PHNOM PENH, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Chinese enterprises participated in the Cambodia Industrial Development Conference and Industrial Expo 2026 on Friday, showcasing a wide array of industrial products and advanced technologies in the Cambodian capital.
Organized for the first time by the Cambodia Industrial Economy Promotion Association (CIEPA), the two-day event features 162 companies. This includes 36 enterprises from China, alongside local and international firms operating within Cambodia.
Running from Friday to Saturday, the event features industrial technology exhibitions, business matching sessions, and networking activities, aiming at promoting investment, technology transfer and stronger collaboration between Cambodian and international enterprises.
A major highlight of the event was a live demonstration of Chinese humanoid robots and robotic dogs, which drew crowds of curious visitors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hem Vanndy, minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, welcomed the strong presence of Chinese enterprises at the expo.
"Cambodia's industrial development is entering a new stage, marked by a growing number of factories, increased investment, job creation, and rising industrial production value," Vanndy said. "This reflects investors' confidence in the stability, potential, and future of Cambodia's industrial sector."
He also highlighted the rapid transformation of global manufacturing, noting that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, and digital technologies are increasingly shaping industrial competitiveness worldwide.
"In an increasingly competitive global economy, Cambodia cannot afford to fall behind technologically," he said. "We must embrace new technologies to increase productivity, reduce production costs, improve product quality, and strengthen the competitiveness of our enterprises."
According to official data from the ministry, Cambodia registered 3,319 large-scale operating factories as of June 2026, collectively employing more than 1.3 million people.
Local exhibitors noted that the expo provides a unique and valuable opportunity for Cambodian entrepreneurs to explore emerging industrial trends and cutting-edge technologies.
"This is a prime opportunity to strengthen Cambodia-China commercial ties, as the expo features numerous emerging technologies from China," Khat Rothkunthea, senior sales representative at One Road Energy (Cambodia) Co. Ltd., told Xinhua.
Reflecting on the rising trade and investment growth between Cambodia and China, she noted that fresh Chinese capital will further accelerate Cambodia's development.
"Chinese investments have created numerous employment opportunities for Cambodian citizens, significantly improving their livelihoods," Rothkunthea said.
The expo also serves as a critical hub for networking and B2B matchmaking.
Thorn Piseth, a Cambodian visitor looking for potential business partners, expressed optimism after touring the exhibition floor.
"When visiting the booths, I found many interesting business partners," he told Xinhua. "This expo is vital, allowing Cambodian citizens and entrepreneurs to experience China's latest technological developments firsthand."
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, emphasized the event's role in introducing modern industrial products to the domestic market.
"Advanced manufacturing equipment, digital infrastructure, automation, AI, and EV technologies are helping Cambodia shift away from traditional industries toward high-tech and high-quality sectors," Mengdavid told Xinhua. ■