AKP Phnom Penh, June 27, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has called on micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen domestic production by focusing on quality, competitiveness, and consumer trust.

Speaking at a gathering with representatives of SMEs and handicraft enterprises to mark the 3rd National Day of MSMEs at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh on Saturday, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that MSMEs are the backbone of Cambodia’s economy, playing a vital role in job creation, production, and sustainable economic growth.

He said the Royal Government aims to promote greater domestic production to replace imported goods wherever possible, while stressing that import substitution does not mean excluding foreign products from the Cambodian market.

Samdech Thipadei encouraged local businesses to expand into sectors such as food processing and furniture manufacturing, enabling more locally made products to meet domestic demand and strengthen the country’s industrial base.

The Premier emphasised that long-term success cannot rely solely on patriotic consumer sentiment, but must be built on product quality, affordability, transparency, and business responsibility.

“If we want long-term sustainability, we must win consumers through quality and affordability,” he said, adding that Cambodian enterprises need to remain competitive in both local and international markets.

He also noted that, as a member of the World Trade Organisation, Cambodia cannot restrict foreign imports, warning that such measures could invite similar restrictions on Cambodian exports.

“The only sustainable path forward is to strengthen our own competitiveness,” he said, urging MSMEs to grow from micro-enterprises into larger businesses to enhance the country’s economic resilience.

The Prime Minister further stressed that products bearing the “Made in Cambodia” label must be genuinely manufactured in the Kingdom rather than produced abroad and simply rebranded.

Cambodia is home to around 750,000 SMEs, employing approximately 3 million people, contributing 63 percent of GDP, and accounting for more than 70 percent of total employment. Samdech Thipadei noted that 2,353 new products were registered during the first five months of 2026, compared to 1,336 products registered in the whole of 2023, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s entrepreneurial environment.

By Heng Panha