Soun Sophalmony
The Mekong Times
Cambodia is seeking US$500 million in loans or aid to construct a 255 km rail link to Vietnam, though China has already pledged 20 million Yuan (around US$2.8 million) to the project.Sun Chanthol, minister of Public Works and Transport, said in an interview with The Mekong Times that his ministry has asked China, India and other Asian countries to contribute towards the plan.“The ministry is cooperating with China to push for an in-depth study on the project, while Wen Jiabao, Chinese Prime Minister, has pledged 20 million Yuan to Cambodia for the construction of this railroad,” he said at the ministry’s annual conference. “The ministry has finished its negotiation on the point for linking the railroad and will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the point with Vietnam,” he said, adding that Vietnam’s vice minister of transport will come to Cambodia soon to sign the agreement.Prime Minister Hun Sen said yesterday at the conference that the nation needs 10-15 years to develop road infrastructure in tandem with the rail link, which is expected to be finished by 2020.Cambodia earlier this year started a major rail restoration project which will rebuild the existing Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and from Phnom Penh to Poipet lines. The project was initialized by the Asian Development Bank but has been supplemented by a donation of used rail track from Malaysia. Trinh Ba Kim, Vietnamese Embassy spokesman, could not be reached for the comment.
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