Cambodia has initiated a $1.7 billion canal project, the Funan Techo Canal, to link the Mekong River to the Gulf of Thailand in the hopes of boosting the country’s economy. The project, a pet project of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, is expected to be completed by 2028 and is seen as a nationalistic endeavour to build support for his son and successor, Prime Minister Hun Manet.
While the government is enthusiastic about the economic benefits of the canal, concerns have been raised about its impact on the environment and foreign relations. Neighbouring Vietnam, in particular, is worried that the canal will divert exports from Vietnamese ports and increase Chinese influence in the region. There are also fears that the canal could potentially be used by Chinese warships, especially after Cambodia held joint military exercises with China in May.
The environmental impact of the canal is another major concern, with conservationists warning about the risks to the Mekong River, which supports a large portion of the world’s freshwater fish catch and Vietnam’s rice production.
Despite these uncertainties, the Cambodian government remains steadfast in its commitment to the project, with Hun Manet stating that the canal must be built at all costs. The launch of the canal project on Hun Sen’s birthday was marked as a national holiday for Cambodians to participate in the celebration.
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