At a March 17 meeting with delegates from China Metro Group, Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol shared several infrastructure projects that his ministry is studying. He invited the company and its partners to express their interest in investing in any of the projects.

The minister said they include the Techo International Airport -railway link, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport- railway link, the automated guideway transit (AGT) system, and potential subway or monorail systems in the capital. The projects aim to cope with the growth of vehicular traffic, and the subsequent congestion.

“Rapid growth in Cambodia’s physical transport infrastructure, especially the construction of roads, bridges and railways, has improved links across the Kingdom,” he said.

He explained that the ministry has completed the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway, is developing a Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway project and is conducting feasibility studies for a Phnom Penh-Siem Reap expressway and a high-speed rail upgrade of the Phnom Penh-Poipet line.

Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA) president Sin Chanthy said the recent growth of the logistics sector has reduced travel times and made the transportation of goods far more efficient.

He hailed the new infrastructure achievements, noting its rapid improvement, especially since the abatement of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway is now in service, and the construction of National Road 2 is almost 100 per cent complete. The ministry has also widened national roads 3, 5 and 6, making for speedier transportation of goods,” he said.

“Strong infrastructure attracts more foreign investment, and increases the volume of international trade. The private sector is 100 per cent behind the government’s mobilisation of overseas investors to improve the Kingdom’s infrastructure,” he added.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) vice-president Lim Heng said on March 19 that the government is clearly paying close attention to addressing traffic jams in urban areas, especially Phnom Penh.

“I am very interested in the AGT, the subway system or the development of a monorail. These projects might solve the congestion issues we are currently facing. I believe that in the not too distant future, like most developed countries, Cambodia will have at least one of these mass-transit systems in operation,” he added.