Gov’t Seeks Private Sector Partnership to Rehabilitate Upper Mekong Rivers for Enhanced Navigation

• 14 October 2024
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Cambodian PM Samdech Hun Manet has announced that the government is seeking partnerships with the private sector to rehabilitate rivers in the upper Mekong River region. These waterways are currently obstructed by sediment buildup, hindering navigation and shipping operations.

The initiative aims to restore the rivers’ functionality and improve transport routes along this crucial waterway, according to the PM speech during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Cambodia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation on 14 October 2024.

PM Hun Manet highlighted the challenges posed by sediment deposits in provinces such as Kampong Cham and Kratie, where extensive restoration is needed to clear the waterways.

“Now we are looking for the private sector to restore the rivers’ beds. Is any private sector interested? In Kampong Cham and Kratie, there is still a lot of sand laid on the riverbeds that we need to restore because soon, we boost the waterways to be connected,” he remarked, calling on private enterprises to contribute to the revitalization efforts.

The river rehabilitation initiative aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure plans, including constructing the Techo Funan Canal. This major project aims to link the Mekong River with Cambodia’s coastal regions, further enhancing the nation’s water transport network and bolstering economic development through improved navigation routes.