PHNOM PENH: Mr. HEM Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, met with Mr. Wang Wenbin, Ambassador of China to Cambodia, on November 4, 2024, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in industrial development and advancing science, technology, and innovation.

Minister Vanndy said, “Cambodia and China have a long-standing friendship, and our collaboration in industry and technology serves as a key pillar of the Diamond Cooperation between the two countries.”

"China is Cambodia’s top foreign investor in manufacturing, a sector that will continue to lead Cambodia’s growth in the future,” Minister Vanndy said. “As we prepare for our graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2029, we look forward to enhancing our cooperation with China, particularly in local raw material production to meet increasingly stringent market requirements.”

The meeting also discussed the role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in driving Cambodia's growth, with Minister Vanndy proposing enhanced collaboration in key areas such standardization, metrology, laboratory services, and water supply.

Ambassador Wang recognized the success of these collaborations. He thanked Cambodia for supporting China’s international initiatives and invited Cambodia to attend China-hosted upcoming events, including the Mekong-Lancang Innovation Corridor meeting and the AI Conference in 2025.

As of October 2024, Cambodia is home to 1,273 factories financed by Chinese investment, totaling USD 9.086 billion, which represents 45.49% of the country’s overall investment capital.