Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin congratulated Cambodia on the official opening of the Cambodia–China Mekong Kratie Friendship Bridge, saying it would improve connectivity and support regional economic growth.
In an official social-media post on the afternoon of March 25, Wang described it as the longest bridge China has built in Cambodia and a Belt and Road cooperation achievement. It connects National Roads 6 and 7, supporting the northeast and the central and western parts of the country.
The bridge links Ta Lus village, Bos Leav commune, Chet Borei district on the eastern bank with Thma Reab village, Prek Prasop commune and district, Kratie, on the west. It is 1,761 metres long and 13.5 metres wide, with two vehicle lanes, two bicycle lanes and two pedestrian lanes, 36 pier legs and a navigation opening 100 metres wide and 15 metres high.
The project uses more than US$114 million in Chinese concessional lending. Shanghai Construction Group, or SCG, built it, with Guangzhou Wanan, or WACC, providing technical supervision. Hun Sen presided over the January 2, 2023 groundbreaking as prime minister at that time; he was Senate president when this report was published.
The report says the bridge will support transport, agriculture, agro-industry and tourism in the northeast.
It can reduce travel time and ferry costs and improve safety for residents and students travelling to schools and hospitals, particularly at night or during emergencies.
The report also describes benefits for connectivity within ASEAN, the Greater Mekong Subregion and Mekong–Lancang cooperation, strengthening regional economic competitiveness. By: KPS99TV
