Cambodian official meets UNIDO leaders ahead of global industry summit

VIENNA (Oct.19, 2025) — Sok Siphana, a senior adviser to the Cambodian government, met with top officials from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on Oct. 17 to discuss Cambodia’s role in the upcoming Global Industry Summit.

Sok held talks at UNIDO headquarters with Ciyong Zou, deputy to the director general and managing director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Quality, and Kai Bethke, director of the Division of Policymaking Organs. He also participated in a working session with officials from the Division of SME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation.

The meetings focused on Cambodia’s preparations for the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference, scheduled for Nov. 23–27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sok will represent Prime Minister Hun Manet at the summit.

Discussions also addressed Cambodia’s planned graduation from Least Developed Country status. Sok stressed the need for technical expertise and capacity building in agriculture, fisheries, agro-processing and green technology.

He raised concerns about the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent border disruptions with Thailand, citing supply chain challenges and the importance of boosting domestic production.

Sok reaffirmed Cambodia’s peaceful stance on the border issue and noted the economic impact of unilateral closures.

UNIDO officials voiced support for Cambodia’s development priorities and pledged continued cooperation in areas including SME competitiveness, agro-processing and green technologies.