Cambodia Encourages Women Entrepreneurs to Expand Role in Manufacturing Sector

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 5, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia is urging women entrepreneurs to play a stronger role in the manufacturing and industrial sectors as part of efforts to boost the country’s business ecosystem and economic growth, officials said Wednesday.

Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy made the appeal during talks with a delegation from the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association (CWEA), which reviewed its achievements and discussed future cooperation with the ministry.

Founded 14 years ago, CWEA has expanded to more than 1,000 members nationwide and continues to establish branches in new provinces. President Yu Borey highlighted key programs launched in 2025, including WE Academy, WE Talk, WE Share and WE Market Hub, and announced plans to introduce a WE Financial Hub to improve women’s access to finance and markets.

Vanndy congratulated Cambodian women entrepreneurs ahead of International Women’s Day, praising their contribution to building the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in Cambodia’s economic development,” he said.

He noted that CWEA’s mission to support business growth and expand market access aligns with the ministry’s priorities and initiatives led by organizations such as Khmer Enterprise. The minister encouraged the association to mobilize resources for sustainable operations, strengthen member capabilities, and connect women-led businesses with major distributors to improve branding, marketing and financing.

According to Vanndy, Cambodian women entrepreneurs have strong potential to lead in manufacturing and industry, particularly by enhancing productivity and integrating more deeply into large-scale supply chains.