Vietnam Backs Cambodia’s $1.7 Billion Canal Project Amid Environmental Concerns

Vietnam supports Cambodia's ambitious $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal project, which aims to divert Cambodian shipping away from Vietnam. Vietnam's foreign ministry expressed interest in collaborating on research and impact assessment to mitigate potential negative effects on the Mekong Delta. Environmental concerns remain a key issue.

Vietnam has thrown its support behind Cambodia's $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal project, which aims to redirect a substantial portion of Cambodian shipping away from Vietnam. The announcement came from Vietnam's foreign ministry on Thursday.

Cambodia initiated work on the canal earlier this week, signaling a significant shift in the region's shipping dynamics. "We support the project and respect the decision to build the canal," said ministry spokesperson Doan Khac Viet during a regular media briefing.

While Cambodia has brushed aside environmental worries, Vietnam and conservationists have flagged potential risks to the Mekong Delta, a crucial area for rice production. "We would like to collaborate with Cambodia in terms of research and impact assessment so that we can have proper solutions to reduce the impact," Viet added.

(With inputs from agencies.)