PHNOM PENH: The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) will not set up any fund raising for the Funan Techo Canal project so that no one will take the opportunity to take money from the people.

The announcement was made by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, at a get-together with more than 5,000 members of the informal economic unions and the academic staff associations on the occasion of the 138th Anniversary of International Labour Day (May 1), held here at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked all the Cambodian people, both inside and outside the country, for their messages of support for the Funan Techo Canal Project, which will greatly benefit the Cambodian economy.

Spiritual support is a huge support and the RGC does not need funds from its citizens, said the Premier, adding that even though there is no funding from foreign investors, the RGC had set aside a budget to build the Funan Techo Canal.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also reaffirmed his commitment to continue the mission of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister, to make the Funan Techo Canal project a reality and guaranteed responsibility if there is any negative impact from the canal.

Funan Techo Canal project is not for the benefit of the “Hun” family, but for the benefit of all Cambodians, stressed the Prime Minister, calling on the exiled opposition leader, Mr. Sam Rainsy, to uphold the national interest, and not to oppose just to oppose.

The Funan Techo Canal Project aims to connect waterways between rivers to the sea of Cambodia, passing through Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep provinces. The canal construction project is estimated to cost some US$1.7 billion.

China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has been given the right to build the canal, which is expected to break ground for construction at the end of 2024.

With a total length of 180 kilometres, the canal will connect Prek Takeo of the Mekong River to the Prek Ta Ek and Prek Ta Hing of the Bassac River. It will then proceed to Kep province through Kandal, Takeo and Kampot provinces.

Ministry of Public Works and Transport has recently said that the waterway project to cut down the pressure of heavy road transport. The project would give impetus to internal integration, apart from solidifying and expanding regional as well as international connectivity through transport.

It will help ensure that transport by water, sea and port will be easier, less cumbersome and more efficient.

Cambodian people from all walks of life have fully supported the Funan Techo Canal project, recognising its great benefits to the country's socio-economic development. AKP