Thursday, 15 January 2009

Cambodia receives $84.7 million grant from World Bank, aid donors+

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 14 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Cambodia received $84.7 million in aid pledges Wednesday from the World Bank and other donors for three development projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving Cambodians' livelihood.

In a press statement, the World Bank said $52.1 million is earmarked for improving the health of underprivileged mothers and children, $20 million for projects aimed at improving the government's accountability and responsiveness to public needs, and $12.6 million for removing trade barriers and improving the standard of Cambodian exports.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Keat Chhon pledged the Cambodian government will "utilize these grants in an efficient, accountable and transparent manner."

World Bank Country Director Annette Dixon said she hopes the grants will give crucial support to the Cambodian government's efforts to reduce poverty and ensure Cambodians enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods.

Apart from the World Bank, other donors that contributed to the grants include Britain, Australia, Denmark, the European Commission and the U.N. Industrial Development Organization.

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