Cambodia, ADB Advance National Quality Infrastructure to Boost Industrial Growth

PHNOM PENH, July 23, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to strengthen cooperation on developing the country’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), a key pillar of the government’s strategy to enhance industrial competitiveness and support sustainable economic transformation as the Kingdom prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status.

The commitment was reaffirmed during talks between Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Hem Vanndy and an ADB delegation led by Pavit Ramachandran, Deputy Director General for Southeast Asia.

Discussions focused on ADB‑supported initiatives to strengthen Cambodia’s NQI, advance science and technology, reform the clean water sector, promote technology transfer and introduce policy measures aimed at improving industrial competitiveness.

Vanndy said standardization, metrology, testing, inspection, certification and accreditation are essential to improving product quality and helping Cambodian businesses compete internationally. “Investing in National Quality Infrastructure is an investment in Cambodia’s industrial future,” he said.

Ramachandran reaffirmed ADB’s support, describing the project as a strategic investment with long‑term benefits. He said strengthening domestic quality infrastructure alongside ASEAN integration and mutual recognition arrangements was both timely and strategically important.

The meeting also reviewed progress on Cambodia’s draft Technology Transfer Law, reforms in the clean water sector including plans for an independent regulator, and continued investment to expand access to clean water services for households and industrial zones.

Both sides agreed to continue working closely to strengthen Cambodia’s industrial ecosystem, improve regulatory capacity and accelerate innovation‑driven growth, positioning the country for greater participation in regional and global value chains.