(Phnom Penh): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is preparing to broaden its collaboration with Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), focusing on four priority areas identified during a high-level meeting in Phnom Penh on Wednesday.
The meeting, chaired by Minister Hem Vanndy and attended by an ADB delegation led by Mr. Jose Antonio Tan III, Director at ADB’s Public Sector Management and Governance Sector Office, explored future cooperation as the country advances towards its development goals.
Building on the ongoing Trade and Competitiveness Programme, Subprogramme 3, which will conclude in 2026, Minister Vanndy outlined proposals for expanded support. These include: strengthening Cambodia’s national quality infrastructure, particularly its laboratories; supporting Khmer Enterprise in scaling up MSMEs and startups; enhancing national productivity to improve industrial competitiveness; and advancing regulatory development and reforms under MISTI’s mandate.
Minister Vanndy underlined the urgency of aligning international support with Cambodia’s long-term industrial priorities. “As Cambodia approaches LDC graduation in 2029, we must not only strengthen government capacity but also build industries themselves, from standards to productivity reform and digital transformation,” he stressed.
For its part, ADB welcomed the proposals, noting that they provide clear guidance for refining upcoming programmes. The Bank confirmed its readiness to work with MISTI and the Royal Government of Cambodia to bring the initiatives forward, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Cambodia’s economic transformation and competitiveness agenda.
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