Cambodian Senate President Discusses Regional Relations and the Importance of the Funan Techo Canal
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Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has highlighted the strong bonds between Cambodia, Viet Nam, and China, reinforcing the idea that there is no basis for discord among these nations. In a series of messages, he emphasized Cambodia’s sovereign efforts in developing its infrastructure, recalling the historical support of Viet Nam, and addressed environmental concerns associated with the Funan Techo Canal project.
In a significant development for Cambodia’s transportation and trade sectors, the newly named “Funan Techo Canal” project promises a multitude of benefits. At the 6th Plenary Session of the National Assembly on May 19, 2023, the project found its title, with an inter-ministerial commission announced on June 7, 2023, tasked with implementing it. The 180 km canal, intended to connect the Mekong River through several provinces to the sea, features a width of 100 meters upstream and 80 meters downstream, facilitating safe two-way navigation.
The pragmatic undertaking includes the construction of three waterway dams, 11 bridges, a 208-kilometer sidewalk, and additional cross-river infrastructure. The estimated USD 1.7 billion project is expected to span over four years, improving commercial activity, logistics, agriculture, and urban development, while potentially creating more jobs across several key ports.
Importantly, Samdech Techo Hun Sen underscored the enduring gratitude of Vietnamese leaders for the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk’s help during Viet Nam’s unification period. Recalling the two countries’ shared history, he notes the mutual support dating back to the removal of colonial forces and the challenges faced during the liberation movements.
Stressing the notion that Viet Nam desires Cambodia to have self-sufficiency in water transport, the Senate President acknowledged that while once Cambodia heavily imported from Viet Nam, there is now a more balanced trade relationship. This shift underlines the broader goal of strengthening Cambodia’s independence economically and politically.
He also extended gratitude to Vietnamese environmentalists for highlighting the minimal impact of the Funan Techo Canal on regional water flow. Debunking misconceptions about its portion of the Mekong River’s outflow, he argued for the canal’s negligible environmental impact versus broader benefits.
Lastly, Samdech Techo Hun Sen reaffirmed that the Funan Techo Canal project is a national initiative, dispelling claims of external influence, namely from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He articulated that by having its canal, Cambodia gains logistic and political autonomy, which would reduce external leverage over the nation’s economy and policies.
The development of the Funan Techo Canal project marks an era of economic growth, bolstered sovereignty, and regional cooperation for Cambodia. It heralds enhanced water transport capabilities, leading to strategic benefits across interconnected domains, ultimately contributing to Cambodia’s sustained independence and prosperity.
Source: Fresh News
