Today marks the groundbreaking ceremony of the Funan Techo Canal, a historic project set to transform Cambodia’s economic landscape. The 180-kilometer canal will link Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand, reducing reliance on Vietnam’s ports and boosting trade. Funded by $1.7 billion, with 51% from Cambodian companies and the rest from a Chinese BOT firm, the project aims to make Cambodia a major logistics hub.
Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the canal’s importance, projecting it will generate $88 million in its first year and $570 million annually by 2050. The canal will also create 50,000 jobs, spur tourism in coastal regions, and diversify economic activities, reducing dependence on agriculture and manufacturing.
Improved water management will increase agricultural productivity and resilience, while regional connectivity will enhance trade with neighboring countries. Despite criticisms, the Cambodian government is committed to transparency and collaboration, upholding international agreements and maintaining an independent foreign policy.
The groundbreaking ceremony is now a public holiday, celebrating this significant national milestone. The Funan Techo Canal promises a prosperous and resilient economic future for Cambodia.
