Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 12 – Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto met with Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) Hem Vanndy on 11 June 2024, in Phnom Penh, to explore potential cooperation in industry, science, technology and innovation (STI).

Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto congratulated Minister Hem Vanndy for the successful organising of the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-20) in Siem Reap on 3-7 June 2024. This further highlights Cambodia’s potential as a hub for the region’s development in these fields of cooperation.

The ambassador proposed four potential areas of cooperation. First, efforts to support the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the two countries through an MoU on cooperation in this field. “MSMEs are the driver of Indonesia’s economy, therefore, it is important that we work to continue their enhance their capacity to engage in cooperation in the region,” Ambassador Santo stated.

Second, cooperation among Indonesian and Cambodian MSMEs, especially in the digitalisation of MSMEs to expand market access. This is crucial when considering that the MSMEs in both countries face similar challenges in scaling up their business, especially in terms of accessing people who live in remote areas.

Third, cooperation in vocational training, including in industrial manufacturing. And fourth, cooperation in the development of labs, especially those responsible for health certificates related to the export and import of food and agricultural products. This would have an impact on enhancing trade relations between the two countries.

Minister Hem Vanndy responded positively to the proposed areas of cooperation and look forward to working closely with Indonesian officials in further strengthening bilateral cooperation as a whole. There is so much room for the bilateral cooperation to expand to as the two countries commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations.
=FRESH NEWS