On July 21, 2026, Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, met a US-ASEAN Business Council delegation led by retired Ambassador Brian McFeeters, the council’s President and CEO. They discussed cooperation in industrial development, innovation, technology adoption, micro, small and medium-sized enterprise development, and investment.
The meeting formed part of the council’s 2026 Cambodia Business Mission and brought together representatives of major US companies in the automotive, consumer goods, digital finance, healthcare, energy and technology sectors.
Hem Vanndy briefed the delegation on Cambodia’s efforts to promote research, innovation and industrial competitiveness through the establishment of a National Research Fund, strengthening national quality infrastructure, and developing laws, policies and strategies to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen domestic supply chains.
The minister said: “Cambodia is building the foundations for research, technology and innovation to become driving forces of our economic transformation. We welcome partnerships with the US private sector in applied research, technology cooperation and innovation that can advance our industries and MSMEs.”
Brian McFeeters reaffirmed the US-ASEAN Business Council’s commitment to expanding US business engagement in Cambodia.
Brian McFeeters said: “Our member companies represent some of the most innovative and dynamic sectors of the US economy. They are here because they believe in Cambodia’s growth trajectory and the Royal Government’s commitment to creating a favourable and welcoming environment for US investment.”
The discussions covered a range of topics, including automotive standards, sustainable packaging and recycling, financial solutions, MSME digitalisation, technology transfer and regulatory frameworks.
The US-ASEAN Business Council delegation included representatives from Ford, SC Johnson, Coca-Cola, Visa, Target, Philip Morris International, Abbott, ConocoPhillips, Mastercard, Roche, IMSG and several other major member companies.
By ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
