MISTI Sets Priorities on Strengthening Cambodia’s Competitiveness and Capacity

PHNOM PENH, Feb 23, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) has set priorities for 2026 aimed at strengthening competitiveness beyond low-cost production and enhancing institutional capacity, Minister Hem Vanndy said Monday.

Speaking at the ministry’s 2025 Review and 2026 Planning Conference, Vanndy said Cambodia has maintained macroeconomic stability and is entering a new phase of development.

He stressed the need to build a strong economic foundation, robust governance and resilient national systems to achieve the goal of graduating from Least Developed Country status by 2029 and reaching the 2050 high-income vision.

“Competitiveness is no longer determined solely by low costs, but by quality, standards, compliance, productivity, innovation, safety and sustainability,” Vanndy said. He added that Cambodia must produce value-added goods and services with skilled labor, certified quality and internationally recognized compliance.

The conference also discussed addressing technical barriers to trade, strengthening science and innovation, advancing industrialization, promoting clean water sector development and reinforcing institutional capacity. Officials said industry remains a strategic pillar under the government’s Pentagonal Strategy–Phase 1.