REFURBISHMENT at Phnom Penh’s landmark Central Market was officially finished yesterday. Vendors said they hoped the improvements would provide a boost to their businesses.

The refurbishment project was begun in 2009 and conducted as partnership between the Phnom Penh Municipality and Agence Francaise de Developpment. The project cost over US$6 million Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema said the market’s upgrade will allow the market to contribute towards the Kingdom’s future economic development.

“I hope that the new market will help develop Cambodia’s economic growth and further the city’s beautiful appearance,” he said yesterday at the opening.

Chief of Central Market, Sok Kim Heng also expects the facelift to provide merchants with businesses there some additional customers and an increase in profit.

“More customers and tourists will be attracted to the clean, new-look market and this will generate more income,” he said.

Central Market has received improvements such as drainage system and water supply points, covered areas for vendors outside the main building, an improved layout for stalls and an overall facelift

Vendors at some of the market’s 3,068 stalls told The Post they were pleased with the refurbishment, adding they hoped it would increase their incomes.  Silverware and sculpture vendor Hong Chun Ly was confident her income will grow as a result of the project.

“I am very happy, the new place is clean and secure and I want the [market management] to maintain the standards for vendors and customers, she said. “I would like to see further improvements to bring even more customers.”