Phnom penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has officially introduced the National Strategy on Startup Development 2026-2030, marking a significant step towards transforming the country's startup ecosystem into a key driver of digital innovation and economic growth. The strategy was launched at a ceremony held at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, presided over by H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance, and Chairman of the Digital Economy and Business Committee.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event was attended by senior government officials, development partners, investors, academic institutions, entrepreneurial support organizations, entrepreneurs, and private sector representatives. The gathering aimed to build a shared understanding and prepare for the proactive implementation of the strategy with a strong sense of responsibility.
Startups in Cambodia are emerging as a crucial element of national economic growth, significantly contributing to the realization of Cambodia Vision 2050. Recognizing the sector's potential, the Royal Government has introduced a comprehensive framework to strategically address challenges that hinder startup growth. This newly launched strategy will serve as a roadmap for ministries, institutions, and stakeholders to develop a more robust and inclusive startup ecosystem.
The strategy outlines a vision to cultivate a vibrant Cambodian startup ecosystem that fosters innovative entrepreneurs, strengthens markets, creates new markets, and grows startups into competitive companies. It also aims to enhance Cambodia's connectivity with regional and global innovation ecosystems to contribute to national economic development. The vision is based on three primary approaches: Government as a developmental enabler, Ecosystem-based startup development, and Co-evolution for startup development.
In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth highlighted the importance of implementing ministries and institutions translating the strategy into action plans. He urged the Digital Economy and Business Committee to collaborate with stakeholders to establish a monitoring and evaluation framework using clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure efficient implementation.
He also called upon ecosystem actors to work closely with ministries and institutions responsible for policy measures, creating a synergistic environment for developing startups into competitive enterprises. The event featured a reporting address by H.E. Kong Marry, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, followed by a presentation summarizing the strategy and a panel discussion on its impact on the future of Cambodia's startup sector.
The National Strategy has established four overall KPIs, including transitioning the Startup Ecosystem Performance Index (SEPI) from an Emerging Ecosystem to an Expanding Ecosystem, reaching 300 startups in incubation programs, securing investment for 100 startups, and achieving a total investment size of US$30 million in startups.