The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will lend USD100 million to support Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen irrigation efficiency, build climate resilience and improve rural livelihoods.
The agreement on the Climate Adaptive Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture for Resilience (CAISAR) Project was signed today during the 2025 AIIB Annual Meeting in Beijing by Ros Seilava, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, and Rajat Misra, Acting Chief Investment Officer of AIIB Public Sector (Region 1) and Financial Institutions and Funds (Global) Clients.
The loan (equivalent to RMB725.37 million) will enhance irrigation service efficiency and climate adaptation in four provinces – Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kandal and Pursat – benefiting over 560,000 people from the rural areas, particularly smallholder farmers.
The project is being co-financed with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), bringing together the strengths of each institution to support sustainable and inclusive development. AIIB financing will support the rehabilitation and modernization of priority irrigation systems, as well as project management and institutional capacity strengthening.
“We are pleased to partner with the Government of Cambodia on this transformative project that prioritizes climate resilience for smallholder farmers. In collaboration with GCF and IFAD, this project combines our strengths to advance inclusive, climate-resilient development,” Misra said. “AIIB’s investment will help modernize irrigation infrastructure and strengthen institutions to ensure long-term sustainability and food security.”
Seilava said: "We are proud to partner with AIIB, IFAD and GCF on this strategic initiative. CAISAR embodies our shared commitment to climate adaptation and inclusive development, and we look forward to delivering tangible benefits for our farmers and communities."
The project is strategically aligned with Cambodia’s national priorities for agriculture, climate adaptation and rural development, as well as the AIIB-Cambodia Country Cooperation Framework 2023-2025, which sets out a multi-year investment plan in climate-resilient infrastructure.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing “infrastructure for tomorrow,” with sustainability at its core. AIIB began operations in 2016, now has 110 approved members worldwide, is capitalized at USD100 billion and is AAA-rated by major international credit rating agencies. AIIB collaborates with partners to mobilize capital and invest in infrastructure and other productive sectors that foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity.
