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(1) National Road No. 7 is an investment by the Royal Government that yields benefits for the people
Earlier, according to the report by (the Minister of Public Works and Transports,) H.E. Peng Ponea, the economic benefits were detailed, showing that this project will yield a return rate of approximately 15.27%, which is a high rate of return for a highway construction investment. Hearing about a 15% return, some citizens might wonder, “does this mean I have to pay to use it?”. Most of these profit calculations are intended for investment companies, such as those for expressways. So, what does this 15.27% profit mean? Indeed, there is no toll for this road. This road is built with a loan and government counterpart fund. The state is the investor, but the benefits go to the people.
(2) The benefit for transportation is for the same distance, people travel faster
When arriving here earlier, I told the Provincial Governor that with this road putting into operation, the Skun area is no longer quiet. Previously, travelers would avoid Kampong Cham city. Sometimes, travelers from the Northeast would use National Road No. 8 and Road No. 11. If they crossed the Kizuna Bridge to Kampong Cham city and headed toward Skun, passing through Kampong Siem and Prey Chhor, it would be slow because the road was narrow. The 15% benefit mentioned is the gain from transportation. This means “shortening the road” — even though the distance remains 45 kilometers, one can drive faster. Previously, it took an hour; now, with this road, it takes about half an hour.
This morning, my assistant calculated it would take 1 hour and 20 minutes from Ta Khmao to here. Passing Prek Leap in Phnom Penh, I said the distance is only 90 kilometers, and if we drive at 120 km/h, it should not take an hour and a half. Perhaps they forgot that the road from Skun to here is now a beautiful, four-lane road. Thus, between Skun and here, citizens can travel faster, and the cost of transporting agricultural products is reduced because truck operation is calculated by time, distance, and fuel costs. Even if the distance is the same, if it takes less time and you can drive faster, you can save money. Furthermore, vehicle wear and tear is also lower.
(3) National Road No. 7 serves the transport of agricultural products and can attract industry and businesses
However, it does not only serve the transportation of agricultural products for the people. Investing in this road section can also attract more industrial sectors, factories, production sites, and various shops. In the past, if one wanted to go to Kampong Cham city or Chamkar Leu district, one might have to reach the Skun roundabout and take the road toward Kampong Thom and loop back, which was time-consuming. But now that this road is built, travel is fast. One can cut through this road, reach Treung, and turn back. Along that route, there is the capability for transport, and it is also good if heading toward Kampong Thom.
(4) Once the road is operational, socio-economic activities along the road will flourish
In the future, we can further strengthen the road from Treung to the intersection toward Kampong Thom and Chamkar Leu. We are doing this gradually, one step at a time, and eventually, we will reap all the benefits. This is development. Even though we cannot compare National Road No. 7 to an expressway, compared to three years ago or over a year ago — when the road was difficult and not yet built with concrete and AC asphalt — it represents significant development. I believe that in the next 5 to 10 years, once this road is fully operational, socio-economic activities along this route will flourish even more.
(5) Less land left in front of the house, but a good road serves travel and the economy
This is the first time I have traveled from Skun to Kampong Cham by land. As a matter of fact, there was the option of taking a helicopter, but this morning I requested to take the land route. It took some time, but I was able to observe the situation on the road — from Phnom Penh to Kandal province, to the districts of Batheay, of Cheung Prey, and specifically from Skun to here. I believe the citizens living here are also happy. I would like to thank the citizens living along the road who have always supported the road construction, road expansion, and the building of new roads. Previously, we had more land in front of our houses, but the road was small. Now, we have less land, but a good road that allows for faster travel and contributes greatly to our economy.
(6) In the next few years, traveling on National Road 7 will not be congested
This is a result that is happening. The Toek Chha Resort, Phnom Pros-Phnom Srey, and other tourist attractions may increase their appeal due to ease of travel. Currently, the most difficult thing that discourages people from traveling is traffic congestion. As of now, I believe that for at least the next 5 to 10 years, travel on this road from Phnom Penh will not be congested. Therefore, it will create conditions that make tourism and travel easier. This is part of the benefit to the people, those living along the road, and those using this road. Moreover, it encourages citizens to choose to travel on National Road No. 7 rather than only on National Road No. 11 or National Road No. 8.
(7) Upgrading National Road 7 up to the Lao border will attract investment and create additional jobs
We are currently upgrading National Road No. 7 all the way to the Lao border. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture worked with the Lao side to open a border gate for transporting goods to China. In the future, this will become an important economic corridor. All of these are benefits. I do not know the formula used to calculate the 15%, but I believe that this 15% figure likely considers only the present. If we consider the potential for this road to attract investment and create more jobs, the value is likely higher. We believe this calculation might have only considered immediate cost reductions, but there is much more potential.
(8) Building infrastructure was a correct decision by the previous term’s Royal Government
The places that were previously “bottlenecks” are no longer so; there is now a flow just like everywhere else. When I was in the military, driving from Kampong Cham was a bit tight, but from Skun to Phnom Penh, it was quick. Now, that is no longer the case — the bottleneck is gone. From Kizuna, it cuts through Kampong Siem, Cheung Prey, Prey Chhor […] there are no more issues, and traffic is not a heavy burden for our people’s travel. This was a correct decision by the Royal Government from the previous term, which former Prime Minister Samdech Techo decided to organize for infrastructure construction, and which we are inaugurating here today.
(9) The new segment of National Road 7 is a symbol of Cambodia-China’s sustainable relationship
We can say that this new segment of National Road No. 7 is a symbol of the continued sustainable relationship between Cambodia and China. I saw the pictures earlier where former Prime Minister Samdech Techo launched the road construction with H.E. Wang Wentian, the former Ambassador (of the People’s Republic of China), and the inauguration in the new term of the government with the new Prime Minister and the new Ambassador. It is an achievement that has been carried out, and it will not end with just the inauguration of National Road 7.
(10) Many more road segments will be built by credit from the People’s Republic of China
Earlier, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, H.E. Peng Ponea, mentioned that “in the 2026-2027 project, we will continue to build many more road segments, a large part of which will be funded by credit from the People’s Republic of China.” I would like to take this opportunity to thank the government and people of China for their continued support for investment in building the country and other private sector investments, especially in helping to build this physical infrastructure to serve economic development and help improve the people’s livelihoods.
(11) Continue to prioritize development of road, rail, water, and air transport systems
The Royal Government of Cambodia has always considered roads to be the arteries of the national economy and continues to place high priority on the development of road, rail, water, and air transport systems, in accordance with the slogan, “Where there is a road, there is hope.” H.E. has just mentioned this phrase earlier. If you go to ask someone’s daughter’s hand and they say “no way,” that’s the end of it. But if there is even a slight chance, with a little struggle, you might succeed. This phrase is not unique to the Khmer language; in English, “No way” means it’s over. So, roads create hope. Roads help people reach out to grasp opportunities and create various opportunities for themselves. After “people,” the priority of arranging road construction is a key priority, following the established order of “People, Roads, Water, Electricity, and (adding) Technology.”
(12) Railways help reduce congestion and costs, transport more goods, and offer better shipping rates
These are priorities we must implement — not just on paper. It is not just about land transport, nor just about road construction. We will also strengthen the railway system. We will reinforce what already exists and plan for long-term construction because, in the future, rail infrastructure will help reduce (congestion and costs) […] it is not easy to see trains getting stuck in traffic. Trains can carry more cargo than trucks. Shipping costs will also be better […] especially in connecting (the transportation of) agricultural products throughout the country.
(13) Build water transport infrastructure, multipurpose ports, and regional logistics centers at airports
We will also continue to build (infrastructure for) water transport. We will continue to develop it further, especially the Funan Techo Canal, which will connect the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers to the sea. In the future, we will not need to transport agricultural products only by land; we will be able to transport them by water. We have plans to dredge (waterways) from Phnom Penh up to Kampong Chhnang (along the Tonle Sap River) and up to a part of Kampong Cham province along the Mekong River. In the future, we will dredge to extend the connection to Kratie. We are building a multipurpose port in Kratie province, so along this route, there will be ports for transport. The same goes for the Tonle Sap River […] In Phnom Penh, we are reaching out to establish a regional logistics center at the airport if possible.
(14) Making seaports regional logistics centers, equipping them with tools, and ensuring competitiveness
In Preah Sihanouk province, we have a Master Plan to build and organize the seaport to become a regional logistics hub. In the future, the term “regional” refers to large-scale infrastructure, equipped with high-level equipment to ensure competitiveness. This is connectivity. Now, the results of the work done there seem far away, but if we can connect it, in the future, it will benefit the people of Kampong Cham, Kratie, and Kampong Thom who are along this river. Provinces that are not connected to the river, such as Battambang, can be connected by only a short road distance to reach the river, then (goods can be transported) downstream. This is the infrastructure master plan, because roads create hope and roads create economic activity.
(15) Building bridges between Kampong Thom and Kampong Chhnang will connect both sides of the Tonle Sap
The NR 50C, which is planned to connect Kampong Thom (on one side of the Tonle Sap) to Kampong Chhnang (on the other), will bridge the gap. Moving from National Road 5 to National Road 6 is difficult, currently. If you don’t want to cross the water, you have had to travel a long way — crossing at Prek Kadam, or going to Siem Reap, looping down through Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, and Pursat. When we build the road and the bridge between Kampong Thom and Kampong Chhnang, we connect (both sides of the Tonle Sap) much closer. Now, from Kratie to Kampong Cham, how many roads are there? There is this National Road 7, and the road cutting through Krouch Chhmar across the Stung Trang bridge. Soon, we will cross the Prek Prasob bridge and build Road 60B to connect further.
(16) Building “fishbone road pattern” and adding arteries for connectivity
Previously, we only had major national roads as arteries; now we are building “fishbone road pattern” (and adding) arteries to connect them so that people living in those areas can travel more easily. If the people living there find it easy to travel, more people will come to live there, and the economy will grow. Therefore, connecting these roads is connecting the life and arteries that bring blood to nourish every part of the country. At the local level, we are building concrete roads (using) commune funds in some districts. Thus, the small veins are also connecting to the main arteries, and these main arteries also have more roads.
(17) “Do not blame the government for too many roads leading to confusion,” and please use the roads by respecting traffic laws
In the future, if you get lost, do not blame the government for building too many roads. I have heard this many times, so let me say it again. When I was in the military, I was driving on a road from Stung Treng to Preah Vihear. I asked a border police officer who knew the road to look out. It was probably near midnight, and we got lost near Tbeng. When I blamed the border police for not knowing the road, he said, “It’s not me, boss; it’s because there are so many asphalt roads now.” Before, there was only one asphalt road; you drove straight, and you wouldn’t get lost. Later, they built another branch, but it was a dirt road, so I remembered. Drive straight. (Seeing) the dirt road, don’t enter — that was correct. But later, they paved it with asphalt too, which caused confusion.
In foreign countries, they tell you: “Go down this road, turn on this named road.” In our country, it’s not like that. “When you reach the traffic light, turn left. When you reach that gas station, turn right. When you see a large Bodhi tree, turn left.” When that tree is cut down, you don’t know which road to take. In the Phnom Penh area, some places were formerly rice fields, and now they are all concrete roads with houses everywhere. So, do not blame the government for building too many roads that cause you to get lost. Another thing regarding road usage, please respect traffic laws. In the past, when the road was good, someone drove into a pig and people complained to Samdech Techo that it was because he built a good road that people drive fast and hit the pig. When the road wasn’t good, cars didn’t drive fast because of the potholes.
(18) Cambodia has a master plan for 11 intermodal transport and logistics systems nationwide
Why are we expanding roads? It is not just the roads that we are dealing with here. Now, we have a comprehensive master plan on the intermodal transport and logistics system of Cambodia. Logistics is a distribution center. Logistics hubs can help facilitate and boost the economy. In the master plan, we have plans to organize 11 (logistics hubs) nationwide – the Phnom Penh Logistics Center, Preah Sihanouk Logistics Center, Bavet Logistics Park, Poipet Logistics Park, Siem Reap Logistics Center, Kampot Logistics Center, Kampong Cham Logistics Center, Battambang Logistics Center, Pursat Logistics Center, Banteay Meanchey Logistics Center, and Kampong Thom Logistics Center.
(19) Connecting the arteries, facilitating transportation, and organizing logistics hubs will increase economic activity
As we connect the arteries and facilitate transportation, we must organize them into logistics hubs to make it easier to group goods for distribution and to keep prices down. In the future, (this infrastructure and these logistics hubs) will create more economic activity. Earlier, I mentioned the transport corridor from Cambodia to China, passing through Laos, which was just signed on June 22, about two weeks ago. Laos can also transport goods downstream (through our country). We will use every (means). Each country has many gateways for better transport. Those in the south near Preah Sihanouk province can ship their goods out by waterway. Those in the upper Stung Treng area may find it easier to transport to China than shipping down. If they want to use a boat, they can come down to Kratie, go to the port, go out to Vietnam, or out through the Funan Techo Canal to Preah Sihanouk province. There are many options for farmers to transport goods. This is the preparation for connectivity, and the Royal Government is attracting investment and organizing the logistics system.
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(20) National Road 7 is a central hub, connecting national road networks and key geographical areas
Therefore, (this National Road 7 connecting with national road networks and key geographical areas) is a central point for connectivity. Places that were once bottlenecks, where few people traveled, where journeys were time-consuming and difficult, will soon become areas with increasing traffic flow, fostering shops, generating economic activity, and creating more factories, while bringing everything closer to Phnom Penh.
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(21) Installing stations and weighing scales to help maintain the roads
The Minister, H.E. Peng Ponea, has reported on the construction of stations and the installation of truck weighing scales, equipped with smart systems and automatic monitoring. How does this system work? Does one just drive through and have the weight measured instantly? Everything is smart now — connected to electricity and AI. The internet must be up and running for all of it, not just for the scale while the weight measurement doesn’t function properly. This is to assist in road maintenance. Specifically, for transportation, we must all help maintain the roads. Of course, transport companies need to make a profit, but that profit must be within the framework allowed by law, because laws are not made to oppress the people. Laws are made to maintain a win-win balance.
(22) Increasing transport weight limit from 40 to 50 tons to facilitate transporters, but please help maintain the road
Truckers can carry more now. Under this new law, we have increased the (permitted transport weight) from 40 to 50 tons — an increase of 10 tons. This is a facilitation for the transporters. However, I ask that transporters also help maintain the road. Do not take the 40-ton limit and load 50 tons, or take the 50-ton allowance and load 60 tons. Applying the standard of adding an extra 10 is not acceptable. We must all maintain the road because the vehicle weight is already heavy. H.E. Sun Chanthol mentioned the multiplication factor previously — how much damage one ton inflicts on a road according to technical calculations, depending on how many wheels the vehicle has. The law already takes this into account.
(23) Do not let companies that hire transporters destroy the state infrastructure built for millions
Trucking companies and those who hire them to transport agricultural products — in some places, we have flexibility for agricultural goods, and the law allows specialized ministries and institutions to consider this. However, other goods must be considered and strictly enforced. We must figure out how to maintain the road. I see that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is striving to strengthen this work. I ask for sustainability. should we do it together, it would be easier. We should look at what other expenses the transport system faces, besides excess weight fines, so that we can help reduce other costs to ensure that transportation is profitable. Otherwise, perhaps 10 companies might hire transporters but destroy the road built for millions of other people, which is a state investment. Whether it is a loan or the state’s counterpart fund, it is all national budget that must be held responsible for all people. We must help each other protect and maintain it.
(24) Regarding weighing, be cautious of “people sleep, the scales also sleep”
I ask the Ministry to monitor the implementation phase. Regarding these scales, I often see various stories on Facebook. Whenever I see them, I send them to H.E. Peng Ponea to look at. These scales have no hours. Are they on duty 24 hours? It is not that they don’t operate between 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Please look to this carefully. Be careful about people “sleeping on the scales.” Some transport goods to avoid daylight; they leave at 11:00 PM or 12:00 AM and stop at 4:00 AM. Look into that as well. Whether driving by day or night, the pressure on the road is the same. I see the Ministry has been taking measures to strengthen the implementation and ensuring fair competition. We transport, but we must also maintain the road.
(25) Promoting equal law enforcement and no company has priority over another
We implement the same principles. Every company is the same; no company has more priority than another. We promote equal enforcement of the law. As for agricultural products for farmers, there is a flexible approach because, when the law was written, we left the weight of agricultural products to the actual assessment of the Ministry of Public Works or the competent authorities. Now, how many authorities are there? There is the Ministry of Rural Development, the provincial authorities, and the Ministry of Public Works. Therefore, there must be a single, unified standard. Let there be common principles so they do not overlap or conflict. It must be easy to implement, easy for transporters, and easy for farmers. For example, if Rural Development allows 60 tons but Public Works allows 55 tons, it means you can carry 60 tons from the farm, but when you reach the public road, you have had to unload 10 tons. (There should be) agreement from start to finish.
(26) The flexible approach considered to ensure road standards and road quality
This is a collaboration between institutions that must have common standard principles — no overlapping, no clashing, and easy to execute. This flexibility assessment must also consider ensuring road standards and quality so it does not get destroyed. It does not mean that this flexibility allows for unlimited exceptions. We must ensure such procedures. So, we issue laws to be implemented. If, after issuing a law, it does not suit the actual situation, we must amend it to appropriately find a win-win situation. Once we have amended it and considered all angles, we must abide by the law. This way, we all gain. Maintain the sustainability of the law. Do not put out a law that cannot be implemented, where only the people who evade it profit. That is not the way.
(27) Sustainably manage overweight transport; protect achievements that benefit the people
We must consider both the economic and technical aspects. The economic benefit for the transport user is high, but (we must also ensure) the economic benefit for the general public, the users of small vehicles who do not need to transport cargo, those who live in these areas, and keep the road lasting a long time. Road maintenance must be done consistently. There are many problems. We have implemented this in the past, but the sustainability has been up and down. Now, strive to implement sustainability in managing this overweight transport. Especially after amending the law to increase limits and weights for transporters, please join in respecting the law together to preserve, for a long time, the collective achievements that serve as benefits for the people, the local economy, and those along the road. This is an important issue.
(28) If the road lasts longer, maintenance funds saved to build bridges and concrete roads in communes/districts
Money is limited, but needs are many. If we can maintain this road for a long time, the budget that would have been used for repairs or reconstruction can be used to build bridges somewhere else, concrete roads in communes and districts, or repair roads elsewhere. If a road that is built — firstly — follows quality standards, it will last longer. This is called, “don’t lay a thin asphalt to gain a thick takeaway or to lay a thick asphalt to gain a thin take away.” Do it properly according to standards. Secondly, road maintenance and law enforcement must not be exceeded. So, let us maintain it together. Maintenance and repair are not just the task of the specialized ministry; using the road according to transport standards is also participating in maintenance.
We do not participate in destroying the road, causing it to damage quickly. We participate in maintenance (as it belongs to) us all. If this road is destroyed, the transport companies using it every day will also have to spend more money. They have had to use that road constantly; they will have to spend on repairing their own trucks. So, they only profit for a few years. If they cause the road to fail quickly, they will have to spend on the time taken to transport slowly. So, let us all join in protecting it, because it is our common rice bowl. Please protect our common interests.
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(29) Upon arrival, “go build the counter-terrorism unit” a senior official told me
Thank you all for joining in celebrating National Road 7 […] I thank the band from the Counter-Terrorism unit. It is not “terrorism”; it is counter-terrorism. That unit is a unit that I created when there were only 42 people. At first, my duty after finishing my studies was to create the unit. People told me I only came to learn how to analyze (information). I came to work as a news summarizer and analyst. Upon arrival, H.E. Om Yentieng told me there were 42 people at Pochentong. I asked what I should do. He said, “go build the counter-terrorism unit.” I went and built it. Now, how many are there? When I was in the counter-terrorism unit, everywhere I went, people said, “The chief of terrorism has arrived.” I said, “Please call it counter-terrorism.” (Don’t) call me the chief of terrorism […]./.
