The U.S. Agency for International Development has agreed to provide $ 24 million

to rebuild Route 4, the main highway linking Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, Cambodia's

main seaport.

Government officials in Phnom Penh are elated with the grant as they expect that

a rehabilitated Route 4 will boost investor confidence and support plans to develop

a duty-free zone in Sihanoukville combined with the growth of export-oriented industries

in the Phnom Penh area.

Road work may begin as early as January 1994.