MOU Signed Between Cambodia and India in Water Sector

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Cambodia and India at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, today in water sector. The MoU will pave way for preparation of technically sound and economically sustainable projects with expert manpower availability and experience of Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) in diverse climatic and geographic conditions. The MoU was signed during the visit of Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Union Minister for Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs on a three day visit of Cambodia since 7th of this month. This visit is a follow-up of Agreement signed between Royal Government of Cambodia and Government of India in December, 2007 for cooperation in water sector. This visit will also strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Cambodia, Shri Bansal said. He visited project sites of WAPCOS Ltd, a Government of India Undertaking under Ministry of Water Resources, which is undertaking projects related to Water Resources and Power Development in Cambodia.

Shri Bansal met Mr. Lim Kean, Minister for Water Resources and Meteorology, Royal Government of Cambodia at Phnom Penh. During the meeting the Minister observed that bilateral cooperation between India and Cambodia dates back to early seventies when the Tonlesap Multipurpose project was taken up. He pointed out the historical and cultural similarities between the two nations. The Minister also referred about the achievements made by India in water sector since Independence.

The Minister for Water Resources and Meteorology, Royal Government of Cambodia thanked the Government of India for providing the Lines of Credit to Cambodia in water sector. He talked about the greater role India can play in the global economy in the times to come. He also appreciated the technological and economic advancement made by India. The Minister requested for sanction of line of credit from India for two irrigation projects namely Stung Svaslab and Stung Kliet for ensuring water security in the project area and sanction of grant from India for Water Resources Planning study in Siem Reap area for proper utilization of Water Resources in Angkor Region and for Ground Water Mapping in Cambodia for Utilization and Recharge of ground water aquifers.

Mr. Bun Hean, Secretary of State, Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, Royal Government of Cambodia and Mr. R. K. Gupta, Chairman Cum Managing Director, WAPCOS Ltd, for cooperation in Water Resources Management signed the MOU in the presence of both the Ministers and Shri. R.K. Sachdeva, Ambassador of India in Cambodia. The visit will strengthen Indo-Cambodia relationship.

KP/AS