Prime Minister Hun Sen has established an inter-ministerial committee to review ongoing and new agreements for Phnom Penh International and Sihanoukville International Airports.
The committee, which was announced via Freshnews media outlet on Thursday, is chaired by Chea Sophara, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, and comprises 21 members.
The committee will examine and study all existing concession agreements related to investment in international airports in Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk between the government, Airport Concession Company (SCA) and Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC).
The committee will also review an end to the agreement with SCA and the operations of a new investment company, AIAI, which develops an airport in Siem Reap.
The decision, which was published in full by Freshnews, added that the committee will negotiate with SCA and CAIC to prepare agreements for a new Phnom Penh International Airport and the closure of the current Phnom Penh International Airport.
Cambodia Airports said on Thursday they welcome the news of the committee.
“We welcome the creation of this inter-ministerial committee that paves the way for the future of the Cambodian airport system through the cooperation between SCA/Cambodia Airports and the Royal Government of Cambodia,” Norinda Khek, director of the communications at Cambodia Airports, wrote in email.