KANDAL: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) inaugurated the rehabilitation of National Road 23 in Kandal province on the morning of June 20 under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Aun Pornmoniroth. The project is funded as part of the second phase of a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which aims to upgrade Cambodia’s road network.

Minister of Public Works and Transport, Sun Chanthol, stated that the project to upgrade and repair the nearly 20 kilometer stretch of National Road 23 is estimated to cost about $21.68 million USD and take around two years to complete. He said that the road plays an important role in supporting surrounding road networks which connect Phnom Penh to Vietnam.

The Senior Minister stated that Cambodia’s current state of peace provides an opportunity for the country to develop in all areas that provide services to the people, including health services, education services and social services in accordance with the principles of equity.

ADB Country Director for Cambodia ADB, Jyotsana Varma, noted that the ADB has approved an $82 million USD loan to Cambodia for the construction and upgrading Provincial Road 312 in Prey Veng Province and National Road 23 in Kandal Province. She stated that the ADB is committed to continuing to assist Cambodia.

DPM Aun Pornmoniroth said that the project to repair National Road 23 will facilitate travel, reduce transportation costs and boost trade between Cambodia and Vietnam. He said, "The proud achievements made in the cool shade of peace over the past 25 years are the result of the hard work and dedication from the head of the Royal Government and its leaders.”

He emphasized that the development and progress in Cambodia can only be achieved through concessional financing and grants from friendly countries and development partners, including the ADB, who plays a key role in Cambodia’s development.