AKP Phnom Penh, March 25, 2026 --

A two-day press tour organised by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) concluded on Tuesday, offering Cambodian journalists an on-the-ground look at the nation’s transformation driven by Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The media delegation visited two strategic sites on Mar. 23 and 24—the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and a major water treatment facility in Phnom Penh—to witness the tangible results of decades of bilateral cooperation.

This year’s visit to the Sihanoukville port carried special weight, marking the 30th anniversary of Japan’s involvement in its expansion and modernisation. Once a modest facility, the port has been steadily developed into a critical artery for Cambodia’s economy. Japanese officials highlighted its role as an indispensable gateway for international trade, facilitating the flow of goods that underpins the nation’s growth.

Reaffirming Tokyo’s commitment to Phnom Penh, the Japanese Embassy stressed that continued investment in such strategic infrastructure is not merely about construction, but about ensuring long-term sustainability and contributing to the broader stability of the region.

By K. Rithy Reak