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By APD writer Kin Ratha
Phnom Penh, 23 Mar. (APD)— Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday said that the current development of the China today doesn’t not only enhances the livelihood of the Chinese people, but also plays a major role in contributing to other countries, including Cambodia. In particular, China's assistance to Cambodia not only stimulates economic growth but also strengthens Cambodia's political independence.
The premiere made the comment at the inauguration ceremony of the rehabilitation of National Road 11, the length of 96 Kilo maters, saying that many achievements in Cambodia, especially the development of the road infrastructure, including National Highway 11, would not be possible if China did not provide assistance so Cambodia sees that China's prosperity has been playing an important role for the growth of other countries, including Cambodia. Particularly, Chinese aid is a sincere assistance in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said, "If China becomes a rich country and its diplomatic attitude in good neighborliness in respect to independence, sovereignty will help other countries, we will benefit from China's development. China has never sent out their armed force to any other countries—this is a history in China. So we should not worry about growing in China. Instead, in a comprehensive strategic partnership, we welcome and admire China's growth, which is an important part of helping China itself and helping the economic development of other countries."
"I would like to emphasize that China's assistance doesn’t only help Cambodia's socio-economic development," he added, "but also strengthen Cambodia's political independence,this is so important that Cambodia’s People Party and I have a political consensus on relations with the People's Republic of China."
Cambodia-China diplomatic relationship was established on 19 July 1958 and both countries reach a comprehensive strategic partner in 2010, China has become the largest foreign development partner and lender as well as a largest foreign direct investment in Cambodia.
According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, to date under the soft loan and grant from Chinese government, there are some 23 road infrastructure projects totaled 2,301 km using a budget of approximately 1.3 billion US dollars.
There are 6 projects are currently constructing with a length of about 600 km using about 490 million USD and the construction project in 2018 consists of two projects—National Road No.3 and the third project for road surrounding Phnom Penh city, with a length of 187 kilometers, it will cost about $ 483 million.
There are seven main bridges have been constructed with a total length of 6,824 meters cost a total budget of about 216 million and a bridge which is building across the Mekong River Stung Treng – Stuengn Trong and Kroachma. In total, with both grant and soft loan from Chinese government on building infrastructure on roads and bridge, included those have been constructing and to be built, are estimated at US 2.553 billion.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
