Synopsis: Minister Ponea urges officials to uphold the ministry’s vision on delivering efficient and business-enabling infrastructure across the country.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Tuesday called for efforts to accelerate the development of strategic infrastructure, aimed at boosting national connectivity, improving logistics efficiency and reinforcing investor confidence in long-term economic growth.
Peng Ponea, Minister of MPWT, chaired a meeting attended by the ministry’s senior leaders, officials, heads of relevant institutions and technical experts, totalling about 100 key participants, in Phnom Penh on August 5.
In his open remarks, Ponea said that the meeting focused on key strategic agendas, including the announcement of newly appointed officials, progress updates on the Funan Techo Canal (FTC) project, and a comprehensive review of recent accomplishments that directly impact the infrastructure and economic development.
During the meeting, the MPWT Minister congratulated the newly appointed officials and encouraged them to uphold the ministry’s long-term vision on delivering efficient, resilient and business-enabling infrastructure across the country.
Ponea highlighted key achievements that advance the logistics, infrastructure, and investment landscape, reflecting the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, boost trade efficiency, and create favourable conditions for economic development.
First, he officially launched a specialised registration system for tricycles, motorcycles and quadricycles, along with the opening of the Olympia Public Service Centre, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency, improve vehicle oversight, and provide more streamlined public services for small and informal transport operators.
Second, he highlighted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Railway PLC for the temporary maintenance of railway infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted transport services essential for the movement of goods and economic continuity.
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Third, he mentioned that another MoU was signed on the record of discussions regarding the development of a master plan to transform Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) into a regional logistics and maritime hub.
This master plan aligns with the Royal Government’s long-term strategy to boost maritime trade capacity, strengthen regional connectivity and attract increased investment in logistics, port infrastructure and supply chain services to support sustained economic growth.
Fourth, surveying and symbolic boundary demarcation work was completed for FTC project. He highlighted this milestone during the canal’s first construction anniversary, emphasising its strategic importance and adherence to the project’s scheduled timeline, which is critical for unlocking trade potential and enhancing investor confidence.
On the waterway development progress, Dr Ben Li, Founder and Honorary Chairman of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), told Khmer Times that a year after the project launched, FTC stands as a powerful symbol of Cambodia’s commitment to its full economic potential.
“By reducing reliance on external trade routes, the canal places Cambodia economically in its actual central location in Southeast Asia, one that continues to inspire investors’ confidence in the Kingdom’s future,” he added.
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The Minister noted that key public works improvements were delivered, including the concreting of the access road connecting the Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge in Kratie, structural adjustments to the main railway segment near Phnom Penh International Airport through steel removal and concrete works, the temporary opening of Road 10, and the formal handover of National Road 48.
These infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly cut transport time and logistics costs, enhancing the efficiency of trade routes, supporting tourism flows, and creating more attractive conditions for domestic and foreign investment across Cambodia.
