Greetings Enthusiasts of Cambodia!

I am pleased to inform everyone that the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has obtained a loan from the World Bank (WB) to finance the implementation of the Livelihood Enhancement and Association of the Poor Project (LEAP). The LEAP project is in line with the Government policy and poverty reduction objective laid out in the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2014 – 2018. One of the critical prioritizations identified in NSDP is to improve the livelihood of about 20 percent of households who continue to be poor. The NSDP also prioritizes food security, reducing poverty for all Cambodians, and supporting families who have moved to out of poverty but remain vulnerable to shocks.

Focusing on its primary outputs, the LEAP project aims to achieve the improvement of access of the poor and vulnerable households in selected communities to financial service, opportunities for generating income, and small-scale infrastructure. It also aims at providing an immediate and effective response in case of an eligible crisis or emergency. More importantly, the project intends to build a durable and functional social capital and give the voice and opportunities to the poor in planning and managing their destiny.

It is also important to note that as agricultural income is variable over the year, many poor households seek employment in labor-intensive industries such as construction and garment factories either within the country or in neighboring countries where wages are higher. Such a job is often seasonal, temporary, and offers little opportunity for upward mobility. Both Siem Reap, with its rapidly expanding tourism industry, and Phnom Penh with its dynamic construction, hospitality, garment, footwear, and other sectors, possess significant opportunities for improved employment.

Accessing information on pursuing opportunities and the skills to do so lacks within the poor rural and urban communities. Hence, the LEAP project is a good strategy for us to alleviate rural and urban poor communities from poverty through engaging with the poor households, whether through self-help and producer groups in rural areas, or through group individuals in urban areas seeking to improve their earning capacity by investing themselves in learning new skills, provides an entry point for more in-depth development.

It is our pride that we have received this unprecedented opportunity to improve our economy, especially in agricultural production and skill development. Ministry of Interior, as the executing agency of this project, recognizes the importance of partnership with various stakeholders to realize the project goals. It is in this spirit that we encourage all line Ministries and other concerned sectors to join and support us in achieving a better society for our countrymen.

His Excelleny Prak Samoeun

Project Director