Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo gives a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a China-funded national road in southwestern Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, on March 14, 2017. Cambodia on Tuesday broke ground for the construction of a China-funded national road in southwestern Kampong Speu province. (Xinhua/Xue Lei)
KAMPONG SPEU, Cambodia, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday broke ground for the construction of a China-funded national road in southwestern Kampong Speu province.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by some 5,000 people.
According to a report by Cambodian Transport Minister Sun Chanthol, the construction of the National Road 51 in the length of 37.9 km was made under the concessional loan of 40.88 million U.S. dollars from the Chinese government.
The 12-meter-wide road connects the National Road 5 to the National Road 4, he said, adding that the China Road and Bridge Corporation undertakes the project which is expected to be completed in March 2020.
Sar Kheng expressed his profound thanks to the government and people of China for having provided grant aid, non-interest loan, and concessional loan to Cambodia for socio-economic development.
"Chinese assistance has greatly contributed to rehabilitating and developing transport infrastructure which is an essential element to boost economic growth and to reduce poverty in Cambodia," he said.
He added that since 2004, China has provided more than 2 billion U.S. dollars in grant aid and concessional loans to Cambodia for the rehabilitation and development of roads, bridges, and ports.
Ambassador Xiong was confident that the road would help facilitate travel and goods transport when it is constructed.
"China is very pleased to increase cooperation with Cambodia, especially under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative," he said.