Myanmar Investors Target Supply Chain Gaps as Cambodia Seeks Stronger Local Manufacturing

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 21, 2026 (KPT) — A delegation of Myanmar business leaders has voiced strong interest in investing in Cambodia to help plug gaps in local supply chains, bolstering the country’s push to strengthen manufacturing capacity and industrial value chains ahead of its planned graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of the decade.

The 40-member delegation, comprising entrepreneurs from both services and manufacturing sectors, met with Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), during a business engagement in Phnom Penh.

The group represents a wide range of industries, including education, consulting, food production, personal care products, jade and gemstones, fabrics, traditional medicine, and vehicle spare parts.

Leading the delegation, Dr. Soe Hein — a Myanmar entrepreneur who has operated an education business in Cambodia for more than a year — said the visit marked the group’s fourth business-matching mission to the Kingdom.

He noted that repeated visits reflected growing confidence among Myanmar investors in Cambodia’s investment climate and long-term economic prospects.

Minister Vanndy welcomed the investors and outlined the ministry’s reform agenda, stressing Cambodia’s openness to responsible foreign investment that contributes to domestic value creation.

He acknowledged that while foreign direct investment has flowed into Cambodia over the years, linking local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to larger industries remains a challenge.

“Cambodia is an open market, and investors who are ready to compete will have our full support, especially those who can help strengthen local supply chains,” Vanndy said.

He added that as Cambodia prepares for LDC graduation by 2029, improving local content, productivity, and industrial depth is increasingly critical to ensure sustainable growth.

The minister encouraged Myanmar investors to explore opportunities in upstream and supporting industries that can supply raw materials, components, and services to Cambodia’s expanding manufacturing base.

He also reminded the delegation that Cambodia’s investment law permits 100 percent foreign ownership across most sectors, urging investors to establish businesses through proper legal channels rather than relying solely on brokers or third-party agents.