The second day of the eighteenth Cambodia Trade Expo 2025 placed a strong emphasis on women’s leadership in the national business landscape, signaling a major push toward greater gender inclusivity in commerce. The event showcased a dedicated forum that celebrated women’s contributions in multiple sectors while stressing the urgency of widening opportunities for female entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in trade and economic development. With growing interest from policymakers, development partners and the private sector, the expo reinforced a shared commitment to elevating women as drivers of growth and innovation.

Women in Commerce Forum Highlights the Gender Agenda

Organised by the Ministry of Commerce’s Gender Working Group, the “Women in Commerce” forum served as a platform to recognise women’s vital economic roles and to encourage more active engagement in entrepreneurship, trade and commercial governance. Attendees included representatives from government institutions, financial organisations, development agencies and established private sector players. Their discussions provided valuable insights drawn from real experiences, particularly around how to empower women to enter and advance in business despite ongoing constraints.

Underscoring Women’s Role in Economic Growth

Keynote speaker Serei Borapich, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, emphasised that women remain central to Cambodia’s economic growth yet often lack the recognition and support they deserve. She highlighted that women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises represent a substantial share of the economy, especially in retail, services and light manufacturing, but many female entrepreneurs continue to face difficulties in scaling their operations. “Women in Cambodia possess enormous entrepreneurial potential, but access to finance, digital skills, market information and networking opportunities remains limited for many,” she said. “Strengthening women’s participation in commerce is not only a matter of equality, but also essential for national economic competitiveness.”

Persistent Challenges Facing Female Entrepreneurs

Chan Pheary, President of the Cambodian Women Entrepreneurs Association, echoed these concerns, stressing that although the number of women-led businesses is rising, structural and operational obstacles still limit their growth. Many women struggle to move beyond small scale operations, penetrate export markets or navigate complex regulatory processes. “Cambodian women are resilient and innovative, but they often operate with fewer resources and face more risks,” Pheary said. “Support mechanisms such as mentorship, training and inclusive financing are vital to help women entrepreneurs move from survival businesses to growth-driven enterprises.” Her remarks reinforced the need for sustained institutional support to ensure female entrepreneurs can transition into competitive business leaders both locally and regionally.

Growing Importance of Digital Skills and Financial Literacy

Speakers from development organisations and financial institutions further highlighted the role of digital transformation and financial literacy in helping women succeed in commerce. They shared ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting capability among women led MSMEs, including specialised credit schemes, skills development programmes and regional networking platforms. These efforts are designed to bridge gaps that hinder women from accessing modern tools, expanding into new markets and strengthening their businesses in an increasingly technology driven economy.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders

The forum also offered a series of panel discussions and experience sharing sessions featuring women who lead across diverse sectors. Their stories aimed to motivate younger women to pursue entrepreneurship and step confidently into leadership roles. Organisers underscored that the event is part of the Ministry of Commerce’s wider agenda to integrate gender equality into trade policies and create a more inclusive and supportive commercial environment for all.

CTExpo 2025 Opens Opportunities for Business Engagement

Taking place at the PH Grand Hall at Borey Peng Huoth Boeng Snor in Phnom Penh, CTExpo 2025 runs from December 4 to 7 and is open to the public at no cost. Visitors are encouraged to explore a wide variety of products and services from both local and international exhibitors. Alongside the displays, thematic forums continue to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and Cambodia’s expanding trade potential, making the expo an essential platform for businesses, investors and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Cambodia has announced a major step in its digital future by officially setting 2026 as the launch year for commercial fifth generation mobile telecommunications services. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications revealed the timeline following strategic collaborations with friendly nations and development partners. The plan was formally unveiled at a ceremony presided over by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, underscoring the Royal Government’s strong commitment to accelerating digital transformation. Officials view this rollout as a critical milestone that will open the door to faster, more reliable, and more innovative digital services across the nation.

Transformational Economic and Social Impact of 5G Technology

According to the MPTC, the arrival of 5G is expected to generate wide ranging benefits for Cambodia’s economy and society. With data speeds projected to reach up to ten times faster than 4G, the technology will significantly enhance digital experiences such as download speeds, high definition video streaming, and real time applications. Lower latency will support critical functions like intelligent traffic management and emergency response systems. The expanded connectivity capacity will allow millions of devices to operate within a single square kilometre, establishing a strong foundation for Smart Cities, Digital Agriculture, and Smart Manufacturing. Authorities believe this advancement will drive productivity, strengthen digital ecosystems, and support key sectors including manufacturing, fintech, logistics, e commerce, and tech startups.

Strengthening Public Services and Boosting Investment Appeal

The nationwide introduction of 5G is also expected to raise the quality of public services by making e health, e education, and e government platforms more accessible, efficient, and citizen friendly. By strengthening digital readiness and enhancing service reliability, the Royal Government anticipates attracting increased foreign direct investment. This investment influx would support high value job creation and improve Cambodia’s competitiveness in regional and global markets. As the MPTC stated, “5G is not merely faster internet. It is a foundational digital infrastructure that will underpin Cambodia’s future innovation, modernisation, and inclusive digital growth.” The ministry confirmed that extensive studies have been completed to ensure smooth deployment, with domestic telecom operators preparing for the technical transition ahead of 2026.

Cambodia to Develop First 100 Hectare Digital Hub

Alongside the 5G rollout, Cambodia is advancing another major initiative with the establishment of its first 100 hectare digital hub. Announced by Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth at the Digital Government Forum 2025, the project aims to position the country as a regional centre for digital innovation. Representing Prime Minister Hun Manet, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth presided over the event where the government emphasized its vision of reducing paper usage, expanding digital transformation, and strengthening Cambodia’s reputation on the global stage. Minister Vandeth noted, “The project aims to transform Cambodia into a digital hub to promote transformation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development in the digital sector. It is designed to support startups, modernize education, provide robust data infrastructure, and attract investment companies, particularly by creating an ecosystem that links education and training with industries in the digital sector.”

Building a Skilled Digital Workforce for the Future

The new digital hub is planned to become a dynamic centre for entrepreneurship, advanced digital infrastructure, and integrated digital industry development. It aligns with the government’s commitment to developing a technology ready workforce. Currently, around 1,650 students and civil servants are receiving digital skills training, while more than 3,500 top performing students are benefiting from digital scholarships at partner universities. The ministry has also trained approximately 13,000 officials nationwide and is preparing a financial aid programme to support students without scholarships. Investments in education include pilot digital classrooms in 60 primary schools, community technology centres in high schools, and upgraded facilities in higher education institutions. The ministry continues to champion digital literacy, curriculum development, and youth participation in digital initiatives. Under the Digital Skills Development Roadmap, Cambodia aims to train at least 100,000 digital professionals over the next decade, reflecting a national commitment to building an inclusive and innovative digital economy.

Cambodia is taking a bold leap toward becoming a regional technology powerhouse with plans to develop its first-ever 100-hectare digital hub, a landmark initiative announced by Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth. Revealed during the opening of the “Digital Government Forum 2025 and Related National and International Events,” the project, presided over by Vongsey Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister-in-Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, underscores the government’s long-term commitment to digital transformation, reduced paper dependency, and enhanced global competitiveness. According to Minister Vandeth, “The project aims to transform Cambodia into a digital hub to promote transformation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development in the digital sector. It is designed to support startups, modernize education, provide robust data infrastructure, and attract investment companies, particularly by creating an ecosystem that links education and training with industries in the digital sector,” emphasizing the strategic intent behind the initiative.

A Strategic Vision for Innovation, Startups, and Digital Readiness

The upcoming digital hub is envisioned as a multi-purpose ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, encourages innovation, and supports new business growth. Its advanced infrastructure and integrated approach will directly connect digital industries with education and training institutions, creating a seamless pipeline for digital skills development and job creation. By attracting investors and providing a modern environment for startups, the government aims to build a dynamic digital economy capable of competing on a global scale.

Strengthening Human Capital Through Digital Skills Training

To support this vision, the government is heavily investing in human capital. Currently, around 1,650 students and civil servants are enrolled in digital skills training aligned with national policy, while more than 3,500 top-performing students, those earning A, B, and C grades, have been awarded scholarships for digital programmes at partner higher education institutions. Minister Vandeth noted that the ministry has already trained approximately 13,000 officials nationwide and is preparing a financial-aid programme to ensure students without scholarships can still access essential digital courses at the higher-education level.

Expanding Digital Learning Infrastructure Across Cambodia

Infrastructure development is another major pillar of the digital transformation strategy. The ministry is implementing pilot digital classrooms in 60 primary schools, establishing technology centres in public high schools, and creating digital technology hubs within partner universities. These efforts are complemented by digital literacy campaigns, curriculum upgrades, and youth engagement programmes designed to ensure the next generation is fully equipped to thrive in the digital economy.

Long-Term Goal: Training 100,000 Digital Professionals

With the Digital Skills Development Roadmap as a guiding framework, Cambodia aims to produce at least 100,000 digital professionals over the next decade. This long-term target reflects the government’s recognition that skilled talent is the backbone of any successful digital economy. The new digital hub is expected to play a central role in achieving this ambition by serving as both a skills incubator and an innovation catalyst for Cambodia’s future workforce.