Cambodia, EU-ASEAN Business Council Discuss Standards and Sustainable Industry

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and the EU-ASEAN Business Council have discussed expanding cooperation on industrial standards and sustainable manufacturing during talks in Phnom Penh, officials said Thursday.

Industry Minister Hem Vanndy met with a delegation led by council vice chairman Noel Clehane to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration between the ministry and European businesses.

Clehane welcomed Cambodia’s progress in economic integration and industrial modernization, noting that the European Union remains Cambodia’s largest export market. He said European firms see strong potential as Cambodia diversifies toward higher value-added manufacturing.

Vanndy highlighted efforts to strengthen domestic production, improve food quality and expand laboratory capacity to support national standards. He also stressed the importance of packaging and agro-processing to boost competitiveness in global markets.

European representatives expressed interest in policies on sustainable packaging, food safety, textile labeling and financial inclusion. Vanndy encouraged investment in Cambodia’s digital economy and formalization of informal businesses, noting that some 300,000 enterprises have registered through the government’s digital platform.