Cambodia’s Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, Hem Vanndy, met with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Cambodia, Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, on Wednesday to discuss expanding collaboration in industry, science, technology, and innovation. This meeting builds on the Cambodia-UAE Free Trade Agreement signed in 2023.
The UAE Ambassador announced that a business delegation from the UAE will visit Cambodia in November 2025 to explore new investment opportunities. Additionally, direct flights between the two countries will start in June 2025, improving connectivity and business ties.
Ambassador Aldhaheri highlighted the potential for cooperation in artificial intelligence and data centers. UAE companies specializing in AI, app development, and software innovation plan to share their expertise with Cambodia. Minister Vanndy welcomed these developments and noted the UAE’s offer to provide science scholarships for Cambodian students to strengthen human resources in technology.
Cambodia is focusing on industrialization and digitalization as part of its economic transformation under the Pentagonal Strategy, where technology is a key pillar. The government looks forward to working with the UAE on investments that promote innovation and value-added production.
Vanndy also invited UAE tech companies to participate in Cambodia’s National Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation, set for March 2026. The UAE pledged support for this event, signaling growing ties in science and technology cooperation.
The Cambodia-UAE Free Trade Agreement from 2023 has opened new doors for trade and investment. The planned business delegation and new flight routes will further strengthen economic and technological cooperation between the two nations.
This growing partnership is important for Cambodia’s goal of building a knowledge-based economy. Developing skills in science and technology with support from countries like the UAE is vital for sustainable growth.