Cambodia Signs Nearly $1 Billion Loan Agreement with China Exim Bank for Funan Techo Canal Project

Cambodia has signed a loan agreement with China Exim Bank for the Funan Techo Canal project, valued at nearly $1 billion. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Sun Chanthol, marking a significant step for economic development in the nation. The historic event took place on September 9, 2026, as part of an international investment cooperation forum themed "Global Wisdom, Mutual Empowerment: International Investment & Cooperation Exchange." Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol expressed his profound gratitude to the leaders and governments of Cambodia and China, China Exim Bank, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), and all involved parties for their sincere and close cooperation that led to this significant achievement. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol highlighted that the Funan Techo Canal project is a "game changer" for Cambodia. It will not only create a river-to-sea waterway, reducing transportation costs and enhancing logistics competitiveness, but also establish a "new economic corridor" and a vibrant "economic artery." The project is expected to drive significant growth in industrial zones, logistics centers, agricultural processing, satellite city development, and tourism along the waterway in the coming decade. Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister invoked a Chinese proverb, "When the people are of one heart, they can move Mount Tai," to illustrate the power of cooperation and unity in achieving major goals efficiently. He extended an invitation to international business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Cambodia and grow together, assuring them that Cambodia is fully prepared to welcome, facilitate, and collaborate for sustainable success and mutual growth.