The long-anticipated Kampot International Tourism Port is scheduled to launch its operations in the latter part of 2024, heralding a new era for regional connectivity. This development promises to link Cambodia directly with its neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam, through an efficient maritime route designed to accommodate cruise ships.
Funded by a generous loan exceeding $10 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the port’s construction aligns with the broader initiative to enhance tourism infrastructure within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This strategic investment seeks not only to stimulate economic growth but also to foster inclusive development across the region.
Minister Peng Ponea of Public Works and Transport shared insights into the scheduled operation commencement during a recent address. This announcement comes amid voices of concern regarding the project’s progression. Explicating the cause of the operational delay, Ponea underscored the intricate process of selecting a suitable operator for the port. This process, governed by a public-private partnership model agreed upon between the Cambodian government and the ADB, required meticulous attention to ensure alignment with the project’s long-term vision.
Ponea emphasized the multifaceted benefits expected to flow from the port’s functioning. Beyond introducing a novel international seaport to Cambodia’s infrastructure, the port is envisioned to be a catalyst for economic revitalization in the Kampot province. The anticipated benefits range from the creation of employment opportunities to the enhancement of local businesses, aligning seamlessly with the government’s ambitious tourism promotion strategies.
In preparation for its opening, significant efforts are being devoted to ensuring the port’s operational readiness. This includes extensive works to deepen and widen the access waterways, alongside the installation of modern navigation aids and robust safety mechanisms. Such enhancements are crucial for adhering to international technical standards, ensuring the port’s compatibility with global maritime operations.
The Kampot International Tourism Port holds strategic importance, positioned within one of Cambodia’s picturesque coastal provinces. Its establishment is poised to bolster the nation’s attractiveness as a global tourism destination. By facilitating seamless coastal travel and welcoming international cruise vessels, especially from Vietnam and Thailand, the port is expected to significantly boost tourist influx to the southern islands.
Provincial Department of Tourism Director in Kampot, Soy Sinol, emphasized the transformative impact the port is poised to have on the local tourism industry. This new infrastructure project not only strengthens Kampot’s connectivity with the international community but also enhances the province’s appeal as a vibrant and accessible destination.
Source: Khmer Times
