Phnom penh: In a move set to significantly enhance national connectivity and stimulate economic growth, Cambodia’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, H.E. Peng Ponea, announced plans to develop a new waterway transport system linking Kep province to Siem Reap. The initiative aims to facilitate the movement of both goods and tourists between the coastal region and the country’s prominent cultural hub.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the announcement came during a taking-office ceremony to appoint Mr. Leum Rasmey as the new Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, succeeding the retiring Mr. Ky Virin. H.E. Peng Ponea emphasized that the Royal Government continues to prioritize robust transport infrastructure development, viewing it as a cornerstone for achieving Cambodia’s 2050 vision of becoming a high-income nation. The ministry is dedicated to delivering new advancements across all transport sectors, including roads, bridges, railways, waterways, ports, and logistics, with a key focus on improving infrastructure quality and expanding intermodal connectivity.

The Minister stated that the study and development of railway and waterway networks remain key projects under the new mandate. He elaborated that the proposed Kep-to-Siem Reap waterway would allow for the efficient transport of goods and tourists from the southern coast, through the Tonle Sap Lake, and onwards to Siem Reap. This project, if successful, is expected to significantly contribute to Cambodia’s economic development, aligning with the Royal Government’s vision, policies, and the ‘Pentagonal Strategy’ of the seventh mandate.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has also outlined two core priorities: enhancing public services by developing and modernizing digital technology to ensure efficient and reliable service delivery, and improving intermodal connectivity with a focus on logistics and transport infrastructure to ensure quality and sustainability. H.E. Peng Ponea concluded by urging the newly appointed provincial department director and all officials in Siem Reap to actively engage with citizens, addressing and resolving their challenges and requests.