Toyota Tsusho Eyes Expansion in Cambodia, Plans Automotive Academy Launch in 2026

OSAKA, Japan (Sept. 4, 2025) — Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul met Thursday morning with senior executives from Toyota Tsusho Corporation in Osaka, reaffirming the government’s support for Japanese investment and welcoming the company’s plans to expand operations and launch a skills training academy in Cambodia.

The working breakfast was attended by Harada Shigeru, Division CEO of Toyota Tsusho Co., Ltd., representatives from Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing (Cambodia), Cambodian government officials, and the Cambodian ambassador to Japan.

Minister Cham expressed appreciation for Toyota’s decision to establish its $36.8 million vehicle assembly plant in the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone, which began operations in May 2024. The facility currently assembles Toyota Hilux and Fortuner models and employs over 150 workers. She noted that Toyota vehicles are widely trusted by Cambodian drivers for their durability and quality.

Toyota Tsusho entered Cambodia in 1993 and has since expanded its footprint across the mobility value chain, including vehicle imports, parts distribution, and now assembly. The company’s investment was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the ASEAN Summit in 2022.

During the meeting, Harada thanked the Ministry of Commerce for its continued facilitation of business operations, including trademark registration and exclusive rights. He announced that Toyota will launch the Toyota Academy in early 2026 to promote vocational training in automotive mechanics and technical skills.

“With strong customer demand and confidence in Cambodia’s investment climate, we are preparing to expand our production lines,” Harada said.

The initiative aligns with Toyota Tsusho’s broader commitment to carbon neutrality, industrial development, and human resource advancement in Cambodia.