Closure of DFID office in Cambodia

20 January 2011

Representatives from the UK Government today met with Deputy Prime Minister Keat Chhon to mark the closure of its office for the Department for International Development in Cambodia.  This signals the end of 10 years of the Department’s presence in Cambodia – although significant UK development funding to Cambodia will continue.  The office formally closes at the end of January 2011.   

Natalie Acton, Deputy Director for Asia in the Department for International Development said:

“During the last 10 years, we have worked closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia and other development partners to improve the lives of poor people in Cambodia.

“Cambodia has changed dramatically since we first opened our office in 2001.  Strong economic growth and prudent macroeconomic management have seen a transformation of the Cambodian economy and generated thousands of jobs.  With our support, the Royal Government of Cambodia has also saved the lives of thousands of women and children who have benefitted from improved health care. 

“Whilst Cambodia is on track to reach a number of the Millennium Development Goals, maternal and child mortality remain high.  Despite closing our office we are pleased that our support for the health sector and poverty analysis will continue until 2013”.

Andrew Mace, British Ambassador to Cambodia said:

“I am proud of the important contribution that DFID’s office has made to improving the lives of Cambodians through better healthcare, secure livelihoods and accountable local governance.  Although this is the end of one chapter in our relationship, the UK’s partnership with Cambodia will continue to strengthen with increasing trade, tourism and educational links.  The significant levels of ongoing funding through other donors and civil society will also mean that the UK continues to make a major contribution to Cambodia’s development.”