China pledges to Cambodia on Funan-Techo Canal project

The Khmer Times newspaper reported today, September 12, that the Funan-Techo canal project was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) Sun Chanthol and NDRC Director Zheng Sach Khiet in China on September 9.

This photo taken during a recent trip by Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia Sun Chanthol shows an aerial view of a section of the Funan-Techo Canal in Kandal province.

Photo: Khmer Times screenshot

The meeting was held to discuss the progress of major Chinese-invested projects in Cambodia and ensure their timely completion.

According to CDC, NDRC will encourage Chinese companies to meet the targets of the Funan-Techo canal project or complete it earlier than the 2028 deadline set by the Cambodian government .

Lor Vichet, vice president of the Cambodia-China Chamber of Commerce, said the role of the NDRC is crucial to completing the Funan-Techo canal project on time.

"The NDRC is the Chinese government's main macroeconomic control agency and the third most powerful agency in the Chinese government in dealing with issues related to economic policy making as well as overseas investment," Mr. Vichet explained.

The NDRC also has broad administrative and planning control over mainland China's economy, allowing it to take charge of business and trade activities with partner countries, Vichet said.

Cambodia wants Japan to invest in the Funan-Techo canal project

The Funan-Techo Canal project is being implemented by the Funan-Techo Inland Waterways and Logistics Company with a budget of 1.7 billion USD, according to Khmer Times .

The construction of the Funan-Techo Canal project is divided into two sections. The first section, which is more than 21 km long from Prek Takeo to the Bassac River, is being developed by a joint venture between two Cambodian ports, Phnom Penh Autonomous Port (PPAP) and Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS), and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC).

PPAP and PAS, both state-owned, hold a combined 51% stake in the first phase development project, with the remaining 49% stake held by OCIC.

The second section, spanning over 159 kilometers connecting the Bassac River and Kep province, will be jointly invested by the two ports and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), according to Khmer Times .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-cam-ket-voi-campuchia-ve-cong-trinh-kenh-dao-phu-nam-techo-18524091215201642.htm