Kampot, Cambodia – April 21, 2025– The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is partnering with the Royal Government of Cambodia to prepare 15 to 20 additional development projects, collectively valued at over $1 billion, scheduled for implementation from 2025 to 2028. This announcement was made by Jyotsana Varma, ADB Country Director for Cambodia, during the official inauguration of the $10 million Kampot International Tourist Port, which was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Varma indicated that the new projects aim to contribute significantly to Cambodia's development across various sectors. Currently, ADB is implementing 32 ongoing projects worth $2.2 billion in areas such as agriculture, water resources management, urban infrastructure development, education, energy, and public financial management.

“Cambodia, as a founding member of ADB, has fostered a strong partnership with the organization. We collaborate closely with ministries, agencies, and provincial governments to promote shared prosperity for the Cambodian people,” Varma noted. She highlighted that ADB's five-year Country Partnership Strategy from 2024 to 2028 reaffirms the bank’s commitment to placing people at the center of its development strategy while aligning with the Royal Government’s Five-Pronged Strategy, Phase I.

Over the past four years, ADB has provided an average of $350 million annually to support various initiatives in Cambodia.

Peng Purna, Minister of Public Works and Transport, elaborated on the Kampot International Tourist Port project. He noted that it is a sub-project of the Tourism Infrastructure Development Project for Inclusive Growth in the Greater Mekong Subregion, supported by the ADB. The initiative, prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and subsequently managed by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, commenced construction on August 8, 2018, and was completed on June 30, 2022.

The port is situated in Chum Kriel Village in Teuk Chhou District and spans 4.25 hectares. Infrastructure at the port includes a 2.40-kilometer concrete roadway, a clean water system, wastewater treatment facilities, guard posts, parking areas, public amenities, and the necessary technical equipment for port operations. With a planned navigation route depth of 3 meters and dimensions allowing ships carrying up to 300 passengers, the port is expected to enhance connectivity to various tourist destinations, including Kep Province and Preah Sihanouk Province.

Minister Peng Purna emphasized that the construction utilized approximately $10 million in ADB funding accompanied by government contributions for various requirements, noting its potential to bolster local economies. “This port will significantly enhance sea transport connections and contribute to socio-economic activities by creating job opportunities and supporting local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and tourism companies,” he stated.

As the ADB continues to work closely with the Cambodian government, both entities remain committed to fostering sustainable development to improve the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.