Phnom Penh, Cambodia – April 18, 2025 – In a significant stride towards realizing a transformative infrastructure project, the Royal Government of Cambodia and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) officially signed five crucial agreements and contracts related to the “Funan Techo Multipurpose Water Resources Management Project” (Funan Techo Canal Project). The signing ceremony, held on the morning of Thursday, April 17, 2025, was presided over by His Excellency Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).
The landmark event saw the participation of key figures including Mr. Wang Tong Zhou, Chairman of CCCC, His Excellency the Minister of Public Works and Transportation, members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, and leaders from China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a subsidiary of CCCC tasked with the canal’s construction.
The five pivotal documents signed include:
- 1. Public-Private Partnership Contract: Signed between H.E. Sun Chanthol, representing the Royal Government, and H.E. Eng Sunly of Funan Techo Coastal-Inland Waterway Co., Ltd.
- 2. Shareholders’ Agreement
- 3. Investment Agreement
- 4. Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contract
- 5. Operation and Maintenance Contract
This ambitious project, a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Cambodia and China, is being implemented under the consensus reached by the leaders of both nations and aligns with the “Belt and Road” Initiative and the “Diamond Cooperation” framework. It is envisioned to foster a closer Cambodia-China community with a shared future and significantly boost various sectors vital to the Cambodian people’s livelihoods.
The Funan Techo Canal promises to revolutionize Cambodia’s navigation and transportation landscape by connecting the Mekong River system to the sea. Spanning across four provinces – Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep – the waterway will commence at Prek Takeo on the Mekong River, traverse Prek Ta Ek and Prek Ta Hing on the Bassac River, and finally reach the sea in Kep province. Designed to accommodate vessels up to 3,000 DWT, the project encompasses extensive infrastructure development, including river restoration, canal excavation, the construction of waterway sluice gates, riverbank protection dams, slopes, and other essential navigational aids. Upon completion, the canal is expected to establish a comprehensive domestic waterway network, address existing gaps in Cambodia’s water transport system, and enhance the safety of waterborne transportation.
The project’s impact extends beyond transportation, incorporating water resource management, irrigation, and agricultural development with a long-term perspective. It is anticipated to significantly increase agricultural productivity along its course and promote the integration of key sectors such as industry, agriculture, logistics, and the port sector, connecting Cambodia more effectively with regional and global markets.
The Funan Techo Canal is a visionary initiative conceived by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the current President of the Senate and former Prime Minister. The current Royal Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, is actively pursuing this historical project, which broke ground on August 5, 2024, with widespread national support. The canal is projected to be completed around 2028, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
CCCC Chairman Expresses Strong Confidence in Project Success
Adding to the momentum, on Friday, April 18, 2025, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet met with Mr. Wang Tongzhou, Chairman of CCCC, at the Peace Palace. During the meeting, Mr. Wang expressed CCCC’s profound satisfaction with the Cambodian government’s strong emphasis on infrastructure development and conveyed gratitude for the favorable investment climate.
Mr. Wang provided an overview of CCCC’s global operations, highlighting its leadership in transportation infrastructure and water management projects across 158 countries. He affirmed that CRBC, CCCC’s subsidiary, is fully committed to the successful construction of the Funan Techo Canal.
The CCCC Chairman also informed the Prime Minister about the significant progress, culminating in the signing of the key agreements, which coincided with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia. He expressed unwavering confidence that President Xi Jinping’s visit would further solidify the ties and cooperation between the two nations. Mr. Wang conveyed deep appreciation to both the Cambodian and Chinese governments for their unwavering support and underscored CCCC’s optimism and firm dedication to delivering the canal project with high quality, on schedule, and as a benchmark for future endeavors.
In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet lauded CCCC’s advancements and expressed his satisfaction with CRBC’s crucial role in developing Cambodia’s vital infrastructure, particularly the Funan Techo Canal. He reiterated the Royal Government’s strong commitment to the project and its historical significance for Cambodia, emphasizing its potential to unlock waterway connectivity, stimulate investment in key sectors, and drive national economic growth.
Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated all parties on the agreement of the essential documents and voiced his strong belief that the Funan Techo Canal Project will be completed successfully according to the planned timeline.
