PHNOM PENH: Yesterday, the Chinese Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), an infrastructure construction firm, signed a framework agreement with the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), represented by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT).

A joint agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia and a Chinese project study company to pave the way for the completion of Cambodia's third expressway project. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

The agreement specifies that CRBC will complete a detailed study on the $4 billion Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Poipet Expressway Project within 12 months. The signing ceremony was attended by senior government officials from relevant ministries and institutions.

The agreement involves two phases, the first one consisting of about 259 kilometers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, and the second one about 150 kilometers from Siem Reap province to Poipet city of Banteay Meanchey province, amounting to approximately 400 kilometers.

Notably, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced the signing ceremony on the morning of the same day as the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 135-kilometer Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway Project worth $1.35 billion.