New MISTI Guidelines Tie Industrial Expansion to Stricter Safety and Pollution Standards

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) on Monday unveiled strengthened guidelines linking factory layout planning, pollution control and risk management to industrial safety and future growth, amid the country’s rapidly expanding manufacturing sector.

Speaking at the opening of a workshop, Minister Hem Vanndy said the new rules are designed to “shape the future of Cambodia’s industrial development by guiding factories and production establishments to adopt proper technical layouts, strengthen safety, and manage risks such as fire prevention, pollution reduction and industrial waste management in line with national regulations and international best practices.”

Cambodia’s industrial sector has grown sharply in recent years. As of December 2025, the country counted 3,083 large-scale factories in operation — an increase of 658, or 27 percent, compared with 2024. Total investment capital reached USD 25.17 billion, up USD 4.71 billion (23 percent), with domestic investment accounting for USD 3.91 billion, or 15 percent of the total.

Alongside this expansion, officials stressed the importance of industrial safety and governance. “A well-designed and carefully planned factory layout is the first line of protection. It not only improves operational efficiency, but most importantly, helps protect the lives of our workers and employees,” Vanndy said.

The new Prakas on factory layout consolidates decades of regulatory practice, updating earlier rules to close gaps and ensure more comprehensive and consistent safety standards. It introduces unified technical requirements covering production processes, machinery and equipment, fire prevention systems, emergency evacuation routes and other critical safety measures. The guidelines will serve as a key reference for applications related to factory establishment, branch openings, relocations, production expansions and operating licenses.

MISTI has also recently issued a separate Prakas on pollution management systems, aimed at strengthening industrial waste management.

Vanndy urged all factories and production establishments to strictly implement the ministry’s guidelines on technical layouts, pollution management and risk management measures to enhance efficiency and productivity, reduce risks to life and property, safeguard business reputation and avoid penalties from competent authorities.