On January 15, 2026, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment signed a landmark 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s Mizuda Group to overhaul the nation’s waste infrastructure. Running from 2026 to 2036, this strategic partnership aims to transform urban refuse into economic value through high-tech sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy projects. This initiative is a core pillar of Cambodia’s Circular Strategy on Environment, driving the Kingdom toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
1. Waste-to-Wealth: The 2026-2036 Technical Framework
The agreement, signed by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, moves Cambodia beyond traditional landfills into the era of Environmental Engineering.
Key Pillars of the 10-Year Roadmap:
- Waste-to-Energy: Implementing advanced technologies to incinerate waste and contribute power back to the national grid—a major step for energy security.
- Industrialized Recycling: Shifting the perception of “trash” to “raw material,” creating a new revenue-generating industry for the nation.
- International Hygiene Standards: Upgrading provincial landfills to meet global sanitation laws, significantly improving urban aesthetics and public health.
2. “Environment is Life”: A Foundation for Economic Growth
Minister Eang Sophalleth emphasized that a clean environment is the starting point for all national progress. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the “Clean, Green, and Sustainable” agenda is being treated as a critical factor for:
- Public Health: Reducing the long-term healthcare costs of a growing population.
- Tourism Appeal: Enhancing the beauty of Cambodia’s cities to attract high-end international travelers.
- Investment Attraction: US and European firms with strict ESG mandates are more likely to invest in a country with a clear carbon-neutral roadmap.
3. The “Iron-Clad” Synergy with Mizuda Group
The partnership with Mizuda Group Co., Ltd. reflects the deep technical synergy between Cambodia and China. Mizuda will lead the strategic assessment plans to ensure Cambodia’s urban waste disposal aligns with international best practices, further cementing the long-term bilateral cooperation in the “Green Tech” sector.
Expert Insight: “Cambodia is no longer just managing waste; it is mining it for energy. For investors, this 10-year deal creates a stable environment for green-tech vendors and sustainable infrastructure providers to enter the market.”
Orkun Santepheap’s Perspective: Why “Green” is the New “Gold”
Today’s report completes the circle of our recent coverage. We’ve discussed Infrastructure, Trade, and Manufacturing—but none of those are sustainable without a Clean Environment. For the American reader, this news is vital because it shows Cambodia is serious about global standards. When you invest in a “Green” Cambodia, you are investing in a future-proof economy.