PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) has partnered with the Australian Embassy in Cambodia through its CAPRED programme to co-host a workshop on Manufacturing Sector Competitiveness, Backward Linkages and SME Clusters” on Aug. 14, aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Cambodia’s manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing sector has experienced significant improvements, yet it remains heavily dependent on imported raw materials, highlighting the need for enhanced competitiveness, said MISTI in a news release, stressing that to tackle these challenges, MISTI is leveraging CAPRED’s expertise and its own insights to identify effective tools, policies, and programs essential for diversifying the manufacturing sector, bolstering local supply chains, and integrating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the value chain.

“Cambodia’s manufacturing sector holds immense potential for fueling economic growth and job creation,” stated H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation. “This workshop aims to transform knowledge and insights into actionable strategies that will elevate our manufacturing sector to the next level of development.”

Australian Chargé d’Affaires Mr. 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.”

According to the news release, MISTI plays a central role in advancing Cambodia’s industrial development and diversification in line with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy.

The ministry aims to enhance the manufacturing sector competitiveness by fostering entrepreneurial ecosystem, developing national quality infrastructure to support local industries’ integration into global value chains as well as promoting initiatives such as SME clusters. Through these efforts, it seeks to reduce reliance on imports, stimulate job creation, and ultimately build a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive economy.

Australia’s CAPRED programme bolsters these initiatives by providing policy support and assistance in key areas, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development, the establishment of national quality infrastructure, and the promotion of gender equality.