An under-construction $1.5 million medium-sized multi-purpose sea wharf in Koh Kong province is on course to be inaugurated at the end of 2022, to boost tourism and goods trade with neighbouring countries, the public works ministry reported. Breaking ground on May 13, 2021 in Khemarak Phoumin town's Smach Meanchey commune just south of the Koh Kong bridge, the Dong Tung Port replaces an existing quay of the same name that’s also known simply as Koh Kong Port. Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol on June 23 led a ministry technical working group to review the progress of construction work, accompanied by senior ministry officials, local authorities and other stakeholders, according to a ministry statement. Chanthol said in the statement that the new wharf would handle tourist boats and freighters from Vietnam, Thailand and elsewhere in Cambodia, and ship out agricultural goods brought in from northwestern provinces such as Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey. Koh Kong provincial governor Mithona Phouthong told The Post that the Dong Tung Port was “properly positioned” for easy access to tourist boats and passenger vehicles. Cambodia Logistics Association president Sin Chanthy said the wharf would push up waterway cargo traffic volume in the province, explaining that water transportation offers lower shipping costs, virtually no traffic congestion, and other conveniences. He voiced confidence that transportation would be smoother than ever at the Dong Tung Port with the new infrastructure built by the government, noting how small and dilapidated the existing facility had once been. The old port has seen a handful of renovations over the years. Progress on the latest revamp was impeded by interruptions and delays as a result of Covid-19 cross-border restrictions, making it difficult to import leased equipment and other items from neighbouring countries.