Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce has opened applications for two new training rounds aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises strengthen their digital skills, manage online shops and expand sales into international markets through CambodiaTrade.com.
The two rounds will provide a combined 160 training places as the government seeks to address digital skills gaps that can limit Cambodian businesses from using e-commerce and reaching overseas customers.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Building Digital Capacity and Promoting Cambodian Products to International Markets through CambodiaTrade.com |
| Training rounds | 3rd and 4th rounds |
| Places available | 160 total |
| Places per round | 80 |
| Main focus | Digital skills, e-commerce and export readiness |
| Platform | CambodiaTrade.com |
| Third-round application deadline | November 1, 2026, 5pm |
| Third-round training | November 6, 2026 |
| Fourth-round application deadline | December 10, 2026, 5pm |
| Fourth-round training | December 19, 2026 |
| Priority groups encouraged | Women, young people and people with disabilities |
Training focuses on practical e-commerce skills
The programme is part of a two-year project titled “Building Digital Capacity and Promoting Cambodian Products to International Markets through CambodiaTrade.com”, financed by the committee managing the Universal Service Obligation Fund.
The project provides four training rounds each year, with 80 participants per round. Applications are currently open for the third and fourth rounds.
The training will use practical exercises covering:
Online shop management
Product promotion and digital content
Retail and bundled pricing
Online payment
International shipping
Building customer trust in online ordering
Product photography and preparation of online listings
Participants will be required to bring their products for photography exercises and prepare product listings for CambodiaTrade.com. They will also be encouraged to begin selling through the platform before completing the training.
The Ministry of Commerce said strengthening digital capabilities is important for helping Cambodian products meet international market standards and compete globally.
Who can apply?
Eligible businesses must have an identifiable business location and either be registered with the Ministry of Commerce or intend to register.
They must also have documentation confirming product safety, basic digital knowledge, a smartphone and internet access.
The programme specifically encourages applications from women entrepreneurs, young people and people with disabilities.
Participants may also gain opportunities to participate in domestic and international promotional campaigns organised by the Ministry of Commerce and its partners.
SME digitalisation linked to wider business reforms
The training programme comes alongside government efforts to reduce administrative burdens facing SMEs.
On October 4, Prime Minister Hun Manet inspected preparations for an SME coordination unit designed to provide a one-stop service for business registration and the issuance or renewal of licences and permits.
Under the planned system, businesses would be able to submit multiple applications at one location, with the unit coordinating with relevant ministries and institutions. The stated objective is to reduce the complexity, time and cost associated with administrative procedures.
Te Taing Por, president of the Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprises of Cambodia, said cumbersome paperwork has repeatedly been raised as a concern by the private sector.
He said businesses can currently have to deal with 17 or 18 ministries when processing documents and expected the one-stop service to reduce costs and help Cambodian manufacturers compete with imported products.
However, he also stressed that businesses need to improve product quality, safety and packaging if they want to compete more effectively.
Export markets offer another growth opportunity
Cambodian manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond the domestic market for new customers.
Taing Por said SMEs are seeking export opportunities, including among Cambodian communities in Europe, Australia, South Korea and the United States.
The CambodiaTrade.com programme is designed to help businesses develop some of the practical capabilities needed to make that transition, from creating professional product listings and digital content to understanding pricing, payments and international delivery.
For smaller businesses with limited access to traditional export channels, digital marketplaces can provide another route to international customers.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia’s SME digitalisation challenge is increasingly shifting from simply getting businesses online to helping them sell effectively online.
The Ministry’s programme addresses several practical barriers at the same time: product photography, online listings, digital promotion, pricing, payments and shipping. These are particularly relevant for smaller producers that may have quality products but limited experience with international e-commerce.
The wider business reforms are also important. Digital selling can create access to customers, but businesses still need efficient registration, licensing, product standards, packaging and logistics to turn online demand into sustainable export sales.
The combination of digital skills, easier administration and stronger product readiness could therefore give Cambodian SMEs a more practical foundation for competing beyond the domestic market.
FAQs
What is the Ministry of Commerce training programme?
It is a two-year programme designed to strengthen SME digital capabilities and promote Cambodian products to international markets through CambodiaTrade.com.
How many businesses can participate in the two upcoming rounds?
The third and fourth rounds offer a combined 160 places, with 80 participants in each round.
What skills will participants learn?
Training covers online shop management, product promotion, digital content, pricing, payments, international shipping, customer trust and product photography.
Who is eligible?
Businesses must have an identifiable location, be registered with the Ministry of Commerce or intend to register, have product-safety documentation, basic digital skills, a smartphone and internet access.
When is the third training session?
The third session is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at the Ministry of Commerce from 8am to 5pm.
When is the fourth session?
The fourth session is scheduled for December 19, 2026, at Koh Pich Exhibition Hall from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.