The first phase of the Kampot Multipurpose Port was officially inaugurated on Thursday signalling a new chapter in the nation’s logistics and maritime transportation sector and opening a new gateway for Cambodia to global trade.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the port’s role as a new international gateway for Cambodia. He said that the development of ports is a priority for the Royal Government.
The multipurpose port in Kampot province signifies a new chapter for the nation’s logistics and maritime transportation sector, the Prime Minister said.
“Kampot Multi-Purpose Port will complement Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and Phnom Penh Autonomous Port. Maritime shipping from this port to countries in the Asia-Pacific region is also possible without the need to change ships, except for shipping to the United States and Europe,” Prime Minister said.
Mr Hun Manet went on to add, “The port will contribute to becoming another important gateway for Cambodia’s maritime transport and improve trade activities, as well as promote economic growth in Kampot province and help improve the socio-economic development of Cambodia.”
The Prime Minister also asked relevant ministries, institutions and the private sector to integrate service and connection among the ports in coastal provinces in order to enhance better port service and provide options for goods transportation.
The port, under the $1.5 billion investment project of local conglomerate-owned Kampot Logistics and Port Company Limited, located in Bokor City, Kampot province, boasts a deep-water harbor capable of accommodating large vessels, Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport during the inauguration ceremony held the port site.
The main physical infrastructure built in the first phase consists of a 450-meter-long and 60-meter-wide berth, a total area of 55,000 square meters, and a storage area of 8,800 square meters, a 1,330 square meter-the inspection building and an administrative building.
Currently, there are ten ports, including tourism ports in coastal provinces like Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Koh Kong and Kep.
Kampot Logistics and Port Company Limited has garnered praise for its commitment to progress.
The port’s infrastructure is also planned to be expanded, with the second and third phases planned to be built with a water depth of up to 13 meters, which will allow 20,000-tonne vessels to enter and exit, the Transport Minister said.
This ambitious goal reflects Cambodia’s long-term commitment to establishing itself as a major player in the global maritime trade landscape, he said.
Industry leaders anticipate a rise in foreign direct investment, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, due to the enhanced accessibility provided by the port and offer place for investment nearby the port.
The new port investment will give an impetus to the activity of imports and exports, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Lim Heng told Khmer Times. “More ports as well as road and railway will facilitate and enhance the logistics sector, boost the export and import of goods,” Heng added.
