Cambodia's industrial sector continues to expand: minister

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's industrial sector has continued to expand rapidly, contributing to the kingdom's economic growth, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy said on Monday.

The Southeast Asian country had 3,083 large-scale factories, mostly garment, footwear and travel goods factories, in operation by the end of 2025, an increase of 658, or 27 percent, compared to 2024.

Total investment capital in the sector reached 25.16 billion U.S. dollars as of last year, up 23 percent year-on-year, he said, adding that of this figure, domestic investment accounted for 3.9 billion dollars, representing 15 percent of the total investment capital.

"Alongside this growth, industrial safety and good governance across the production chain are increasingly important for Cambodia's industrial future," Vanndy said at a workshop on the dissemination of guidelines on factory layout, pollution management, and risk management.

"A well-designed and carefully planned factory technical layout is the first line of protection. It not only improves operational efficiency, but most importantly, helps protect the lives of our workers and employees," he added.

The minister urged all factories to strictly implement the guidelines on technical layouts, pollution management systems, and risk management measures to enhance efficiency and productivity, reduce risks to life, property, and business reputation, and avoid potential penalties from competent authorities. ■