Cambodia: World Bank Country Assistance Strategy

Cambodia received its first credit from the World Bank in 1993. Following decades of conflict in Cambodia, the World Bank’s priority areas were to support the reconstruction of social and economic institutions and the development of physical infrastructure. Since 1999, increasing focus has been placed on governance reforms, macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic growth, private sector development, rural development, sustainable natural resource management, and improving and expanding health and education services.

The World Bank Country Assistance Strategy (2005-2008, extended to 2011) outlined two priority areas: removing governance constraints on growth and poverty reduction and supporting the strategies and investments needed to achieve Cambodia’s development goals. Projects financed by the World Bank under this strategy have been designed to help implement Cambodia’s National Strategic Development Plan for 2006-2011 (extended to 2013) and to help Cambodia achieve the MDGs.

Human development, particularly in the areas of health and education, remains an important development priority for Cambodia. About 40 percent of children under five-years-old are malnourished and are short for their age.

The World Bank remains concerned about conflict over land issues in Cambodia. It is critical to Cambodia’s sustained economic and social development that these are resolved fairly and peacefully.
The World Bank continues to discuss with the government on how to support the country's development in a way that benefits all Cambodians.

(Source: World Bank)