Chinese Capital of US$6.7 Billion Is Being Used in Cambodia – Tuesday, 15.9.2009

Posted on 16 September 2009
The Mirror, Vol. 13, No. 630
http://cambodiamirror.wordpress.com/

“Kandal: Expressing his appreciation for aid provided by the People’s Republic of China in recent years, Samdech Akkak Moha Senapadei Dekchor Hun Sen said on 14 September 2009 that the total capital from China being used in Cambodia is US$6.7 billion, which contributes importantly to develop Cambodia, and this capital does not include aid.

“Samdech said during a ceremony to connect the middle portion of the Cambodia-China friendship bridge at Prek Kdam, which is built with assistance from China, trusting Cambodia to receive this loan, saying that the Chinese leaders have the habit to talk less but do much, and they do not impose conditions. Samdech added, “Compared to China, the Cambodian population is only 1% of that of China, but the attitudes of Chinese leaders towards Cambodia is so good and full of friendship, understanding, and respect, and they recognize me as a friend (during previous visits to China.

“Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen added, ‘Top leaders of China called me ‘Your Excellency Hun Sen, long time friend of China’ – and these words are very valuable, not just for me, but also for Cambodia. The Chinese leaders’ words have much important content, also about the inheritance that we receive from our former King, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, who has always implemented the One-China-Policy also in the past, and I am the Prime Minister to inherit and to continue it.’

“Samdech Hun Sen said during the ceremony, which also the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ms. Zhang Jinfeng – 张金凤 – attended, that he has cooperated with Chinese prime ministers during three terms, and the words used by those Chinese leaders are understandable. They said that every project depends on Cambodia, as long as they ensure its economic efficiency. Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen said that he had responded that Chinese aid not only helps Cambodia to develop the economy, but also to strengthen the political independence of Cambodia, which is precious.

“According to Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen, all capital from China used and being used in Cambodia includes more than US$1.4 billion for infrastructure, more than US$4 billion for tourism, and nearly US$1 billion for industry, and more than US$30 million for agriculture.

“According to a report of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the connection ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen was for the last connection portion of the bridge, with has a length of 981 meter and is 13.4 meter wide, it extends over 10 spans, and it is connected with 419 meters of roads. The Prek Kdam bridge is constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group – 上海建工集团- and monitored by the Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision – 广州万安建设监理有限公司 – of the People’s Republic of China. It is constructed according to the norms of the Chinese highway standards, to last for up to 100 years. The construction of this bridge was begun on 11 June 2007; its cost is US$30,866,594, including the [Cambodian] government share. By the end of August, 85% has been completed, and it will be finished in early April 2010.

“The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Tram Iv Tek, said that Chinese assistance for road construction since 2004 includes the construction of National Road 7, which connects National Road 13 to Laos at Trapeang Kreal in Stung Treng, and the provision of automatic mobile scanners for checking goods loaded in containers at the Phnom Penh port, the restoration of National Road 76 from Snuol to Sen Monorum in Mondolkiri, for which 52% has been constructed, National Road 8 with is 69% finished, National Road 57 with 36%, and the Prek Ta Meak bridge with 77%. Besides, China has provided assistance for the construction of National Road 78 from Ou Pong Moan to Ban Lung in Ratanakiri, where the construction will start in November 2009.”

Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.8, #2059, 15.9.2009
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Tuesday, 15 September 2009