THE Phnom Penh Autonomous Port began construction on its new US$80,000 passenger terminal yesterday with plans to wrap up work by the end of the year.

“A new terminal providing good services will make a positive impression on national and international tourists,” director general Hei Bavy said yesterday.

Some 50 to 100 tourists use the current facilities every day, embarking on journeys to places such as Siem Reap, Kratie and Chau Doc in Vietnam, he said.

The $80,000 terminal will be two storeys and 525 square metres, with a capacity for 100 passengers when it’s complete by the end of the year, he said. Foreigners will be charged $1 per visit.

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents President Ang Kim Eang welcomed the port’s new terminal yesterday.

“I think it’s a good idea – it will respond to the needs of tourists and eliminate unorganised crowds,” he said.

The port generated $28,085 from 22,859 tourists during the first six months, compared with 18,159 tourists generating $27,733 during the same period in 2009.