The Khmer Times reported today, August 7, that during a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru on August 5, President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen informed the Japanese delegation about the Funan-Techo Canal project. Mr. Hun Sen said that Mr. Kihara's visit coincided with the time when Cambodia held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of this canal.

Khmer Times Screenshot

In a statement on social media, Mr. Hun Sen said he "welcomes investment and cooperation from all Japanese investors and companies to build the Funan-Techo canal project, which is a non-exclusive joint venture."

For his part, Minister Kihara thanked Cambodia for welcoming Japanese private sector investment in the Funan-Techo Canal project. Japan will support Cambodia in water transport and logistics, as Japan has extensive experience in transporting goods by sea.

Mr. Kihara emphasized that Japan is not only considering joint investment in the Funan-Techo canal project but also supporting Cambodia in the fields of water transport and logistics.

The Funan-Techo Canal project, estimated to cost $1.7 billion, is being carried out to create a new 180-km waterway spanning the four Cambodian provinces of Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep.

Construction costs come from domestic and foreign investment capital, implemented in the form of build, operate and transfer (BOT), expected to be completed after 48 months of construction.

The Funan-Techo Canal is 100 m wide upstream and 80 m wide downstream, with a depth of 5.4 m. The canal has two lanes for safe passage of ships. The canal project will build three hydroelectric dams, 11 bridges, and a 208 km long coastal walkway.