Today, at Prek Takeo, southeast of the bustling capital Phnom Penh, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated the construction of the historic Funan Techo Canal project. Valued at an impressive $1.7 billion, this initiative marks a significant milestone in Cambodia’s infrastructure development.
In a powerful statement, Prime Minister Hun Manet declared, “We must build this canal at all costs,” underscoring the project’s critical importance. This bold venture is not merely a government project reliant on loans; instead, it embodies the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, emphasizing domestic investment.
Elaborating on the BOT model, Prime Minister Hun Manet explained that private companies are responsible for mobilizing the necessary investment funds, sparing the Cambodian government from seeking foreign loans. This approach fosters a sense of national ownership and economic independence.
The Funan Techo Canal project, approved by Cambodia’s Council of Ministers in May 2023, aims to connect Phnom Penh’s river port with the Gulf of Thailand in southwestern Cambodia. The canal will traverse the provinces of Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep, creating a vital waterway for trade and transportation.
Spanning 180 kilometers in length, the Funan Techo Canal will measure 100 meters wide at its upstream and 80 meters wide at its downstream, with a depth of 5.4 meters. According to documents submitted to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in August 2023, the canal is projected to be operational by 2028, ushering in a new era of connectivity and economic growth for Cambodia.
