Monday January 12, 2026
Maritime Fairtrade —
In August 2023, Cambodia announced plans for the 180-kilometre Funan Techo Canal on the Mekong River, a major infrastructure project valued at $1.7 billion and funded by China as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. This canal is intended to link Phnom Penh with the deep-seaport in Kep, providing a direct route to the South China Sea. The Cambodian government projects significant economic benefits, including improved transportation and the potential creation of 5 million jobs, while also reducing reliance on Vietnam’s Cai Mep seaport.
However, the project has sparked considerable concern in neighboring Vietnam. The canal’s design raises fears of water security issues, as it may alter the Mekong’s natural flow and prevent essential water from reaching the Mekong Delta. This could exacerbate ongoing droughts and salination problems that threaten Vietnamese agriculture and impact habitats for endangered species.