The construction of National Road 78, which connects Stung Treng and Ratanakkiri provinces, was officially launched on Thursday. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that construction of the 121-kilometre road is due to be completed within 40 months. The road will improve economic ties between Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, he said. The project has been financed with a US$73.3 million loan from China. In his speech, the premier praised China’s role in helping Cambodia finance the construction of several national roads and bridges.