Cambodia inaugurates China-funded national road

PHNOM PENH - Cambodia on Thursday inaugurated a section of the China-funded national road No 6, part of an arterial pathway that plays a vital role for tourism and trade activity.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo presided over the inauguration ceremony which was attended by government officials, local authorities, residents and students.

According to a report by Cambodian Transport Minister Sun Chanthol, the 40.5-km section of the national road stretches from the capital of Phnom Penh to Bateay district of Kampong Cham province.

He said 26 bridges had been built along the section that cost $70.2 million, in which $68 million was a concessional loan from the Chinese government and the remaining amount was covered by the Cambodian government.

He added that the four-lane road was constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group in a period of four years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hun Sen said the national road No 6 plays a crucial role for tourism and trade activity since it connects Phnom Penh to the Angkor Wat Temple, a world heritage site, in Siem Reap province, and other provinces along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

"This is a huge achievement for Cambodia," he said. "This achievement was born from the fruitful strategic cooperation between Cambodia and China."

The prime minister expressed his sincere and heartfelt thanks to the government and people of China for having provided a great amount of grant aid and concessional loans to Cambodia for socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Xiong said that China was very pleased to assist Cambodia in its efforts to boost economy and reduce poverty.

He said many infrastructure development projects with Chinese support have been underway in Cambodia, especially under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.