STUNG TRENG, Cambodia - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday broke ground for the construction of the China-funded national road No 214 and the Cambodia-China Friendship Mekong-Stung Treng Bridge in the northern part of Cambodia.

The 144-kilometer road and a 1,731-meter bridge have been building under the soft loan of $116 million from the government of China, aiming at boosting the economic development in Cambodia's border provinces.

The road stretches from Stung Treng province to Preah Vihear province. The Shanghai Construction (Group) General Company undertakes the construction, which is expected to complete in 45 months.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Hun Sen said that the road and bridge are very important to develop and link border provinces, adding that they are in the northern corridor which connects Cambodia to Vietnam and Laos.

"All achievements here have come from very good relations and cooperation between the governments of Cambodia and China," he said.

Hun Sen also expressed profound thanks to the Chinese government and the Chinese people for constantly supporting Cambodia in its social and economic development.

"China has helped Cambodia a lot in infrastructure development, especially roads and bridges," he said. "The assistance is very vital for Cambodia to develop the country's economy and poverty alleviation."

Meanwhile, Charge d'Affairs of Chinese Embassy to Cambodia He Leping said that China would still continue helping Cambodia in developing infrastructures, especially roads and bridges.

"The road and bridge are essential to improve the livelihoods of the Cambodian people in northern border provinces," he said.

He also promised to encourage more Chinese investors to do business in Cambodia, especially in the sectors of infrastructure and agriculture.