PHNOM PENH: During the signing ceremony of the framework agreement for the construction of the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Poipet Expressway on June 7, 2023, Minister of Public Works and Transport H.E Sun Chanthol confirmed plans for a fourth expressway to be constructed in the northeast region of Cambodia, which includes Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakkiri, Stung Treng, and Preah Vihear provinces.

The construction of the fourth expressway took place after the announcement of the third Phnom Penh-Poipet-Siem Reap expressway project, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2024, and after the second's Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway project has just been approved by Samdech Techo Hun Sen opens the construction site on the morning of June 7, 2023.

The estimated cost for the third Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Poipet expressway is $4 billion, while the second Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway is expected to cost $1.35 billion, and the first expressway, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville, will launch at the end of 2022 with an investment of over $2 billion.

The northeast region of Cambodia is known for stunning natural scenery, including rivers, forests, waterfalls, and national parks, and is home to a variety of ethnic minority groups with unique cultures, traditions, and languages. With a relatively undeveloped tourism industry compared to other parts of the country, this region offers a chance to experience Cambodia's less traveled path.

The fourth expressway connecting to the northeast region of Cambodia could potentially lead to an increase in tourism in the area, as it would make it more accessible and convenient for visitors to travel there.

This, in turn, could have both positive and negative impacts on the region's economy and culture. Increased tourism could bring in more revenue and job opportunities for locals, but it could also lead to overdevelopment and the loss of natural beauty and cultural authenticity. Ultimately, it would depend on how the development is managed and if efforts are made to preserve the region's unique characteristics.