-    Excellency Bin Troachhey, Minister of Planning
-    H.E. Zhong Jie, Counsellor (Economic & Commercial) to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Cambodia
-    Excellency Nuom Sokhon, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation
-    Excellency Orm Sophea, Deputy Governor of Kampong Chhnang Province
-    Distinguished Guests.

Good morning. Chom Reap Sour!

Today’s event is a testament to our collective commitment to supporting the Royal Government’s efforts to build community resilience, reduce poverty, and improve well-being, making sure no one is left behind in Cambodia’s recovery after the pandemic.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests.

The pandemic had derailed not only national prosperity (3.6% decline in GDP) but also Human Development, which regressed to 2018 levels (HDR, 2022), losing 4 years of development gains. The pandemic disproportionately affected Cambodia’s most vulnerable population, especially poor households, informal workers (predominantly women), the elderly, and persons with disabilities. They are also recovering the slowest in its aftermath. 

The Accelerating COVID-19 Recovery for Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups project was designed to address their specific challenges. The project will reach 5,500 IDPoor households across five provinces: Kampong Chhnang, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Pailin, and Banteay Meanchey. It will equip them with the necessary assets to increase their income and livelihoods, protect their health, and improve their well-being. This is equivalent to approximately 13,750 people, including at least 5,000 children.

Multiple consultation processes led by the Ministry of Planning and subnational authorities in communities led to the selection of beneficiary households and identifying needed assets. Priority was given to IDPoor households, particularly women-headed households and others with members with disabilities or other taxing conditions.

In addition, the project invests in local development by providing 44 semi-automatic cashew nut peeling machines to 16 small-scale agricultural cooperatives, enhancing their productivity and income-generation opportunities and benefiting their predominantly women members and their households.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests.

While these assets will address the pressing needs of poor and vulnerable households, their actual value lies in the hope and agency they provide them with to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. For families struggling with economic hardship, the productive asset can be the key to unlocking new income-generating opportunities. For communities facing health and sanitation challenges, improved access to essential items (water bottles and containers, soap, hand sanitizer etc.) and appliances (water purifiers and kettles) means less morbidity and better public health. The aim is eventually to break the vicious cycle of poverty.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests.

This project is the result of joint and diligent efforts by the Ministry of Planning, the General Secretariat of the National Social Protection Council, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and the five participating provinces' subnational authorities. It was brought to life thanks to the generous contribution of the People’s Republic of China. It underscores the power of collaborative action.

Finally, I thank the participants who travelled long distances to attend this event. I hope you will use the assets you will receive today to make a meaningful difference in your and your families’ lives.

I wish you all success, happiness and prosperity.

Som Arkun/Thank you.