In a step towards sustainable rural development, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, launched the Village Development Projects (VDP) under the bilateral grant programme "Peace Village Rural Development".

The ceremony was attended by Oeun Thearith, director of the ministry’s community development department, Battambang provincial vice governor Pheng Sethi and KOICA Cambodia Office deputy country director Shin Yonghwa in Battambang province on July 31.

The initiative aims to foster inclusive growth and enhance living conditions in the rural communities of northwest Cambodia.

“Spanning from 2022 to 2026 and supported by a grant of $10 million from the [South] Korean government, the project ‘Building Peace Villages through Integrated Rural Development in Northwest Cambodia’ targets the provinces of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Pailin,” KOICA stated.  

These regions, characterised by their predominantly rural populations and the lingering economic impacts of the conflicts of the 1970s, are the focal points of the initiative.

Aligned with Cambodia’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) and Provincial Strategic Budget Plans (PSBP), the Peace Village Project highlights the strong commitment of both the Korean and Cambodian governments to sustainable rural development. 

“The project aims to improve rural living conditions, increase agricultural income and strengthen governance capacity in 30 villages across the targeted provinces,” said KOICA. 

The VDP is a crucial component of the Peace Village Project, emphasising community participation and self-governance. 

With funding and consulting support from KOICA, the Village Development Committees in the selected "Peace Villages” will spearhead projects to construct and renovate essential community infrastructure. 

This includes schools, health centres, roads, reservoirs and community buildings, all tailored to meet the specific needs identified by the communities themselves.

Shu Heun, chief of both Kangchang village and its development committee, in Sung commune of Battambang province’s Samlot district, expressed her gratitude towards the VDP. 

"I am delighted to conduct this [programme] based on the needs that we ourselves have selected through a series of trainings for village development governance,” she said. “I will put all my efforts into the successful completion of my VDP, thereby benefiting all my villagers."