Phnom Penh, March 30, 2026 — H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation received a delegation from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), led by Mr. Vimal Mahendru, IEC Vice President and Chairman of the IEC Standardization Management Board, to discuss advancig Cambodia’s participation in international standardization and strengthen technical cooperation.

The meeting followed Cambodia’s recent admission as an Associate Member of the IEC in January 2026, a milestone that reflects growing international recognition and opens access to global standards in electricity, electronics, and emerging technologies.

H.E. Minister Hem Vanndy expressed appreciation for IEC’s support, noting that Cambodia’s journey toward international standardization is still at an early stage but critical for its industrial transformation.

He emphasized that standards will play a key role in Cambodia’s ambition to upgrade its production capacity, integrate into global value chains, and achieve its Vision 2050 of becoming a high-income economy.

“Cambodia should not remain a standards taker—we aim to become an active and proactive contributor to international standards,” he said, underscoring the importance of engaging ministries, academia, and the private sector in this effort.

Mr. Vimal Mahendru congratulated Cambodia on joining the IEC community, highlighting that international standards underpin nearly all modern electrical, electronic, and digital systems worldwide. He stressed that participation in IEC provides immediate benefits in accessing up-to-date technologies and ensures safety, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

He also encouraged Cambodia to actively engage in technical committees and contribute expertise to global standard-setting processes, particularly in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, smart systems, and digital product traceability.

Both sides discussed practical areas of cooperation, including capacity building, technical training, and the development of national mirror committees aligned with IEC structures.