Cambodia and China have moved to deepen collaboration in metrology and quality infrastructure, following high-level government talks aimed at improving the reliability of Cambodian measurement and certification systems—an area increasingly central to trade, industrialization, and export competitiveness.
The meeting was led by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, and H.E. Luo Wen, Minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation of China. The talks follow the Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 17, 2025, during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Cambodia, and mark one of the first concrete steps toward implementing the agreement.
Focus on upgrading Cambodia’s metrology and testing capacity
Discussions centered on expanding priority cooperation in metrology—specifically modernizing Cambodia’s measurement and testing equipment, improving calibration and traceability systems, and widening expert-level training in the field. According to the Ministry, these upgrades will support more precise and internationally aligned measurements across industries such as manufacturing, food production, energy, and construction.
The ministers also exchanged views on strengthening collaboration in food safety supervision, standardization, and conformity assessment. These areas are seen as essential to ensuring product safety and improving market access for Cambodian products in regional and global markets.
Bilateral engagement with China’s National Institute of Metrology
Following the ministerial meeting, Hem Vanndy held a separate bilateral working session with the National Institute of Metrology of China (NIM) and visited its laboratory facilities. The visit aimed to explore further technical cooperation pathways, including laboratory support, expert exchanges, and staff capacity building.
During the visit, NIM provided three pieces of metrology equipment to Cambodia’s National Metrology Center. The equipment is expected to boost local capability in precision measurement and support the ongoing development of the country’s quality infrastructure framework.
Reducing trade barriers and strengthening export competitiveness
Officials noted that enhanced cooperation will contribute to the mutual recognition of conformity assessment results between the two countries. Improved international credibility of Cambodian measurement data and certificates is expected to reduce technical barriers to trade, lower compliance costs for exporters, and increase confidence among buyers in key markets.
Improved metrology systems are also expected to support domestic industries and small and medium-sized enterprises by reinforcing product safety, helping businesses meet international standards, and supporting greater integration into global value chains.
The strengthened partnership aligns with Cambodia’s broader ambitions to upgrade industrial standards as part of its innovation-driven growth strategy, while also positioning the country more competitively within regional manufacturing and trade networks.
