On March 30, 2016, at the Council for Development of Cambodia, the United States and the Royal Government of Cambodia signed two new bilateral agreements that will provide $35 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for programs in health, education, agriculture, and environment.  This is the first tranche of an estimated $137 million package over three years to support the Cambodian government’s priorities in these areas.

U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia William A. Heidt witnessed the event, in which H.E. Keat Chhon, Deputy Prime Minister (Standing) and the First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, and Ms. Rebecca Black, USAID Mission Director, signed the agreements on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the U.S. Government.

These two bilateral assistance agreements will support the Royal Government of Cambodia’s national development strategy by improving the quality of health care, enhancing nutrition for mothers and children, increasing agricultural markets and production, protecting Cambodia’s natural resources, and helping young students improve their reading skills.