Phnom Penh, March 24, 2025 — H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), met today with representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (CanCham) to explore deeper collaboration in advancing SME innovation through the Cambodia Enterprise Innovation Index (CEII).

Minister Vanndy emphasized the importance of using the CEII as a benchmarking tool to measure and enhance innovation within Cambodia’s business ecosystem.

He highlighted the need for data-driven insights, private sector engagement, and inclusive approaches that support SMEs, large enterprises, and even informal businesses.

 “We must make every effort through initiatives like the CEII to move our entrepreneurs toward innovation and our 2050 goal,” he stated.

CanCham expressed strong support for CEII, recognizing its value in promoting competitiveness and modernizing SMEs.

“We see massive applications for this tool and are ready to help market it to our members and the wider ecosystem,” said Mr. Victor La, Director of Strategic Planning.

Both parties agreed on the need to align efforts and collaboration with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy and build a robust, incentive-based innovation ecosystem.