On August 12, 2024, H.E. HEM Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, visited the Capital-Provincial Departments of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (DISTI) in Prey Veng and Phnom Penh, emphasizing the vital role these departments play in local industrial and business development.

Minister Vanndy conveyed the greetings of Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister and underscored MISTI’s mission to achieve new, tangible outcomes during the 7th mandate of the government. He encouraged provincial department officials to familiarize themselves with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase I, particularly concerning the mandates of MISTI and its public services to support the private sector.

The Minister highlighted that economic diversification is at the core of Cambodia’s growth strategy, with DISTIs positioned as key players in driving this forward. “Diversification involves multiple ministries and institutions, but MISTI remains central to managing manufacturing and industrial sector,” he said.

He stressed the importance of DISTIs enhancing their capacity to advise the private sector, such as on technology and machinery that can improve quality and productivity. He urged the establishment of a data-sharing mechanism among the various capital-provincial departments and with the Ministry, advocating for more seamless data flow to bolster informed decision-making and policy formulation.

To enhance effieciency and safety, Minister Vanndy emphasized the need to innovate DISTI’s way of working, suggesting, for example, dsainstallation of sensors to monitor heat and pollutionl, with data being fed into a central system to minimize the need for frequent site visits and improving overall safety and operational efficiency.

Drawing an analogy to nurturing a tree, Minister Vanndy likened the growth of a business to that of a tree. "You can't shake a tree that has just begun to grow. Instead, it's essential to nurture it with water, provide it with fertilizers, and care for it regularly. MISTI advocates for support, not interference, in forsting private sector engagement,” he said.

This approach underpins recent reforms by the Royal Government of Cambodia, including the elimination of numerous inspections in favor of a coordinated joint inter-ministerial inspection mechanism conducted only once a year.

Minister Vanndy encouraged DISTIs to explore opportunities and potentials for creating value in their respective regions. He pointed to the example of a garment sector demand for raw materials, such as fabrics and polyesters, buttons, and other inputs, and urged DISTIs to collect and share this data.

In organizational leadership, he emphasized self-control such as personal discipline, ongoing capacity development, and health management. He also advocated for fairness and equal opportunities, underscoring the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities, as well as proper succession planning to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the institutions.