PHNOM PENH: According to a press release yesterday from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation AKP, a loan of JPY 7,205 million (approximately US$52.6 million) will be provided for the National Road No.5 Improvement Project (Prek Kdam – Thlea Ma'am Section) (IV).

Japan is pledging more than JPY 7,571 million (approximately US$55.27 million) in loan and grant aid to support Cambodia's socio-economic development initiatives. Additionally, JPY 366 million (approximately US$2.67 million) will be granted for the Project on Human Resource Development Scholarship.

The agreement between Cambodia and Japan will be signed by the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn, and Ambassador of Japan H.E. UENO Atsushi on May 24.

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has emphasized that this development initiative will contribute to socio-economic growth and strengthen the partnership between Cambodia and Japan.

National Road No.5 is one of Cambodia's vital roadways and measures 407.45 km (253.18 mi), connecting the capital city of Phnom Penh with Thailand. As part of ASIAN Highway 1, it joins China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.