PHNOM PENH: Ripple Inc., a U.S.-based financial technology company, has expressed interest in collaborating with Cambodia to advance the renewable energy sector, particularly focusing on the production of solar panels for export to the United States.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the interest was articulated by Chris Larsen, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Ripple Inc., during a visit to the Peace Palace. Accompanied by his spouse, Lyna Lam, Founder of the Khmer Buddhist Foundation, Larsen met with Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia. Larsen and Lam also discussed their foundation’s efforts to preserve Cambodian culture and tradition in the U.S., notably through temple construction in San Francisco, and their plans to support education for Cambodian children in rural areas.

Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed Ripple Inc.’s interest in renewable energy, highlighting that this aligns with Cambodia’s goal of increasing renewable energy usage to 70 percent by 2030, up from the current 62 percent. He emphasized that the company’s engagement in Cambodia could strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries’ private sectors and encouraged collaboration with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions.

The Prime Minister also praised Larsen and Lam for their cultural preservation efforts and their commitment to Cambodian children’s education. He briefed the visitors on Cambodia’s progress in social protection and welfare, focusing on health sector improvements, expanding grassroots healthcare services, developing education, and creating jobs to enhance livelihoods.