Cambodia Marks First World Standards Day, Celebrates ISO Full Membership to Boost Industrial Competitiveness

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 14, 2025) — Cambodia celebrated its first World Standards Day on Tuesday, highlighting its recent elevation to full membership in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as a milestone in strengthening the country’s industrial competitiveness.

The event, held under the global theme “Shared Vision for a Better World: SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals,” was led by Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation and chairman of the National Standards Council.

“Standards are not just technical documents—they are tools for national competitiveness,” Vanndy said. “By adopting and applying standards, our producers can improve product quality and safety, gain consumer confidence, and access regional and global markets.”

Cambodia has adopted 1,153 national standards to date, including 21 new ones approved in September. Vanndy urged enterprises and service providers to implement both national and international standards and aim for the highest level of compliance.

“Standards are the foundation of safety, innovation, and consumer trust,” he said. “Please consider standards not as a burden, but as a passport for your products to compete.”

Cambodia’s upgrade from ISO “Correspondent Member” to “Full Member” was approved Oct. 8 during the organization’s 47th General Assembly in Rwanda. The move grants Cambodia voting rights and participation in ISO technical committees.

“This upgrade allows Cambodia to have a voice in shaping international standards that affect our industries and trade,” said Chan Sopha, director general of the Institute of Standards of Cambodia. “It also opens opportunities for collaboration between our public and private sectors.”

The ceremony brought together members of the National Standards Council, technical committees, government ministries, private-sector stakeholders, and international partners, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to quality, safety, and sustainable industrial growth.