Phnom Penh, February 27, 2026 — The Land Allocation for Social and Economic Development Project III (LASED III) and the World Bank today held a wrap-up meeting for the 8th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC).
The meeting was presided over by H.E. So Khan Rithykun, Secretary of State and Chair of the LASED III Project Steering Committee. It reviewed the findings of the mission’s assessment of progress toward achieving the project development objective, the implementation status of agreed actions from the previous ISM, and priorities identified during the project restructuring in October 2025, including discussions on a potential project extension.
The World Bank mission was conducted from February 6 to 27, 2026. During the three-week review, the team assessed overall project performance, including progress across all components, fiduciary management, environmental and social safeguards compliance, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. The mission and the government counterparts also agreed on an action plan for the next six months.
Speaking at the meeting, H.E. So Khan Rithykun expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their strong collaboration and active participation, noting that the project has achieved significant results to date.
The World Bank team likewise commended the cooperation and support provided by government counterparts at both central and sub-national levels, as well as relevant provincial authorities and technical departments.
Overall, the mission observed that project implementation has accelerated in recent months. Ms. Chamroen Mudita, World Bank Senior Rural Development Specialist and Task Team Leader, emphasized that the progress achieved reflects strong joint commitment and coordinated efforts under a clear and concrete work plan.
The Implementation Support Mission, conducted every six months by the World Bank, serves to monitor implementation by MLMUPC and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and to provide technical guidance to strengthen project delivery.

(Story and Photos by Leak Ratna, Communications Specialist, LASED III)