PHNOM PENH — Local manufacturers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must urgently elevate their branding, product quality, and packaging standards to secure placements in major supermarkets and unlock international trade opportunities.
The call to action was delivered by private sector leaders during a major workshop, Packaging and Branding, held in Phnom Penh on Wednesday afternoon, May 13, 2026.
Organized by GS1 Cambodia and backed by the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the forum drew over 150 participants, including government officials from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, retail executives, commercial bankers, and local manufacturers.
Presiding over the event, H.E. Oknha Nguon Meng Tech, CCC Director-General—representing Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the CCC—emphasized that aesthetic appeal and regulatory compliance are no longer optional for local businesses looking to scale. “Promoting branding and quality is the most crucial factor, combined with packaging that complies with standards and the requirements of supermarkets or overseas buyers,” H.E. Oknha Nguon Meng Tech said during his opening remarks. “Businesspeople, traders, and manufacturers must prioritize product aesthetics, packaging, and standards, as these are vital for consumers.”
He urged Cambodian entrepreneurs to rigorously improve their internal capacities, draft sound financial and marketing blueprints, and strictly adhere to compliance metrics to foster consumer trust and boost market competitiveness both at home and abroad.
A central theme of the seminar was bridging the gap between local production and the financial resources required to modernize operations. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Nguyen Anh Khanh, CEO of MB Bank (Cambodia) Plc., highlighted that a great product is only half the battle; adequate capital is essential to fund innovative designs that attract modern consumers.
“We firmly believe in the potential of Cambodian SMEs,” Mr. Nguyen Anh Khanh stated. “We understand clearly that to promote Khmer products, business owners do not just need a good product; they also need capital to invest in innovation, packaging, and attractive, standard-compliant label design to gain the opportunity to enter local supermarkets.”
Recognizing the rising ambitions of Cambodian homegrown brands to expand beyond domestic borders, Mr. Nguyen Anh Khanh introduced tailored financial solutions aimed at smoothing international trade. He noted that the bank has structured flexible, long-term business loans with competitive interest rates, alongside secure cross-border payment facilities designed to help SMEs seamlessly import raw materials or export finished goods.
Beyond providing technical seminars on labeling regulations and packaging innovations, the workshop served as an active business matchmaking hub, directly pairing local producers with major supermarkets and convenience store chains.
The initiative directly aligns with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strategic policy to champion locally made goods. By fostering a more robust ecosystem for Cambodian-made products, organizers aim to diversify the domestic business environment, create jobs, and stimulate nationwide productivity.