Revitalising Kampot: AZ Group to Invest Up to US$10m in International Tourist Port

• 8 May 2024
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AZ Builder, a subsidiary of the prominent Cambodian AZ Group, is set to invest between US$5 million and US$10 million in the rehabilitation of the Kampot International Tourist Port, a project that has faced delays since its inception in 2022. This strategic investment aims to rejuvenate the port, enhancing its accessibility for ships by deepening the waterway. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) announced plans to finalise an agreement with AZ Builder for this significant undertaking, as reported by Apsara TV on 6 May 2024.

In a detailed interview, HE Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), outlined the government’s vision for the port, emphasising the commitment to ensuring its safety and sustainability for all ship types.

He stated, “The Royal Government will smoothly select a port operator to enter into a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement, requiring the port operator to perform certain obligations, such as digging, pumping and restoring waterways.”

He further highlighted the comprehensive measures planned, including an extensive study of navigation techniques, the installation of navigation aids, and investments in port security infrastructure. These efforts are geared towards elevating the port to international tourist standards, both nationally and internationally.

The anticipated PPP agreement is expected to be signed in the second quarter of 2024, with the port set to commence operations tentatively in the third quarter and officially open by the end of 2024. This timeline marks a crucial phase in the port’s development, promising to address the previous challenges that hindered its progress.

HE Sun Chanthol, in previous discussions, had identified the port’s shallow depth as a critical issue, noting that initial studies had not adequately considered the geographical challenges. This insight underscores the importance of the forthcoming enhancements to ensure the port’s functionality and appeal as a major tourist gateway.

Located in the Teuk Chhou district of Kampot province, the international tourist port is strategically positioned near key tourist attractions like Bokor Mountain, Teuk Chhou Rapids, and Koh Tonsay. Its development is poised to bolster Cambodia’s connectivity with neighbouring tourist destinations, significantly boosting the local and national tourism industry.

The initial phase of the tourist port’s construction was completed on 30 June 2022, with a budget of approximately US$9.27 million, funded jointly by the Asian Development Bank and the Royal Government of Cambodia. This foundational investment laid the groundwork for the port’s potential transformation into a pivotal hub for international tourism, further enhanced by the upcoming initiatives led by AZ Builder and supported by the Cambodian government. (Read more)

• Road and Infrastructure