PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is set to significantly enhance national connectivity and stimulate economic growth with the announcement of a new waterway transport system. On the afternoon of July 16, H.E. Peng Ponea, Cambodia’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, revealed plans for this ambitious project, which will link Kep province to Siem Reap.
The primary aim of this initiative is to facilitate the movement of both goods and tourists between the coastal region and the country’s prominent cultural hub. This strategic development is expected to have a substantial impact on Cambodia’s economy.
Minister Peng Ponea made the announcement during a ceremony to officially appoint Mr. Leum Rasmey as the new Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, succeeding the retiring Mr. Ky Virin.
During the event, H.E. Peng Ponea emphasized the Royal Government’s unwavering commitment to robust transport infrastructure development. He described it as a cornerstone for achieving Cambodia’s 2050 vision of becoming a high-income nation.
As part of these efforts, the ministry is dedicated to delivering new advancements across all transport sectors, including roads, bridges, railways, waterways, ports, and logistics. A key focus will be on improving infrastructure quality and expanding intermodal connectivity, seamlessly linking existing roads with rail, waterways, and ports.
“The study and development of railway and waterway networks remain key projects under our new mandate,” the Minister stated. He elaborated that the proposed Kep-to-Siem Reap waterway would enable the efficient transport of goods and tourists from the southern coast, through the Tonle Sap Lake, and onwards to Siem Reap.
If successful, this project is anticipated to significantly contribute to Cambodia’s economic development, aligning with the Royal Government’s vision, policies, and the “Pentagonal Strategy” of the seventh mandate.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has also outlined two core priorities that support such initiatives: Enhancing Public Services, which involves developing and continuously modernizing digital technology for faster, transparent, efficient, user-friendly, and reliable service delivery; and Improving Intermodal Connectivity, with a focus on logistics and transport infrastructure that ensures quality, safety, sustainability, resilience, and environmental friendliness.
H.E. Peng Ponea concluded by urging the newly appointed provincial department director and all officials in Siem Reap to actively engage with citizens, listening to, addressing, and effectively resolving their challenges and requests.