4-8-2023 (PHNOM PENH) In a significant infrastructure milestone, Cambodia officially inaugurated its third ring road encircling parts of the capital, Phnom Penh, which was made possible through a concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. The inauguration ceremony held in Kandal province’s Kean Svay district was presided over by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, and witnessed the participation of approximately 8,000 attendees.
The newly constructed 53km road, featuring two river bridges and two flyovers, was completed by the Shanghai Construction Group within a span of 52 months. Offering two traffic lanes in each direction, the third ring road extends from the Win-Win Boulevard Roundabout in the southwestern part of Phnom Penh to National Road 1 in Kandal province to the east of the capital.
Prime Minister Hun Sen lauded the project as a testament to the fruitful cooperation between Cambodia and China, taking place under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the vision of a community with a shared future.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Hun Sen emphasized the road’s critical role in managing the increasing traffic flow and facilitating the transportation of goods within the capital. He also highlighted how the thoroughfare is seamlessly connected to various key roads and expressways. “The road will not only alleviate traffic congestion in the city, but also promote trade, investment, logistics, and tourism, greatly benefiting our people,” he remarked.
Ambassador Wang, while extending his congratulations on the completion of the ring road, praised Cambodia’s remarkable development achievements. He underscored the special significance of 2023, as it marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia. He expressed the commitment of both nations to further deepen their bilateral ties, seeking mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation to advance the vision of a shared future within the China-Cambodia community in this new era.
