PHNOM PENH, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Friday began the construction of a China-funded national road No. 11 that connects Prey Veng province to Tboung Khmum province in the country's southern part.

The construction of the 96.4-km national road, including two bypass roads, will be done by the China Road and Bridge Corporation at a cost of 94.1 million U.S. dollars, a concessional loan from the Chinese government.

The project is expected to be completed in 44 months.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony held in Prey Veng province, which was attended by about 7,000 people.

Speaking at the event, Hun Sen expressed his gratitude to the government and people of China for having provided grant aid, non-interest loan, and concessional loan to Cambodia for socio-economic development.

"China's aid has not only boosted Cambodia's socio-economic development, but also helped strengthen Cambodia's independent foreign policy," he said.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said the rise of China does not pose any threats to others, instead, it will benefit other developing countries, including Cambodia.

Hun Sen said the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China has been playing a vital role in developing infrastructure in Cambodia and other participating countries.

Xiong said all China's aid and concessional loans to Cambodia are sincere and has only one goal: help Cambodia develop more rapidly and improve the living conditions of the Cambodian people.

He said China's aid to Cambodia has no strings attached.

The ambassador said under the Belt and Road Initiative, there are more and more Chinese investors coming to Cambodia, and they are contributing to developing the economy of Cambodia.?