Phnom Penh:The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and Informa Markets inaugurated FoodTec Cambodia 2026 and PackTalk Cambodia 2026, aiming to enhance food processing, product quality, and market access by bringing together manufacturers, technology providers, and packaging specialists.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the events are being held from September 28 to 30 at the Koh Pich Island Convention and Exhibition Centre. They aim to bridge policy and industry discussions with practical technologies and services, with PackTalk Cambodia focusing on the theme 'Packaging: The Last Mile to the Market.'

Minister H.E. Hem Vanndy emphasized the need for Cambodia to develop its packaging capabilities to support its growing food processing and manufacturing sectors. He highlighted that enhancing packaging is crucial for product improvement, strengthening domestic supply chains, and retaining more value within the Cambodian economy.

A competitive packaging ecosystem, as noted by the minister, would necessitate stronger domestic suppliers, technical services, research and testing capabilities, and closer ties between packaging producers and the industries they serve.

PackTalk Cambodia features discussions on various topics including product protection, packaging design, food safety, standards, labelling, sustainability, and consumer trust. The programme fosters connections between Cambodian manufacturers, agro-processors, packaging suppliers, researchers, and potential business partners.

FoodTec Cambodia, marking the country's first dedicated exhibition for food-processing and packaging technology, showcases over 100 exhibitors offering machinery, packaging solutions, and agricultural technologies. The event is expected to draw more than 5,000 participants from various sectors including industry representatives, businesses, and researchers.

Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets for Malaysia and Cambodia, described the event as a pivotal platform for bold ideas, smart solutions, and global collaboration, encouraging participants to explore, connect, and find inspiration for a more sustainable, innovative, and profitable food production and processing industry.

Additionally, MISTI launched 100 percent of its public services online during the event, aiming to make them more accessible, faster, and efficient for enterprises and the public.