On November 22, 2024, H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), met with a World Bank delegation led by Ms. Tania Meyer, Country Manager for Cambodia. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in crucial areas such as water supply, informal economy development, and industrial diversification for Cambodia’s post-LDC graduation.

Minister Vanndy emphasized clean water access and sustainable water sources as essential for national progress. He highlighted the need for industrial diversification, particularly within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to the new economic and market reality.

Ms. Meyer reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to Cambodia, citing initiatives like the Water Security Diagnostic and the Water Sector Assessment Program (WaterSAP) to enhance resource sustainability and engage the private sector. She praised the government's achievements in modernizing public water utilities and confirmed support for public utility optimization projects for Battambang, Pursat, and Mondulkiri provinces.

The Minister outlined the government’s plan to launch a digital onboarding platform on December 16, 2024, aimed at developing the informal economy by providing identities for them to access benefits such as skill development, social security, and formal financial services. He reaffirmed MISTI’s focus on digitalizing services, including the transformation of the Science, Technology, and Innovation National Laboratory (STINL) into a public administration institution.

The World Bank welcomed the opportunity to learn and align resources with the National Productivity Center to support Cambodia’s growth, resilience, and sustainability. Both parties agreed to continue discussions to refine strategies and accelerate implementation in these vital sectors.