Phnom penh: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is preparing to expand its partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI), with four key areas of programme support proposed during a meeting between Minister Hem Vanndy and an ADB delegation led by Mr. Jose Antonio Tan III, Director at ADB's Public Sector Management and Governance Sector Office.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the proposals are intended to build on the Trade and Competitiveness Programme, Subprogramme 3, which concludes in 2026. Minister Vanndy proposed future collaboration in four areas: strengthening national quality infrastructure, particularly Cambodia's laboratories; supporting Khmer Enterprise in scaling up MSMEs and startups; enhancing national productivity to boost industrial competitiveness; and supporting MISTI's regulatory development and reforms.
Minister Vanndy emphasized the importance of aligning support with Cambodia's industrial priorities, highlighting the need for strengthening government capacity and building industries as Cambodia approaches LDC graduation in 2029. He stressed the significance of focusing on standards, productivity reform, and digital transformation.
ADB noted that these proposals provide clarity for refining its upcoming programmes and confirmed its readiness to work with MISTI and the government to advance the initiatives.