The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) has confirmed that the 114-kilometer National Road 71C, connecting Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmum provinces, will be finalized by mid-2024. Construction on this AC/DBST-type road commenced on April 2, 2021.

Currently, the project is in its final stages, including the installation of traffic signs, planting of kilometer markers, and erosion control measures. The road is scheduled for full completion by October 2, 2024, with Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and Guangzhou Wang An Technical Advisor providing a 24-month maintenance period post-construction.

In addition to National Road 71C, two other national road projects are slated for completion in 2024. National Road 31 will link National Road 3 in Takeo province to the Ton Horn junction in Kampong Trach district, Kampot province.

Meanwhile, National Road 33 will connect Kampong Trach district to Kampot provincial town via Kep province. These roads will serve as vital transportation corridors between Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Takeo, and the coastal provinces of Kep and Kampot. Notably, they will also play a crucial role in facilitating freight transport to the Prek Chak International Gate in Kampong Trach district.

These road improvements align with the development of the Funan Techo canal project, which includes several satellite ports, particularly in Angkor Chey, Banteay Meanchey, and a logistics center in Kampong Trach district, Kampot province. The combined infrastructure will enhance the transportation of goods to and from the port.

While these projects are on track for 2024 completion, it’s important to note that new road construction is also planned. For instance, Road 50C, connecting Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Thom provinces, is scheduled to begin construction this year.

The completion of these national road projects in 2024 marks a significant step forward for Cambodia’s transportation sector. By improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of goods and people, these infrastructure developments are expected to drive economic growth and enhance the overall quality of life for Cambodians.

As the country continues to invest in its road network, it is essential to monitor the environmental and social impacts of these projects to ensure sustainable development.

The post Three Major Road Projects Near Completion to Strengthen Cambodia’s Infrastructure first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

As of March 2024, the project has achieved 32% overall physical progress. Bridge construction itself is already at 45.5%, exceeding expectations. This positive development comes after a recent inspection by Cambodia’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, HE Minister Peng Ponea, along with other officials.

While the project was initially planned for completion in September 2026, construction companies involved in the project, including Shanghai Construction Company (SCG), reported progress exceeding expectations, indicating an earlier completion date.

The bridge project is a collaborative effort between the Cambodian and Chinese governments, funded by a US$114 million concessional loan from China. The loan covers construction costs, with Cambodia contributing to demining efforts and other project-related taxes.

Minister Peng Ponea urged all stakeholders to prioritize construction safety and maintain high technical standards to ensure the bridge’s longevity.

The post Kratie Mekong River bridge construction ahead of schedule first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Secretary of State Lim Sidenin, Project Director, led the inspection team. They found that construction on the bridge itself is 45% complete, with a target finish date of September 2026. Meanwhile, construction of the connecting roads has reached 15% completion. Overall, the entire project boasts a 30% physical progress rate, exceeding expectations.

During the inspection, Secretary of State Sidenin emphasized the importance of safety and efficiency in construction. He urged construction companies to refine their methods, prioritize worker safety, and install proper night lighting at bridge pillars.

Additionally, he called for increased machinery deployment and strict adherence to the work schedule to capitalize on the current dry season, which offers ideal conditions for road foundation construction. Rigorous testing at every stage of construction was also stressed to ensure the project meets all established standards.

Funded by a US$114 million concessional loan from China, the project is a collaborative effort between the Cambodian government and the Chinese government. The loan covers construction costs, while Cambodia contributes to demining efforts and other project-related taxes.

Shanghai Construction Company (SCG) is responsible for building the bridge, with technical supervision provided by Guangzhou Wanan Technical Consulting Company. The project is expected to be completed in 2026, as originally planned, with a total construction period of 42 months.

This significant investment in Kratie’s infrastructure is expected to boost transportation, trade, and economic activity in the region upon completion.

The post US$114 million investment in Kratie bridge project shows strong progress first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

H.E. Wang Wentian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Cambodia, was also present at the groundbreaking ceremony.

According to H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, the 845,70-metre-long and 27-meter-wide bridge which connects Khan Meanchey to Khan Chbar Ampov in Phnom Penh and the connecting roads with a total length of 804.30 meters will be constructed by Shanghai Construction (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. for an expected duration of 42 months using a concessional loan from China.

Once constructed, the bridge will ease people’s travel, especially reduce traffic congestion on Preah Monivong Bridges, he underlined.

The Chak Angre Krom-Prek Pra Bridge will become the eighth bridge across rivers in the capital. The other seven already in operation include the Cambodia-Japan Chroy Changvar Friendship Bridge, the Cambodia-China Chroy Changvar Friendship Bridge, the Preah Monivong Bridge (1), the Preah Monivong Bridge (2), Prek Pnov Bridge, the Russey Keo cable-stayed Bridge, and Koh Pich-Koh Norea cable-stayed Bridge.

The post Chak Angre Krom-Prek Pra concrete bridge across tonle bassac broken ground for construction first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

During the 6th CIIE held from Nov. 5 to 10, the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia built a 136-square-meter national pavilion and showcased a variety of potential Cambodian products, such as rice, cashew nuts, pepper, honey, coffee, palm sugar, beverages, souvenirs, and videos to promote the investment environment, economy, trade, tourism and culture of Cambodia.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, during the six-day expo, the Cambodian pavilion received a total of 32,980 visitors who were interested in rice, cashew, and pepper trade, the tourism sector, and real estate investment projects in Cambodia.

Trade in goods between Cambodia and China topped 10 billion U.S. dollars in the first 10 months of 2023, up 4.6 percent year-on-year, according to figures released by Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).

China remained the biggest trading partner of Cambodia, followed by the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.

According to the GDCE figures, Cambodia’s total international trade volume was valued at 38.66 billion dollars during the first 10 months of this year, a drop of 3.1 percent from 39.9 billion dollars in the corresponding period last year.

The post Cambodian potential products gain attention at 6th China international import expo first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

He made the remark at the International Symposium to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of China’s Principle of Amity, Sincerity, Mutual Benefit, and Inclusiveness in Neighborhood Diplomacy held on Oct. 24 in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

“China’s Belt and Road initiative has enormously helped the Cambodian people, rapidly reducing poverty and promoting Cambodia’s socio-economic development towards becoming a high-economic country by 2050,” said H.E Sun Chanthol, who is also the First Vice-President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

H.E. also paid a visit to Guangzhou and Shenzhen to discuss with large Chinese companies with experience in investing in a wide range of real estate, finance, agriculture, and modern transportation systems.

Mr. Lor Vichet, Vice President of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), echoed H.E. Sun Chanthol’s views, saying that the BRI has opened up endless investment possibilities for Cambodia as many other countries are connected to the port of Guangzhou.

“Since the late 1970s, the Chinese economic reform introduced by Deng Xiaoping, Guangzhou along with Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have become strategic cities for the country’s sustainable development,” he noted

Guangzhou is an established global transport hub and also an emerging science, and technology innovation center, and Cambodia can tap on this potential to expand the partnership with the city to turn the Kingdom or Phnom Penh city into a global transport and trade hub, and an emerging science and technology innovation center, he added.

The post CCCA’s Vice President: BRI opened up endless investment possibilities for Cambodia first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Selling a variety of souvenirs such as Tro (traditional spike fiddle), drums, walking sticks, Angkor paintings, beaded bracelets and necklaces, and traditional scarves at Ta Prohm temple in the Angkor complex for many years, Sreykhuoch noticed that Chinese holidaymakers like shopping and buying souvenirs.

“They are big spenders for souvenirs,” she told Xinhua on Tuesday. “I want to see them coming back to Cambodia as they did before the pandemic.”

Sreykhuoch said currently, Chinese tourists have gradually returned to Angkor, but the number is still relatively low compared to the pre-pandemic level.

“We want more Chinese tourists to come and visit Cambodia because our country is very safe, unlike some media reports that have published negative news about our Cambodia,” she said.

The 26-year-old vendor recommends that tourists visit the Angkor Wat Temple, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm Temple if they spend their holidays in Siem Reap because these ancient temples are grand and unique.

Hong Peng, a Chinese-speaking tour guide at the Angkor Archeological Park, has a strong belief that the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), which started its commercial operation on Monday, will attract more Chinese airlines to fly directly to Siem Reap, bringing more Chinese tourists to Cambodia.

“The COVID-19 pandemic in the last three years had impacted the tourism sector, resulting in a sharp decline in tourist numbers,” he told Xinhua. “With the opening of the new airport, we hope the number of tourists will return to the pre-pandemic level.”

The 40-year-old tour guide said tourists should not miss a visit to the Angkor Wat temple, one of the kingdom’s most important heritage sites, if they come to Siem Reap province.

The 401-square-km Angkor Archeological Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1992, is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia.

“Angkor Wat is amazing. If you like culture and history, it’s definitely worth a visit,” Peng Wangxi, a Chinese businessman from Shanghai who visited Cambodia on a business trip, told Xinhua while paying a visit to the National Museum of Museum in Phnom Penh recently.

“It’s rich in cultural heritage with a unique charm,” Peng noted when speaking of Angkor Archeological Park.

Ministry of Tourism Secretary of State Top Sopheak said Cambodia received 364,844 Chinese visitors during the Jan.-Aug. period this year, a year-on-year increase of 611 percent, making China one of the largest sources of international tourists to the Southeast Asian country.

However, he said the number remained quite low compared to 2.36 million Chinese visitor arrivals to the kingdom in the pre-pandemic era in 2019.

“We want more Chinese tourists as they have importantly contributed to our economic and touristic development as well as poverty reduction,” he told Xinhua, expecting Cambodia would receive at least 600,000 Chinese tourists this year.

“I want to send a message to all Chinese citizens that please come and visit Cambodia, a safe tourist destination,” he said.

Sopheak said the “China Ready” strategy, which was first launched in 2016, had been reintroduced to relevant authorities and tourism-related businesses after pandemic restrictions were lifted.

The strategy listed steps to be taken by tourism authorities to facilitate visits by Chinese tourists, such as providing Chinese signs and documents for visa processing, encouraging local use of Chinese yuan and language, and ensuring that food and accommodation facilities are suited to Chinese tastes.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy. The country attracted up to 6.61 million foreign tourists in 2019, earning 4.92 billion U.S. dollars in gross revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Xinhua

The post Cambodia expects more Chinese visitor arrivals to drive tourism growth first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Recent reports in the Handbook on Investment in Cambodia published, that the Mekong River System is the focus of inland waterways and port development. The total length of the nationwide inland waterways is around 1,750 km.

However, ships can only operate in 780 km of the inland waterways. Sources of shipping line connections to and from Cambodia are mostly from regional hubs, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, or Shanghai.

International shipping is mainly carried out at the two international autonomous ports: the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port which is the country’s current largest deep-sea port; and the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port.

The construction of a $1.5 billion deep-sea port in Kampot began in 2022. The construction of the 180 km-long Funan Techo Canal was just approved and will boost waterways by linking the Mekong River to the sea.

The cost of the canal is estimated at $1.7 billion. Cambodia has a total of 103 ports including 26 seaports, 77 riverports, 5 major domestic ports, and two international ports.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced plans to implement an online-only electronic data exchange system in Cambodia’s ports in August 2022 to facilitate more efficient ship transport and transfer activity management.

The Port Electronic Data Information (EDI) system aims to modernize entry-exit controls in Cambodia with an online-only approach. Currently, all entry-exit procedures are manually processed, often causing significant delays. While shipping costs remain higher than in the region, there are massive plans to expand the Sihanoukville Port and create additional facilities.

Last month a large tourism port was inaugurated in Preah Sihanouk province to attract more visitors to its abundant natural attractions.

The official inauguration of the Sihanoukville Tourism port, capable of accommodating 20 cruise ships of various sizes simultaneously, was presided over by Minister of Tourism H.E. Thong Khon.

The post Cambodia sees a growing both inland and coastal waterways network first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

The bridge is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and will greatly benefit the local economy by facilitating the transportation of goods and people.

The bridge is being constructed by the Shanghai Construction Company (SCG) with technical supervision from the Guangzhou Technical Consulting Company. The total cost of the project is $114 million, which is being funded by a concessional loan from the People’s Government of China.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge was held on January 2, 2023, and was presided over by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen. In his speech at the ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen thanked the Chinese government for its support for the project and said that the bridge would be a major boost to the development of Kratie province.

Once completed, the bridge will shorten the travel time between Kratie and other provinces in Cambodia. It will also make it easier for tourists to reach the province, which is home to the famous Kratie dolphins. The bridge is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.

The construction of the bridge and road project is a major example of the close cooperation between Cambodia and China. The two countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, and this project is a testament to their commitment to working together to achieve common goals.

In addition to the bridge, the Chinese government is also considering funding for a road project from Kratie to the Lao border. This road project will further improve the connectivity of Kratie province and boost its economic development.

The post Mekong river bridge project in Kratie, a huge benefit to boost Cambodia’s economy first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

The construction was monitored by Guangzhou Wanan Technical Consulting, but it faced some delays due to compensation issues for the locals, unfavorable weather, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originally, the project was supposed to be completed within 42 months. The first phase of the semi-circle starts from National Road 4 to National Road 1, comprising a total length of about 52,983 km.

While the section passing through Kandal province covers nearly 38 km, the one traversing Phnom Penh spans around 15 km.

The inauguration of the third ring road’s construction project is set for June 30, as confirmed by Prime Minister Hun Sen during the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway and Expressway Bridge’s groundbreaking ceremony on June 7, 2023.

The post UPDATES: Phnom Penh third ring road project first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.