Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 23 July 2025 — the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) in Cambodia, part of a regional program funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has been successfully concluded.

Launched in May 2023, the program aimed to empower Cambodian policymakers from the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) with tools and knowledge related to air quality monitoring and reduction of emission from vehicles to achieve cleaner air and greener transportation in Cambodia. As a result, the program has developed Standard Operating Procedures for Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Air Monitoring in Cambodia (SOP), an important regulatory tool endorsed by the Minister of Environment, that ensures the effectiveness of air quality monitoring systems and data management. The program, with technical support from GGGI and financial support from AFD, has significantly contributed to strengthening MPWT’s capacity by developing a transport emissions inventory, supporting the drafting of a Sub-decree on the governance framework for public transport systems, and conducting a pre-feasibility study for the deployment of electric shuttle services in the Angkor area.

The closing event on 23 July was attended by over 50 participants, and was presided by Dr. Mallé Fofana, GGGI’s Asia Regional Director,  Ms. Sandrine Boucher, AFD Country Director for Cambodia and H.E. Dr. Chuop Paris, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment. In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Chuop Paris, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment, said, “The AQIP has played a key role in strengthening Cambodia’s air quality governance. The development and endorsement of the Standard Operating Procedures for air quality data management is a significant milestone for the Ministry. It will ensure that we have the capacity both at the national and provincial levels, to operate and maintain the air quality monitoring stations, resulting in more accurate data which could support evidence-based policy decisions for cleaner air and healthier communities.”

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) developed the AQIP back in 2021, which is a part of the regional program for Air Quality Improvement in Southeast Asia. Ms. Sandrine Boucher, AFD Country Director for Cambodia, said, “The Air Quality Improvement Program reflects AFD’s strong commitment to supporting Cambodia and ASEAN in tackling air pollution and promoting sustainable urban development. We have had a successful collaboration with GGGI on this work and are pleased to have partnered with national institutions to strengthen technical capacity, support regulatory development, and lay the groundwork for long-term improvements in air quality. This program is an important step in our broader collaboration with Cambodia on climate and environmental resilience.”

As Cambodia moves toward a cleaner and more sustainable transport future, government leadership and timely development partner support have been key. “GGGI and AFD responded promptly to MPWT’s request by providing technical support for the development of the Sub-decree on the Establishment of Public Transportation Governance Framework, which is now under submission to the Prime Minister for approval. This marks a critical step toward building a strong foundation for Cambodia’s transition to sustainable and integrated public transport systems,” said Mr. Kong Sophal, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Public Works and Transport.  In addition to the Sub-decree, GGGI and AFD supported the development of a Pre-feasibility Study for a Public Electric Buggy Service at the Angkor Heritage Site, aligning with the Apsara National Authority’s vision for a clean and sustainable transport system that helps preserve Cambodia’s treasured cultural heritage.

Dr. Mallé Fofana, Regional Director and Head of Programs for Asia at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), said, ‘This successful conclusion of the AQIP demonstrates what strong collaboration between government, development partners, and technical experts can achieve. GGGI is proud to have supported Cambodia in building institutional capacity, developing critical policy tools like the SOP, transport emission inventory and the Sub-decree on the Establishment of Public Transportation Governance Framework informed by GGGI’s Proposal on Governance Framework for Public Transport in Secondary Cities of Cambodia.  This lays the groundwork for more ambitious air quality management in the future. Cleaner air is not only an environmental goal—it’s a public health and economic priority.”

The successful completion of the AQIP marks a critical step forward in Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen air quality management and advance green, sustainable development. As momentum builds, the tools, strategies, and partnerships developed through the program will continue to support evidence-based policymaking and drive lasting impact. With continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and technical experts, Cambodia is well-positioned to build on these achievements and move toward a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future.

About Agence Française de Développement (AFD)

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) helps advance France’s policy on sustainable investment and international solidarity. Through its public sector and NGO financing operations, research and publications (Éditions AFD), sustainable development training programs (AFD Group Campus) and awareness-raising activities in France, AFD finances, supports and drives the transition to a fairer, more resilient world. Alongside our partners, we provide sustainable solutions for—and with—communities. Our teams are working on over 2,700 projects in the field, in over 115 countries, including France’s overseas departments and territories, to support projects for the climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality and global health. Together with Proparco and Expertise France, AFD supports the commitment of France and the French people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Working by your side, toward a world in common.