AKP Phnom Penh, July 17, 2026 -- The Cambodia Industrial Development Conference and Industrial Expo 2026 opened today, bringing together manufacturers, investors, technology companies and business associations to promote industrial partnerships, showcase advanced technologies and support Cambodia's industrial modernisation.

The two-day event, organised for the first time by the Cambodia Industrial Economy Promotion Association (CIEPA), was officially opened by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Hem Vanndy underscored Cambodia's transition from competing primarily on low production costs to an industrial model driven by technology, innovation, productivity and quality, enabling Cambodian industries to move further up regional and global value chains.

"Cambodia's industrial development is entering a new stage, marked by growing number of factories, investment, employment and industrial production value, reflecting investors' confidence in the stability, potential and future of Cambodia's industrial sector," he said.

As of June 2026, Cambodia had 3,319 large-scale operating factories, providing more than 1.3 million jobs and attracting total investment of approximately US$27.8 billion, an increase of more than 25 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Minister also highlighted the rapid transformation of global manufacturing driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics and digital technologies, which are increasingly shaping industrial competitiveness around the world.

"In an increasingly competitive global economy, Cambodia cannot afford to fall behind in technology. We must embrace new technologies to increase productivity, reduce production costs, improve product quality and strengthen the competitiveness of our enterprises," he added.

This year's conference and expo feature 162 companies, including 36 from China and 118 companies operating in Cambodia, showcasing industrial products and technologies across 199 exhibition booths.

Representing the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Cambodia, Ms. Guan Wei said the event provides an important platform for strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries.

"We hope enterprises from both countries will seize the opportunities presented by this event, build new connections, identify business opportunities through dialogue, achieve mutual benefits through cooperation, and jointly usher in a new era of Cambodia-China industrial cooperation," she said.

CIEPA President Mr. Lee Allen reaffirmed the association's commitment to developing the conference and expo into a long-term platform for industrial cooperation.

"This event is not merely a starting point, but our long-term commitment. We will continue to expand its scale, strengthen its quality and enhance its influence, so that each future edition becomes a hallmark of Cambodia's industrial development and an important driving force for industrial cooperation," Mr. Lee said.

The two-day event, held from July 17 to 18, features industrial technology exhibitions, business matching sessions and networking activities aimed at promoting investment, technology transfer and stronger collaboration between Cambodian and international enterprises.

By Chea Vannak