Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo on Tuesday jointly inaugurated a China-funded National Road No. 41, which stretches through four provinces in the country's southwestern and southern parts.

The 95 km road runs through Kampong Speu, Kandal, Takeo and Kampot, starting from the junction of National Road No. 4 in Kampong Speu province to end in Kampot province, according to a report by Cambodian Public Works and Transport Minister Tram Iv Tek.

The two-lane road had been built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in the period of 43 months, costing 46 million U.S. dollars, which is the concessional loan from the Chinese government, he said.

"The road is a key strategic line connecting the central part to the mountainous and coastal region in the country's southern part," he said. "It will make farmers easier to transport their products to markets."

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen said the road was a new achievement that resulted from excellent relations and cooperation between Cambodia and China.

"It is a new strategic road, facilitating salt transportation from coastal Kampot province to other cities and provinces across the country," he said at the ceremony, which was attended by some 10,000 people who are government officials, local authorities, residents and students.

Kampot is the only province that produces salt for Cambodia.

"On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia and Cambodian people, I'd like to express sincere thanks to the Chinese government and people for providing grants and concessional loans to Cambodia for socio-economic development," he said.

Ambassador Bu said China has paid high attention to the strengthening and expanding of relations and cooperation with Cambodia, considering Cambodia as a key strategic cooperation partner.

"I'm confident that the National Road No. 41 will contribute to boosting economic development and reducing poverty in these provinces," she said.