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Minister of Public Works and Transport, Sun Chanthol announced that Cambodia is working on several fronts to modernize its transport infrastructure and services, concentrating on opening new international gates to relieve and balance traffic congestion at its borders. The Kingdom aim to transform into a logistics hub for the Asean region.
Chanthol said the government is actively working to upgrade the road infrastructure system nationwide and gradually open new border gates. Road infrastructure and freight transport access will prove instrumental in promoting national economic growth once they have reached levels that are more convenient.
The mission to transform Cambodia’s image on the international stage and shore up national income has engendered a steady stream of new infrastructure projects despite Covid-19’s sweeping disruptions of the global economy.
He further added that even with current pandemic situation, the government has not suspended or cancelled any new infrastructure projects. Road infrastructure is ongoing, which is a main factor in promoting national economic growth and progression.
The ministry has already signed a technical cooperation deal with Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for Phase II of the “Project for Improvement of the Logistics System of Cambodia.” Chantol stressed that modern transport infrastructure and upgraded international border checkpoints would be a driving force behind the logistics sector, putting it on par with regional countries.
Provincial governor Men Vibol stressed that opening additional border gates would increase the Kingdom’s investment attractiveness. With the opening of the Prey Vor International Border Gate, he expect the province to be able to absorb growth as more investors pass via the area. It will lead to the creation of many new special economic zones in the future.
Cambodia Logistics Association president Sin Chanthy said that given its favorable geographical location, the Kingdom can ill afford to miss out on the opportunity to become a regional logistics hub.
He stressed that the government’s logistics push was in its early stages. The long-term plan is to make Cambodia a hotspot for logistics hubs for the ASEAN region and woo more investors into setting up factories and businesses here. It is predict the freight forwarding activity in 2025 will hit double.
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