Cambodia receives $3.15 million from Australia and the UNDP to respond to COVID-19

Cambodia Compass report, 13th May - On Monday, Australia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) agreed to contribute an additional 4 million Australian dollars ($3.15 million) to help Cambodia cope with the effects of COVID-19, according to the UNDP.

According to the UNDP, the agreement went into effect immediately, and the increased funding would go toward strengthening social assistance, assisting local businesses in adapting to pandemic-related challenges, and other priorities found through consultation with the Cambodian government and civil society.

According to the UNDP, the donation would supplement the Australia-UNDP Resilience Fund, a versatile system that has already provided targeted support to Cambodia's socioeconomic response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Together, we've been able to respond quickly to this crisis, supporting the rapid scale-up of social assistance to those who need it most, while still securing trade and livelihoods,” said UNDP resident representative in Cambodia Nick Beresford.

COVID-19, according to Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Pablo Kang, presents immediate challenges to Cambodia's economy and people's livelihoods.

“We are also increasing funding, in collaboration with the UNDP, to support the work that is required now to place Cambodia for a rapid and inclusive economic recovery from the pandemic,” he said.

According to the UNDP, the Resilience Fund has helped Cambodia's General Department of Customs and Excise maintain secure cross-border trade by providing essential protective equipment and sanitation materials.

The fund has also assisted small businesses in connecting with online e-commerce sites in order to keep running during the lockdown and engage in the digital economy, according to the statement.

Source: Cambodia Compass comprehensive arrangement

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