PHNOM PENH – Japan will provide just over $10 million in aid for the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) to strengthen its capacity and build a training complex.

Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi signed the grant documents on March 20.

The first grant worth $8.4 million will strengthen CMAC’s training under the South-South Cooperation framework. Another $2.1 million will be used for the training complex and outreach facility.

According to Japanese Embassy, in the first grant, Japan will provide the demining equipment, including a bush cutter machine and a demining machine manufactured by Japanese companies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the aid would contribute to Cambodia’s goal of being mine-free by 2030. 

“The project will also reaffirm Japan’s steadfast commitment to supporting Cambodia's socio-economic development,” the ministry said.

Cambodia had set 2025 as the mine-free target but extended the timeline by five years.

The country remains affected by war remnants and ammunition and arms from decades of war.

In February, China and Australia announced $4.4 million and $2 million in assistance for mine clearance after President Donald trump ordered cuts in USAID projects. The US mine clearance funding was later reinstated.

The same month, Japan announced a $1.3 million grant through the Japan Mine Action Service.