PHNOM PENH: A visiting delegation of the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) composed of 15 Indian ICT industry players had here on Aug. 24 an exclusive Business Alliance Meet with Cambodian counterparts to foster cooperation in ICT between the two countries.

The event was presided over by H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia; Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation H.E. Sun Seng Hout, and Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Post and Telecommunications H.E. So Visothy.

According to a news release from the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, the event provided the participating companies with opportunities to forge business and strategic alliances, strike market tie-ups, and create win-win propositions to take their businesses on a growth trajectory.

The ICT products and services projected by the visiting Indian ICT delegation included Edu-tech, e-commerce, mobile web applications, identity verification, customer onboarding solutions, staff augmentation, ERP/ CRM solutions, international contact centers, blockchain, embedded verticals, WMS software, quality management software, cloud consulting, UI/ UX, machine learning, mobile computing, Fintech, Agritech, Metaverse, VFX mobile editing, digital transformation, consulting infrastructure solutions, Health IT, ticketing machines, banking solutions, skill development, scientific and lab equipment, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade said that with an objective to enhance trade and investments, the two sides are working on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and discussing a Preferential Trade Agreement.

She elaborated on various initiatives including India setting up a Centre of Excellence in Software Development & Training in Cambodia, and a Pilot Project on a Common Service Centre to facilitate digitalization of various government services at the village level.

H.E. Ambassador laid stress on both sides' efforts in setting up a Joint Business Council to facilitate private sector-led initiatives and in establishing direct linkages between the two nations. India and Cambodia are working towards linking payment systems enabling UPI payments in Cambodia, she added.

For his part, H.E. Sun Seng Hout said that Cambodia has endorsed numerous strategic policies strengthening the use of digital technologies, including digital economy, digital government, digital commerce, online registrations for industry and enterprise, and promoting technology to support economic growth.

He expressed thanks to the Embassy of India and visiting delegates for arranging the meeting to bring together business executives to share expertise and knowledge. H.E. So Visothy said that the Royal Government of Cambodia has launched the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 and Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035 for building a vibrant digital economy and society, to promote digital adoption and transformation, to accelerate new economic growth, to make a digital government, and to provide effective and inclusive public services.

He added that one of the strategic goals of the Cambodia Digital Government Policy is to promote partnerships between the public and private sectors.

To further strengthen the IT relations between India and Cambodia, a large Cambodian delegation was invited to visit India for INDIASOFT 2024, the largest IT global networking event in India, to be held in New Delhi, India from Jan. 17 to 19, 2024. INDIA SOFT 2024, comprising the International Exhibition and Conference, is aimed to facilitate joint ventures, collaboration, and strategic alliances for outsourcing with overseas buyers. The event will provide participants an opportunity to broaden their vision and forge business partnerships. AKP