Cambodia Marks Historic Milestone with Groundbreaking of Funan Techo Canal Section 2

• Proeksa Meas
• 21 April 2026
• Construction Focus
• 1349 Views

Prime Minister Hun Manet launches the 151-kilometer phase of the landmark waterway project connecting Kandal province to the coastal waters of Kep

The Royal Government of Cambodia officially launched the second section of the Funan Techo Integrated Water Resource Management project on April 11, 2026, marking a pivotal step in the development of the nation’s most ambitious navigation network. Presided over by Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the groundbreaking ceremony signaled the start of construction for a 151.6-kilometer stretch of the canal that will traverse from Prek Po in Kandal province to the coast of Kep province.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that the realization of the Funan Techo project is a matter of national honor and a vital component in enhancing the kingdom’s logistical capacity. He noted that the project is designed to foster economic resilience and improve the livelihoods of citizens by creating a modern, efficient waterway that links internal river systems directly to the sea. The Prime Minister highlighted that the canal would serve as a catalyst for long-term growth, providing new opportunities for trade and agricultural development in the provinces it intersects.

The commencement of Section 2 reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to establishing a historic maritime connection. By utilizing natural and ancient channels, the project aims to restore and modernize a transport route that dates back to the Funan period, effectively bridging Cambodia’s past with its future economic aspirations. This 151.6-kilometer section is part of a broader 172.6-kilometer network that will connect the four provinces of Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep, reducing shipping costs and decreasing the country’s dependence on foreign transit routes.

As construction proceeds, the project is expected to transform the landscape along its route into a series of industrial, commercial, and agro-industrial zones. With 51 percent of the investment held by Cambodian shareholders and 49 percent by a Chinese joint venture, the Funan Techo Canal stands as a signature public-private partnership aimed at securing Cambodia’s economic sovereignty and positioning the nation as a competitive logistics hub in the ASEAN region. This historic endeavor is scheduled for completion in 2028, promising to deliver lasting benefits to the Cambodian people for generations to come. (read more)

• Projects Development
• Funan Techo
• MPWT
• MOWRAM