A law regulating water transportation in Cambodia has been drafted. Kiripost speaks to Phan Rim, of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to find out more about the benefits it will bringA draft law on water transportation has been created to strengthen the sector and find solutions to serve national and international trade, while supporting national economic growth. In an interview with Kiripost, Phan Rim, spokesperson at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), said solid water transportation provides benefits to Cambodia economically, however, the sector needs to overcome obstacles to reach its potential. Challenges Rim underlined that the water transportation sector faces various obstacles, including a lack of legal documents to manage and develop it effectively and sustainably. He added that there is a lack of professional human resources in the field, and some stretches of rivers and tributaries have shallow waters that are not navigable at all times of the year. “There is still a lack of infrastructure to support inland waterway transport and extensive connectivity for water transport on land, rail and by air. There is not much private investment in water transport yet,” Rim explained. “There is no additional service to support water transport. Cambodians do not yet have a comprehensive understanding of water transport,” he stressed. Using water transportation Water transportation plays an important role and has special features. Rim noted that improving infrastructure so water can be transported for longer distances would make the cost per unit cheaper than other sectors. It would also benefit the environment and lessen Cambodia’s carbon footprint. “It could reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to land and air transport. Sometimes, it reduces road damage compared to land transport,” he underlined. Importance of law The law was created to control the efficient and sustainable management of ships, crews, ports and waterway infrastructure, as well as those related to the water transport sector. It also aims to ensure the registration of Cambodian vessels for international navigation, establish navigation services and provide crew manpower in international markets, which is the basis for the long-term development of the inland waterway transport sector. “It will ensure investment in inland waterways with its construction or operational port facilities, garages for shipbuilding and ship repair, increasing imports and ensuring effective competition,” he added. In addition, it will create more jobs in the field of water transport, and can provide an attractive and innovative environment for investors, port users and navigation services. Moreover, legal instruments ensure justice for all parties involved in water transport activities, including the management and development of an efficient and sustainable water transport sector. At a meeting on January 17, the Ministry and relevant parties discussed the draft law to define the management and development of the inland waterway and port sector to maintain order, and ensure the safety and security of inland waterway transport. The law will also oversee the building and maintenance of relevant infrastructure, and ensure it contributes to the protection of the environment, as well as provides investment opportunities and fair competition, equity and transparency. Rim added that the law has not yet been finalized, with some challenges still needed to be addressed. He noted that water transport can support Cambodia’s socio-economic development to become a middle-income country by 2030 and high income country by 2050.