Tourists enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River near Phnom Penh. FB
Officials and tourism industry insiders alike have described the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers as Cambodia’s “uncut gems” and shared their support for initiatives to build ports along these rivers to serve the tourism sector and transportation.
An April 8 inter-ministerial meeting was held to discuss the construction of the ports, with the attendees noting that they would boost economic activities and promote tourism, while contributing to improving the living standards of people along both rivers and supporting national economic development.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, with participation from Thor Cheta, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, and Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, as well as other senior officials and private sector representatives.
According to the water resources ministry, the inter-ministerial body will develop a long-term strategy to attract investment and increase revenue from the river through the construction of several ports.
Detailed information regarding the precise number or locations of the ports has not yet been finalised.
Nevertheless, tourism experts have supported the initiative.
Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, who participated in the meeting, shared his thoughts with The Post.
“This project is excellent, and I am truly satisfied. It is a plan that offers hope to people living along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. This project has great potential and significant meaning,” he said.
“Construction minister Samal stated that it will transform Cambodia into a true golden land. We already know that the Tonle Sap and Mekong River are immense treasures, which we consider uncut diamonds with so much to offer,” he added.
He believed that the project would create opportunities for eco-tourism and agro-tourism, as well as cultural tourism, which will be rooted in authentic Khmer traditions, arts and craftsmanship, as well history.
The minister also saw benefits beyond the potential for increased tourism.
“Currently, Cambodia has neglected the infrastructure potential of its rivers and relies solely on land transportation. Developing this project will boost the tourism sector and enhance water transportation for various industries, especially agricultural products, while also helping to reduce traffic accidents on roads,” he explained.
“Thus, it goes beyond tourism. It will increase domestic production, enhance transportation and reduce transport costs, which will foster competitive agricultural production,” he added.
