A new 1.7Mta cement plant is expected to come online on Friday in Battambang province, according to Cambodian Mines and Energy Minister, Suy Sem. While the factory's name remains undisclosed, the only upcoming project with that capacity is the joint venture between China-based Conch International Holdings (HK) Ltd and Battambang KT Cement Co Ltd.

Construction of the works began in October 2016 on 100ha of land in Rattanak Mondul district, and represents an investment of approximately US$230m.

"The demand for cement and other construction materials has been increasing significantly," said Yos Monirath, spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

"For now, if the existing factories are fully operational, [they] can supply the current demand…but, if the speed of demand keeps increasing more and more, we think we will need more investment in cement factories," he said.