The e-commerce and digital trade sectors in Cambodia have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, reflecting the country’s dynamic and resilient economy, thanks to government initiatives to promote digitalization.
Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, made the remarks while presiding over the opening ceremony of the workshop on ‘Cambodia’s Digital Economy and Engagement with E-DISC’ (ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Center), on Monday at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh.
The workshop was attended by numerous participants from line ministries and stakeholders.
Nimul said that the ministry has implemented policies and programs to foster a conducive environment for digital businesses. “The e-commerce and digital trade sectors in Cambodia are currently experiencing significant growth following the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the dynamism and resilience of the country’s economy,” she said.
This sector is driven by innovative entrepreneurs, a young population and an increasing level of digital interconnectedness, she added.
The Commerce Minister further said that the government has introduced the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Framework 2021-2035 and the Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035 to utilize digital technology to enhance societal and economic efficiency.
Digital business development is a pillar in building the digital economy and social policy framework of Cambodia 2021-2035, which focuses on supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem and startups by strengthening entrepreneurship and promoting startups in terms of capacity and financial resources.
Chhin Ken, President of the Cambodia Digital Tech Association, said that improved internet connectivity and increased smartphone penetration have contributed to the e-commerce and digital trade sectors in Cambodia.
“This trend reflects that Cambodian people are now interconnected with smartphones. It is particularly helping digital-based businesses,” Ken told Khmer Times.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has recently urged ministries, institutions and educationists to increase the cooperation for digitalization which he said will help Cambodia’s development needs and its transition to a digital economy and government.
“All government ministries and institutions must establish digital transformation units to keep up to date with the digital age in line with the government’s digital policy,” the premier said.
Nimul expressed her sincere appreciation to ERIA for organizing an insightful discussion focused on the future of Cambodia’s digital economy and how the country can effectively utilize the resources available at the E-DISC to leverage the potential of digital technologies for trade and economic enhancement in Cambodia.
To leverage the potential of the digital revolution through the E-DISC, in this workshop as well as in future participation, Nimul made the following recommendations to improve our collective comprehension of the digital ecosystems in Cambodia and other ASEAN countries; to promote policy innovation that facilitates the growth and development of our industries and firms in the digital economy; and to address the challenges that business owners face through practical initiatives by applying the knowledge and skills gained from this workshop, thereby adapting to broader digital economic ecosystems.
