AKP Phnom Penh, April 03, 2026 --

The Japan-Cambodia Association (JCA) has committed to strengthening its partnership with Cambodia’s Ministry of Health, focusing on human resource development within the hospital and pharmaceutical sectors to bolster the Kingdom's medical infrastructure.

During a high-level meeting on Thursday at the Ministry of Health, Minister H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra received a delegation led by H.E. Takahashi Fumiaki, President of the JCA and former Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia.

H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra expressed deep gratitude for H.E. Takahashi’s long-standing contributions to Cambodia’s development. 

He highlighted Japan's pivotal role in enhancing the Cambodian healthcare system through technical cooperation, financial grants, and infrastructure support—efforts that have continued throughout H.E. Takahashi’s transition from diplomatic service to his leadership at the JCA.

The JCA President noted that Cambodia’s sustained peace and rapid economic growth have created a fertile environment for international investment. 

He emphasised that the JCA is actively facilitating Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in Cambodia’s health sector, with a specific focus on medical education and systemic collaboration.

In response, the Health Minister encouraged the JCA to further mobilise private investors and charitable organisations to support the Ministry's priority goals. These include: Improving the technical expertise of medical professionals; Enhancing the standard of healthcare delivery across the country; Developing modern health facilities to reach remote areas.

These initiatives align with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 under Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, which aims to achieve universal health coverage.

Prior to closing meeting, H.E. Takahashi reaffirmed his commitment to expanding bilateral health cooperation and vowed to strengthen ties between Japanese business associations and Cambodian stakeholders to ensure the sustainable improvement of public welfare in the Kingdom.

By K. Rithy Reak