AKP Phnom Penh, May 27, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has said that inland water transport will become more active and efficient once the Funan Techo Canal project is completed.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a rubber processing factory in Thbong Khmum province on Wednesday, Samdech Thipadei expressed his expectation that Cambodia’s inland transport system will become more vibrant following the completion of the project.

He noted that the development of the canal will support the restoration and strengthening of waterways, making inland transport more active and efficient.

“Inland transport will face less congestion, be safer, and more cost-effective, which will bring greater benefits to the economy,” he said.

The Funan Techo Canal project officially broke ground on August 5, 2024, as a major initiative in Cambodia’s waterway transport sector. It aims to connect the Mekong River system to maritime routes over a total length of 172.6 kilometres and is divided into two sections.

Section I covers 21 kilometres, while Section II extends 151.6 kilometres. The canal will be developed largely along natural and historical waterways dating back to the Funan period.

Section I runs from Prek Takeo of the Mekong River to Prek Po of the Bassac River. Construction of Section II, which began in April 2026, is expected to take 36 months with a total investment of approximately US$1.17 billion. This section starts at Prek Po, passes through Prek Ta Hing in Koh Thom district, and extends to the coast in Kep province, crossing Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep provinces.

According to H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, the project reflects strong commitment and collective efforts of the Royal Government and the Cambodian people, serving as a symbol of national solidarity and long-term development ambition.

By Heng Panha