Phnom penh: 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.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister made these remarks during 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. He emphasized that MSMEs are the backbone of Cambodia's economy, playing a vital role in job creation, production, and sustainable economic growth.
He outlined the Royal Government's aim to promote greater domestic production as a means to replace imported goods wherever possible. However, he stressed that this import substitution strategy does not imply excluding foreign products from the Cambodian market.
Samdech Thipadei encouraged local businesses to venture into sectors such as food processing and furniture manufacturing. This approach would enable more locally made products to meet domestic demand and fortify the country's industrial base.
The Premier highlighted that long-term success cannot depend solely on patriotic consumer sentiment. Instead, it 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 stated, adding that Cambodian enterprises need to remain competitive in both local and international markets.
He also pointed out that, as a member of the World Trade Organisation, Cambodia cannot restrict foreign imports, cautioning that such measures could lead to similar restrictions on Cambodian exports. 'The only sustainable path forward is to strengthen our own competitiveness,' he urged, encouraging MSMEs to grow from micro-enterprises into larger businesses to enhance the country's economic resilience.
The Prime Minister further insisted that products bearing the 'Made in Cambodia' label must be genuinely manufactured within 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.