The Aug 5 groundbreaking ceremony for the Techo Funan Canal was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet. - Supplied
PHNOM PENH: The Techo Funan Canal will begin excavation when water levels recede at the end of November or early December this year, although the project is expected to be completed by 2028, as planned.
The schedule remains unchanged, according to Phorn Rim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Wednesday (Oct 22) morning.
He explained that detailed surveying and planning to address any possible social and environmental impacts on residents is currently underway. The compensation and impact resolution process is being led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with participation from transport ministry officials, local authorities and potentially affected communities.
The impact resolution working group is currently operating in the second section of the project, located in Kandal province. They are conducting measurements, collecting data and preparing detailed assessments of impacts on structures, homes and rice fields in Koh Thom district. The team has interviewed affected residents and is organising ongoing consultation forums.
“There is no change. The project will be completed by 2028. The Techo Funan Canal is a historic national project of Cambodia — a significant milestone that will transform Cambodia’s landscape in terms of navigation and waterway and maritime transport,” Rim said.
The canal will pass through four provinces — Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep. It has been designed to allow vessels of up to 3,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) to travel safely in both directions.
The project will establish an interconnected domestic waterway network, filling existing gaps in Cambodia’s current water and maritime transport system. It aims to improve efficiency, reduce travel distance and transport costs, ensure competitiveness and enhance the independence and safety of Cambodia’s waterway logistics — directly linking the Mekong River system to the sea.
Once completed, the project will accelerate the modernisation of transport infrastructure and boost efficient and convenient trade between Cambodia and its regional economic and commercial partners. It will also contribute to the Kingdom’s sustainable socio-economic development.
The project will also bring numerous additional benefits, including developing the management of water resources, irrigation systems, agriculture, tourism, trade, urban planning, construction and key investments.
It is expected to support the government’s Vision of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050, through increased agricultural productivity, industrial growth, tourism development, reduced transport and logistics costs, expanded waterway and maritime connectivity, the creation of new jobs, and multi-sectoral development and investment along the canal corridor.
The project originated from the strategic long-term vision of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now president of the Senate. The seventh-mandate government of Prime Minister Hun Manet is carrying the work forward, and has stated that the canal will serve as a lasting legacy for future generations.
During the World Maritime Equipment Conference 2025, held from October 14–16 in Fuzhou City, China, Ouch Borith, first vice-president of the Senate, stated that as a proud member of Asean, Cambodia remains firmly committed to promoting maritime cooperation and regional integration.
He noted that the visionary leadership of Hun Sen is reflected in the Techo Funan Canal Project, which demonstrates Cambodia’s deep commitment to long-term development concerning maritime affairs and regional connectivity.
“The Techo Funan Canal goes beyond being a mere infrastructure project — it embodies the spirit of this conference, carrying the aspirations of our people toward progress and sustainability,” he said. - The Phnom Penh/ANN
