Phnom Penh, April 2, 2026 — The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held a high-level consultation under the 2026 Cambodia Country Programming Mission (CPM), focusing on industrial transformation, national quality infrastructure, and resilience.

ADB outlined an financing pipeline through four projects for 2026–2029, noting that Cambodia’s growth remains supported by export-led manufacturing despite external pressures.

“We really appreciate the partnership and continued support to Cambodia’s development, especially the portfolios with MISTI,” Minister Hem Vanndy said, highlighting the Multi-Tranche Financing Facility (MFF) as a key instrument to advance long-term national priorities.

ADB Country Director Ms. Yasmin Siddiqi reaffirmed strong collaboration and praised MISTI’s leadership. “We have a very strong and special partnership… and Cambodia’s resilience is outshining many of the challenges that you’re facing,” she said, adding that MISTI’s experience with programmatic approaches “serves as a model” as ADB moves toward the midpoint of its country partnership.

She noted that ADB is exploring additional support mechanisms, including budgetary assistance and crisis response financing, as Cambodia prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029.

Minister Hem Vanndy stressed the need to strengthen industrial foundations ahead of the transition. “For us, LDC graduation is not just about celebration—it’s about readiness,” he said, underscoring the importance of building national capabilities in quality infrastructure, domestic industries, and technology to sustain long-term competitiveness.

Minister Hem Vanndy stressed the need to strengthen industrial foundations ahead of the transition. “For us, LDC graduation is not just about celebration—it’s about readiness,” he said, underscoring the importance of building national capabilities in quality infrastructure, domestic industries, and technology to sustain long-term competitiveness.