The agreement for the Kingdom’s third expressway – from the capital to Siem Reap and on to the Thai border at Poipet town – was signed on June 7. MPWT
The government is hastening the $4 billion Phnom Penh-Poipet expressway project. Last week, Prime Minister Hun Sen launched an inter-ministerial commission to initiate the project.
A directive released on July 13 constituted the commission responsible for implementing the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Poipet expressway. The projects are to be financed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract.
According to the directive, the commission consists of 20 members, led by transport minister Sun Chanthol. The deputy heads of the commission are Sok Chanda Sophea, secretary-general of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Vongsey Vissoth, standing secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Suong Heng, secretary of state at the transport ministry.
The directive assigns the commission with the responsibility to inspect, suggest legal documents and images related to the project investment and report the work results to the prime minister via the Council of Ministers.
The directive allows the commission to establish sub-commissions as required. Deputy heads and members are to attend meetings at the invitation of the commission’s head, who also can invite representatives from relevant ministries and institutions to inspect and suggest if needed.
Moreover, the commission is permitted to use the stamp of the transport ministry, and any regulations that contradict this directive will be annulled.
Hong Vannak, an economist at the Institute of International Relations of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, supports the commission’s efforts.
He believes that this construction project would greatly benefit the people and is of utmost importance for Cambodia, helping to reduce travel time from Phnom Penh to historical tourist sites.
“If this task is carried out successfully, it will significantly contribute to stimulating the economy, trade and tourism in Cambodia, especially catering to international tourists. Siem Reap is rich in temples,” he said.
Chanthol disclosed that the study for the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-Poipet expressway project was completed in late May, with an estimated cost of $4 billion.
He noted that the expressway project, spanning approximately 400km, includes 250km from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and 150km from Siem Reap to Poipet.
Provided there are no obstacles, the third construction project could begin in late 2024.
