Pursat (FN), Apr. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that Cambodia has made significant progress in its industrial sector, evolving from a country that once imported even simple products like soft drinks to one that now has the capability to export a variety of goods including assembling its own vehicles. Currently, Cambodia has nine car assembly plants operating nationwide.
The premier spoke on Tuesday (Apr. 22) at the inauguration of new Ford production line and Ford sub-assembly plant of RMA (Cambodia) Plc. in Pursat Province.
Samdech Thipadei expressed optimism that in the near future, these companies will not only assemble vehicles but also begin producing more components locally.
Samdech Thipadei underscored, “Today, we have nine car assembly plants, six located in special economic zones and three outside. Please do not underestimate Cambodia as merely an agricultural country. In the past, we had to import even a can of orange juice, but now we can assemble cars domestically to meet local demand, and potentially, export in the future.”
Samdech Thipadei underlined that all car assembly plants in Cambodia are equipped with modern technology and utilise robotics operated by Cambodian workers, not solely foreign labor. What is even more encouraging is that vehicles assembled in Cambodia proudly carry the “Made in Cambodia” label.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet described this progress as a leap forward, built on steady and deliberate steps. He expressed hope that local companies would eventually transition from assembling imported parts to manufacturing those components themselves.
In support of the growing domestic automotive industry, the premier encouraged Cambodians to consider purchasing locally assembled cars, as it would make parts replacement and maintenance easier. However, he clarified that the government is not banning car imports, but rather promoting more affordable, locally produced options for the benefit of consumers.
It should be noted that car assembly plants are currently operating in the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone, and in the provinces of Svay Rieng, Pursat, Koh Kong, Banteay Meanchey, and Kandal.
=FRESH NEWS
