U.S. Firms Reaffirm Confidence in Cambodia, Eye Innovation and Industrial Growth

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 (KPT) – Leading American companies have reaffirmed confidence in Cambodia’s economic prospects and expressed interest in expanding investment to support industrial modernization, innovation and technology‑driven growth, officials said Wednesday.

The commitment came during a meeting between Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, and a delegation from the U.S.–ASEAN Business Council (USABC) led by its President and CEO Brian D. McFeeters, as part of the Council’s 2026 Cambodia Business Mission.

The delegation included representatives from major U.S. firms in automotive, consumer goods, digital payments, healthcare, energy and technology. Discussions focused on cooperation in industrial development, innovation, technology adoption, MSME growth and investment.

Vanndy outlined Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen competitiveness through research and innovation, citing initiatives such as the National Research Foundation, improvements to the National Quality Infrastructure, and new laws to support MSMEs and expand local supply chains.

“Cambodia is laying the foundations for research, technology and innovation to become key drivers of our economic transformation. We welcome partnerships with the U.S. private sector,” he said.

McFeeters reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to expanding U.S. business engagement, saying American companies see long‑term potential in Cambodia’s growth trajectory and the government’s investment climate.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of robust bilateral trade. Figures from Cambodia’s customs department show trade with the United States surged past $7.4 billion in the first half of 2026, up 31% from a year earlier. Cambodian exports accounted for nearly $7 billion, while imports from the U.S. rose 86% to $307 million, highlighting deepening economic ties.

Talks also covered automotive standards, sustainable packaging, recycling, digital payments, MSME digitalisation, technology transfer and regulatory frameworks aimed at fostering a more competitive industrial sector.

The USABC delegation included executives from Ford, SC Johnson, Coca‑Cola, Visa, Target, Philip Morris International, Abbott, ConocoPhillips, Mastercard, Roche and IMSG, reflecting growing U.S. interest in Cambodia’s expanding industrial and consumer markets.