Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol urged the companies responsible for the Bassac River Navigation and Logistics System study to complete the project by next January.

Cambodia and China are connecting the Bassac River in Phnom Penh with the sea in Kep province to provide a viable alternative for waterway passengers and freight to enter the Kingdom without passing through Vietnam.

Chanthol met with representatives of the China Road and Bridge Corporation and specialists from CCCC Transportation Consultants Co Ltd, who are conducting the survey, on October 14 to review the progress of the project, according to the transport ministry.

The meeting examined various suggestions that the ministry put forward to accelerate the comprehensive study.

“Both sides actively discussed and exchanged ideas on the data and information regarding the waterway study and evaluated its impact on the environment and socio-economic development,” said the ministry.

“The minister requested both companies pay closer attention to the study, particularly with regard to its technical aspects. They should cooperate with the ministry’s officials to move forward on the study and complete it by January 2023,” it added.

Once construction of the waterway is completed, it is expected it will render logistics in Cambodia more effective and reduce the cost of transportation. It is also expected to establish an international connection with the Kingdom’s inland waters.