Industry Minister Urges ACBC to Connect Cambodian Producers with U.S. Market

Phnom penh: Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation H.E. Hem Vanndy on Thursday urged the American Cambodian Business Chamber (ACBC) to facilitate connections between proficient Cambodian manufacturers and U.S. buyers. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of market requirements, standards, and commercial demand among local producers. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during a meeting with an ACBC business delegation led by its founder and president, Ms. Sokveasna Chan, Minister Vanndy emphasized the potential for Cambodia to expand exports to the United States beyond traditional sectors. He pointed out opportunities in furniture, agro-processing, and other value-added products. Despite some Cambodian products being ready for export, producers often struggle to achieve the necessary scale for large buyers, while smaller enterprises may need additional support to meet U.S. technical, packaging, and market-entry requirements. Minister Vanndy stated, "We should not cast the net too wide. We need to select capable enterprises and products with potential, and then work together to help them meet the requirements of the U.S. market." He encouraged ACBC to act as a bridge between U.S. market demand and Cambodian producers by identifying buyers, aggregating demand, and providing clearer information on specifications, standards, and order volumes. The Minister noted that firm buyer commitments would give Cambodian manufacturers greater confidence to expand production capacity. ACBC expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) to assist Cambodian manufacturers in understanding U.S. market-entry requirements. This will be achieved through technical briefings, workshops, and engagement with relevant U.S. agencies and experts. The discussions also highlighted long-term cooperation on food safety, packaging, standards, and certification, as well as technology transfer and industrial modernization. Both parties acknowledged the im portance of strengthening domestic value addition, supporting industries, and enhancing the competitiveness of Cambodian SMEs.