Nearly US$1 Billion Financing Agreement Signed for Cambodia’s Funan Techo Project
Nearly US$1 Billion Financing Agreement Signed for Cambodia’s Funan Techo Project
CHINA, Sept. 10, 2026 — Cambodia has signed a financing agreement worth nearly US$1 billion with the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank) to support the Funan Techo Integrated Water Resources Management Project, marking a major milestone in the development of the country’s planned waterway connection to the sea.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) Sun Chanthol witnessed the signing ceremony on Sept. 9 in Xiamen, China, between China EXIM Bank and the Funan Techo Coastal-Inland Waterways Co., Ltd.
The signing took place during an international investment cooperation event under the theme “Global Wisdom, Mutual Empowerment: International Investment & Cooperation Exchange,” attended by representatives of Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the project company, senior officials and international business leaders.
Sun Chanthol expressed appreciation to the governments of Cambodia and China, China EXIM Bank, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and other parties involved in supporting the financing milestone.
He described the Funan Techo Integrated Water Resources Management Project as a “game changer” for Cambodia, saying the waterway would establish an inland connection to the sea, helping reduce transportation costs and strengthen the country’s logistics competitiveness.
Beyond transportation, Sun said the project could create a “new economic corridor” and become an important economic artery for Cambodia, with industrial zones, logistics centres, agricultural processing facilities, satellite urban developments and tourism expected to expand along the waterway in the coming decades.
The agreement follows earlier discussions between Cambodia and China EXIM Bank on financing and investment cooperation for strategic infrastructure. During an Aug. 25 meeting, China EXIM Bank Chairman Chen Huaiyu expressed continued interest in the Funan Techo project after reviewing its progress, while Cambodia outlined plans to develop an economic corridor along the project and connect related infrastructure networks.
Chanthol also used the occasion to highlight the importance of cooperation, citing a Chinese proverb that conveys the idea that when people are united behind a common goal, even a mountain can be moved.
He called on international business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Cambodia, saying the country is ready to welcome investors, facilitate their operations and work with them toward sustainable growth.
The CDC has previously said the development of an economic corridor alongside the Funan Techo project is intended to strengthen Cambodia’s transport and logistics competitiveness while giving attention to environmental protection, biodiversity and communities along the waterway.
The latest financing agreement represents a significant step forward for the project and further underscores the close economic and infrastructure cooperation between Cambodia and China.
