Cambodia’s Landmark Waterway Project Moves Forward
Cambodia is moving ahead with one of its most ambitious infrastructure developments as the Funan Techo Canal project continues to gain momentum. During a special lecture held yesterday at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Funan Techo Coastal Inland Waterway Co., Ltd shared the project’s long term vision, construction progress, and expected benefits. The event highlighted why the canal is considered a strategic investment that will reshape the country’s transport network, strengthen economic growth, and improve regional connectivity. Once completed in 2028, the 172.6 kilometre waterway will become Cambodia’s first inland canal linking the Mekong River system directly to the sea, creating new opportunities for trade, logistics, and national development.
Lecture Highlights Vision Behind the Canal
The presentation was part of the “Funan Dream International Lecture Series,” an initiative designed to introduce the public to the project’s development while encouraging greater understanding of its economic, social, and cultural significance. Organisers explained that the lecture series also aims to share engineering experience gained throughout construction, promote cultural exchanges between Cambodia and China, strengthen community engagement, support youth development, and improve public awareness of the landmark project.
More than 400 lecturers, students from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport attended the event. Experts used detailed presentations supported by slides and three dimensional simulation animations to illustrate the canal’s design, construction process, and long term impact on Cambodia’s transportation infrastructure.
A Major Infrastructure Investment for Cambodia
Speaking during the event, General Manager Liu Zhaowei described the Funan Techo Canal as one of Cambodia’s most significant infrastructure projects. He emphasised that CRBC remains committed to maintaining high standards of safety, environmental protection, and responsible construction throughout every phase of the project while minimising disruptions to nearby communities.
“CRBC will proactively strengthen communication with government authorities, educational institutions, and the public, fulfill its corporate social responsibilities, and work hand in hand with all stakeholders to build this key project that deepens China Cambodia friendship and enhances people’s well being,” Liu said.
His remarks reflected the company’s commitment to working closely with Cambodian institutions while ensuring the project delivers long lasting value for local communities and future generations.
Connecting Cambodia From River to Sea
The Funan Techo Canal will stretch 172.6 kilometres, beginning at the Preak Takeo tributary of the Mekong River in southern Kandal province before passing through Takeo and Kampot provinces and reaching the sea in Kep province.
Upon completion in 2028, the canal will establish Cambodia’s first inland waterway connecting the Mekong River system directly to the coastline. This new transport corridor is expected to improve domestic and international shipping, reduce logistics costs, strengthen supply chains, and provide businesses with a more efficient route for moving goods between inland provinces and global markets.
What Are the Benefits of the Funan Techo Canal Project?
The Funan Techo Canal is expected to deliver several strategic benefits that extend well beyond transportation infrastructure.
The project will provide Cambodia with direct access from the Mekong River system to the sea, reducing dependence on existing regional shipping routes while improving the country’s logistics capabilities. Faster and more efficient cargo movement is expected to lower transportation costs and increase the competitiveness of Cambodian exports.
The canal is also expected to stimulate economic development across Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep provinces by attracting new investment, supporting tourism, creating employment opportunities, and encouraging industrial growth along the waterway. In addition, the project is designed to strengthen national connectivity, expand inland water transport, and contribute to Cambodia’s long term economic resilience.
Conclusion
The Funan Techo Canal represents far more than a new transportation route. It is a strategic national investment designed to strengthen Cambodia’s economic future, improve trade connectivity, support regional development, and create new opportunities for businesses and local communities. As construction progresses toward its planned completion in 2028, the project is expected to become one of the country’s most transformative infrastructure achievements, positioning Cambodia for stronger economic growth and greater connectivity with regional and global markets.