Phnom Penh: The Cambodia National Mekong Committee (CNMC) has announced that the country is collaborating with expert institutions to evaluate the feasibility of meeting the Mekong River Commission (MRC)’s request for additional documentation concerning the Funan Techo Canal project.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Cambodia formally notified the MRC Secretariat about the Funan Techo Canal project proposal on August 8, 2023. This notification included the official Format of Notification and relevant project documents, following MRC procedures on notification, prior consultation, and agreement.

The CNMC has confirmed that it is working with Cambodian expert institutions to determine the best way to respond to a recent request from the MRC Secretariat for further information. The Funan Techo Canal project, which officially commenced on August 5, 2024, under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, has received significant support from the Cambodian public. The project is anticipated to be completed by 2028.

Upon completion, the 180-kilometre canal will feature an upstream width of 100 metres, a downstream width of 80 metres, and a total depth of 5.4 metres, facilitating two-way navigation. This canal will connect Prek Takeo on the Mekong River to the sea in Kep province, passing through Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep, benefiting approximately 1.6 million people residing along its route.