Cambodia’s Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, H.E. Hem Vanndy, has proposed bold new pathways for international scientific cooperation—highlighting a regional Lancang-Mekong Innovation Corridor to transform Southeast Asia into a hub for technology transfer and talent development.
H.E. Minister made the proposal at the 2nd Belt and Road Conference Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), in Sichuan, China on June 11.
Speaking before ministers and experts from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries, H.E. Vanndy emphasised the need for inclusive and ethical innovation. “For Cambodia, this isn’t just collaboration—it’s a leap forward,” he said. “We’re building skills, modernising industries, and shaping a resilient future.”
According to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), the Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, now in its second iteration, serves as a flagship platform for advancing innovation cooperation among BRI countries. This year’s meeting, held under the theme “Together for Innovation, Development for All,” has focused on building inclusive innovation ecosystems across borders.
Cambodia has been a proactive participant in this agenda. Since 2022, it has signed multiple STI cooperation frameworks with China, leading to joint research, technology transfers, and academic exchanges. Another major milestone will be marked this June with the launch of a Cambodia-China Joint Research Call aimed at accelerating scientific collaboration.
In his address, H.E. Minister also proposed two other initiatives: a Belt and Road Digital Commons to enable open access to data, tools, and funding, and inclusive tech governance frameworks to ensure that the benefits of emerging technologies are distributed equitably, particularly for the Global South.
“China’s remarkable advancements in technology are not just achievements for one nation, but a global promise,” H.E. Hem Vanndy said. “Cambodia stands ready to build that promise into shared prosperity.”
