MISTI sets direction to boost domestic production, institutional resilience

PHNOM PENH, Feb 24, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) has outlined a strategic roadmap to strengthen national institutions, expand domestic production, and accelerate reforms aimed at safeguarding long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.

Speaking at the closing of MISTI’s 2025 Review and 2026 Planning Conference, Minister Hem Vanndy said Cambodia had made notable progress across core sectors including industry, SMEs, water supply, national quality infrastructure (NQI), science and technology, and informal economy development.

The country’s industrial base expanded to 3,083 large factories nationwide, employing over 1.26 million workers — more than 71 percent of them women. Clean water coverage rose to 1.57 million connections, supported by a 40,565-kilometer distribution network and total production of 556 million cubic meters.

Digital registration of informal workers reached 270,000 by year-end, reflecting efforts to build an inclusive economic system.

Cambodia also became a full member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), joined the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and was designated a Focal Point for CODEX Alimentarius. A total of 129 ASEAN Harmonized Standards and 81 Cambodian standards were adopted to enhance export readiness.

“A country that does not produce cannot fully protect its resilience,” Vanndy said, calling domestic production a strategic opportunity to strengthen supply chains and ensure competitiveness in global markets.

Looking ahead, MISTI will focus on preparing Cambodia for reduced trade preferences, stricter compliance requirements, and rising ESG expectations. Priorities for 2026 include reinforcing NQI, accelerating SME digital transformation, expanding clean water access, strengthening STI, modernizing public services, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.

“The world is increasingly uncertain. We must transform challenges into opportunities and continue building strong institutions that deliver results for the nation and the people,” Vanndy said.