Background
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) is responsible for planning, managing, and modernizing national water infrastructure, including irrigation systems, flood management structures, and hydrological services. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) currently finances multiple projects in Cambodia that support irrigation infrastructure, integrated water-resources management, and climate-resilient agricultural value chains.
On 7 October 2026, MOWRAM’s minister received ADB Regional Director Stefania Dina and her delegation to exchange views on sector priorities, project progress, and cooperation options. The ministry emphasized continued efforts to upgrade hydraulic infrastructure and to strengthen water-management systems in support of government reforms and climate resilience.
Key Developments
The meeting reviewed four ADB-supported strategic projects in Cambodia: Climate Friendly Agri-business Value Chain (CFAVC), Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (IAIP), Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and the Second Integrated Water Resources Management Project (SIWRMP). Three of these projects (CFAVC, IAIP, IWRM) are currently under implementation, while SIWRMP is in the preparation phase, including feasibility study and detailed engineering design.
Institutional Role
ADB’s financing and technical support serve as a major external resource for Cambodia’s water sector investment and project preparation activities. MOWRAM functions as the government anchor for coordinating project implementation, policy alignment, and the integration of infrastructure works with broader rural development objectives.
Operational Implications
Continued ADB engagement sustains a pipeline of investment and design work for irrigation and integrated water management in Cambodia, and the preparation-phase activities for SIWRMP are intended to establish feasibility and detailed plans needed before construction procurement. The meeting also aimed to identify efficiency improvements and new cooperation opportunities between MOWRAM and ADB to support ongoing project delivery.
Official Source
Source: Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) courtesy call and working discussion announcement, 7 October 2026. Original post: https://www.facebook.com/mowramcambodia/posts/pfbid02tcXtww4NqcvdZeAfd1Mphsbh24rzcXiNmjfxb2Z6bZC7NBgNSfBD2vYS6WRotyfRl
