BATTAMBANG, Cambodia, March 10 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday inaugurated the China-funded road No. 57B in northwestern Battambang province, saying that the road will contribute to developing economy and reducing poverty.

The inauguration ceremony, held in the province's Bovel district, was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo as well as some 10,000 people including government officials, local authorities, residents and students.

The 176-km road, stretching through four districts in the province toward the border of Thailand, was built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in the period of 3 years under a 90 million U.S. dollars soft loan from the government of China.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen said the road would greatly contribute to improving livelihoods of local residents and upgrading road infrastructure in northwestern part of Cambodia.

"Through Ambassador Bu Jianguo, I'd like to express my gratitude to the government of China and her people for providing both grants and concessional loans to Cambodia for social and economic development," he said. "The road is just one of the numerous achievements built in Cambodia under the good cooperation between Cambodia and China."

The premier also extended thanks to Chinese investors for coming to Cambodia, saying their presence is very important to develop Cambodian economy and reduce poverty.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Bu said China attached great importance to its traditional and friendship relations with Cambodia and would continue helping Cambodia develop economy and alleviate poverty.