What did the Cambodian Prime Minister say about the news of 'no budget' for the Phu Nam-Techo canal?

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently responded to some international media reports that there is no funding for the construction of the Funan-Techo Canal.

Khmer Times reported today, November 25, that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on November 23 denied information from some international media that there was no funding for the construction of the Funan-Techo Canal. Mr. Hun Manet affirmed that there were no obstacles to the implementation of the project.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet speaks at an event in Phnom Penh on November 24.

Photo: Fresh News screenshot

Mr. Hun Manet emphasized that the Cambodian government has a clear master plan with several backup development partners ready to take over the project if one of the partners fails. He affirmed that the Cambodian government is implementing the Funan-Techo canal project with greater concern from the people, addressing impacts to ensure the process is smooth and responsible.

Mr. Hun Manet said that the Funan-Techo canal project requires proper implementation procedures and nothing is hindering the implementation of this megaproject. He stressed that the working group is implementing the project carefully, following clear guidelines to minimize the impact on people at the grassroots level.

Previously, the Khmer Times newspaper reported that on November 22, the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport also issued a press release denying information from the Bangkok Post and Reuters news agency that the Phu Nam-Techo canal project was facing financial problems for implementation.

Reuters reported on November 21 that during the groundbreaking ceremony on August 5, Prime Minister Hun Manet said China would contribute 49% of the funding for the Funan-Techo canal project, but months later, China's financial contribution remains uncertain.

Reuters quoted four people directly involved in the investment plans or informed about related plans as saying that Beijing has expressed doubts about the project and has not made a firm commitment on funding.

China pledges to Cambodia on Funan-Techo Canal project

Also according to Reuters, the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not directly answer questions about funding for the Funan-Techo canal project, but emphasized that the two countries are "close friends".

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.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-tuong-campuchia-noi-gi-ve-tin-khong-co-ngan-sach-cho-kenh-dao-phu-nam-techo-185241125144641959.htm