PHNOM PENH: Cambodia yesterday inaugurated the first phase of the Kampot Multi-Purpose Port, a $140 million investment poised to become a key player in the country's trade and infrastructure landscape.

Prime Minister Hun Manet officiated the opening, highlighting the port's role as a new international trade gateway. PM emphasized that the port will not only complement existing facilities but also enhance Cambodia's overall competitiveness in the region.

The port boasts a capacity for ships up to 10,000 tons and features advanced container handling facilities, warehouses, and a ferry terminal, as outlined by H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). Strategically located, it connects to major roadways and railways, fostering a multimodal transportation network that seamlessly connects different parts of Cambodia.

The development of the Kampot Multi-Purpose Port directly aligns with the upcoming Techo Funan Canal project, scheduled to break ground in August 2024. This ambitious 180-kilometer canal will connect the Mekong River to the sea, further streamlining trade and travel within Cambodia.

Beyond boosting trade, the project is expected to transform Kampot province into a thriving hub for trade, tourism, and investment. Feasibility studies indicate minimal environmental impact and substantial economic benefits in areas like tourism, urban planning, and construction.

Prime Minister Hun Manet urged citizens to support the Techo Funan Canal project, highlighting its long-term advantages for the nation's development.

This inauguration marks a significant step forward for Cambodia's infrastructure development. The Kampot Multi-Purpose Port, coupled with the upcoming Techo Funan Canal project, promises to usher in a new era of connectivity and economic potential for the country.

According to the project's feasibility study worth the US$1.7 billion and Funan Techo Canal project is 180 kilometres long and 100 metres wide upstream and 80 metres downstream with two navigation lanes. The construction would take around four years to complete.

The canal will link Prek Takeo of Mekong River to the sea in Kep province crossing four provinces: Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep with a total of 1.6 million people living on either side of the waterway.