Phnom Penh — Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation H.E. Hem Vanndy met with a Malaysian business delegation led by Dato’ Sri Dr. Ricky Yaw, President of the Malaysia-Cambodia Business Association (MCBA), to explore deeper investment collaboration and economic partnership between the two countries.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), aimed to reinforce economic connectivity and facilitate greater private sector cooperation, particularly in high-potential sectors.
Dr. Yaw outlined the MCBA’s commitment to expanding Malaysian investments in Cambodia, while also opening pathways for Cambodian enterprises to explore business opportunities in Malaysia. “Our goal is to encourage Malaysian investors to invest in Cambodia, and likewise, facilitate Cambodian enterprises in exploring opportunities in Malaysia and forming strategic partnerships,” he stated. He also called for ongoing support from MISTI to help address challenges faced by startups and expanding businesses.
In response, Minister Vanndy welcomed the delegation’s growing interest in Cambodia and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining a stable, investor-friendly business climate. “MISTI is ready to assist you with factory licensing, factory planning, and industrial safety standards. We have no restrictions on automation and robotics in your factories,” he said, highlighting the government’s broader vision to modernize Cambodia’s industrial base and transition toward higher value-added production.
Minister Vanndy pointed to Cambodia’s open investment regime, a skilled labor force, and investor incentive programs such as the government-backed Skill Development Fund and co-financing schemes with leading corporations like Toyota. These initiatives, he noted, reflect the country’s drive toward industrial diversification and enhanced competitiveness.
While the garment sector has traditionally dominated Cambodia’s manufacturing landscape, the Minister encouraged Malaysian investors to consider emerging sectors such as food processing, technology, medical devices, and value-added manufacturing—particularly the furniture industry.
“There is significant potential for the furniture industry here, particularly through partnerships with local businesses. We can find sustainable ways to develop timber resources and support the furniture industry,” he added.
To support business expansion, Minister Vanndy invited the delegation to explore opportunities within Cambodia’s network of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or even consider the establishment of a dedicated Malaysian SEZ. He also recommended collaboration with Khmer Enterprise, a government-backed entrepreneurship platform, to engage with promising Cambodian startups in sectors like food innovation, agritech, and digital technology.
“We have a list of promising startups that could be excellent partners for your ventures,” he said, underscoring the value of inclusive, innovation-driven partnerships.
Concluding the meeting, H.E. Vanndy reassured the Malaysian delegation of Cambodia’s long-term economic trajectory. “Cambodia is a revolving, yet peaceful and stable country committed to economic development; you must have faith and hope that there is a future and growth for your business here,” he said.
He further encouraged investors to work directly with official government channels to ensure transparency and efficiency, cautioning against reliance on informal intermediaries.
The visit signals a continued deepening of Malaysia-Cambodia business relations and reflects Cambodia’s rising profile as a strategic investment destination in the region.
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