Water and Wastewater Management Market Exploration in Cambodia

From 26.02.2023  to 03.03.23, the  Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Myanmar carried out a market survey to Cambodia on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). The market survey is a project-related support measure and is a part of the Environmental Technologies Export Initiative to support small and medium-sized German enterprises (SMEs) Market Development.

The aim of this market exploration was to make it easier  for German companies in the field of water  management and  wastewater management to  enter the new Cambodian market  and to  support them in  opening up new business contacts and export opportunities.

The acquisition of suitable German companies for this project was carried out by the German Water Partnership supported by the local partner Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA).

Currently in Cambodia only 34% of   population is connected to the water supply and that only 5% of the wastewater is treated. The aim was therefore to provide the participating German companies with a comprehensive picture of the situation in the country and to introduce some of the stakeholders including government ministries and private sector partners. The German delegation visited the capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province and provided a comprehensive picture of the sector for the German companies. In addition, national and private suppliers and projects were presented and the production industry was also involved with visits to beverage and food producers.

In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, the German delegation held meetings with the relevant ministries, public and private water utilities and wastewater companies, as well as companies from the food production sector. A technical seminar and a Government Roundtable on Water Supply and Wastewater Management as well as several networking events with the aforementioned organizations were held during the visit.

Another relevant topic highlighted and discussed during the visit was focused on  project financing and corresponding participation opportunities in the target country. ADP reported on the country strategy for Cambodia and upcoming projects in the field of fresh water supply sector. Similarly, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure presented the project situation and relevant financing issues in the field of wastewater management.

The German delegation included German companies from the water and wastewater industry which are already internationally active but do not yet carry out any business activities in Cambodia. Their inclusion in the market survey gave the companies a comprehensive overview of the economic climate and market developments as well as development potential in Cambodia.

The objectives of the market exploration and visit by the German delegation was beneficial and provided a detailed insight into the water and wastewater management as well as into the structures of the responsible ministries was successfully conveyed. Important contacts were established with ministries, associations and companies. The visit provided an opportunity for closer exchange between the German and Cambodian participants for future collaboration is expected in the future.