The forum, which took place on February 11 and was co-chaired by Sderng Sokhom, Minister of Economy and Finance of Cambodia and Vice Chairman of the Project Impact Management Committee, and Kandal Provincial Governor Kuoch Chamroeun, brought together key stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of mitigation strategies related to the development of the Funan-Techo Canal, according to Khmer Times today, February 12.

A preliminary report shows that the project will impact nearly 10,000 houses, three factories, 30 bridges, 36 national highways, 600 dams and canals, and more than 7,000 hectares of agricultural land, according to Khmer Times .

During the forum, officials discussed in more detail the benefits associated with the Funan-Techo Canal project. In the future, officials and technical teams will coordinate with local authorities and affected residents to explain the details and jointly assess potential impacts.

The resolution process is expected to begin in the second week of this month, ensuring a systematic approach to address concerns while moving forward with the development of the Funan-Techo Canal.

The Funan-Techo Canal Project, estimated to cost $1.7 billion, is being undertaken to create a new 180km waterway spanning the four Cambodian provinces of Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep. The construction is funded by domestic and foreign investment, and is being implemented under a build, operate and transfer (BOT) model, and is expected to be completed after 48 months of construction.