Cambodia Launches Lancang‑Mekong Project to Boost MSME Productivity

PHNOM PENH, May 10, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has launched a new Lancang‑Mekong Cooperation project to strengthen productivity and digital adoption among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam, officials said Friday.

The initiative was unveiled at a ceremony co‑presided over by Industry Minister Hem Vanndy and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin, joined by representatives from government institutions, the Lao and Vietnamese embassies, development partners and the private sector.

Vanndy said MSMEs form the backbone of national economies, driving employment, income and innovation. He stressed that digital technology and innovation are now critical to competitiveness and resilience. Despite accounting for up to 99.9 percent of enterprises across ASEAN, many MSMEs still face low productivity, limited digital skills and weak adoption of emerging technologies.

Funded by China through the Lancang‑Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, the 15‑month project carries a budget of about USD 170,000 and will focus on digital transformation, particularly for green and women‑led enterprises.

Ambassador Wang noted the program coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Lancang‑Mekong framework, calling it a model for regional development. He said China is ready to work with Mekong countries toward “LMC 2.0” marked by unity, openness, green innovation and peace.

Cambodia has been a major beneficiary of the cooperation, receiving 106 projects since 2017 under the Special Fund.