SIHANOUKVILLE – In a significant move for Cambodia’s industrial sector, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol conducted an official inspection of the newly completed production lines at the BYD Cambodia assembly plant on Saturday morning.
The visit to the facility, located within the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, underscores the government’s commitment to positioning the Kingdom as a premier hub for high-tech manufacturing and automotive assembly.
A “Signal to the World”
H.E. Sun Chanthol, who also serves as the First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), characterized the presence of the global EV giant as a testament to the country’s favorable investment climate.
He noted that BYD’s successful establishment in Sihanoukville serves as “undeniable evidence” that Cambodia is a high-potential, safe, and profitable destination for international capital.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia remains closely engaged and stands ready to provide comprehensive support to ensure investment success and sustainability,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
Enhancing the Local Supply Chain
Beyond the inspection of the state-of-the-art machinery, H.E. Sun Chanthol issued a call to action for BYD to deepen its roots in the local economy. He offered two strategic recommendations to help the company maximize its impact on Cambodian development:
Prioritizing Local Sourcing: The Deputy PM urged BYD to explore purchasing raw materials and components produced within Cambodia. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports while bolstering domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Expanding Production Value: He encouraged the firm to integrate more complex production processes at the Sihanoukville plant. Such an expansion would facilitate the transfer of advanced technological knowledge and create high-skilled job opportunities for Cambodian citizens.
The CDC as a Model Facilitator
The Council for the Development of Cambodia reaffirmed its role as a dedicated partner for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). H.E. Sun Chanthol highlighted that the CDC’s experience in facilitating BYD’s entry into the market will now serve as a “model” for improving services for other international investors in the future.
As production lines go live, the CDC and BYD are expected to continue working in tandem to explore further opportunities for both domestic supply and international export, marking a new chapter in Cambodia’s journey toward becoming a regional automotive player.
