PM Hun Manet Vows Faster Business Services to Boost SME Growth

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has pledged to personally oversee reforms to support small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), ordering faster registration and simpler procedures to spur domestic production. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet told a Cabinet meeting Friday that he would “roll up his sleeves” to tackle obstacles facing entrepreneurs, identifying the lengthy registration process as a key barrier. He said the current system does not match the government’s goal of promoting Cambodian‑made products and expanding SME contributions to the economy. “Business owners should not have to carry documents from one office to another,” Hun Manet said, calling for a digital registration system that would allow entrepreneurs to submit documents once and share them electronically across ministries. The premier instructed ministries and agencies to streamline procedures and eliminate overlapping approvals. He ordered institutions not yet connected to the Cambodia Data Exchange Platform (CAM‑DX) to complete integration by the end of September. The platform is designed to link government services and reduce paperwork for businesses. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet assigned Kong Mary, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to coordinate with agencies and accelerate implementation. He said the reforms aim not only to improve public services but also to protect SMEs by strengthening measures against counterfeit goods. The prime minister stressed he would personally monitor progress to ensure the initiative delivers practical benefits. “We must make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses,” he said, adding that faster services would encourage investment and job creation. The Cabinet session also addressed broader government priorities, including border management and cybercrime prevention. But Hun Manet underscored that SME reform was central to Cambodia’s economic strategy, with small businesses accounting for the majority of enterprises nationwide. Officials said the push reflects growing recognition that SMEs are vital to boosting productivity, diversifying exports and supporting rural development. Simplifying registration is expected to reduce costs and encourage more informal businesses to enter the formal economy. Hun Manet’s remarks signal a stronger political commitment to SME growth, with the government positioning streamlined services as a cornerstone of its economic agenda.