Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet recently underscored the Cambodian government’s firm commitment to bolstering domestic production capabilities and enhancing the quality of goods produced by the private sector. Speaking at the official inauguration of Techo International Airport on the morning of October 20, the Prime Minister emphasized that this strategic shift is crucial for effectively addressing internal market demands, thereby reducing the nation’s reliance on imported products.
According to Prime Minister Hun Manet, the Royal Government has issued clear directives to several key ministries. These include the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, among other relevant bodies. Their collective mandate is to significantly increase Cambodia’s production capacity to meet both current and future market needs.
The Prime Minister specifically stated, “We must strengthen our internal capabilities, enhance our capacity to ensure the quality of numerous products, to address our domestic market needs rather than relying on imports.” He clarified that while Cambodia does not intend to reject imports from its trading partners, the nation must fortify its own capabilities. This necessitates a collaborative effort between the state and the private sector to produce high-quality goods that satisfy local market demands.
Illustrating the current limitations, Samdech Hun Manet pointed out that domestic production of certain essential goods remains insufficient. For instance, national noodle production currently meets only about 20% of local demand. He also cited milk products and various other consumer goods as areas where domestic supply falls short.
To bridge this gap and foster further growth in domestic supply, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of robust cooperation between the government and the private sector in manufacturing. He affirmed, “If we wish to support national products, we must work together to strengthen production capabilities with a focus on quality. The private sector requires investment and must prioritize quality, ensuring a robust supply chain that the government is committed to supporting in various forms.”
Prime Minister Hun Manet concluded with a powerful message on self-reliance: “Strengthening our own capabilities means that no one can help us but ourselves. We must unite; there is no room for dependence or complacency.”
