PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Japan have discussed green investment to make Cambodia cleaner by reducing plastic waste.

The discussion took place here early this week between H.E. Dr, Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and H.E. Takahashi Fumiaki, President of the Japan-Cambodia Association, and 12 other delegates, all of whom are investors from Japan.

On the occasion, the Cambodian environment minister stated that green investment is mutually beneficial; Japanese investors will receive a return on their investment, while Cambodia will also benefit environmentally.

By recycling materials to replace plastic bags with natural products and by recycling existing resources in the area, the livelihoods of Cambodians can be improved, enabling them to earn extra income in addition to traditional activities such as logging and hunting, he explained.

Simultaneously, he continued, investment that supports the community to have independent ownership and encourages alternative livelihoods, such as fruit crop cultivation, reforestation, and wildlife conservation for tourism purposes, is a positive and sustainable approach to increasing community income. This aligns with the environmental Chakra Strategy, which is consistent with the overarching goals of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Furthermore, promoting and facilitating green investment with partners such as Japan aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and create opportunities for all investors. This initiative seeks to help Cambodia become free of plastic waste in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change for Employment Growth, Equity, Efficiency, and Sustainability by 2050.