Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 23 – Cambodia had spent USD 2.3 billon to fight against COVID19, equivalent to the cost of building 20 bridges, Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen spoke at the inauguration ceremony of Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge Stung Trang-Kroch Chhmar on Tuesday at Kompong Cham Province.

“The savings of the Royal Government for necessary infrastructure worth more than USD 4 billion cover the construction of small and large bridges across the rivers and streams in order to ease people's travel, but most of this savings were spent to fight against COVID19,” the premier underlined.

“I set target for the Ministry of Economy and Finance to save more after withdrew USD 400 million to buy generators installed near Phnom Penh to prevent power shortages, USD 400 million to build roads in Sihanoukville, and USD 200 million to build roads in Siem Reap,” the premier added.

“The three projects cost approximately USD 1 billion. My goal is to allocate at least two-third of the USD 3.5 billion leftover to build necessary infrastructures, such as bridges, but we have spent USD 2.3 billion to deal with COVID19. We must continue to ask Chinese friends for help,” Samdech underlined.

In order to build more infrastructures for the kingdom and the people, the premier also requested the support of the Chinese government, an iron-clad friend, to continue provide grants and low-interest loans.
=FRESH NEWS