Japan International Cooperation Agency
Outline of Cooperation in Cambodia
Japanese supported water system brings pleasure and improved health to Cambodian children. [Photo by Kenshiro Imamura]
Contents
Foreword.............................................................................................. 1
What is JICA?..................................................................................... 2
History of JICA’s Cooperation in Cambodia................... 4
JICA’s Cooperation Strategy and Priority Areas............ 5
<Priority Area 1> Economic Bases....................................... 6
<Priority Area 2> Social Development............................. 8
<Priority Area 3> Governance................................................ 11
Foreword
Those who remember Cambodia in the distant or even recent
past would all be impressed to see the country today, as it is
now about to become a middle-income country. In the last 20
years, following the painful period of internal strife, Cambodia
has successfully gone through the process of peace building
and rehabilitation, and achieved one of the highest rates of
economic growth and poverty reduction in the world. Today,
Cambodia is attracting a growing number of foreign investors
from all over the world, and the urban lifestyle and landscape
are changing rapidly as businesses thrive and the growing
middle class enjoys the fruits of economic growth.
In its long-term strategy, the government of Cambodia
envisages attaining the upper-middle income country status
by 2030 by maintaining an annual economic growth rate
of 7%, while continuing its efforts to reduce poverty and
inequality. At the same time, Cambodia faces the timeline of
imminent ASEAN economic integration at the end of 2015,
and is currently well positioned, and committed, to taking a
large step forward as an emerging economy in this vibrant
region. However, there are a number of remaining challenges
that urgently need to be addressed with concerted efforts,
in order for the country to meet its own ambitions in an
equitable and sustainable manner. In contrast to the economic
indicators, Cambodia’s various social and governance sector
indicators are still trailing behind those of its peer countries
in the region. Additionally, the still relatively low-level of
infrastructure development and governance challenges pose
a considerable obstacle for the country to become a major
player in the regional and global economy.
Since opening an office in Phnom Penh in 1993, the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been supporting
the people of Cambodia as they strive to improve their
standard of living. In the early stages, our assistance focused
on the reconstruction of basic infrastructure to secure people’s
lives, combined with the provision of Technical Cooperation
in various fields to achieve long-term human resource
development. It would not be an overstatement to say that
the impacts of our more than two decades of assistance
nowadays touch the life of every Cambodian. This also
resonates beyond borders as Cambodia has now become a
provider of assistance to other countries in areas which have
been the focus of our long-term assistance such as demining
and water supply.
Today, as we stand at the crossroad of Cambodia’s
development, our assistance is being realigned and refocused
in accordance with the changing needs of the country. While
maintaining the three main strategic pillars of “Strengthening
Economic Bases”, “Promotion of Social Development” and
“Strengthening of Governance”, our assistance is increasingly
focusing on improving domestic and regional connectivity
both in hard and software, addressing urbanization challenges
and improving the business climate to promote investment
and economic diversification, while also building much
needed human capital for industrialization.
The keyword here is ‘quality’ – which becomes increasingly
critical in virtually all sectors as the country continues to
develop – in infrastructure and its management, agriculture,
health, education, governance, environment, investment as
well as partnerships. We strongly believe that the comparative
advantage of our assistance very much lies in ensuring results
of the highest quality in everything we do for, and with, the
people of Cambodia.
By mobilizing JICA’s various assistance schemes and resources,
we continue our commitment to providing assistance of the
highest quality to bring about the sustainable and equitable
socio-economic development of Cambodia, and thereby
serve as a solid bridge between our two countries and peoples.
Hiroshi Izaki
Chief Representative
JICA Cambodia Office
What is JICA?
What is Japanese ODA?
A Bridge Linking Japan
and Developing Countries
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)* is the
executing agency of Japanese ODA which assists and supports
developing countries to resolve various issues they are facing.
Funds that are used in Japanese ODA are supported by the taxes
paid by Japanese people.
JICA is in charge of implementing the majority of bilateral ODA
including Technical Cooperation, ODA Loans and Grant Aid in
an integrated manner.
JICA is currently the world’s largest bilateral aid agency working
in over 150 countries and regions and having nearly 100
overseas offices.
* JICA is an Incorporated Administrative Agency in Japan.
The financial and technical assistance that governments of
developed countries provide to developing countries as part
of this economic cooperation are called Official Development
Assistance (ODA)*.
Since 1954, Japan has been providing financial and technical
assistance to developing countries through ODA, aiming to
contribute to the peace and development of the world. Japanese
ODA is broadly divided into bilateral aid, in which assistance is
given directly to developing countries, and multilateral aid, which
is provided through international organizations. JICA provides
bilateral aid in the form of Technical Cooperation, ODA Loans and
Grant Aid.
* ODA, as defined by the Development Assistance Committee
(DAC) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), must meet the following three requirements:
It should be undertaken by governments or government agencies.
JICA
Official
Development
Assistance
(ODA)
Bilateral
Assistance
Multilateral
Assistance
Technical
Cooperation
ODA Loan
Grant Aid*
* This excludes Grant Aid directly implemented by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs for diplomatic consideration.
The main objective is the promotion of economic development
and welfare in developing countries.
It has concessional terms, having a grant element of at least 25%.
The grant element measures the concessionality or “softness” of
the financial terms of a loan. The lower the interest rate and the
longer the maturity period, the higher the grant element, which
means it is more beneficial to the borrower. The grant element for
a grant is 100%.
JICA’s Approach
Technical Cooperation
ODA Loans
Grant Aid
For human resources development and
the improvement of administrative systems of developing countries, Technical
Cooperation involves dispatching of
experts, provision of necessary equipment and training of personnel from
developing countries in Japan and other
countries. Cooperation plans can be
tailored to address a broad range of
issues and needs of developing countries.
ODA Loans support developing countries
above a certain income level by providing low-interest, long-term concessional loans to finance their development efforts. ODA Loans are used for
large-scale infrastructure and other forms
of development works that require substantial funds. In the case of Cambodia,
the terms and conditions of 0.01% interest
with 40 years repayment period including
10 years grace period are applied.
Grant Aid is provision of funds to
developing countries which have low
income levels, without the obligation
of repayment. Grant Aid is used to
improve basic infrastructure such as
schools, hospitals, water-supply facilities
and roads, along with health and medical
care, equipment and other requirements.
Consultants and contractors for ODA
Loan projects are selected through
international competitive processes led
by the loan recipient country. As a result,
a number of local companies have been
involved in project implementation.
PPWSA staff utilizing knowledge transferred
from JICA experts. [Photo by Kenshiro Imamura]
Cooperation through
Citizen Participation
Disaster Relief
JICA Cambodia Office
2
Chruoy Chang War Bridge.
[Photo by Stephan Janin]
In case of the occurrence of a large-scale
disaster in the world, JICA dispatches
Japan Disaster Relief teams and/or
provides emergency supplies.
(See page 11 for details)
JICA conducts cooperation by encouraging participation of Japanese citizens
including volunteers.
(See page 13 for details)
Sihanoulville port multipurpose terminal.
JICA’s vision
Inclusive and Dynamic Development
There are many issues in the world that can not be solved by individual countries but are better addressed collectively by the global community.
In dealing with such issues, JICA set its vision as “Inclusive and Dynamic Development” aiming to realize development that encourages all people
to recognize the development issues they themselves face, participate in addressing them, and enjoy the fruits of such endeavors. The role of
JICA is to effectively facilitate this process.
In order to achieve this vision, JICA operates under four Mission statements and four main Strategies.
Mission
1. Addressing the global
agenda
2. Reducing poverty
through equitable growth
Addressing the global agenda,
including climate change,
water, food, energy, infectious
diseases and financing.
Pursuing sustained poverty
reduction through inclusive
and equitable growth.
3. Improving Governance
4. Achieving human security
Strengthening policies,
institutions, organizations
and human resources as back
bones of development.
Protecting people from fear
and want building societies
where they can live with
dignity.
Strategy
1. Integrated assistance
2. Seamless assistance
Combining policy support,
institutional building, human
resource development,
infrastructure development,
etc. Cross-border and crosssector assistance.
Speedy and continuous aid
delivery from emergency
relief to rehabilitation/
reconstruction and peacebuilding. Meeting development needs flexibly according
to a specific development
stage from least developed
countries to middle income
countries.
3. Promoting development
partnerships
4. Enhancing research and
knowledge-sharing
Promoting public-private
partnerships. Applying
technologies and know-how.
Strengthening partnerships
in the international aid
community.
Enhancing research functions
on development by drawing
on JICA’s abundant field
experience. Sharing research
findings and leading
discussions on international
development assistance.
Scale of JICA’s Operational
Chart 1: JICA’s total disbursements in FY 2012
In 2012, Japan’s total ODA disbursement amounted to ¥1,484.7 billion (approximately
$15.2 billion**). The total of JICA’s disbursements in fiscal year 2012 (¥1,174 billion
approximately $12.0 billion) was made up as follows: Technical Cooperation ¥167.8
billion (approximately $1.7 billion), ODA Loan ¥864.6 billion (approximately $8.9 billion)
and Grant Aid ¥141.6 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) with 192 Grant Agreements to
54 countries.
JICA’s Operational Flow
JICA implements effective and efficient support under the Japanese
government’s assistance policy, which is based on an unbiased and
broad perspective beyond each scheme. JICA provides its assistance
in close collaboration with the Japanese government and recipient
governments throughout the project cycle.
Technical
Cooperation,
￥167.8 billion
14%
Grant Aid,
￥141.6 billion
12%
ODA Loan,
￥864.6 billion
74%
Source: JICA Annual Report 2013
Recipient
Government
JICA / Japanese
Government
Policy Dialogue
Project Formulation
cycle for each scheme of technical cooperation, ODA Loans and Grant Aid, in
order to further improve operations and public accountability.
** The US dollar amounts in this brochure are based on the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance
Committee (DAC) rate of 2013 (1 USD = ¥97.6)
Project Implementation *Mid-term
Evaluation
Project Completion
*Ex-post
Evaluation
JICA Cambodia Office
* JICA conducts evaluations of the projects using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)
*Ex-ante
Evaluation
3
History of JICA’s Cooperation in Cambodia
In 1993, JICA opened an office in Phnom Penh to coordinate the Japan Overseas
Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and it was then upgraded to a fully fledged JICA
representative office in 1994.
More than twenty years before this, the Government of Cambodia and
Government of Japan had concluded the first ODA loan agreement for the
Power and Irrigation Development Project in 1969. This was financed by the
Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF), which was integrated into the
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in 1999, and then merged into
JICA in 2008.
The year 2013 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
Japan and Cambodia and the JICA Cambodia office also commemorated 20
years of working with the people of Cambodia.
Contributions to Cambodia
Year Event
1954
Establishment of diplomatic relations
between Japan and Cambodia.
1966
The first volunteer was dispatched to
Cambodia.
1969
Signing of the first ODA loan agreement
between Cambodia and Japan.
1993
Establishment of the coordinating office of
JOCV.
2008
Merging of JICA and former JBIC, and
opening of the new JICA office.
2013
20th anniversary of the JICA Cambodia office.
Immediately after the Paris Peace Accords in 1991 Japan started to actively help in the reconstruction and development of Cambodia. This involved
the dispatch of the Japan Self-Defense Force, civilian police and election monitors as components of Japan’s first UN Peacekeeping operation.
Since 1992, Japan has been the largest and longest serving provider of bilateral ODA to Cambodia and JICA has played an important role in supporting
the development of the country by providing ODA through Technical Cooperation, ODA loans and Grant Aid. Up until 2012 a total amount of $2,241
million was disbursed to Cambodia.
In the early 1990s Grant Aid was Japan’s main form of assistance due to the particularly difficult post–war situation. However, JICA later resumed the
provision of ODA Loans in 1999 as a response to the increasing financial need for the development of physical infrastructure, which was essential for
steady and sustainable economic growth.
As shown in Chart 2, Japan has been providing a progressively increasing amount of ODA to Cambodia in recent years. A number of highly qualified
Japanese experts with considerable professional experience in various fields have also been dispatched to work with the government and people
of Cambodia. Furthermore, from the very beginning of JICA’s involvement, every year a number of Cambodian officials and professionals have been
given training opportunities in their specialized areas either in Japan or other countries. Through these training programs they gain state-of-the-art
knowledge, practical skills and expertise which are vital to advance the development of the country. Nowadays there are a large number of former
JICA trainees and scholars who are passionately working as the new leaders in a wide range of sectors.
Chart 2: Japan’s ODA Disbursement to Cambodia by types of assistance
(USD million)
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
ODA Loan
Technical Cooperation
Grant Aid
Source: Cambodia ODA Database (March 2014)
JICA Cambodia Office
4
Fish catching by beneficiary farmers of Freshwater Aquaculture
Improvement and Extention Project.
[Photo by Kenshiro Imamura]
Farmers investigating the quality of harvested rice.
Students going to school safe along the National Road No.1.
[Photo by Koji Sato]
JICA’s Cooperation Strategy and Priority Areas
For Steady and Sustainable Economic Growth and Balanced Development
In order to achieve sustainable development and poverty reduction, the Royal Government of Cambodia set up its “Rectangular Strategy” and
National Strategic Development Plan, as a detailed development strategy to support the achievement of Cambodian Millennium Development
Goals (CMDGs).
In line with these strategies by the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Japanese Government revised its “Country Assistance Policy for Cambodia”
in 2012 and established its overall goal as “Steady and Sustainable Economic Growth and Balanced Development.”
In accordance with the Country Assistance Policy for Cambodia, JICA has set the midterm assistance objective in the development cooperation in
Cambodia as “Realizing human security through economic growth and poverty reduction” and has stipulated three priority areas for its operation: (1)
Strengthening of Economic Bases, (2) Promotion of Social Development and (3) Strengthening of Governance.
Under these priority areas, JICA has analyzed the various development issues and has been working together with people of Cambodia at various
levels in the course of assistance including policy dialogue, development planning, project implementation and evaluation. With both a macro
perspective for the future of Cambodia and an individual problem-solving approach in each sector, JICA is using all the schemes and working
toward “Realizing human security through economic growth and poverty reduction”, while fully respecting the ownership of the issues by the Royal
Government of Cambodia. Moreover, JICA is also collaborating with important partners including traditional and emerging development partners,
the private sector as well as NGOs which have certain areas of expertise in their own fields.
The Royal Government of Cambodia
Rectangular Strategy
Political & Social Stability
Integration
of Cambodia
into the
Region
& the
World
Agriculture Enhancement
Good
Governance
Physical Infrastructure
Human Resources Development
Private Sector Development
Favorable
Maroeconomic
& Financial
Stability
Partnership of Relevant Stakeholders
Sustainable Economic Growth
Poverty Reduction
JICA
Cooperation Strategy
Economic Bases
Social Development
Governance
Economic Infrastructure
Water Supply & Sewage System
Public Finance
Private Sector
Health & Medical Care
Legal & Judicial Reform
Agriculture & Rural
Development
Education Quality
Gender Equality
Demining
JICA Cambodia Office
Forest Management & Climate Change
5
Priority Area 1
Economic Bases
The past decade has witnessed a remarkable growth of the Cambodian economy. The annual GDP growth rate from 2004-2007
even exceeded 10%, and then after a respite which resulted due to the global financial crisis in 2009, the economy picked up again
very quickly. In the Rectangular Strategy Phase III that was launched in September 2013, the Government of Cambodia envisages
achieving an average annual economic growth rate of 7% in the coming years. This will be achieved through the further diversification
of its economic bases by strategic industrialization and private sector development. In this way the government aims to develop the
foundation of the economy so as to realize its long-term vision of becoming an upper-middle income country by 2030 and high income
country by 2050. This requires the upgrading of infrastructure, the strengthening of the agricultural sector, and the development of the
private sector which are supported by investments in human resources to acquire appropriate skills.
Economic Infrastructure
33%
(260km/786km)
of asphalt-paved National
Road (one digit) is paved
by Japanese ODA
JICA has a long history of supporting infrastructure development, ranging from roads and bridges to
ports, as well as energy and telecom systems. In respect of roads and bridges, JICA has focused on
the improvement of the trunk road network, which was largely destroyed during the Pol Pot regime.
Additionally in order to strengthen connectivity in the Mekong region, JICA has been supporting the
Southern Economic Corridor by improving National Road No. 1 (Grant Aid, ¥9.122bil approximately
$93.5mil.), constructing the Neak Leoung Bridge (Grant Aid, ¥11,940mil approximately $122.3mil.)
and the National Road No. 5 Improvement Project (ODA Loan, ¥8,852mil approximately $90.7mil.),
which will then link Vietnam and Thailand whilst passing through Phnom Penh.
JICA has been assisting the port sector since
1996, which began with an ODA Loan for the
rehabilitation of the port of Sihanoukville. Up to now, ten projects have been implemented in the
port (four Technical Cooperation projects, five ODA loan projects and one Grant Aid) and their
synergy has brought about a vast improvement in facilities and services.
In the energy sector, JICA has contributed to providing a cheaper and more stable electricity
supply through the Greater Mekong Power Network Development Project (ODA Loan, ¥2,632mil
approximately $27.0mil.), and the Phnom Penh City Transmission and Distribution System
Expansion Project (ODA Loan, ¥6,480mil approximately $66.5mil), as well as through various
other Grant Aid and Technical Cooperation projects.
Furthermore Telecom Cambodia has received JICA’s support through the Greater Mekong
Telecommunication Backbone Network Project (ODA Loan, ¥3,029mil approximately $31.0mil.),
which will install a 400km fiber optic cable and related facilities to connect the missing link from
Preah Sihanouk to Kampong Cham.
Image of Neak Loeung Bridge.
Private Sector
The garment and tourism industries have been the main contributors to economic growth in
Cambodia over the past decade. However, it has now become necessary for the country to diversify
its production base through further industrialization, by developing high value-added industries and
promoting trade, as the current undiversified industrial structure is vulnerable because it is highly
dependent on the demands of particular foreign markets. In order to achieve this transformation,
it is important to facilitate an access to financial resources in the country, improve domestic
productivity, facilitate the transfer of production technology and promote foreign direct investment
as a driving force to creating job opportunities. At the same time, the competitiveness of local
industries and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be strengthened. Furthermore, human
resources in such industries should also be developed so as to further enhance competitiveness.
Inauguration ceremony of Sihanoukville Port SEZ.
[Photo by Aya Kimura]
In this regard, JICA has provided an ODA loan for the Sihanoukville Port Special Economic Zone
Development Project (ODA Loan, ¥3,651mil approximately $37.4mil.) as well as arranged
Technical Cooperation for the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) which contributes
to the promotion of foreign direct investment.
JICA Cambodia Office
6
JICA is currently working in partnership with various Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET) institutions and two other major educational institutes, namely the Institute of
Technology of Cambodia (ITC) and Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) to foster human
resource and skills development. The main focus is to build skills in both business and technical
fields which are of vital importance to Cambodia today. Therefore JICA’s program for human
resource development for the industrial sector aims at providing the labor market with individuals
Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC).
who have high quality technical skills and basic competences which are required by industry. This
program includes supporting the National Employment Agency (NEA) which disseminates information in relation to labor, employment and TVET.
Since SMEs play an important role in the Cambodian economy, JICA also supports the drafting of a SME promotion policy and strengthening the
function of the National Productivity Center of Cambodia (NPCC) for the development of SMEs through the Project for Strategic Strengthening of
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Support System (Technical Cooperation).
Agriculture and Rural Development
270,000
farming households
directly benefited by
Japanese ODA
(2002-2014)
Accounting for 27% of GDP and employing 60%
of the labor force, agriculture is a key sector in
realizing poverty reduction while also being the
foundation for long-term economic growth.
However, the sector still faces many challenges
including inadequate capabilities in irrigation
systems and water resources management, as
well as limited agricultural techniques which
have resulted in low productivity.
In order to promote the agricultural sector and to improve the living conditions of farmers, JICA
has used a comprehensive approach in providing assistance by applying both short-term and
long-term assistance measures in all its major schemes. JICA particularly aims to improve the
quality and production capacity of the major agricultural produce, namely rice. Here the focus
is on the western and southern parts of the country which have been identified as regions with
significant potential for rice cultivation.
In order to improve the dysfunctional and damaged irrigation systems, JICA has been providing
support through capacity development and construction of facilities since 2001. This started with
the Technical Service Center for Irrigation System Project (Phase 1-2) (Technical Cooperation),
and was recently followed by the West Tonle Sap Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation
and Improvement Project (ODA Loan, ¥4,269mil approximately $43.7mil.). Furthermore,
JICA initiated the project on River Basin Water Resources Utilization in Cambodia (Technical
Cooperation) in 2013 so as to effectively utilize and operate irrigation schemes within each of
the river basins.
JICA has been providing Technical Cooperation projects to boost productivity in addition to these
improvements in the irrigation system, that will directly promote farmers’ income generation
capabilities. This has been achieved through the Agricultural Productivity Promotion Project in
West Tonle Sap (Technical Cooperation) as well as in the fisheries sector through the Freshwater
Aquaculture Improvement and Extension Project (Phase 1-2) (Technical Cooperation). Moreover
in order to build the capacity of government officers who support and strengthen the farmers’
groups The Project for Establishing a Business-Orientated Agricultural Cooperation Model
(Technical Cooperation) was started in 2014.
Cambodian irrigation engineers are discussing with JICA
experts on supervision of construction works in TSC3 project.
The best practice from the Project was
broadcasted through a radio program in
2012 so that farmers outside project sites
could also access useful information and
utilize the practical farming techniques.
Farmers involved in APPP Project .
Japan’s Disaster Relief Operation and the Provision of Emergency Supplies
In times of natural disasters, the government of Japan delivers emergency relief aid to the
disaster victims when requested by affected governments or international organizations.
JICA is responsible for administrating Japan’s Disaster Relief (JDR) operations and facilitating
the provision of emergency supplies. There are four units involved in JDR operations, namely
a search and rescue team, a medical team, an expert team and a self-defense force unit which
can all be dispatched upon request.
In order to be able to instantly provide reliable supplies, JICA has warehouses located
throughout the world that are stocked appropriately at all times. In 2013, unusually heavy
precipitation in the Mekong region which started in mid-September caused severe flooding in
Cambodia. It was close to the scale of the floods in 2000 which are considered to be one of the
worst floods the country has ever experienced. More than 1.73 million people in 20 provinces
were affected, with 168 lives lost and also massive economic losses resulted causing long-term
negative impacts for those affected.
Emergency disaster relief supplies were handed over to
Cambodia. (2013.10.23)
In response to the catastrophe, Japan rushed over emergency supplies from its warehouse
in Singapore in October 2013. These were immediately distributed to the affected people
through the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM).
1,500 Representatives of Affected Households Gathered at
the Distribution Site in Prey Veng (2013.10. 29)
Following on from the serious flooding of 2011, this was the second time that Japan provided affected families with emergency relief supplies
in Cambodia.
JICA Cambodia Office
<Emergency items distributed>
Generators and Cord Reels: 50 units
Water Purifiers: 45 units
Water Tanks: 45 units
Polyester Tanks: 2,100 units
(Total amount: ¥32 mil approximately $328,000)
7
Priority Area 2
Social Development
A rise in economic growth does not automatically lead to equitable social development and bring benefits to all members of society.
Whilst developing the economy, it is vital not to under value but instead to maintain the focus on the provision and improvement
of basic services such as access to safe water, health care and education as these directly impact the daily lives and welfare of every
individual. Otherwise it will not be possible to achieve steady and sustainable economic growth as well as balanced development. Due
to the efforts of the Government of Cambodia and the support of development partners including JICA and various NGOs, the living
conditions of Cambodian people have steadily improved over the last 20 years.
Water Supply and Sewage System
Cambodia’s water supply system was severely damaged during the Pol Pot regime, and
before the 1990s most people were struggling to obtain safe water, while at the same time
expensive and poor-quality water was being sold by private distributors. JICA started working
with the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) in 1993 and conducted the Study
on Phnom Penh Water Supply System (Technical Cooperation), which was later updated
are provided with
in 2006 to the Master Plan of Great Phnom Penh Water Supply (Phase 2) (Technical
access to safe and
Cooperation). Based on this Master Plan, JICA has provided assistance in the following
clean water
ways: (i) Grant Aid to rehabilitate or construct water treatment plants and to replace/expand
the pipe network. (ii) Technical Cooperation projects to enhance the capacity for effective
management, operation and maintenance of facilities. (iii) Niroth Water Supply Project (ODA Loan, ¥3,513mil approximately $36.0mil.) to construct
a water treatment plant as a response to the rapid growth in demand. As of 2013, PPWSA has received a total of approximately $ 124 million (based
on PPWSA data) in Japanese assistance. PPWSA now has an international reputation for the high standard of its management and performance,
technical know-how and efficiency.
1,086,000
people
JICA has been extending its assistance to improve access to a clean water supply in other provinces since 2006. This includes: (i) Technical Cooperation
projects with PPWSA, to build both the technical and management capacity of the eight targeted provincial waterworks in Pursat, Battambang,
Siem Reap, Kampong Tom, Kampong Cham, Svay Rieng, Kampot and Preah Sihanouk. (ii) Grant Aid and ODA loans to construct water supply
facilities such as water treatment plants and to replace/expand pipe networks in major provincial cities.
The access of urban populations to a clean water supply has significantly increased from 53.5% in 2009 to 74.85% in 2013 according to the Ministry
of Industry and Handicrafts. However apart from Phnom Penh where about 90% of the population has access it is still low in provincial cities (57.6%),
and this is far behind the Cambodian Millennium Development Goals (CMDGs) target of 80% by 2015. In order assist Cambodia in achieving the
CMDG target, JICA is continuing its support to further improve the water supply system in major provincial cities.
JICA began supporting Phnom Penh to improve its sewerage and drainage systems in 1998 by conducting the Master Plan for Drainage Improvement
and Flood Control in the Municipality of Phnom Penh (Technical Cooperation). Based on the Master Plan, the Project for Flood Protection and
Drainage Improvement in Phnom Penh (Phase 1-3) (Grant Aid, ¥8,351mil approximately $85.6mil.) has been implemented over a period of 10
years to minimize the effects of flooding. JICA is updating this Master Plan in 2014 so as to further consider assistance for sewerage and drainage
improvement in the city.
JICA Cambodia Office
8
PPWSA staff is connecting water pipes.
[Photo by Kenshiro Imamura]
Installing drainage pipes in Phnom Penh.
JICA had also provided Grant Aids from 1996
for improving access of rural population to
safe drinking water through construction of
approximately 655 wells in Phnom Penh
peri-urban areas and Kampong Cham province.
Health and Medical Care
In the early 1990s Cambodia was confronted
with an extremely deteriorated health care
system, both in terms of infrastructure and
human resources. It was crucial rebuild it in
order to save people’s lives after the Pol Pot
were delivered in
regime and therefore JICA began providing
the NMCHC
support for the urgent rehabilitation and
(1997-2013)
construction of medical facilities. This has been
done through Grant Aid, such as The Project
for Construction of the Maternal and Child Health Center (Grant Aid, ¥1,761mil approximately
born baby receiving medical treatment in NMCHC.
$18.0mil.), The Project for Improvement of the National Tuberculosis Center (Grant Aid, ¥803mil New
[Photo by Stephan Janin]
approximately $8.23mil.) and The Project for Improvement of the Kampong Cham Referral
Hospital (Grant Aid, ¥1,039mil $10.65mil.). In addition to providing such vital assistance JICA has been involved with human resource development
in the fields of maternal and child health care and tuberculosis (TB) control.
115,000
children
JICA has worked with the National Maternal and Child Health Center (NMCHC) through Technical Cooperation since 1992, namely the Maternal
and Child Health Project (Phase 1-2), the Project for Improving Maternal and Child Health Services in Rural Areas in Cambodia, and The Project
for Improving Maternal and Newborn Care through Midwifery Capacity Development. Through these efforts health sector indicators including
the infant and maternal mortality rates had significantly improved by 2010. After so many years of cooperation, NMCHC has for some time now
developed the capacity to work together with the people of Afghanistan.
Cambodia had one of the world’s highest incidences of TB in the 1990s. Given this alarming situation, the Government of Cambodia set out the
National TB Control Strategy and started DOTS* with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). JICA began its support in this field by
dispatching a Medical Advisor in 1997, and for more than 10 years has also been working with National Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control
(CENAT) to improve the quality and scale of DOTS through the National Tuberculosis Control Project (Phase 1-2) (Technical Cooperation). The
Second National TB Prevalence Survey to review DOTS’s effectiveness was conducted with JICA’s support and the outcome has been highly acclaimed
throughout the world as a good practice of TB control.
* Direct Observed Treatment, short-course.
Considerations in Development Assistance (1)
Landmines
Landmines are one of the worst legacies of the civil war and have been holding back
Cambodia’s development of for many years.
Since the 1990s JICA has been supporting demining activities through its
involvement with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). Fortunately as
a result of this assistance the number of landmine and unexploded ordnance
(UXO) victims has been decreasing year by year. However, one needs to put this
achievement in perspective as so far it has only been possible carry out mine
clearance in 10% of the total mine-affected areas in Cambodia and millions of
landmines and UXO still remain buried underground.
This situation therefore remains a major
threat to the lives and property of many
Cambodians as well as a barrier to the
development of the country as a whole.
JICA is continuing its work with CMAC to
assure efficient and safe demining activities
through a disciplined approach with the
provision of necessary equipment as well as
support with operation and maintenance.
Chart 3: Achievement in the demining sector
(Persons/Year)
5000
4500
4000
4
8
8
15
350.8
4320
250
3000
2500
200
172.1
2000
150
1500
90.8
1000
0
350
300
3500
500
(Km 2)
400
34
1996
826
100
450
211
50
0
2001
2006
2011 (Year)
Casualty Toll
(number/year)
Cleared Area by
CMAC (Km2)
Timing of
Equipment
Privision by Japan
The number of
brush cutter
provided by Japan
JICA Cambodia Office
Due to JICA’s long and continued support
CMAC’s capacity has steadily grown so
that the centre now is not only conducting
its clearance activities for the people in
Cambodia. Additionally it is sharing its
expertise with other countries in need
such as Laos, Angola and Myanmar.
Brush cutter provided by Japan.
9
Quality of Education
The country’s former education system was
eradicated during the Pol Pot regime. Although
the Government of Cambodia has been
in
engaged in the reconstruction of its education
system since the 1990s with the support from
studied at 18 elementary
development partners including JICA and NGOs
schools that Japan
it still faces numerous challenges. These include
constructed (2005-2014)
a high dropout rate and an insufficient number
of qualified and experienced teachers, which
directly affects the quality of education and limits children’s potential intellectual development.
139,000 children
Phnom Penh
As Japan has professional teacher trainers in the fields of science and mathematics, JICA
implemented the Secondary School Teacher Training Project in Science and Mathematics in
Cambodia (Phase 1-2) (Technical Cooperation) from 2000 until 2012. The project’s aim was to
improve the National Institute of Education’s, as well as the regional and provincial teacher training
centers’ capacity to provide training for science and mathematics teachers. Currently, JICA is
implementing The Project for Educational Resource Development in Science and Mathematics
at the Lower Secondary Level (Technical Cooperation) which intends to strengthen the
foundation of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to support teachers in the improvement
of their science and mathematics teaching skills.
Children studying in one of the schools built by Japanese ODA
Furthermore due to the insufficient number of school buildings, JICA has provided Grant Aid JOCV conducting experimentation of water in Teachers Training
for The Project for Construction of Primary Schools in Phnom Penh (Phase 1-3) (Grant Aid, Center in Pursat Province. [Photo by Satoshi Takahashi]
¥1,543mil approximately $15.8mil to establish and improve the learning environment for students.
JICA considers the improvement of the education system as a high priority as there is a great demand to provide the industrial sector with skilled
human resources., JICA will continue to support the improvement of the quality of education in science and mathematics, so as to give children the
opportunity to experience the joy of learning as well as to develop logical and critical thinking skills together with practical abilities. In the long run
these capable students will then become the country’s human resources who will be able to build a brighter future.
Considerations in Development Assistance (2)
Sustainable Forest Management
Climate Change and the Forests
Cambodia was reported to have 73% forest cover in 1965, but this had decreased to
59% by 2006 (Forestry Administration (FA), 2007). In spite of this decline, Cambodia
still has one of the highest levels of forest cover in Southeast Asia with over 10
million hectares.
In order to tackle deforestation and improve forest management, the Government
of Cambodia enacted a Forest Law together with a moratorium on deforestation
in 2002. Additionally to further improve sustainable forest management, a National
Forest Program (NFP) was developed by the Technical Working Group* of Forestry
Reform (formerly known as TWG-FE) which consists of Government officials,
Donors, NGOs etc was then endorsed by the Prime Minister in 2010.
FA officers and JICA experts checking the forest demarcation
process in Preah Vihear Protected Forest.
JICA implemented a project on The Capacity Building for the Forestry Sector (Phase I-II) (Technical Cooperation) from 2000 to
2010 in response to the needs of the sector. Further assistance was provided with the formulation of NFP and JICA continued to
support the NFP’s implementation through the Technical Advisors that were dispatched to the Director-General of FA.
In addition to the backing of the NFP and in response to the international agreement to cope with climate change, the
Government of Cambodia developed a Cambodia REDD+** Roadmap, which JICA is also supporting through The Project for
Facilitating the Implementation of REDD+ Strategy and Policy (Technical Cooperation). It aims to strengthen the capacity of
related stakeholders, especially the FA to efficiently implement the REDD+ strategy and policy so as to realize sustainable forest
financing and achieve sustainable forest management.
JICA Cambodia Office
10
* See P.13 for Partnership and Aid Coordination.
** REDD stands for “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing countries”. REDD+ goes
beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and the
enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
Priority Area 3
Governance
Good governance is the basis for all sorts of socio-economic and development activities. The Government of Cambodia has placed
good governance as its most important and crosscutting responsibility and placed it at the core of its Rectangular Strategy, which
is composed of anti-corruption, legal and judicial reforms, public financial management reform and public administrative reform
(including decentralization and deconcentration). However, institutional and human capacities for realizing these reforms are still
limited, and these are the key obstacles and risks which hinder governance reform and socio-economic development as a whole.
Improvement of Public Financial Management
The financial situation of the Government of Cambodia still remains vulnerable as is
indicated by the fact that the tax revenue against GDP stood at 12.0% as of 2012. This rate
is actually the lowest of all the countries of the Mekong region.
Chart 4: Domestic Revenue and Tax Revenue
Ratio in GDP
8000
7000
JICA is supporting human and institutional capacity building in the public financial
management sector through firstly the Capacity Development of the General Department
of Taxation (GDT) under the Framework of PFM Reform (Technical Cooperation). The
project provides support for General Department of Taxation by building the officials’ skills
and capacities to conduct tax audits. Additionally it enhances tax payment services by
raising the awareness of tax payers and by making fair and accurate tax collection possible.
6000
JICA has also dispatched Advisors on Customs Policy and Administration who have been
preparing the General Department of Customs and Excise to move towards international
standards and to modernize their administration.
1000
JICA has been encouraging the Government of Cambodia to strengthen its revenue base
so that the government is able to provide various public services that are necessary for
people’s daily lives.
100.0%
5000
4000
3000
2000
0
12.0%
10.9%
10.1% 10.7%
10.0%
2009
2010
2011
2012
11.2%
2008
Domestic Tax Revenue
(billion riel)
Tax Revenue Ratio in
GDP (%)
Source: ADB key indicators 2013.
Legal and Judicial Reform and Improvement
of the Function of Public Administration
Since 1999, JICA has been supporting the Ministry of Justice and other institutions in addressing
the challenges in the legal and judicial sector, including the development of fundamental laws
and human resources. JICA has implemented the Legal and Judicial Development Projects
(Phase 1-3) (Technical Cooperation) in collaboration with a team of experienced Japanese legal
practitioners and scholars. These formed joint Cambodian-Japanese working groups to draft the
Civil Code (CC) and the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) as well as other relevant laws and regulations.
As a result, the CCP was promulgated in July 2007 and the CC in December 2011. Currently JICA
is implementing the Legal and Judicial Development Project Phase 4 (Technical Cooperation)
with the Ministry of Justice, the Royal Academy for Judicial Professions, the Bar Association of the
Kingdom of Cambodia and the Royal University of Law and Economics. It aims to develop the
core capacity of legal professionals to ensure the proper and sustainable implementation and
dissemination of CC and CCP.
Donut Maker Visit: Women’s Affairs Minister visits a pilot
project site in Kampong Cham Province (Project on Gender
Mainstreaming Phase 2)
In the area of public administration, JICA has been assisting the country’s Decentralization and
Deconcentration Policy by strengthening the capacity of the National Committee for Sub-National
Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDD-S) and the Sub-National Administrations (SNAs). The
Project for Capacity Development for Implementing the Organic Law at Capital and Provincial
Level (Technical Cooperation) provides support to NCDD-S to establish and implement a
mechanism for planning, implementation and monitoring of the 5-year development plan and
the 3-year investment plan and to build the capacity of provincial level SNAs for this purpose.
JICA Cambodia Office
JICA has also been supporting the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) of the Ministry of Planning
and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA). NIS and JICA conducted the 2008 Population Census,
NIS staff conducting door-to-door survey for economic census.
the 2011 Economic Census and other statistical activities through the Project on Improving
Official Statistics in Cambodia (Phase 1-3) (Technical Cooperation) which provide key information for public organizations to develop better
policies and for businesses to gain a better understanding of the market. MOWA and JICA have a long history of working together to assist women
in Cambodia and promote gender equality in public policies and organizations. The Project on Gender Mainstreaming (Phase 1-2) (Technical
Cooperation) has been contributing to the achievement of these objectives, especially through the implementation of pilot projects for women’s
economic empowerment (WEE) in Kampong Cham province. The knowledge and experience gained through these pilot projects will strengthen
the function of MOWA, as well as the capacity and mechanisms of partner line ministries to realize gender mainstreaming through WEE activities.
11
JICA’s Volunteer Program
MAJOR FIELDS OF
JOCV’S ACTIVITY
Science Education
Primary School Education
Community Development
PC Instructor
Laboratory Technician
Youth Activities
Children are enjoying physical education class instructed by
JOCV. [ Photo by Satoshi Takahashi]
Currently Serving of JICA Volunteers in Cambodia 68 Volunteers:
(JOCV: 45, SV: 23) as of 1st July, 2014
MAJOR FIELDS OF
SV’S ACTIVITY
Electronic Engineering
Heavy Equipment
Television Program Production
Food Processing
Education Policy Advisor
Aikido
OTDAR MEANCHEY
2
STUNG
TRENG
RATTANAKIRI
SIEM REAP
TO
6
NL
E
BATTAMBANG
MEKONG RIVER
PAILIN
PREAH VIHEAR
5
BANTEAY
MEANCHEY
1
SA
P
KAMPONG THOM
LA
KE
PURSAT
1
KAMPONG CHAM
23
KAMPONG SPEU
KOH KONG
PHNOM
PENH
KANDAL
1
PREY
VENG
SVAY
RIENG
4
1
MONDULKIRI
1
KAMPONG
CHHNANG
PREAH SIHANOUK
3
KRATIE
TAKEO
3
KAMPOT
KEP
In Cambodia, the first batch of long-term JOCVs was dispatched in 1966 and
since then, 564 volunteers (378 JOCVs and 186 SVs) in total have worked
with people all over the country.
SV is working together with TVK staff. [Photo by Aya Kimura]
The JICA’s Volunteer Program started in 1965 and has been
encouraging various activities by Japanese citizens who wish
to contribute to the economic and social growth of developing
countries. This program is divided into Japan Overseas Cooperation
Volunteer (JOCV) and Senior Volunteer (SV). In principle, JOCVs
and SVs are assigned to developing countries for a period of two
years. The major objective of JOCV activities is to support the
socioeconomic development of developing countries, as well as to
build mutual understanding and friendship with the people at the
grass-roots level. Regarding the activities of SV, the major objective
is to support recipient organizations in a wide range of fields by
providing their practical knowledge and technical skills backed up
by their professional experiences.
JICA Partnership Program
In response to the diverse needs of developing countries, JICA conducts the JICA Partnership
Program (JPP) in collaboration with partner organizations in Japan such as NGOs, universities, local
government entities and public interest corporations, which have abundant knowledge, expertise
and professional human resources. In Cambodia, 30 projects have been implemented so far and
these projects contributed to social and economic development from the grass-roots level.
Case 1
Services for the Health in Asian & African Regions (SHARE)
Project for Child Health Promotion in Svay Antor Operational District (Prey Veng / 2011-15)
The Project aims to build a community-based health promotion program for children under two
years old to ensure their strong and healthy growth. The activity includes Integrated Growth
Monitoring, Health Education, and Mother Support Group Activities with local health workers and
volunteers in target areas in Prey Veng Province.
JICA Cambodia Office
12
Mothers bring their children to growth monitoring.
Case 2
Institute of Environment Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON) and Tokyo University of
Agriculture (TUA)
Project on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Kampong Cham Province in Cambodia
(Kampong Cham / 2011-16)
The Project promotes sustainable agriculture by utilizing the natural cycle of resources, establishing
a pellet compost production facility, and strengthening the distribution system of agro-products
at target villages in Samraong Commune. The project also provides the agriculture, environment
and food education at target public schools to raise awareness among the young generation.
Villagers making compost with support from the project team.
Partnership and Aid Coordination
JICA values and promotes working in partnerships and through this
achieving synergy in providing development assistance. In Cambodia
JICA actively engages in dialogue and collaborates with other partners
under the cooperation frameworks that have been established by the
Royal Government of Cambodia, namely the Technical Working Groups
(TWGs), the Government Donor Coordination Committee (GDCC) and
the Cambodia Development Cooperation Forum (CDCF). JICA is an active
member of various TWGs and has the role of co-facilitator for those on
infrastructure and gender. At the project level, bilateral discussions
and coordination take place on a daily and on an ad-hoc basis. Regular
meetings are held with key development partners with whom JICA works
very closely in the same sectors, in order to exchange information and
discuss future directions of sustained coordination and cooperation.
JICA has also been involved with the co-financing of projects, such as
Niroth Water Supply Project (ODA Loan, ¥3,513mil approximately
$36.0mil.) which it co-financed with L’Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Greater Mekong Power Network Development
Project (ODA Loan, ¥2,632mil approximately $27.0mil.) with Asian
Development Bank (ADB).
In recent years it has become widely
acknowledged that development
cooperation goes beyond ODA, and
in this respect JICA has also started
working more closely with the
private sector. This includes especially
Japanese investors and the Japanese
Business Association in Cambodia
as well as civil society groups.
Partnerships and coordination are
nowadays becoming increasingly
essential to accomplish successful
cooperation in the development
sector and JICA in Cambodia is
committed to maintaining a solid
working relationship with various
partners and stakeholders.
Power transmission tower in the project site.
Image of the completed Niroth Water Supply facility of Niroth Water Supply Project.
JICA Cambodia Office Staff
JICA Cambodia Office
13
Kizuna bridge.
JICA Cambodia Office
JICA Plaza Cambodia
P.O. Box 613, 6th-8th floors, Building #61-64,
Preah Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
TEL: +855-(0)23-211673 FAX: +855-(0)23-211675
Email: cm_oss_rep@jica.go.jp
http://www.jica.go.jp/english
Published in August 2014.