The construction of the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway will begin by mid-2023, according to Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister of Public Works and Transport, yesterday.
The minister announced this after meeting a delegation from Thailand that called on him to learn more about the Cambodian Logistics Sector Development Plan. The delegation, led by Supachai Verapuchong, also expressed its willingness to seek investment opportunities in the sector.
Sun Chanthol further said that the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap Expressway project is currently undergoing studies as well. Several other national and provincial road quality improvement projects are also currently under construction in Cambodia, he told the Thai delegation.
In addition, the Phnom Penh-Poipet railway has been upgraded to a high-speed railway and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport together with the Ministry of Economy and Finance is to expedite and find investment partners for the project.
Construction of the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), is expected to cost $1.63 billion. The expressway is 138 kilometres long and will bridge across the Mekong River. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 or early 2027, at the same time as the Ho Chi Minh City-Mok Bai Expressway to connect with Cambodia’s expressway.
The Senior Minister also spoke about the Bassac River Navigation and Logistics Project, the expansion of the deep-water port in Sihanoukville and the Kampot Multi-Purpose Port Construction Project.
Verapuchong, as the leader of the delegation, expressed his appreciation for the progress of Cambodia in all areas, especially in the field of transport infrastructure and logistics development plans.
At the same time, the delegation expressed willingness to probe investment opportunities and hoped to cooperate with Cambodia in the infrastructure sector.
The meeting was held to discuss and exchange views to learn more about the potential opportunities for investment in the logistics sector in Cambodia, as well as to further strengthen and expand economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
The development of the logistics sector remains the main strategy of the Royal Government of Cambodia to promote the national economy.
This article was first published in Khmer Times. All contents and images are copyright to their respective owners and sources.
