On October 20, 2025, Cambodia's aviation industry reached an important milestone - the opening of Dechong International Airport, constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation. This largest modern international airport in Cambodia will completely replace Phnom Penh International Airport, which ceased operations last month, and become a new engine driving the development of Cambodia's air transportation industry.

Dechong International Airport is located about 20 kilometers from the capital Phnom Penh, covering an area of 2600 hectares with a total investment of 2.3 billion US dollars. The airport design fully considers the future development needs of air transportation and has complete passenger and cargo facilities. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Mane emphasized at the unveiling ceremony that the airport will become an important gateway for Cambodia to connect with the world. It will not only greatly enhance passenger throughput capacity, but also become a regional logistics hub, significantly enhancing Cambodia's connectivity with ASEAN countries and even the world.

It is worth noting that this major project has achieved significant results in promoting local employment and technology transfer. Prime Minister Hun Mane specifically pointed out that although the project was undertaken by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, 90% of the architects, engineers, and construction workers involved in the project implementation were Cambodian locals. This data fully reflects the important role of international cooperation projects in cultivating local talents and driving employment.

The completion and opening of Dechong International Airport is another landmark achievement of China and ASEAN countries in jointly building the the Belt and Road and deepening regional infrastructure cooperation. As the largest airport project in Cambodia to date, its official operation will effectively enhance Cambodia's international air transportation capacity, inject new impetus into promoting the development of the country's tourism industry, promoting economic and trade exchanges, and strengthening regional connectivity. At the same time, it also demonstrates the outstanding strength and responsibility of Chinese enterprises in the field of overseas engineering construction.

The successful implementation of this project not only sets a new benchmark for Cambodia's infrastructure construction, but also provides a demonstration for the deep cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in the field of transportation, which will further promote the process of regional economic integration and achieve the goal of mutual benefit and win-win development. Editor/Yang Beihua