Co-presided over by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, and H.E. Wang Wenbin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Cambodia, the event marked the completion of an 18-month project (2024-2025) implemented in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) framework.

In his address, Minister Vanndy highlighted the project’s practical outcomes in building technical and entrepreneurial capacity among SMEs and fostering cooperation among Mekong-Lancang countries.

“This project has delivered concrete results in strengthening SME capacity, promoting the adoption of new technologies, and improving productivity and competitiveness,” he said. “It also demonstrates the value of technical cooperation and shared learning among Mekong-Lancang countries in responding to the challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0.”

He further emphasised the importance of sustaining momentum beyond the project’s completion, adding that, “While the project has concluded, the knowledge, partnerships, and skills developed through this cooperation should continue to be applied and expanded to support long-term SME development in the three countries.”

Ambassador Wang Wenbin noted that Mekong-Lancang countries have increasingly embraced technology and innovation to support economic development and improve production capacity. He said China has played an active role in sharing development experience, technical expertise, and resources with Mekong-Lancang countries, helping to strengthen capacity, promote practical cooperation, and pave the way for deeper regional integration and sustainable growth.

The ceremony also featured the awards presentation for the Cambodian Business Incubation for Food Product Development (CBI-Food) programme, a key project activity promoting innovation in food processing using local raw materials. Following a nationwide competition involving 30 student teams, eight finalist teams presented their products, with three teams receiving first, second, and third place awards.

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According to a report released by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training last week, the total number of registered entities rose by 858, climbing from 44,798 at the close of 2024 to 45,656 by mid-2025.

Growth was observed across both garment and non-garment sectors, with the garment sector increasing by 116 factories and enterprises (from 1,566 at the end of 2024 to 1,682 by June 2025) and the non-garment sector adding a more substantial 742 new entities (from 43,232 at the end of 2024 to 43,974 in the first half of this year).

The garment, footwear, and travel goods industry remains a critical pillar of Cambodia’s economy, serving as its largest source of foreign exchange. This sector is a major employer, providing livelihoods for nearly one million workers, predominantly women.

Trade data from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia further highlights the sector’s robust performance. In the first half of 2025, exports of garment, footwear, and travel goods reached US$7.38 billion, marking a 22 percent increase from the US$6.02 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

Accompanying this export growth, the Kingdom’s imports of raw materials for the garment sector also saw a rise. These imports totaled US$3.48 billion in the first half of 2025, up 21.43 percent year-on-year from US$3.1 billion in the first six months of 2024.

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The programme opens doors for local businesses to tap into dynamic international markets, particularly across the EU and ASEAN regions.

The EU-Cambodia Business Partnership Facility offers two support programmes tailored to boost Cambodian enterprises:

Agri-Innovation Lab: Helps companies improve processing of essential crops like cashew, pepper, and chili while meeting global quality and sustainability standards.

Export Lab: Equips food and non-food businesses with the tools and expertise to expand their export capabilities and confidently enter high-value markets.

H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia, shared his enthusiasm. “We, the European Union and Germany, are working together to unlock Cambodia’s untapped potential in agro-processing, food innovation, and the export of high-quality, value-added products. We want to see more Cambodian products on European shelves, in European restaurants, and featured in European food fairs—not just as commodities, but as symbols of quality, innovation, and pride,” he said.

Mr. Gidon Windecker, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, emphasised the importance of this partnership. “Through technical expertise, compliance with international standards, and business matchmaking, we’re building bridges that connect Cambodian and European enterprises, strengthening supply chains and integrating Cambodia into global markets,” he said.

The EU-Cambodia Business Partnership Facility is more than a funding programme—it is a catalyst for transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth.

All eligible Cambodian enterprises are encouraged to seize this opportunity to elevate their business, contribute to national development, and connect with global markets.

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In his address to the assembly, H.E. Hem Vanndy shared that Cambodia’s economy grew by around 6 percent in 2024, driven by growth of key economic sectors, with the industrial sector expanding 8.5 percent.

SMEs, he emphasised, are central to this momentum. “In Cambodia, SMEs make up 98 percent of all business units, employ around 70 percent of the workforce, and contribute 58 percent to the country’s gross domestic product,” he said. “They are a cornerstone of the national economy and household livelihoods, harnessing local resources, labour, and raw materials, while increasingly adopting new technologies to drive socio-economic development.”

H.E. Minister also commended FASMEC for its past year’s achievements, contributing to the Royal Government and MISTI in advancing the growth of SMEs.

“For 2025, I encourage FASMEC to build on its momentum by expanding activities through innovative initiatives and strong collaboration with local and international partners,” he added. “By helping SMEs become more competitive, sustainable, and modern, FASMEC will not only serve its members’ interests but also play a vital role in strengthening Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

According to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), the general assembly that focused on FASMEC’s 2024 review and 2025 planning also featured a local product exhibition and an award ceremony for FASMEC’s outstanding members.

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Mar. 26, at the Ministry of Economy and Finance by H.E. Kong Marry, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary General, General Secretariat of the Digital Economy and Business Committee, and representatives of three local SME associations, including the Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprises of Cambodia, the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia, and Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA).

The ceremony was attended by key figures from both the government and the business sector.

The MoU was designed with the aim of promoting cooperation between the government and the private sector to expand the scope of dissemination of new technological knowledge and skills to businessmen, business owners and enterprises in Cambodia, aiming to build a more vibrant digital business ecosystem in Cambodia.

The signing of the MoU on “Promoting Digitalisation of Businesses in Cambodia” marks a crucial step in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to embrace the digital era, said H.E. Kong Marry.

“Through this collaboration, the Secretariat General of the CEC, in collaboration with the three associations, will bring together many initiatives and programmes aimed at supporting the digitalisation of businesses,” he said.

He also highlighted the rapid development of digital technology and business in Cambodia and encouraged enterprises of all levels and sectors, as well as entrepreneurs, to use digital technology to ensure business sustainability, increase productivity, economic efficiency, and Cambodia’s competitiveness in the region and globally.

Signing of this MoU will contribute to the collaboration, especially in supporting enterprises, business owners, and new businesses to grow and be more competitive, said FASMEC President, Oknha Te Taing Por.

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding will provide close cooperation in contributing to the promotion of the digital economy, especially in the small and medium enterprise sector in Cambodia,” Oknha Te Taing Por said.

A latest report from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation showed that there were some 750,000 businesses in Cambodia as of 2024, 97 percent of them were MSMEs, 2 percent were SMEs, and about 0.2 percent were large businesses.

The ministry has encouraged micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to formally register with relevant authorities to access the government’s support programme.

To support MSMEs financially, the government decided to establish SME Bank as a commercial bank with its strategic intent and direction being primarily coherent with the policies set by the government, assuring a sustainable banking system for all SMEs.

The post Government and SME Associations Partner to Promote Digital Business Ecosystem first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

H.E. Minister made the remarks while presiding over the closing ceremony of Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Day 2024, organised here on Nov. 11 by the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA) under the theme “Women Empowerment in Green Economy”.

He noted women’s growing contribution to Cambodia’s business landscape, particularly in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). “Promoting women’s entrepreneurship requires combined efforts of all stakeholders to integrate their businesses into regional and global value chains, harness local resources, and adopt new technologies,” Minister Vanndy said.

Women entrepreneurs lead 69.2 percent of Cambodia’s economic units, according to the Ministry of Planning’s 2022 census. With Cambodia’s economy expected to grow around 6 percent in 2024—driven by sectors like garment exports, non-garment manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and trade—H.E. Hem Vanndy stressed that women-led businesses are crucial to sustaining this momentum.

The Royal Government of Cambodia is actively implementing strategies and policies designed to support women entrepreneurs, with initiatives focused on enhancing productivity, expanding market access, and providing critical financial resources to help businesses to thrive, said the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, adding that platforms such as ASEANAccess and KhmerSME offer essential business information in the region to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), equipping them with the tools and resources necessary for sustainable growth and success.

Addressing attendees at the event, the industry minister encouraged SMEs to formalize their businesses, emphasising that doing so would enhance their ability to access support, contribute to the government’s targeted policymaking, and strengthen their long-term business resilience and growth.

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The SME Bank utilizes two key mechanisms to deliver this support: direct lending and co-financing partnerships with other financial institutions. In 2023, direct lending reached approximately $86 million, supporting 365 businesses – a remarkable 60% increase compared to 2022. Co-financing schemes, on the other hand, channeled $394 million to a staggering 3,095 enterprises.

The report acknowledges that challenges faced by SMEs extend beyond securing financing. Stakeholders, including public institutions, development partners, and the private sector, all have a vital role to play in addressing these broader issues.

Looking ahead, the SME Bank remains dedicated to empowering SMEs. Their focus lies on enhancing credit services by offering more flexible loan terms, reducing processing times, and tailoring loans to align with the Cambodian government’s priorities outlined in the Pentagon Strategy – Phase 1.

By providing essential financing and streamlining lending processes, the SME Bank plays a crucial role in enabling Cambodian businesses to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic well-being.

The post Cambodia SME Bank Disburses Nearly $500 Million, Boosting Businesses and Growth first appeared on Estatedia | Economy & Real Estate Media in Cambodia.

Mr. Takahashi reiterated the commitment of JCA to elevate the business relationship between Japan and Cambodia to the next level. With the recent inauguration of JCA office in Cambodia, he emphasized the potential for facilitating direct communication and collaboration between Japanese and Cambodian businesses, thereby streamlining processes rather than just relying on diplomatic channels.

JCA just opened its office in Cambodia on April 1, 2024, a move that is expected to catalyze further engagement between Japanese SMEs and their Cambodian counterparts, fostering mutual growth and exploration of niche markets in ASEAN and beyond.

Underscoring the importance of ground presence, Minister Vanndy said that Cambodia will leverage the JCA office to gain insights into Japanese innovations and explore avenues for collaboration beyond domestic markets. He emphasized new potentials within Cambodia’s SME ecosystem and the ministry’s commitment to enhancing its public services, particularly the national quality infrastructure to support industries.

Identifying key sectors for potential collaboration, including agro-processing, green technology, and electronics, he highlighted Cambodia’s interest in attracting Japanese investment, particularly in areas that add value to local produce and enhance productivity.

Mr. Kazunori KATO, Executive Director & Secretary General of JCA, outlined two initial strategies of the new office, focusing on co-producing products with Cambodian SMEs and initiatives to provide technical and vocational training to bolster Cambodian workforce. He shared his positive impressions from a recent business delegation visit to Cambodia.

In addition to collaborating with Cambodian businesses, associations, federations and chambers of commerce, Minister Vanndy also proposed that JCA work with Khmer Enterprise, a government trust dedicated to supporting Cambodian startups and SMEs. He said this partnership will capitalize on Khmer Enterprise’s expertise in providing technical training and funding support to foster synergies between Japanese SMEs and Cambodian enterprises.

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The new SMEs brought the total registered SMEs up to 44,628 as of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 1.43, an official report showed.

The registered SMEs created a total of 463,966 jobs for Cambodian people, up 2.86 percent from 2022, according to the ministry’s annual report.

Food and beverage processing SMEs accounted for 64.9 percent or 28,966 of the total registered SMEs, followed by steel processing and weaving and garment with 5,493, (12 percent) and 3,527 (7.9 percent), respectively.

To financially support SMEs, the Royal Government has established the SME Bank as a commercial bank with the strategic intent and direction being primarily coherent with the policies set by the government, assuring a reliable and sustainable banking system for all SMEs.

The SME Bank of Cambodia Plc. has so far disbursed more than US$200 million in loans to at least 2,500 SMEs to help them expand their businesses.

The government considers the SME sector as the backbone of the economy and created stimulus programs to help the sector, said Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia.

“The foundation of our economy, our economic structure depends on the private sector as the core force. In particular, SMEs are the foundation of our economy,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said at the closing ceremony of MISTI’s annual meeting held here on Wednesday.

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The MoU signing ceremony was held here on Dec. 5 in the presence of H.E. Dr. Lim Aun, Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank of Cambodia, and Mr. An Dara, President of Cambodia Cashew Federation.

Through this MoU, enterprises that are members of the Cambodia Cashew Federation can apply for affordable financial schemes from the SME Bank of Cambodia to expand their businesses.

H.E. Dr. Lim Aun stated that the bank’s collaboration is a strategic initiative to bolster the growth of Cambodia’s cashew sector.

“SME Bank of Cambodia views this MoU as a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by the cashew industry, including processors and exporters, and propelling the cashew processing industry in Cambodia to new heights,” he emphasized.

For his part, Mr. An Dara expressed his optimism regarding the signing of this MoU which focused on the enhancement of the Cambodian cashew value chain, aligning with the national policy to foster the growth of the cashew sector.

Furthermore, it aims to increase the export of processed cashew nuts successfully and sustainably to global markets, he added.

Cambodia exported 422,482 tonnes of unprocessed cashew nuts abroad in the January-November period of 2023, a decrease of 10.14 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

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