The French government on Wednesday donated $6.7 million for the development of Pochentong Airport, completing a financing package of $12.5 million over the last three years.
At a signing ceremony Wednesday, French Ambassador Gildas Le Lidec and Finance Minister Keat Chhon said the money would pay for new equipment and help upgrade the airport terminal, but officials were unable to specify exactly what was needed.
“The airport was severely affected by the events of July,” said Vongsey Vissoth, deputy director of the department of external finance, referring to the looting and destruction of equipment ranging from navigational devices to X-ray machines. “So we need to spend the money on repairs and improve the airport in terms of equipment provision.”
The construction of a new terminal is expected to begin next year, he added, although the plans have not yet been finalized. In addition, the French signed over $200,000 Wednesday for technical assistance for the Ministry of Finance.
