Funding crisis delays Phnom Penh centre

By David Johnson PHNOM PENH Construction of a new exhibition centre in Phnom Penh has been halted as government officials desperately search for extra funds. Located on the bank of the Tonle Sap River opposite the Royal Palace, work on the US$6 million Mekong Exhibition Centre has stopped with 30% of construction finished. The Ministry of Tourism has already pumped US$3 million into the centre, being built on 9,000sqm of land. The government hopes construction will restart soon, with a 2005 opening date pencilled in. Work on a hotel next to the exhibition centre has also stalled, as has construction of the botanical gardens around the hotel. Mr David Morrow, Destination Asia Cambodia events manager, said it is vital for the Cambodian corporate event market that the exhibition centre is completed. "A new convention centre would be a huge asset to Phnom Penh in particular, especially after the success of the Asean Tourism Forum and other significant gatherings in the past 12 months," Mr Morrow said, who has more than six years' experience in the business tourism industry in Indochina. "While the Raffles Le Royal, the Intercontinental Hotel and Cambodiana Hotel all have sizeable meeting facilities and a proven record for success, a centre focused on exhibitions and meetings would cement Phnom Penh as a prime regional venue for meetings, exhibitions and events," he added. Mr Morrow said Siem Reap has already benefited from the government's open-skies policy, with international flights now flying directly to the temples of Angkor. Promoting the capital as a major event destination is a "sensible progression", he added. "Phnom Penh is in a strong position for business tourism beyond Indochina," he said. Mr Morrow is, however, concerned the exhibition centre may be too isolated, although a loop road has been planned to connect the site with the city and ideas for a fast-boat service along the adjoining river submitted. "I have some concerns about the convenience of transit by river in the wet season," he said. "Also of concern is the ten-room hotel next door, which is hardly adequate for the centre."