The incoming minister of public works and transport, Sun Chanthol, has vowed to make life easier and safer for drivers, while pledging to make bold infrastructure improvements to attract more investment.

“We will extend the port, renovate the railway to diminish the transportation cost, and that will help us to compete with the neighbouring countries to attract investment and tourists as well,” he said on Saturday after a conference in Phnom Penh.

Chanthol, who previously served as transport minister from 2004 to 2008, is one of several ministers set to change posts in a reshuffle announced on Friday.

He became commerce minister in 2013, following a post-election cabinet shake-up, and has since enacted several business-friendly projects, including moving business registration online.

He is expected to return to the Transport Ministry following a National Assembly vote on April 4.

Road Safety Institute director Ear Chariya said he was optimistic about the new ministerial appointment, given Chantol’s record at the Commerce Ministry. But he cautioned that the task would not be easy, urging “transparent bidding” on infrastructure projects.