PREAH SIHANOUK, December 20, 2025 — In a major boost for the Kingdom’s industrial landscape, H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), conducted a high-level inspection of the BYD Cambodia assembly plant today. The visit marks the official completion of the production lines at the facility, located within the strategically vital Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ).
The Deputy Prime Minister’s presence signals the Royal Government’s unwavering support for high-tech manufacturing and its commitment to transforming Cambodia into a regional hub for the automotive industry.
BYD Cambodia Assembly Plant: A Model for FDI Success
During the inspection, H.E. Sun Chanthol emphasized that the successful completion of the BYD Cambodia assembly plant serves as undeniable evidence of the country’s potential as a safe and profitable investment destination.
“The presence of a global industry giant like BYD is a strong signal to the world,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted. He reaffirmed that the CDC would utilize its experience with BYD as a “gold standard” model to:
- Facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Streamlining services for global firms entering the Cambodian market.
- Enhance Investment Efficiency: Improving the one-stop-service mechanism for industrial projects.
- Promote Global Networking: Encouraging BYD to share its positive experiences within its extensive global investment networks.
Strategic Recommendations for Sustainable Growth
To ensure the long-term success of the BYD Cambodia assembly plant and its impact on the national economy, the Deputy Prime Minister offered two key strategic recommendations:
- Prioritizing Local Sourcing: The government encouraged BYD to explore purchasing raw materials and components produced within Cambodia. This move aims to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and reduce the country’s reliance on imported parts.
- Expanding Value-Added Production: H.E. Sun Chanthol urged the company to move beyond basic assembly (CKD) and integrate more complex production processes. This expansion will facilitate the transfer of technological knowledge and create higher-skilled job opportunities for the Cambodian workforce.
Advancing Cambodia’s Green Mobility Goals
The BYD factory, which represents a $32 million investment in its first phase, is expected to have a production capacity of 10,000 vehicles per year. This aligns perfectly with Cambodia’s “National Policy on the Development of Electric Vehicles 2024–2030.” By producing both pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids locally, BYD is helping the Kingdom reach its target of carbon neutrality while boosting domestic productivity.