Cambodia, Brazil seek stronger partnership in agro‑industry, innovation

PHNOM PENH, July 17, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and Brazil pledged Thursday to deepen cooperation in agro‑industry, innovation and industrial development, building on momentum from the recent opening of resident embassies in Phnom Penh and Brasília, officials said.

Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Hem Vanndy and Brazilian Ambassador Vivian Loss Sanmartin reaffirmed the commitment during talks in Phnom Penh.

Vanndy said the establishment of embassies had created fresh impetus for government‑to‑government cooperation, trade facilitation and stronger people‑to‑people exchanges. He briefed the envoy on Cambodia’s push to accelerate industrial transformation and climb global value chains through domestic manufacturing and agricultural processing.

“As Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status by the end of 2029, we welcome closer cooperation with Brazil in agro‑processing, machinery, technology adoption, research and innovation to boost competitiveness of Cambodian industries and MSMEs,” Vanndy said.

He also urged expanded institutional partnerships between research institutes, laboratories, metrology centers and technical agencies, while inviting Brazilian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Cambodia.

Sanmartin said Brazil saw “significant untapped potential” to deepen ties, particularly in food processing, tropical agriculture, digital government, renewable energy and technical cooperation.

“Brazil has the equipment, expertise and technologies needed to support Cambodia’s efforts to add value to its agricultural products. We want practical cooperation – not just dialogue – to deliver tangible results for both countries,” she said.

She added Brazil was ready to link Cambodian institutions with government agencies, universities and industry associations, including the Brazilian Machinery Builders’ Association (ABIMAQ), to facilitate business missions and technical exchanges.

Both sides agreed to identify priority areas and follow up on concrete initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and industrial collaboration.