Cambodia is stepping up efforts to modernize its logistics system as part of a broader strategy to attract more investors and strengthen its regional competitiveness. At the center of this push is a renewed commitment from both government and private sector stakeholders to build a more efficient, transparent, and cost effective logistics ecosystem that supports long term economic growth.

Stronger coordination to boost competitiveness

During the 10th meeting of the National Logistics Council in Phnom Penh, chaired by Sun Chanthol, leaders from key ministries and private companies came together to assess progress and identify gaps. The meeting highlighted a shared goal of transforming Cambodia’s logistics sector into one that can compete more effectively with regional peers and appeal to global investors. Stakeholders were encouraged to actively contribute ideas and insights to ensure the system evolves in line with market needs and international standards.

Progress on national logistics strategy

A major focus of the discussion was the implementation of the Comprehensive Master Plan on Cambodia Intermodal Transport and Logistics System 2023 to 2033. This ambitious roadmap outlines 174 projects with an estimated investment of around 36 billion dollars. The plan is designed to upgrade infrastructure, streamline transport networks, and integrate multiple modes of logistics to improve efficiency across the country. Progress updates also covered the development of a draft logistics law, which aims to create a clearer regulatory framework and support smoother operations within the sector.

Key projects and data driven planning

The council reviewed findings from the Logistics Dashboard Study, supported by the World Bank, which provides critical data on sector performance. This tool is expected to play a vital role in shaping policy decisions by offering real time insights into logistics trends and bottlenecks. Updates were also shared on the Sihanoukville Logistics Complex Development Project, a key initiative expected to enhance Cambodia’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.

Lower costs and more jobs

Speaking at the meeting, Chanthol emphasized that improving logistics goes beyond infrastructure. A more efficient system can significantly reduce transportation costs for businesses, making Cambodia a more attractive destination for investment. At the same time, the sector’s expansion is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, contributing to broader economic development and improved livelihoods.

Building a smarter logistics ecosystem

To ensure long term success, Chanthol called for further refinement of the Logistics Dashboard so that it captures all essential indicators. A comprehensive data system will allow both government and private partners to make informed decisions, monitor progress, and respond quickly to emerging challenges. This data driven approach is seen as a cornerstone of Cambodia’s effort to modernize its logistics framework.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s push to revamp its logistics system reflects a clear strategic direction toward becoming a more competitive and investor friendly economy. By investing in infrastructure, strengthening policy frameworks, and leveraging data driven tools, the country is positioning itself as a growing logistics hub in the region. If successfully implemented, these reforms will not only attract new investment but also lower business costs and create jobs, laying a solid foundation for sustained economic growth.

Cambodia is taking another meaningful step toward inclusive economic growth with the launch of the #MadeByHer campaign, a new initiative designed to elevate women-led products and businesses. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce, the campaign focuses on improving product quality, strengthening branding, and expanding access to both local and international markets.

Empowering Women Across the Production Chain

At its core, the campaign is about more than just promoting products made by women. It aims to unlock and amplify the full potential of women across Cambodia’s production landscape. Speaking at the launch event in Phnom Penh, Minister of Women’s Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi emphasized that the initiative is not about separating women’s products, but about recognizing their contributions and helping them thrive in a competitive market.

“Products made by women are often connected to many stories—born from hard work, perseverance, creativity, and hope. These stories give women’s products a unique value and identity, reflecting the strength, excellence, and courage of women for their families and communities,” she said.

This perspective reinforces the idea that women entrepreneurs are not only producers but also storytellers whose work carries cultural and social significance.

Expanding Market Access and Visibility

One of the campaign’s key priorities is to connect women-led products with wider markets. This includes placing products in supermarkets, showcasing them at trade fairs, and promoting them on digital platforms. By doing so, the initiative seeks to increase visibility and create new commercial opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

The campaign also involves collaboration with private sector partners, development organizations, and local communities to ensure that women receive the support they need to grow their businesses. From improving packaging to meeting quality standards, the goal is to help transform small-scale enterprises into competitive brands.

Building Stronger Women-Led Brands

Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul highlighted that #MadeByHer is designed to help Cambodian women entrepreneurs scale up their businesses and compete at a national level. The initiative places strong emphasis on enhancing product quality and presentation to meet evolving consumer expectations.

By focusing on branding, standards, and innovation, the campaign aims to position women-led products as reliable and desirable choices in both domestic and global markets. It also encourages consumers to actively support locally made goods, especially those created by women.

What Is the #MadeByHer Initiative and Why It Matters?

The #MadeByHer campaign is part of the broader National Products #MadeinCambodia initiative, launched to promote locally produced goods and strengthen the country’s economic identity. This national movement aims to increase the recognition, quality, and competitiveness of Cambodian products in both local and international markets.

The initiative was established to reduce reliance on imports, support local producers, and build a stronger, more self-sustaining economy. By encouraging consumers to choose Cambodian-made products, it helps circulate income within the country while creating jobs and fostering innovation.

Within this larger framework, #MadeByHer plays a targeted role by ensuring that women entrepreneurs are not left behind, but instead become key drivers of economic growth.

A Collective Effort for Inclusive Growth

Leaders from both ministries have called on stakeholders across sectors to support the campaign. This includes women entrepreneurs, private companies, development partners, and the general public. The shared goal is to create more opportunities for women while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development.

By investing in women-led businesses, Cambodia is not only supporting gender equality but also strengthening its overall economic resilience.

Conclusion

The #MadeByHer campaign represents a strategic effort to empower Cambodian women entrepreneurs and elevate their role in the national economy. As part of the wider #MadeinCambodia initiative, it highlights the importance of local production, quality improvement, and market expansion. By supporting women-led products, Cambodia is building a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable economic future where local talent and innovation can truly thrive.

For Cambodia, the road to becoming a high-income country by 2050 is dotted with formidable challenges. No one can deny that between 2000 and 2019, the Kingdom was among the fastest-growing economies globally, with over 7 percent of annual GDP growth, but then the economic expansion slowed down in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. A widening chasm between national aspirations and economic realities has crept into the system. A recent AmCham Business Outlook 2026 Survey highlights those gaps in great detail. Khmer Times talks with an array of experts to find out what Cambodia should do. Cambodia’s GDP, according to them, would need to grow by more than 8 percent each year to stay on course. They also have reservations about what they term as “regulatory frictions” that are holding Cambodia back from achieving higher growth. While there’s unanimity among them that without bold reforms to reduce regulatory burdens and open up the economy, the country risks falling short of its high-income ambitions, the silver lining, however, is the committed leadership of the country that has shown a willingness to listen to private sector concerns, and remains open to new ideas, offering a foundation for progress in the years ahead.

Cambodia must accelerate economic liberalisation and sustain strong long-term growth if it hopes to achieve its ambition of becoming a high-income country by 2050, according to new insights from experts and organisations such as the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Cambodia.

The Cambodian government has set an ambitious target of reaching high-income status—defined as a per capita income of nearly $14,000—within the next quarter century. However, Casey Barnett, the outgoing president of AmCham, has warned that current economic trends fall short of what is required to meet that goal.

“Unfortunately, Cambodia is not on track to achieve the required annual GDP growth rate of 6.4 percent for the purpose,” Barnett told Khmer Times recently. Based on his projections, the country would need to sustain even higher levels of expansion when population growth is taken into account. Assuming an annual population increase of around two percent, Cambodia’s GDP would need to grow by more than eight percent each year to stay on course.

Such figures highlight a widening gap between national aspirations and economic realities. While Cambodia was among the fastest-growing economies globally between 2000 and 2019 with over seven percent of annual GDP growth, the economic expansion has moderated in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. During its earlier boom period, the country benefitted from a combination of favourable conditions—limited bureaucracy, strong inflows of foreign investment, macroeconomic stability supported by US dollarisation, and the peace that followed the end of decades of conflict in 1998.

Today, however, businesses say structural challenges are slowing momentum. According to the AmCham Business Outlook 2026 Survey, governance issues and high electricity costs are the most pressing concerns for the private sector. Among these, regulatory bottlenecks—particularly licensing requirements—stand out as a key obstacle to productivity and investment.

Companies report that obtaining licences, especially for importing and exporting goods, is both time-consuming and unpredictable. This issue is particularly acute in sectors such as agriculture and information and communications technology (ICT), where access to modern inputs and equipment is essential for competitiveness.

One frequently cited barrier is Sub-Decree 110, which mandates approval from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications for a wide range of ICT equipment, artificial intelligence technologies, and digital services. While internet usage has become widespread among Cambodian businesses, the process for importing ICT equipment remains cumbersome. In addition, Cambodia has lagged behind regional peers in rolling out advanced telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G networks.

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Hundreds of tuk tuk drivers in Phnom Penh took to Koh Pich on Friday, voicing growing frustration with ride hailing platform Grab. Their message was clear. Rising fuel costs are eating into already thin margins, and drivers say the current fare structure is no longer sustainable. The protest reflects mounting pressure on gig economy workers who rely heavily on daily earnings to cover fuel and basic living expenses.

Why Drivers Are Demanding Change?

At the center of the protest is a call for higher fares and reduced commission fees. Drivers say recent increases in LPG prices have made it difficult to earn a reasonable income. One representative of the group explained the situation bluntly.

“We are asking the company to increase fares per trip because LPG costs have gone up significantly,” he said.

Drivers are proposing a base fare of 1,200 riel per kilometer, higher than current rates. They are also pushing for commission fees to be reduced to between 12 and 15 percent. According to the same driver, many are now struggling just to break even.

“We face so much struggle currently, as the income that we earn is only sufficient for the price of fuel and LPG,” he said.

Grab Responds with Existing Measures

Grab Cambodia has responded by stating that several of the drivers’ requests have already been addressed. The company’s Public Affairs and Policy Manager, Kan Chhunnat, explained that fares currently range from 950 to 3,500 riel per kilometer depending on factors such as time of day and weather conditions.

He also pointed to new incentives introduced on March 10. These include replacing a fixed 300 riel per trip bonus with a cashback system. Under this scheme, drivers receive five percent of their daily earnings if they complete fewer than 19 rides, and 10 percent if they complete more than 20 rides.

In addition, the company is offering weekly fuel support in the form of LPG and gasoline vouchers valued between 5 and 15 US dollars for around 2,000 high performing drivers. Other support measures include distributing drinks during periods of extreme heat.

Fuel Prices Driving the Crisis

The broader issue goes beyond company policies. Global fuel prices have been rising due to geopolitical tensions, including the recent US Israeli strike on Iran, which has disrupted supply routes. Cambodia is feeling the impact directly.

In Phnom Penh, long lines of tuk tuks have become a common sight at LPG stations, especially those offering lower prices. Limited supply points and increasing demand have intensified the strain on drivers.

As of this week, LPG prices are hovering around 3,900 riel per liter at Kampuchea Tela Oil and Gas Company. For drivers who depend on fuel daily, even small price increases significantly affect their income.

What This Means for Cambodia’s Ride Hailing Economy?

This protest highlights a deeper tension within Cambodia’s fast growing ride hailing sector. Platforms like Grab offer convenience and flexible income opportunities, but drivers remain vulnerable to external shocks such as fuel price volatility.

If costs continue to rise without adjustments in fares or commissions, more drivers may be pushed to the brink, potentially affecting service availability and quality for users. The situation calls for a balanced approach where both platforms and drivers can sustain their operations.

Conclusion

The protest by hundreds of tuk tuk drivers in Phnom Penh is a clear signal that rising fuel costs are reshaping the economics of ride hailing in Cambodia. While Grab has introduced incentives and support measures, many drivers feel these steps are not enough to offset the growing financial pressure. Moving forward, meaningful dialogue and practical adjustments will be essential to ensure a fair and sustainable system for both drivers and platforms in an increasingly challenging environment.

Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, is calling on Cambodians to use the riel more actively in their daily transactions, highlighting its importance for the country’s financial stability and policy control. Her message is straightforward: increasing the use of the national currency gives the central bank stronger tools to respond quickly when economic challenges arise.

Speaking at the launch of the second phase of cross border QR code payments between Cambodia and Singapore, she emphasized that the riel is fully issued and managed by the central bank, allowing authorities to monitor and stabilize the financial system more effectively.

Why Riel Matters for Economic Control?

Chea Serey explained that relying heavily on foreign currencies, especially the US dollar, limits the central bank’s ability to intervene during times of volatility. When fluctuations occur, managing the situation becomes more complex because the bank does not have direct control over dollar supply.

She noted, “Using dollars is easy when there is no problem, but when there is a currency fluctuation, it is not easy for the bank to control. The bank uses fiscal measures to resolve the situation, but if the money is in dollars, we have a reduced ability to resolve the issue.”

This highlights a critical point for individuals and businesses. Choosing riel over dollars is not just a personal preference but a contribution to national economic resilience.

QR Code Payments Make Riel More Practical

To support this shift, the central bank is promoting digital payments through QR codes. Vendors are encouraged to display both riel and dollar QR codes, making it easier for customers, including international visitors, to pay seamlessly.

This approach aligns with Cambodia’s broader push toward a cashless economy, where convenience meets financial inclusion. By offering dual currency options, businesses can cater to all users while still encouraging greater adoption of the riel.

What You Need to Do as a Consumer or Business?

For everyday users, the steps are simple. Use your riel account more frequently when making payments, especially through QR code systems. Most bank apps in Cambodia already allow users to switch between riel and dollar accounts easily.

For business owners, displaying both payment options is key. This not only improves customer experience but also supports national efforts to strengthen the local currency.

Another important point raised by the governor is that opening a riel account should be free. If any financial institution charges a fee for this service, it goes against the guidelines set by the National Bank of Cambodia.

Conclusion

The message from the National Bank of Cambodia is clear. Increasing the use of the riel is not just a policy direction but a shared responsibility between citizens, businesses, and financial institutions. By choosing riel in daily transactions and adopting QR based payments, Cambodians can help build a more stable and resilient financial system while maintaining convenience in an increasingly digital economy.

Established in 2020 under the Royal Government of Cambodia, Khmer Enterprise serves as the country’s national platform for nurturing startups and small and medium enterprises. Operating under Ministry of Economy and Finance, it was created to accelerate entrepreneurship through a mix of funding programs, capacity building, and ecosystem development.

Over the years, Khmer Enterprise has launched a wide range of initiatives including startup grants, co investment programs, business plan competitions, incubator and accelerator partnerships, and skills training in areas such as finance, digital marketing, and export readiness. It also plays a key role in connecting founders with investors, mentors, and industry networks, helping early stage businesses move from idea to scale.

By focusing on innovation, competitiveness, and market access, Khmer Enterprise has become a central driver of Cambodia’s growing startup ecosystem and a key contributor to the country’s long term economic development strategy.

Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape received a fresh boost this week as Khmer Enterprise awarded financial support to 60 startups and small and medium enterprises. The initiative is designed to help businesses scale faster, improve competitiveness, and tap into export markets while strengthening the country’s broader business ecosystem.

Funding That Goes Beyond Money

Speaking at the grant handover ceremony in Phnom Penh, Hem Vanndy highlighted that the program is not just about financial aid. “Through strong national programs and broad local and international partnerships, Khmer Enterprise is equipping startups and SMEs with the tools, networks, and financial support they need to compete nationally and internationally.” He went on to add, “More than just funding, the assistance acts as a catalyst, unlocking doors to private investment and deeper collaboration with the wider business and financial ecosystem.” This approach reflects a broader strategy where funding acts as a gateway to long term growth opportunities rather than a short term solution.

Strengthening Cambodia’s Business Ecosystem

Chhieng Vanmunin reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to building a resilient entrepreneurial environment. He emphasized that direct financial support is a practical way to enhance business performance and expand market access. The organization’s strategy focuses on helping businesses withstand external pressures while positioning them to seize new opportunities across different markets. This is achieved through carefully designed support packages and initiatives tailored to specific industries.

Continuous Support Since 2020

Since its establishment in 2020, Khmer Enterprise has launched hundreds of programs aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship across Cambodia. These include business plan competitions that inspire innovation among students and training courses covering financial management, sales, marketing, and export strategies. The programs continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of businesses, ensuring they remain relevant in a dynamic economic environment.

Building Strong Business Connections

Beyond funding and training, Khmer Enterprise plays a key role in connecting startups and SMEs with investors, financial institutions, and strategic partners. Through networking events and collaboration platforms, businesses gain access to valuable relationships that can accelerate growth. This integrated support system ensures that entrepreneurs are not operating in isolation but are part of a connected and supportive ecosystem.

Focus on High Impact Sectors

Khmer Enterprise is prioritizing four key sectors to drive national growth. In information and communication technology, the focus is on accelerating digital transformation through tech startups. In services, efforts are directed toward strengthening hospitality and logistics. In agriculture, the goal is to enhance agro processing for both domestic use and export. In manufacturing, the emphasis is on promoting local production to reduce reliance on imports. These sectors are seen as critical drivers of Cambodia’s long term economic development.

Conclusion

Khmer Enterprise’s support for 60 startups and SMEs signals more than just a funding initiative. It represents a coordinated effort to build a stronger, more competitive private sector in Cambodia. By combining financial assistance with mentorship, partnerships, and market access, the organization is helping businesses move beyond survival toward sustainable growth. As Cambodia continues to develop its entrepreneurial ecosystem, such initiatives will play a vital role in driving innovation, attracting investment, and securing long term economic prosperity.