(Kampong Cham): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed that the Cambodia-China partnership will continue to deliver major development projects, saying the two countries' longstanding cooperation will bring lasting benefits to both nations.
The premier spoke on Tuesday (Jul. 7) during an official inauguration of National Road No. 7 (Skun-Kampong Cham) in Kampong Cham Province. The USD 117 million project was financed by the Government of the People's Republic of China through a concessional loan.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said that the many development achievements seen across Cambodia are the result of sound policy decisions made by the previous Royal Government led by former Prime Minister and current Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen.
He underlined that Cambodia's development achievements stem from sound policies introduced by the previous Royal Government under former Prime Minister and current Senate President Hun Sen. He noted that construction of National Road No. 7 began under Samdech Techo Hun Sen's administration and former Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian, while its completion under the seventh-mandate government and a new Chinese ambassador reflects the continuity of bilateral cooperation.
"The inauguration of National Road No. 7 is a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning. Plans for additional infrastructure projects in 2026 and 2027 are already in place, with many new road sections to be financed primarily through concessional loans from China," said the premier.
The prime minister emphasised that oads remain the "lifeblood of the national economy," while the government's long-term transport strategy also prioritises railways, waterways, and air transport under the motto, "Where there are roads, there is hope."
He noted that China has been a key partner in Cambodia's infrastructure development, financing numerous roads and bridges nationwide. Major Chinese-backed projects include the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, National Road 71C linking Tboung Khmum and Kampong Cham, and several major bridges.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also thanked the Chinese government and people for their continued grants and concessional financing, saying the projects have improved livelihoods while supporting economic growth and social development.
He added that Cambodia and China share more than 2,000 years of friendship, and their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future will continue to deepen, creating new opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit.
=FRESH NEWS
