Cambodia Preparing National Space Policy and Five-Year Space Programme
Cambodia Preparing National Space Policy and Five-Year Space Programme
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 30, 2026 — Cambodia is preparing a national space policy and a five-year space programme as the government seeks to develop the country’s space ecosystem and unlock new opportunities in the emerging space economy.
Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth announced the plans on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the Cambodia-Japan “Co-Creation” Networking Symposium and Business Matching in Phnom Penh.
The event, held at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, brought together Cambodian and Japanese private-sector representatives, national and international partners, government officials and other stakeholders to explore cooperation in space technology, research and related industries. The event was jointly focused on creating new business opportunities while supporting green growth, environmental protection and digital transformation.
Chea Vandeth said the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is developing the national space policy and five-year space programme to strengthen Cambodia’s space sector, establish a national space ecosystem and promote the country’s space economy.
The planned framework is also expected to support broader national development objectives, including economic growth, environmental protection, improved public services, faster digital transformation, human-resource development and the creation of new business opportunities.
The initiative comes as Cambodia steps up engagement in international space cooperation. Earlier this month, Chea Vandeth represented Prime Minister Hun Manet at the International Space Summit in Paris, where Cambodia endorsed international declarations supporting the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.
Cambodia and Japan are also expanding cooperation on the practical use of space technology. The two-day symposium in Phnom Penh, held Sept. 28–29, included networking, technical visits, panel discussions, company presentations and business matching. Japan’s JAXA and JETRO were among the organisations involved in the programme, which also explored satellite-data applications, green technologies and digital solutions.
The government is also investing in space-related human resources. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has provided overseas scholarships at master’s and doctoral levels to 48 Cambodian students specialising in space-related fields.
The development of space capabilities could have applications beyond traditional space exploration, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, land management, climate-related research, disaster management and digital services.
At the Cambodia-Japan symposium, the two countries also highlighted the potential of satellite observation and space technologies to support environmental monitoring and green investment.
The planned national policy and five-year programme therefore represent a step toward establishing a more structured foundation for Cambodia’s emerging space sector, while strengthening cooperation with international partners and creating opportunities for Cambodian businesses and researchers.
