The Kampot International Tourism Port, built using a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will commence operations in the third quarter of 2024, serving as a gateway for cruise ships connecting Thailand and Vietnam with Cambodia.
The construction of the port was financed by an ADB loan of more than $10 million, given as part of the tourism infrastructure development project for inclusive growth in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
The update regarding the launch was given by Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, on Saturday following criticism over the delay in opening the port for operations.
The port could not be opened earlier due to the delay in selecting the company for operating the port under the public-private partnership framework based on the agreement between the government and the ADB, Ponea said.
The port will contribute to the province’s economy once operational, he said.
“Once in operation, the port will give many benefits such as creating new international seaport for the country to connect with other countries in the region, providing job opportunities and more income for local people and enterprises,” he said.
It is also in line with the Cambodian government’s policies to promote tourism, the minister added.
To ensure the sustainability of the port, more works related to digging deeper and wider waterways, installation of navigation aids and safety infrastructure will be completed ahead of the opening, the minister said.
These measures will ensure that the tourism port meets international technical standards, Ponea said.
Located in one of the country’s coastal provinces, the port will become an important international waterway for transporting tourists to the southern islands and connecting Kampot to the world, boosting the local tourism sector.
The port will play a vital role in attracting tourists to the province, said Soy Sinol, Director of the Provincial Department of Tourism in Kampot province.
“The port will facilitate travel along the Cambodian coast and allow cruise ships from neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand to dock in the port,” Sinol told Khmer Times.
