The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is putting up the lion’s share of the funding for what will be called ASEAN Highway 1 when it is completed in 2020. Japanese prime-minister Shinzo Abe joined his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen, at the official inauguration of Tsubasa Bridge on Monday morning.
An estimated 8,000 people joined the two prime-ministers for the ceremonies. Hun Sen gave a speech in which he praised Japan’s enduring friendship and support for Cambodia. He also noted that the bridge provides a convenient link from Phnom Penh to Svay Rieng and Prey Veng provinces as well as onwards to the Vietnamese border.
A convoy of 80 swanky limousines packed with dignitaries made the first trip across the 2.2km bridge before it was officially given over to public use. Interest was so great in this architectural gem that as soon as the general public was allowed to drive onto it, they immediately caused a traffic-jam.
Asian highway bridge across Mekong River opens for traffic
News in Asia
A key river bridge on a new international highway that will eventually connect Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City was officially opened on Monday. Tsubasa Bridge is the longest structure of this genre in Cambodia and spans the Mekong River in the southwest corner of the country.