China, Cambodia Photo: VCG

 
Cambodia broke ground on Wednesday for the second Chinese-invested expressway, which will connect the capital Phnom Penh with Bavet City in Svay Rieng province on the border with Vietnam.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian presided over the ceremony, according to a notice issued on the website of the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia on Wednesday.

The expressway project, with an investment of $1.38 billion by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, will span 135.1 km and be developed under the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model for a period of 50 years. The construction is expected to last four years.

The Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway is another achievement of cooperation between Cambodia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The first Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia was opened to the public in October 2022.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, speaking at the event, highlighted the tangible benefits brought by the BRI to Cambodia, including aid and concessional loans for infrastructure development without any conditions attached.

The year 2023 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia, as well as the 10th anniversary of the BRI.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian emphasized the accelerated and efficient practical cooperation between China and Cambodia, comparing it to a highway. He mentioned that the expressway will play a crucial role in promoting Cambodia's national economy, regional connectivity, and the integration of ASEAN member countries.

The China-proposed BRI is committed to promoting the connectivity and common development of all countries, and China will continue to advance BRI cooperation with Cambodia, delivering more benefits to the two peoples, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular briefing in May.

Over the past decade, based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, China has deepened mutually beneficial cooperation with countries such as Cambodia under the BRI. It has become a well-received global initiative, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economic development of participating countries.

She mentioned that to date, more than three-quarters of the countries around the world have participated in the BRI, resulting in the creation of 420,000 jobs in those countries. The BRI has been instrumental in supporting economic development in numerous nations, and its positive impact continues to extend to more countries.