Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol asked Thai experts to share knowledge with Cambodian engineers regarding ports, railways and even subways constructions. The minister made the request at a meeting with Thailand’s new ambassador Cherdkiat Atthakor on February 20. Chanthol praised Thailand for the strong ties and good cooperation between the two countries, especially for providing assistance for the development of infrastructure in provinces along the border such as National Roads 48, 67 and 68 and for maintaining security and order along the border to the benefits of both peoples. Chanthol also asked that the Thai government examine the possibility of appointing professors or experts to organize short training courses in person or online on advanced subjects and to check into the possibility of supporting the operations of the Techo Sen Institute of Public Works and Transport (TSI). In response, Cherdkiat noted that the official diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Thailand were now in their 72nd year and that he is committed to achieving things that contribute to the strengthening of friendly relations and good cooperation between the governments and the peoples of the two countries. According to a recent study conducted by the Japanese organization JICA, from 2018 to 2020 Cambodia needs about 35,000 skilled engineers to work in industry, infrastructure, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, services, tourism and real estate in order to continue growing its economy. Although TSI said the number of students had increased from year to year at both public and private institutions, the ministry said Cambodia still needs more skilled and technical workforce to meet its current needs in public works and transport engineering.