Own a small business and have not applied for a license to operate yet? We have good news for you. Australia recently supported the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation to launch its Digital Public Service Portal for online business license applications. The portal reduces the time and effort required for applications by streamlining processes, and particularly benefits people with disabilities or those living in remote areas. Through the portal, you can request a Prakas to establish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or handicraft businesses and apply for or renew a license to operate such a business. This initiative aims to boost Cambodia's economic growth by helping to formalise the SME, handicraft, and industry sectors, which represent more than 70% of jobs in the country. Australia is committed to supporting Cambodia to create a business-enabling environment that fosters resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth through its CAPRED program. Ready to get started? Access the portal here: https://services.misti.gov.kh/ Check out the video to learn more.

Did you know? An estimated 99.8% of Cambodian businesses are micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and 61% of MSMEs are owned by women. Through its flagship economic development program, the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), Australia supported the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) to develop, launch and disseminate the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming Action Plan (GEDSI-MAP) 2023–2028. H.E. Lay Navinn, MISTI Secretary of State and Chairperson of the GEDSI Action Group, underscored the importance of the plan in ensuring opportunities for and participation by not only women but people with disability, ethnic minorities and other marginalised groups.

Australia is pleased to have supported Cambodia to launch a New Digital Public Service Portal during the 1st National Day of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises 2024. The 27 June event was presided over by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Dr AUN Pornmoniroth and brought together entrepreneurs and representatives from business associations, ministry institutions and development partners. The portal streamlines the license application process, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises, handicraft and industry owners to apply for or renew licenses online. It was developed by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation in partnership with Australia through the CAPRED program. This initiative aims to build a more inclusive and transparent business environment to boost Cambodia’s sustainable, inclusive and resilient economic growth. Check out the launch event video to learn more.

Cambodia has ambitious renewable energy plans, which includes 70 per cent of its energy coming from renewable sources by 2030. Australia is committed to working with Cambodia to support its clean energy transition and meet its goals. Recently, Australia supported a delegation to visit Australia to learn about our experience in integrating variable renewable energy. We spoke with Dr Darith, Deputy Chief of the National Control Center at Electricité du Cambodge, who was part of the delegation to hear about his experience. Check out what he had to say about the visit.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 70% of jobs in Cambodia. However, only about 13% are formalised, hindering productivity, access to finance and markets, and government support. Australia, through the CAPRED program, collaborated with the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) to develop a digital public service portal for SMEs, handicrafts and industry to apply for licenses. This platform helps foster business formalisation, improve enterprise capacity and productivity, and promote economic growth and increased foreign direct investment. To ensure the online platform’s applicability and usability, CAPRED and MISTI conducted a Consultation and User Testing workshop with representatives from SMEs, handicrafts, and industries. The resulting inputs and feedback were integrated into the platform’s development ahead of the June 2024 launch. Check out the workshop video to learn more.

Congratulations to Ms Sorkunthika Srour, Farm Hero Co-founder and CEO, and seven other small and growing business founders on their continued journey with the CNai Accelerator program, supported by the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) program. The CNai program marked its first key milestone with a pitching event. After two months of engaging in business workshops and applied learning, participants presented their business missions and plans for feedback to an experienced panel. This event helped assess their business readiness for the next phase. Watch to hear from CNai participants on their experience and takeaways.

Access to clean water reduces poverty, supports economic growth and environmental sustainability. It also has the power to change lives. For Narun, a visually impaired father in Cambodia, access to clean water has improved the quality of his family’s life.

Today we reflect on the UN theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. Australia supports investing in women, women’s rights organisations and feminist change-makers to end inequalities.

Australia’s flagship economic development program, the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED), organised a study trip for engineers-in-training to a water treatment plant in Kampong Cham province.