Cambodia to Begin Construction of 180km Funan Techo Canal in August

Cambodia is set to commence the construction of the 180-kilometer Funan Techo canal in August, connecting Phnom Penh to ports on the Gulf of Thailand. The project, estimated at $1.7 billion, aims to improve trade and transportation within the country.

Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the national significance of the project, stating, "We will do it now, we can't wait for anybody any longer." He confirmed that the canal would be built within Cambodian territory and serve the interests of the Cambodian people.

The canal, part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, will be primarily funded by Cambodian sources, with potential investment from a Chinese company. The waterway will be 100 meters wide and 5.4 meters deep, allowing vessels with a 3,000 deadweight tonnage to travel through it.

Hun Manet highlighted the urgency of the project, saying, "We will not delay this work. When the construction of this canal starts, most of us Cambodians will participate." He also mentioned ongoing negotiations with a Chinese investment company for technology and some investment.

The canal is expected to reduce Cambodia's reliance on Vietnamese ports for global trade, aiming to decrease the current 33% of cargo using Vietnamese ports to 10%. This represents a significant shift in Cambodia's trade logistics.

However, the project has raised concerns among neighboring Vietnam and environmentalists. Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed hopes that Cambodia will share information on the project and conduct a thorough assessment of its impact on water resources and the ecosystem.

Environmentalists fear that the canal could reduce water flow to the Mekong River, one of the world's most biodiverse rivers. Despite these concerns, Cambodian officials have dismissed the fears and declined requests for further studies on the project's impact.

The project also comes amid heightened military cooperation between Cambodia and China. Recently, the two countries concluded their largest annual military exercises, involving several Chinese warships and hundreds of Chinese military personnel.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to visit Cambodia on Tuesday, adding another layer of international interest and scrutiny to the project. The visit highlights the geopolitical significance of the Funan Techo canal.

As Cambodia prepares to break ground on this ambitious project, the nation looks forward to the potential economic benefits and improved connectivity the Funan Techo canal promises to deliver.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia to start building $1.7B Funan Techo canal in August, connecting Phnom Penh to Gulf of Thailand.
• Canal aims to reduce Cambodia's reliance on Vietnamese ports from 33% to 10%.
• Project part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, with potential Chinese investment.
• Environmental concerns raised over impact on Mekong River and ecosystem.
• Project has geopolitical implications, with US Defense Secretary to visit Cambodia amid heightened China-Cambodia military cooperation.