Kampong Speu (FN), May 30 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that the construction of the Funan Techo canal project will begin in August 2024.

The premier spoke on Thursday (May 30) during an inauguration of achievements in the Buddhist Cultural Centre in Kampong Speu Province.

The premier stated that the acceleration of the Funan Techo canal project's construction aims to resolve ongoing issues, which some have dismissed as merely a dream or imagination.

Samdech Thipadei underlined that the majority of the investment in the Funan canal project originates from Cambodia, with additional capital supplied by Chinese investment companies that bring the required construction technology.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, "We will not delay this work [the construction of the Funan Canal]. When the construction of this canal begins, many Cambodians will participate. Some have been dreaming about this for a long time. We want to stop dreaming and start doing. We will kick off the construction in August."

Regarding the Funan canal project, the premier welcomed anyone who wished to come to Cambodia to build this canal for the benefit of the Cambodian people.

"When the Cambodian spirit unites, Cambodians will be able to accomplish the Funan canal project, even without the participation of foreign investors," Samdech Thipadei further underscored.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet considered the Funan Techo canal project a special initiative, as it has strong support from Cambodians around the world, viewing it as a national project.

Please be informed that the Funan Techo canal is 180 km long from Prek Takeo of the Mekong River, through the Prek Ta Ek of the Bassac River, then into Prek Ta Hing of the Bassac River, Koh Thom district, and extends to the Kep province passes through four provinces, including Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep. The construction of the new waterway project is estimated to cost USD 1.7 billion and take about four years to complete.

This canal project will provide many benefits, including reducing the time, distance and cost of current transport, the establishment of commercial areas and logistics centres, and the development of new satellite ports, more expansion of agriculture, irrigation, aquaculture and livestock development areas, supporting the development of Cambodia's fourth economic pole, creating more jobs at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Phnom Penh Autonomous Port and other Ports, promoting urban development and urbanization, and the promotion of real estate growth.
=FRESH NEWS