The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Economic and Finance of the Government of Cambodia, held a virtual discussion on the status of Cambodia’s fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and pathways for the country’s transformation to this new industrial model by 2030 on 7-8 December 2021.  

“The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has spurred Cambodia to further catalyze efforts to improve the country’s digital readiness and resilience toward future crises and offer its citizens and communities opportunities to reap the benefits of digitalization. To facilitate this, the Government of Cambodia has put in place a passage of National STI Policy 2020-2030, Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035, and Cambodia’s STI Roadmap 2030,” noted the news release.  

The two-day workshop shared experiences and findings from (i) diagnostic studies and policy analyses, (ii) progresses and challenges in the implementation of the government’s policies and strategies, (iii) experiences of national and international industries in adopting new technologies, and (iv) the role of education and training institutions in preparing and strengthening the country’s competitiveness under the new industry model. 

Mr. Kitti Settha Pandita Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and innovation noted that the two-year experience with the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the pivotal role of science, technology and innovation in the mitigation of global disaster and in establishing strategies for sociology-economic recovery. 

Mr. Anthony Gill, ADB Acting Country Director for Cambodia, said, “The fourth industrial revolution model can foster business profits and better labor integration in production, and improve environmental sustainability through the introduction of new and better goods into the market and the increase of production efficiency through the digitalization and interconnectivity of production processes.” He added that ADB, with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia, is finalizing a study on Industry Transformation Map for the textile and apparel industry that highlights both opportunities and risks for the industry’s competitiveness. 

UNIDO and ADB have pledged their commitment to support Cambodia in reaping the benefits of the 4IR. Both institutions will take stock of all the information and recommendations shared in the workshop to develop tailored projects, programs and events to facilitate the implementation of possible-tangible actions that will catalyze the 4IR transition in Cambodia. 

Around 400 participants from relevant government agencies, development institutions, academia, private sector, and media organizations joined the workshop.