Cooperation: Australia partners to boost Cambodia's manufacturing competitiveness

The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) partnered with the Australian Embassy through its CAPRED programme to strengthen Cambodia's manufacturing sector by hosting a workshop on manufacturing competitiveness, backward linkages and SME clusters on 14 August 2024.

The manufacturing sector has seen significant improvements, but remains heavily dependent on imported raw materials, highlighting the need to improve competitiveness

To address these challenges, MISTI and CAPRED are identifying key tools, policies and programmes to diversify the sector, strengthen local supply chains and integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the value chain.

”Cambodia's manufacturing sector has immense potential to drive economic growth and job creation,” said H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.

“This workshop aims to transform knowledge and insights into actionable strategies that will take our manufacturing sector to the next level of development”.

Australian Chargé d'Affaires Andreas Zurbrugg said :

“Australia is committed to supporting Cambodia's economic growth and diversification. By strengthening the manufacturing sector, we are creating opportunities for businesses to thrive and for Cambodians to prosper”.

The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation plays a central role in promoting Cambodia's industrial development and diversification in line with the Government's Pentagonal Strategy. The Ministry aims to improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector by fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem, developing a national quality infrastructure to support the integration of local industries into global value chains, and promoting initiatives such as SME clusters. Through these efforts, it aims to reduce reliance on imports, stimulate job creation and ultimately build a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive economy.

Australia's CAPRED programme supports these initiatives by providing policy support and assistance to develop micro, small and medium enterprises, establish a national quality infrastructure, and promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion.