Cambodia inaugurates China-funded national road in Western provinces

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen speaks during the inauguration ceremony of National Road 58 in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, Feb. 26, 2020. Cambodia on Wednesday inaugurated the China-funded National Road 58, which is a crucial road for economic and tourism development in Western provinces. (Photo by Li Lay/Xinhua)

Cambodia on Wednesday inaugurated the China-funded National Road 58, which is a crucial road for economic and tourism development in Western provinces.

The 174-km road stretches along the Cambodia-Thailand border, connecting Poipet city in Banteay Meanchey province to Samraong city in Oddar Meanchey province.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian presided over the inauguration ceremony, which was held in Banteay Meanchey province.

Some 12,000 people, who are government officials, local authorities, residents and students, took part in the event.

The road was built by the Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd in a period of 43 months, and funded by the Chinese government with concessional loan.

"The road has not only helped connect Cambodia internally, but also linked our neighboring provinces with Thailand," Hun Sen said. "It plays a very important role in further promoting trade and tourism between Cambodia and Thailand."

The prime minister extended his profound gratitude to China for having provided a great amount of concessional loan and aid to Cambodia for transport infrastructure development, saying that to date, China has built more than 3,000 km of roads and eight river bridges in Cambodia.

"The inauguration of this road is a new testament to the excellent relationship and cooperation between Cambodia and China," he said.

Ambassador Wang was confident that the road would help boost local economy and reduce poverty in the Western part of Cambodia.

"I believe that the National Road 58 will play an important role in helping develop the economy in the Western region of Cambodia, and in bringing hope for the people in the region," he said.

Wang said China is committed to working hand-in-hand with Cambodia towards building a China-Cambodia community of shared future.