PHNOM PENH — The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia, funded by Chinese investment, reached a milestone of 10 million users during its first two years of operation.

The Cambodian operator of the 187-kilometer expressway, PPSHV Expressway, celebrated the motorway's second anniversary on Friday by awarding a gift to its 10 millionth user.

Chhum Sophearun, a 42-year-old taxi driver, was recognized as the milestone user on Oct 2, receiving free travel on the expressway for one year.

Speaking at the event, Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea said the expressway, the first of its kind in Cambodia, has become a key strategic route linking Phnom Penh, the country's economic powerhouse, with the coastal province of Sihanoukville.

"This expressway has been providing great benefits to Cambodia's socioeconomic development and tourism," Ponea said. "It has played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of travel and goods transport."

He highlighted the expressway as a major achievement under Belt and Road cooperation, in addition to the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

"These achievements are a solid testament to our joint efforts in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future," he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin described the expressway as a landmark project of China-Cambodia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

"It's a vivid example of China-Cambodia joint efforts in building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in a new era," Wang said.

The expressway has significantly contributed to job creation, regional development and the well-being of local people, he added.

High quality

Wang said he had traveled on the expressway many times and was impressed by its high quality and sound management.

Sophearun, the 10 millionth user, shared with Xinhua News Agency his excitement upon being informed of his milestone status by an expressway staff member.

"Usually, I travel on the expressway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and vice versa, carrying tourists from Europe, China or Indonesia," he said.

The expressway greatly reduces the travel time, taking only two hours to cover the distance, compared with up to five hours on National Road 4, he added.

"It is the best choice," he said. "I'd like to urge all drivers to use this expressway because it is quite safe and very convenient to travel."

Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer model, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is Cambodia's first freeway and the largest single project under the BRI, with a total investment of $2 billion.

Teng Sokhen, a 25-year-old toll collector at the expressway, said it offers a safe, convenient and efficient travel option for all drivers.

"I'm really happy to work here because this road has contributed to Cambodia's social development, economic growth and tourism, and has provided a lot of benefits to the people of Cambodia," she told Xinhua.

"As a staff member, I'm glad to be a contributor to the society."

The expressway sees an average of more than 10,000 vehicles daily, she said.

Xinhua