The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism recovery in Cambodia, in line with the subregional priorities outlined in the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Strategic Framework 2030, said Anthony Gill, ADB Country Director, at the inauguration of the Angkor Peace Road in Kep province on Monday, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Located in Kep and Angkor villages, Angkor commune, Damnak Chang-Ear district, Kep province, the 12,645-meter road was built in 24 months at a total cost of about $10 million. The project was financed through a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank and the budget of the Royal Government of Cambodia.
To date, ADB has provided more than $5 billion in concessional loans, grants, technical assistance, and private sector financing to Cambodia, Anthony said.
“ADB has worked closely with the government for decades to help build the tourism ecosystem. This includes the environment and institutional structures needed for Cambodia to become a competitive, sustainable, and resilient destination,” he said.
He added that ADB is proud to partner with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Tourism in Kep province under the “Second Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Infrastructure Project for Sustainable Growth.”
The project supported the government in the construction of the Angkor Coast Peace Road.
This year, ADB is bringing in six more projects, with concessional and grant financing totaling $405 million, he added. Over the next three years, it plans to work with the government to design and implement 17 more projects, worth more than $1 billion.
“I assure you that ADB will continue to support efforts to make tourism more sustainable, resilient, and resilient,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the new road is a major tourist route and coastal highway in Kep province, which plays a significant role in facilitating the transportation and travel of more than 6,000 families in the region.
He also took the opportunity to thank ADB for its support in developing many important sectors in Cambodia since Cambodia became a member of the Bank in 1966 and later renewed its membership in 1992.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership and institutions of ADB, our valued partners, and I hope that we will continue to work together as partners in building and developing the nation,” said Hun Manet.
Peng Purna, Minister of Public Works and Transport, said that ADB has been working closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia through loans, grants, technical assistance and various forms of support for the country’s economic and social development, with the aim of improving and promoting sustainable progress in Cambodia.
“This route will attract more tourists and drive further development across the entire coastal region, driving greater growth and progress,” said Peng Porna.
Cambodia attracted 4.8 million tourists in the first quarter of this year, up 22 percent from the same period last year, according to a report by the Ministry of Tourism on Sunday.
Thailand was the top source market for foreign tourists to Cambodia from January to September, with 1.52 million tourists, down 14 percent from a year earlier, the report said.
The report added that 973,407 Vietnamese tourists and 607,542 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia during the first three quarters of this year, up 33 percent and 49.8 percent respectively.
