PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is celebrating a significant economic milestone, marking a proud transformation from a nation reliant on imported cement to one that is now producing enough for its own needs and beginning to export. This shift highlights the country’s growing industrial self-sufficiency and economic progress.
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed immense pride in this transformation during the inauguration of the new Conch KT Cement (Phnom Penh) Co., Ltd. factory in Kampong Speu province. He recalled that prior to 2007, Cambodia was entirely dependent on cement imports from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Today, Cambodia boasts six operational cement plants that fully meet domestic demand. The country has also taken its first steps into international markets, with over 30,000 tonnes of cement exported to Thailand in 2024.
Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Cambodian Cement Manufacturers Association to actively intensify efforts to explore additional international markets for Cambodian cement. He also advised the ministry to carefully assess proposals for limiting new cement licenses. This strategic approach aims to maintain a competitive market environment and prevent potential business setbacks within the industry.
Cambodia’s six current cement plants — Kampot Cement, Cambodia Cement Chakrey Ting, Chip Mong Insee Cement, Battambang Conch Cement, Thai Bun Rong Cement, and Conch KT Cement — represent a substantial investment of approximately US$1.11 billion. Together, they boast an impressive annual production capacity of around 11 million tonnes.
According to H.E. Keo Rottanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, three additional cement plants are currently under construction in Kampot, Battambang, and Kratie provinces. Once completed, these new facilities are projected to add another 5 million tonnes to the country’s annual capacity.
The newly inaugurated Conch KT Cement (Phnom Penh) Co., Ltd. factory in Oral district, Kampong Speu province, is a significant addition to this growth. With an investment of US$250 million, the plant has an annual production capacity of approximately 2.2 million tonnes of cement. It is expected to create 450 direct jobs and around 1,000 indirect jobs.
This new facility marks the second major cement investment by the Conch Group in Cambodia. Their first venture, Battambang Conch Cement Co., Ltd., a joint venture inaugurated in 2018, has an annual production capacity of 2 million tonnes.
Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that this new factory would significantly boost Cambodia’s cement production, ensuring the country continues to meet its domestic needs. To further support the construction sector and lower the cost of local cement, the Premier also announced a five-year extension of tax exemptions for cement factories.
Cambodia’s journey from cement importer to emerging exporter is a testament to its robust economic development and strategic industrial planning.
