The World Bank offers support for infrastructure connectivity

The World Bank has identified key challenges in Cambodia’s transport sector and proposed targeted investments and policy measures to improve regional connectivity.

A new report titled ‘Cambodia’s Regional Connections: Unlocking the Full Potential of Transport Corridors’ suggests that the Kingdom could play an important role in promoting regional trade and connectivity provided it improves its transport links with neighboring countries and adopts its vision to strengthen the development of multimodal transport

“Regional connectivity and logistics development are Cambodia’s top priorities; strengthening our capabilities will be key,” said Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, in a World Bank press release on November 21.

“They can help position Cambodia as a key player in regional connectivity and boost trade in global supply chains,” he added.

The announcement explained that the seventh-term government has developed the “Comprehensive Intermodal Transport and Logistics System (CITLS) Master Plan 2023-2033”, which aims to improve the performance and efficiency of the transport sector and support the implementation of national development goals set out in phases one of its pentagon strategy.

The World Bank report provides complementary recommendations that focus on immediate investments and policy actions to unlock opportunities along key existing transport corridors in Cambodia.

“The report brings together key stakeholders from government, the private sector and development partners to explore opportunities to improve Cambodia’s transport sector and regional connections,” explained Tania Meyer, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia.

“A comprehensive approach to developing the transport network will help improve Cambodia’s competitiveness, unlock its export potential and promote trade in the region,” she continued.

According to the release, Cambodia’s export-led economic growth has led to increased demand for more efficient transport of increasing volumes of goods and cargo through the transport network and across its borders.

“The report proposes priority investments and policy actions to improve the efficiency of existing road, rail and inland waterway transport. A comprehensive and coordinated approach to the development of the transport network, with particular emphasis on climate change resilience, will help improve competitiveness, increase economic efficiency and promote trade in the region,” it said.