The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in efforts to bolster traffic safety and decrease accidents, is in talks with a Chinese company about using the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System for traffic management.

The initiative, discussed on July 10 with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), explores the incorporation of this advanced technology into Cambodia’s traffic control systems.

The ministry highlighted that CGWIC had proposed and requested the use of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System which could be pivotal in addressing traffic concerns, from curtailing road accidents to monitoring overloaded lorries and speed violations.

“With the implementation of advanced technology like the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, Cambodia could experience a significant boost in its socio-economic development. This aligns with both the government’s Rectangular Strategy and China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” the ministry stated.

Kim Pagna, the Cambodia country director of the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation, shared his views on the matter. While he hasn’t yet delved into this particular system, Pagna affirmed that Cambodia, like other nations, should explore the possibilities offered by modern technology to manage and alleviate traffic congestion, and more importantly, to diminish daily traffic accidents.

“I haven’t studied this technology in detail, but I support it in principle,” Pagna stated.

“I hope that we thoroughly study this technology before we implement it in our country, as not all technologies from other countries are applicable in Cambodia,” he added.