Vietnam wants a joint thorough assessment and necessary measures to minimize the impact of the Funan Techo Canal in Cambodia, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet said at a regular press briefing today [August 8]. 

Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet at the press conference on August 8. Photo: Nguyen Hong/Baoquocte

“Vietnam supports Cambodia’s development efforts and respects the construction of the Funan Techo Canal. Together, we want to perform an exhaustive evaluation of the project’s overall impact and implement the necessary mitigation strategies,” Viet affirmed.

Vietnam raised its voice after Cambodia on August 5 broke ground on the US$1.7-billion canal project that links the capital Phnom Penh to the sea. The 180-km canal will boost “Cambodia's national prestige, territorial integrity and development,” according to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Viet said the Mekong River is an invaluable resource that unites Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in a unique bond of friendship and solidarity. For the benefit of the local population, future generations, and the unity of the river basin’s nations, Vietnam hopes that riparian nations, including Cambodia, will work together to manage and develop the Mekong River’s water resources in an efficient and sustainable manner.

There are still concerns about the canal’s potential impact on the environment, particularly on the Mekong River’s flow, which provides fish and agriculture for millions of people in six countries.

The canal would have “significant transboundary impacts on water availability and agricultural production in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta”, warns the US-based nonprofit Stimson Center. Up to 90% of Vietnam’s rice exports come from the Mekong Delta.

In May, Vietnam called on Cambodia to share information on the overall impact of the canal which has raised concerns among environmentalists.