KAMPOT: Coastal Kampot province today celebrated the official inauguration of its new International Tourism Port, a significant infrastructure development presided over by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. The ceremony was also attended by Ms. Jyotsana Varma, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Cambodia, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.
Prime Minister Hun Manet lauded the achievement, congratulating Kampot province and expressing his gratitude to the ADB for their crucial financial support in constructing the port and other vital infrastructure across Cambodia. He emphasized the enduring partnership between the ADB and the Royal Government of Cambodia as a key driver of socio-economic progress and improved living standards for Cambodians.
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Varma affirmed the ADB’s pride in its strong partnership with Cambodia and reiterated the bank’s commitment to continued collaboration with government agencies. She emphasized their dedication to supporting the prosperity of the Cambodian people through various projects and programmes.
Strategically located in Chum Kreal village, Teuk Chhou district, the 4.25-hectare port is poised to become a vital international waterway. It is expected to significantly enhance the transportation of tourists to Cambodia’s picturesque southern islands and forge crucial links between the nation’s tourism industry and those of neighboring countries, the broader region, and the world. This increased connectivity is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the local economy.
The port’s construction, which began in 2018 and concluded in 2022, was made possible through a US$10 million financial contribution from the ADB under the “Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth” (GMS TIIG) initiative. The facility is operated by local firm AZ Builders Co., Ltd. and boasts the capacity to accommodate cruise ships carrying up to 300 passengers.
The inauguration of the Kampot International Tourism Port expands Cambodia’s maritime infrastructure to a total of 119 ports, including 88 river ports and 31 coastal ports. It joins the ranks of the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port and the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port as the country’s third international port, further solidifying Cambodia’s position as a growing tourism destination.