Cambodia Promotes Entrepreneurship as Key Engine of Provincial Growth

KAMPONG THOM, June 8, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has launched a new entrepreneurship support program in Kampong Thom Province to strengthen young entrepreneurs, startups, smallholder farmers and MSMEs as part of efforts to drive provincial economic growth, officials said Sunday.

Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth inaugurated the “Entrepreneurship Support Program Cluster,” organized by Khmer Enterprise and partners, with more than 800 participants including entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers and students.

He said entrepreneurship is vital to creating jobs, generating income and diversifying the local economy, aligning with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s vision of developing Kampong Thom into a production, investment and tourism hub.

Despite strong agricultural potential and a sizeable population, the province continues to face challenges such as low incomes, high poverty and limited enterprises.

Vissoth stressed that entrepreneurship can boost value creation, expand opportunities and reduce reliance on imports amid global uncertainty. He said strengthening domestic production would support exports and encourage greater self‑reliance.

Addressing students, Vissoth urged them to “dream big, but start with small steps,” expressing hope the program would cultivate a new generation of Cambodian entrepreneurs. He added that nurturing innovation and enterprise is essential to building resilience and competitiveness in provincial economies.