Phnom Penh: China Energy Engineering Group (Energy China) met on Friday in Phnom Penh with H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, to explore additional investment opportunities in Cambodia's water supply sector.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during the meeting, H.E. Hem Vanndy shared with the delegation an overview of Cambodia's water supply landscape, which includes 11 public utilities and over 400 private water operators nationwide. 'With many actors having different technical and financial capacities, the sector is quite unique, yet it presents significant potential for large-scale investment,' he said. 'We welcome partners like Energy China who can contribute long-term expertise and financing, especially as demand grows alongside our industrial and economic development.'
Energy China, a leading state-owned enterprise, with extensive expertise in energy, infrastructure, and water supply and over two-decade experience in Cambodia, has expressed a strong interest in deeper engagement in Cambodia's water supply sector. 'We aim to make long-term investments in Cambodia, not just serve as a contractor,' said Mr. Zhang Deliang, Vice President of China Energy International Group. 'With more than 70 water treatment plants in China producing over 4.5 million cubic metres per day and major international projects in Brazil, the UAE, and elsewhere, we are confident that our technical expertise and resources can support Cambodia's water supply development goals.'
Minister Vanndy added that, 'We encourage models where companies like Energy China invest in treatment plants and main pipeline networks-while smaller operators focus on distribution under a unified quality framework.' He urged Energy China to present flexible investment options that prioritise both infrastructure development and long-term sustainability with particular emphasis on water sources.