With BYD expanding in Cambodia, it seems to be more firmly planted in Southeast Asia
The new number one best selling EV brand globally, BYD, has officially begun construction of a new vehicle assembly plant in Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk province. Situated within a special economic zone, the project is set to bolster Cambodia’s growing automotive industry and enhance foreign investment in the country.
The plant, operating under BYD Auto Industry, a subsidiary of BYD, will have an initial production capacity of 10,000 vehicles per year and represents a significant investment of approximately USD32 million (roughly RM138 million) in its first phase. It also means that the brand is serious about expanding its presence in the Southeast Asia region.
Moreover, a groundbreaking ceremony took place on 28 April, attended by Sun Chanthol, First Vice-President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin. According to a CDC statement, the plant will follow a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) model, meaning vehicle parts will be imported and assembled locally.
Construction of the 12-hectare facility is expected to conclude by October, with manufacturing operations beginning in early November. At the ceremony, Chanthol expressed appreciation for selecting Cambodia for this strategic expansion. He recalled a visit to BYD’s headquarters in 2023, during which Cambodian officials actively advocated for the investment.
He also credited China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the recent state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping for strengthening economic ties and encouraging such ventures. Chanthol emphasized that BYD’s entry into Cambodia demonstrates growing international confidence in the nation’s political stability and investment climate.
On top of that, he highlighted ongoing efforts by the Cambodian government to improve the regulatory environment, promote investment-friendly policies and streamline legal procedures to attract global companies. The BYD plant will become part of Cambodia’s emerging automotive sector, which now includes nine vehicle assembly facilities, six within special economic zones.
Prime Minister Hun Manet recently confirmed this expansion, noting the country’s commitment to industrial diversification. Cambodia has seen a notable uptick in foreign investment. In the first quarter of 2025, the CDC approved 172 projects worth USD2.5 billion (about RM10 billion), expected to create nearly 120,000 jobs.
Of that investment, approximately 56 percent originated from Chinese firms, with Preah Sihanouk province alone attracting 16 of those projects. BYD’s move further cements Cambodia’s role as a key player in Southeast Asia’s automotive supply chain.
We got all this from Cambodianess and their full article is linked here. Thank you Cambodianess for the information and images.
