Cambodia to begin $1.7bn Funan Techo canal project, linking Mekong River and Gulf of Thailand; aims to boost economy but faces financing, purpose, and environmental uncertainties.

Cambodia is set to break ground on a $1.7bn canal project named Funan Techo, running from the Mekong River to the Gulf of Thailand. The canal aims to provide an alternative to transit via Vietnam and boost Cambodia's economy. However, uncertainty surrounds the project, including its main purpose (shipping or irrigation), financing, and impact on the Mekong River's flow. Locals living along the projected canal route express anxiety about potential displacement and lack of official information from the government.

July 18, 2024
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