AKP Phnom Penh, October 22, 2026 --

The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have discussed expanding cooperation on food safety, standards and agro-processing to strengthen domestic production and improve access to international markets during a farewell meeting between Minister Hem Vanndy and outgoing FAO Representative in Cambodia Ms. Rebekah Bell.

During the meeting held at MISTI on Oct. 21, Minister Vanndy thanked Ms. Bell and FAO for the contributions to Cambodia and highlighted the importance of strengthening the country's national quality infrastructure, including standards, metrology, laboratory testing and accreditation, to support higher-value agricultural production and exports.

"We believe that Cambodia can benefit more from FAO’s expertise in the food industry," the Minister said, stressing the need to help farmers and food processors adopt technologies, improve food safety and retain more value within Cambodia.

Ms. Rebekah Bell, who has served in Cambodia since 2022, welcomed Cambodia's progress in standards development and laboratory testing, particularly the designation of the Institute of Standards of Cambodia as the national focal point for Codex Alimentarius. She identified stronger food control systems as a priority for future cooperation.

"We will get better nutritional outcomes for Cambodians, better food security outcomes, and better export outcomes for Cambodia with stronger food control systems," she said.

The two sides also discussed opportunities for technical assistance through Codex, bilateral partnerships and regional cooperation, alongside greater investment in technologies for fisheries, aquaculture and vegetable production to reduce import dependence.

H.E. Hem Vanndy reaffirmed MISTI's commitment to supporting these priorities through standards, technology adoption, research and agro-processing, while expressing appreciation for FAO's continued partnership.

AKP-MISTI