Cambodia is looking to redevelop a more than 20km stretch of National Road 3 with a concessional loan from China, said Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun at a meeting with Chinese Counselor Wang Zhiquan in Sihanoukville October 12.
Cambodia is requesting some $70 million to repair the section from Trapeang Ropov in Kampot province’s Teuk Chhou district to the Veal Renh junction in Preah Sihanouk province’s Prey Nop district.
Chamroeun said that with cooperation between the governments and peoples of the two countries strengthening, starting with President Xi Jinping's “Belt and Road” Initiative and the Cambodian government’s Rectangular Strategy, the province had accomplished many achievements.
“I ask that the Chinese Embassy assist accelerating financing for the National Road 3 restoration project from Veal Renh to Trapeang Ropov, which is badly damaged.
"I also encourage Chinese investors and tourists to visit Preah Sihanouk province in the future and continue our good cooperation,” Chamroeun said.
Zhiquan responded to the request by saying he would endeavour to deepen the ties between the two countries.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has said that the more than 20km stretch of National Road 3 from Kampot province’s Trapeang Ropov to the Veal Renh junction in Preah Sihanouk province is badly damaged, with it taking more than two hours for cars to traverse.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth surveyed the section on October 7.
During the inspection, Pornmoniroth told the technical team present and the assembled media that the Chinese government had been approached to provide loans for rebuilding the road.
“We have requested the Chinese government to use 2023 infrastructure funding on this project as it is an essential stretch of road. We are awaiting a response,” he said.
