Cambodia’s five cement factories produced 7.9 million tonnes of finished product last year, marking a seven per cent gain from 2019 even with myriad construction projects put on hold by Covid-19 throughout the year, according to Cambodian Cement Manufacturing Association secretary-general Puth Chandarith.

He told The Post on February 9 that growth in domestic cement production plays an increasingly important role in replacing imports, which are predominantly from Thailand, Vietnam and China.

“This seven per cent increase indicates that demand for cement remains high despite the fact that Covid-19 continues to spread,” he said, adding Cambodia’s cement factories are expected to produce even more this year, making a larger contribution to national economic development.

As capital investment remains on a robust growth trajectory, the Kingdom’s cement plans can now produce up to 10 million tonnes of cement per annum at full capacity, he said.

Nevertheless the spurt in domestic production was also partly due to global restrictions on the movement of people and goods to curb the spread of Covid-19, he added.

Cambodia Constructors Association general manager and secretary Chiv Sivpheng said that while larger construction projects – typically backed by foreign investment – were suspended, smaller ones – such as the residential buildings more often financed by locals – were not.

This drove up demand last year and contributed to growth in the sector, he said. “Domestic production during the period increased in almost all sectors, including cement. GDP [gross domestic product] growth, even in small amounts, is a positive sign for the Cambodian national economy,” he said.https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/cement-plants-churn-out-79m-tonnes