Cambodia opens US$117 million National Road 7 upgrade backed by Chinese loan

KAMPONG CHAM, July 7, 2026 (KPT) – Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet on Tuesday inaugurated a newly upgraded 45.5-kilometre section of National Road No. 7 in Kampong Cham Province, saying the project will strengthen transport links, trade and economic development.

The stretch, from the Skuon Roundabout in Cheung Prey District to the Kizuna Bridge in Kampong Cham City, was completed after 27 months of construction.

Built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) with technical supervision from Guangzhou Wanan Technical Consulting Company, the project was financed through a concessional loan from China, with Cambodia covering compensation, mine clearance and ordnance removal.

The government said the US$117 million project was finished on June 15, 2026, about 15 months ahead of schedule.

The upgraded road includes four lanes, a central median and eight bridges, designed to boost transport capacity and improve connectivity between Kampong Cham and other provinces.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet described National Road No. 7 as a vital economic route supporting the movement of agricultural products, industrial goods and tourism.

He noted its links to major routes including National Roads 6, 60 and 71, connecting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom and northeastern provinces.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said improved infrastructure would create economic opportunities for communities along the route, while highlighting plans for an intermodal transport system and 11 logistics centres nationwide.

He urged the public to help protect roads by avoiding vehicle overloading.​ National Road No. 7 is part of Cambodia’s wider effort to expand connectivity and strengthen links between provinces and economic hubs.