Cambodia is seeking to strengthen cooperation between government institutions and the private sector to improve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance locally made product quality and expand access to domestic and international markets as the country looks to sustain economic growth amid global uncertainty and cross-border trade challenges.
The issue was highlighted during a forum titled “The Potential of SMEs in the National Economy”, held alongside the 2026 Cambodian Products Exhibition under the theme “Khmer Can Do” at the Koh Pich Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh on November 8, 2026.
The forum brought together government officials, business associations and financial-sector representatives to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Cambodian SMEs, with particular attention to product competitiveness, production capacity, supply chains and stronger government-business collaboration.
Key Facts
Forum: The Potential of SMEs in the National Economy.
Date: November 8, 2026.
Venue: Koh Pich Exhibition Centre, Phnom Penh.
Associated event: 2026 Cambodian Products Exhibition.
Theme: “Khmer Can Do”.
Key participants: Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, FASMEC, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Wing Bank.
Main priorities: Product quality, packaging, standards, digital commerce, supply chains and market access.
Overall objective: Strengthen SME competitiveness and increase the contribution of domestic businesses to Cambodia's economy.
Government and Private Sector Discuss New SME Growth Strategy
The forum brought together several representatives from government and the private sector, including:
Samheng Bora, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce.
Te Taing Por, President of the Federation of Associations of SMEs of Cambodia (FASMEC).
Chhea Layhy, Director of the Department of SMEs at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Prak David, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Hor Bunthe, Deputy CEO of Wing Bank.
The discussion focused on how stronger cooperation between public institutions and private businesses could help Cambodian SMEs overcome operational challenges and improve their competitiveness.
The forum also provided an opportunity to connect the government's SME development priorities with the broader promotion of locally made Cambodian products.
Cambodian SMEs Face Global and Border-Related Challenges
Chhea Layhy highlighted that Cambodian SMEs are operating in an environment affected by global economic uncertainty and challenges related to border trade.
These pressures can affect business operations, market access and supply chains. However, he also described the changing economic environment as an opportunity for local enterprises to strengthen their capabilities.
He noted that the government continues to pay attention to SME development and is working to strengthen policies supporting business growth.
The “Khmer Can Do” theme was presented as a message of confidence in Cambodian businesses and their ability to improve production capabilities, develop local products and reach wider markets.
Layhy also stressed the importance of building trust and stronger relationships among businesses, government institutions and private-sector partners.
He encouraged stakeholders to work together in implementing government strategies and improving the quality and distribution of Cambodian products for both domestic and international markets.
Product Quality, Packaging and Digital Commerce Key to Competitiveness
Improving product quality and market readiness emerged as important priorities in the discussions.
Samheng Bora's previously stated priorities on trade and private-sector development have highlighted the importance of cooperation between government institutions and businesses in strengthening the business environment.
Areas emphasised include:
Product quality: Improving production standards to meet consumer expectations.
Packaging: Making Cambodian products more attractive and competitive.
Standards: Strengthening compliance and product consistency.
Digital commerce: Using digital channels to reach customers and expand sales opportunities.
Supply chains: Improving distribution and connections between producers and markets.
Market access: Helping Cambodian businesses reach domestic and international buyers.
These areas are particularly relevant to SMEs seeking to expand beyond local markets and participate more actively in regional and global supply chains.
FASMEC Highlights the Role of SMEs in Cambodia's Economy
Te Taing Por, President of FASMEC, described SMEs as the backbone of Cambodia's national economy.
He emphasised that developing locally made products is important for strengthening domestic production capacity and generating greater economic value within the country.
He also encouraged stronger public support for Cambodian producers, noting that increasing the variety and volume of locally manufactured goods could contribute to national economic growth.
His remarks underline the importance of strengthening domestic businesses not only as commercial enterprises but also as contributors to production, employment and economic activity.
Financial Institutions and Government Collaboration in SME Development
The participation of Wing Bank and representatives from several government ministries reflected the importance of cross-sector cooperation in supporting SME development.
SMEs often require more than promotional support to grow. They also need access to appropriate financial services, reliable supply chains, technical expertise and opportunities to reach new customers.
The forum highlighted the importance of connecting government strategies with private-sector capabilities to address these needs.
However, the announcement did not disclose specific financing programmes, new credit facilities, investment commitments or funding arrangements arising from the discussion.
“Khmer Can Do” Promotes Confidence in Cambodian Products
The forum took place alongside the 2026 Cambodian Products Exhibition, which was organised by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC).
The “Khmer Can Do” theme aims to encourage greater recognition and support for locally made products while promoting confidence in the capabilities of Cambodian businesses.
The exhibition and SME forum together highlighted the relationship between consumer support, domestic production and business competitiveness.
For local enterprises, stronger recognition of Cambodian products could create opportunities to build brands, attract customers and expand distribution.
Angkor Times Analysis
The discussion reflects an important shift in Cambodia's SME development priorities: moving beyond simply promoting locally made products towards strengthening the business capabilities needed to compete in wider markets.
Public-private cooperation can play a significant role in this process. Government institutions can help improve the policy and regulatory environment, while private businesses and financial institutions can contribute commercial expertise, financing and market connections.
For Cambodian SMEs, improving product quality, packaging and standards will be essential to building consumer confidence. Digital commerce and stronger supply chains can also help businesses reach customers beyond their immediate markets.
The emphasis on domestic production is particularly relevant as Cambodia seeks to increase the value generated within its economy. Greater production capacity and stronger local brands could help businesses capture more value from domestic consumption and develop export opportunities.
Nevertheless, the forum's discussions should be distinguished from confirmed policy measures or new financing commitments. The next challenge will be translating the priorities into practical programmes, including accessible SME financing, technical support, product certification, digital adoption and stronger distribution networks.
The effectiveness of public-private cooperation will ultimately depend on whether Cambodian businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, can access the support needed to improve productivity and compete sustainably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main purpose of the SME forum in Phnom Penh?
The forum discussed the potential contribution of SMEs to Cambodia's economy and the importance of stronger government-private sector cooperation to improve product quality, market access and business competitiveness.
When and where was the forum held?
It took place on November 8, 2026, at the Koh Pich Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh, alongside the 2026 Cambodian Products Exhibition.
Who participated in the discussion?
Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, FASMEC and Wing Bank.
What are the main challenges facing Cambodian SMEs?
The discussion highlighted global economic uncertainty and border-related trade challenges, alongside the need to improve product quality, packaging, standards, supply chains and market access.
What role does FASMEC play in SME development?
The Federation of Associations of SMEs of Cambodia represents SME-related business interests and promotes the development of local enterprises and domestic production.
How can Cambodian SMEs become more competitive?
Key areas include improving product quality, strengthening packaging and standards, adopting digital commerce, developing supply chains and expanding access to domestic and international markets.
Were new SME financing programmes announced?
The source report did not announce specific new financing programmes, credit facilities or investment commitments during the forum.