“We expect this project to be successfully completed as planned over a period of 16 months, and look forward to [it contributing to] the further development of the island and its beautiful attractions,” the statement read.
Royal Group Koh Rong Development Co Ltd and Sinohydro Corp Ltd signed the $35 million investment agreement initiating the project at a ceremony presided over by Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kouch Chamroeun in July 2020. Sihanouk Provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun, said at the July groundbreaking ceremony that he welcomed the investment because it will provide infrastructure and improve travel for both locals and tourists visiting Koh Rong. He added that the companies have also helped build a hotel, other roads and will help develop electricity, airport and water supply facilities on Koh Rong,
“We are developing infrastructure across the province, both on the islands and on the mainland,” Chamroeun said.
The new road construction will bring transportation on the island up to the level it needs to be at to kickstart an improvement of the tourist customer experience, said Dave Dobson, the owner of Reef on the Beach resort at Koh Rong. He added that this in turn will benefit the tourism sector on the island. “It also means that businesses can transport larger product loads and machinery around the island without risk of damage,” he added.
The Royal Group signed the agreement to lease the Koh Rong in Preah Sihanouk province with the Council for the Development of Cambodia representative of the government on Feb 28, 2008 to develop the island as a commercial and natural tourism resort.
Taing Sochet Krisna, Preah Sihanouk provincial tourism director, said the infrastructure (improvement) is good for both tourists and residents because it facilitates tourist travel and boosts the local economy.
He added that the number of tourists visiting Sihanoukville dropped remarkably after the Nov 3 and Nov 28 incidents, as both locals and expatriates living in Cambodia reduced their travelling. It was also noted authorities have made great strides in strengthening health measures as they apply to tourism-related businesses across the province.
