Cambodia pushes value-added manufacturing as firms eye global markets

PHNOM PENH, Feb 20, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia is stepping up efforts to boost value-added manufacturing as local companies expand abroad, officials said Friday, after Industry Minister Hem Vanndy toured leading firms PPM Pharma and Confirel.

On Thursday, Vanndy inspected production lines, innovation projects and export strategies at the Phnom Penh facilities, underscoring the government’s push to strengthen competitiveness.

PPM Pharma, in operation for three decades, supplies pharmaceuticals for domestic and overseas markets, with about half its output exported. Confirel, founded 25 years ago, processes palm sugar, mango, cashew, pepper and fish into branded food and beverage products sold internationally.

Executives said exports reach the United States, European Union, Canada and Asia, serving more than 500 million consumers. Plans include expanding mango processing and retail distribution in Japan.

Vanndy hailed the firms as proof Cambodian enterprises can move beyond raw exports to deliver branded goods meeting global standards. He stressed technology adoption, productivity gains and stronger supply chains as key to industrial modernization.

The ministry pledged support through product registration, standards development, laboratory accreditation and joint research with universities and national science institutions.