The new Conch KT Cement factory in Kampong Speu province. STPM
With the opening of its sixth cement factory, Cambodia has eliminated the need to import cement. The new facility, in Kampong Speu’s Oral district, is the result of a $250 million investment by Conch KT Cement (Phnom Penh), and was officially inaugurated this morning, May 20.
The new plant’s production capacity of 2.2 million tonnes per year means the Kingdom will produce approximately 11 million tonnes of cement per year.
A joint venture between local and Chinese investors, the factory is expected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. It aims to meet the growing daily demand for residential and commercial buildings, as well as infrastructure development.
Just over a decade ago, Cambodia relied almost entirely on cement imports from countries like Thailand, Vietnam and China.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his pride at the launch of this new factory — a joint venture between Conch International Holdings and Conch KT Cement Kampong Speu.
He encouraged investors to continue expanding investments in Cambodia, emphasising that investment in local manufacturing is notably increasing, a sign of the country's accelerating development. He reaffirmed the government's continued support and cooperation for all investment projects, especially those that boost Cambodia’s economy with resilience, sustainability and environmental considerations, in line with the Vision 2030 and 2050.
“I call on investors to choose Cambodia as their investment destination, as the country maintains peace, political stability and macroeconomic stability,” he said.
Additionally, he urged the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Cambodia Cement Manufacturing Association (CCMA) to seek international markets to promote the export of Cambodian cement.
Li Qiangfeng, CEO of Conch KT Cement (Phnom Penh) Co., Ltd., explained that Conch Group is a leading enterprise in the construction materials industry, dedicated to creating living spaces for the future. It actively contributes to the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming for national and international development, fostering a green industry chain, and supporting the real estate sector in Southeast Asia and Central Asia.
“This factory is the second large-scale cement plant we have invested in and constructed in Cambodia. Our first plant was Battambang Conch Cement, which began production on May 31, 2018,” he said.
He claimed that as of now, Conch KT Cement has invested about $480 million in Cambodia, creating around 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs.
Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rattanak stated that as of 2025, Cambodia has six cement factories with a total investment of $1.111 billion, employing around 3,000 workers. The six facilities have a combined production capacity of 11 million tonnes per year, transforming Cambodia from a 100% cement-importing country to one that can fully meet its domestic demand.
The Kingdom has even begun exporting, with 30,000 tonnes shipped to Thailand in 2024.
Puth Chandarith, CCMA secretary-general, told The Post in December 2024 that Cambodia, once fully reliant on imported cement, would by the end of 2024 supply about 90% of its annual domestic demand through local production.
