Cambodia Prioritizes Market Access for MSMEs as Sector Generates 63% of GDP

PHNOM PENH, June 28, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding market access for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing the sector as a key driver of growth, jobs and competitiveness, officials said Saturday.

The pledge was underscored at the 3rd National MSME Day, themed “Building Bridges for MSMEs to Reach Markets.”The event gathered government agencies, financial institutions, business associations and development partners to explore ways to strengthen local enterprises and widen their opportunities.

Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy said boosting MSME competitiveness is vital as Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2029 and pursue its Vision 2050 goals.

According to the 2022 Economic Census, Cambodia counts more than 60,500 MSMEs employing nearly 3 million people. The sector contributes 63 percent of GDP and accounts for over 70 percent of non-agricultural employment.

Vanndy stressed that market access requires more than higher output, urging firms to improve quality, productivity, compliance with standards and adoption of technology to compete domestically and abroad.

The government has rolled out support measures including access to finance, entrepreneurship development, digital transformation and business services. By end-2025, the SME Bank of Cambodia had disbursed nearly US$500 million in policy loans to more than 3,400 enterprises.

The Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia supported over 3,100 businesses through credit guarantees, while Khmer Enterprise backed 516 startup projects, mobilizing about US$47 million in financing and investment.