Chinese firms agree $11 billion deal in Cambodia

(AP) Two Chinese firms have signed an $11 billion deal with Cambodia to build a new railway, a port and a steel factory in the Southeast Asian country.

San Sok Lika, an official with the Chinese-owned Cambodia Iron and Steel Mining Industry, said Friday that construction on the projects should begin by July.

The projects include a 400-kilometer (249-mile) rail line which will run from a steel plant in northern Preah Vihear province to a port in Koh Kong in Cambodia's southwest.

A recent statement issued by the two companies said the $11.2 billion deal was inked Dec. 31.

Cambodia Iron and Steel is based in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. The other firm, Steel Mining Industry, is based in China.