with a delegation from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) led by Shomi Kim, GGGI’s Country Representative in Cambodia. The meeting focused on ongoing and planned cooperation between GGGI and the Royal Government of Cambodia in promoting environmentally conscious and sustainable development, particularly in the transport and urban sectors.
Scope of Application
The discussions covered several areas relevant to Cambodia’s public transport and urban environmental management. These included a pre-feasibility study on public bus services using electric buses, prospective studies on air quality improvement in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and planned work on waste management and sanitation. The outcomes are intended to inform government planning and potential pilot models for cities beyond Siem Reap.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the meeting, GGGI briefed the Minister on projects currently being implemented and those planned in Cambodia. The delegation reported that the pre-feasibility study on public transport services using electric buses (E-Bus) had been completed, with results indicating that the project is feasible without major identified obstacles.
GGGI outlined its next plan to conduct a study on air quality improvement in Phnom Penh and in Siem Reap city in Siem Reap province. This study is expected to commence in early April 2023 and is planned to run for approximately two years, financed through grant funding from France via the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
In addition, GGGI indicated that future study projects will include work related to waste management and the promotion of public health and sanitation in living environments. A national strategy on the management and operation of public transport services using electric buses in Siem Reap city is also under study, with the intention that this case study could serve as a model for other cities if the results are successful.
The Minister expressed appreciation to GGGI for its cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia in conducting research on various aspects of green growth theory to support environmentally sustainable economic development. He also conveyed his commitment and willingness to support these collaborative initiatives.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The completed pre-feasibility study on electric bus public transport services indicates a potential basis for future public transport projects using electric vehicles in Cambodian cities, starting with Siem Reap. If these studies progress into implementation, they may create future opportunities for investment in urban transport infrastructure, electric vehicle fleets, charging facilities, and related services.
The planned air quality and waste management studies in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, funded by AFD, are likely to inform future policy directions and urban environmental management measures. Stakeholders in transport, urban planning, environmental services, and infrastructure sectors may wish to monitor the development of these studies and any subsequent strategies or pilot projects adopted by the government.
Official Source
Information is based on an official communication from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) published on its verified Facebook page on 6 March 2023.
