Cambodia’s rubber sector got a boost with the official launch of Chu Pah Kampong Thom Rubber Processing Factory of CRCK Rubber Development Co., Ltd., a company under Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), recently. The factory has a production capacity to process 6,400 tons of latex a year or 1.56 tons of latex per hour.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Information of Cambodia, the inauguration ceremony on July 28 was presided over by Nguon Rattanak, Governor of Kampong Thom province, in Dang Kambet commune, Sandan district.

Le Thanh Hung, General Director and Chairman of the VRG, along with Truong Minh Trung, Deputy Director General and Standing Deputy Head of the Steering Committee, were present.

Rattanak said that the factory completed the construction as per schedule and it will be able to meet the rising market demand for rubber. “This modern rubber processing factory is proof of the joint effort of the employees, construction operators, equipment suppliers, and other partners,” the governor said.

According to Rattanak, as the demand for processed rubber products in the market is increasing, the VRG has agreed to invest in building the Chu Pah factory in Kampong Thom provinceof Cambodia.

He also praised the company for building a factory that helps to improve the people’s livelihood, especially in Dang Kambet commune, Sandan district.

CRCK Rubber Development Company covers an area of 4,217 hectares and it started operations in April 2022 on 7.1 hectares in Kampong Thom, Cambodia. After one year, the processing factory was successfully put into trial operation on April 27, prior to the official launch.

Speaking with Khmer Times, Phillippe Monnin, Managing Director of Memot Rubber Plantation Co. Ltd, explained that rubber plantation is a long-term business and the price is fair as it doesn’t change much.

“Rubber is normally planted in the eastern part of Cambodia in Kampong Cham and Prey Veng as the soil and weather in these provinces are good for the plants,” Phillippe added.

As these provinces are fully cultivated with rubber now, he suggested that new investors interested in raising rubber plantations should look for land in Kampong Thom, Steung Treng, and Pailin provinces instead.

Phillippe said that these provinces also have ideal weather conditions for cultivating rubber. Rubber trees don’t need much water and hence heavy rain can damage the farms. Also, strong winds can break or uproot the rubber trees, he explained.