The Infrastructure Revolution in Cambodia

The government of Cambodia is making substantial investments in infrastructure to foster robust economic growth and enhance the well-being of its citizens.

This infrastructure boom in Cambodia is yielding a multitude of positive outcomes for the nation, including:

Accelerated economic growth
The introduction of new infrastructure is attracting an influx of tourists and businesses, thereby propelling economic growth within Cambodia.

Job generation
The construction and operation of these new infrastructure projects are generating employment opportunities for thousands of individuals.

Enhanced connectivity
The newly developed infrastructure is significantly improving connectivity between Cambodia and the broader regional economy. This seamless connection facilitates smoother trade for businesses and enables convenient travel for individuals.

Reduced carbon emissions
Certain components of the new infrastructure are curbing carbon emissions by providing an eco-friendly alternative to road and rail transportation.

Elevated quality of life
The newly established infrastructure is elevating the overall quality of life for the people of Cambodia. It simplifies transportation, making it easier for individuals to move around, and grants access to essential services, further enhancing people’s daily lives.

Major infrastructure projects planned or under way in Cambodia include:

Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway

• Opened to the public on 1 October 2022, this US$2 billion expressway was built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
• It is a 190km-long expressway that reduces travel time from Phnom Penh to the coastal city and tourist destination from six hours to three hours.
• This expressway will stimulate economic growth by facilitating trade and tourism.

Morodok Techo National Stadium

Morodok Techo Stadium

• This new stadium has been built in Phnom Penh and is the largest stadium in Cambodia, with a capacity of 60,000 people.
• The stadium was built for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and is expected to boost sports tourism in Cambodia.
• It was funded by China as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport – Photo by KhmerTimes

• This US$880 million airport is expected to be completed in October 2023.
• The airport will have the capacity to transport seven million passengers per year.
• The increased capacity of the airport is expected to result in an additional one million tourists visiting Cambodia each year.
• The airport is expected to boost trade between Cambodia and its neighbours by US$1 billion per year.

Phnom Penh–Siem Reap Expressway

Phnom Penh–Siem Reap Expressway – Photo by KhmerTimes

• This expressway will connect the capital city of Phnom Penh to the popular tourist destination of Siem Reap. It is expected to cost US$2.5 billion.
• The feasibility study for the expressway is expected to be completed in 2023. If the study is successful, the construction of the expressway is expected to begin in 2024.
• The expressway will reduce travel time between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap from five hours to two hours.
• The expressway will make travel easier between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and will promote tourism in Siem Reap, which is home to the famous Angkor temple complex.

Phnom Penh–Bavet Expressway

• This US$1.35 billion expressway is scheduled to be completed in 2025, reducing travel time between Phnom Penh and Bavet, the border town with Vietnam, from three hours to one hour.
• The expressway is expected to boost economic growth in Cambodia by making it easier for people and goods to travel between Phnom Penh and the Vietnam border.

Techo Takhmao International Airport (also known as Phnom Penh New International Airport)

Techo Takhmao International Airport

• Currently under construction in Kandal Province, about 20km from Phnom Penh, this US$1.5 billion project is expected to be completed in 2025 and will be the largest airport in Cambodia.
• The airport will have the capacity to accommodate 50 million passengers per year.
• It is expected to attract an additional two million tourists to Cambodia each year.
• The airport is expected to boost trade between Cambodia and its neighbours by US$1 billion per year.

High-speed rail link between Phnom Penh and the Thai border

• A feasibility study has been completed, and the Cambodian Government has expressed interest in moving forward with this US$4 billion project.
• The 382km rail line enable speeds of up to 160km per hour, and it is expected to be completed in four years from commencement.
• The high-speed rail link will facilitate transport between Phnom Penh and Thailand.
• In March 2023, a Chinese delegation visited Cambodia to discuss the project.

Dara Sakor International Port

• The seaport is expected to cost US$1 billion and will be able to handle up to 10 million tonnes of cargo per year.
• The seaport is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
• The port is expected to reduce Cambodia’s reliance on neighbouring ports for trade by providing Cambodia with a direct link to the sea.

These are just some of the infrastructure projects attracting international investor attention. Overall, the infrastructure boom in Cambodia is having many positive benefits for the country, which are expected to continue to grow in the years to come.