Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Boosts SME Competitiveness as Industry 4.0 Project Concludes in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 19, 2025) — An 18-month Mekong–Lancang Cooperation project aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises under the framework of Industry 4.0 has concluded in Cambodia, underscoring the role of regional cooperation in boosting productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

The project, implemented in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, focused on SME development and technical cooperation. It closed with an innovation award ceremony for food product development by student teams using local raw materials.

The event was co-chaired by Hem Vanndy, Cambodia’s minister of industry, science, technology and innovation, and Wang Wenbin, China’s ambassador to Cambodia.

Vanndy said the project delivered tangible results, including improved SME capacity, greater adoption of new technologies and higher productivity. He noted that the initiative showed the value of technical cooperation and knowledge sharing among Mekong–Lancang countries in meeting the challenges of Industry 4.0.

Although the project has formally ended, Vanndy urged stakeholders to continue applying and expanding the knowledge, partnerships and skills developed through the cooperation to support long-term SME growth.

Wang said Mekong–Lancang countries are increasingly leveraging technology and innovation to drive economic development. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to sharing development experience, technical expertise and resources with regional partners to strengthen capacity, deepen cooperation and promote sustainable growth.

A key component of the project was the “Cambodia Business Incubation Platform for Food Product Development,” which promoted innovation in food processing. Thirty student teams nationwide participated in the competition, showcasing new product ideas that add value to local agricultural inputs.

The project’s completion highlights the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation framework’s growing role in supporting SME competitiveness, digital transformation and regional economic integration in the era of Industry 4.0.