Cambodia, ADB step up partnership to boost industrial resilience

PHNOM PENH, April 3, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are deepening their partnership to strengthen industrial resilience as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2029, officials said Thursday.

The renewed commitment was underscored during talks between the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and an ADB country programming mission, focusing on industrial transformation, national quality infrastructure and economic resilience.

ADB outlined a financing pipeline for 2026–2029, including four projects to support growth in export-oriented manufacturing despite external pressures.

Industry Minister Hem Vanndy welcomed the support, stressing the importance of long-term financing mechanisms such as the Multi-Tranche Financing Facility in advancing national priorities.

ADB Country Director Yasmin Siddiqi reaffirmed the strength of the partnership, noting Cambodia’s resilience in navigating current challenges. She said the ministry’s programmatic approach could serve as a model for other sectors under ADB’s country strategy.

ADB is also exploring grant assistance and crisis response financing as Cambodia prepares for its transition out of LDC status.

Officials said reinforcing the industrial base will be critical to ensuring a smooth and sustainable graduation, with priorities including quality infrastructure, domestic capacity and technology transfer to maintain competitiveness.