Cambodia: e-commerce initiative aims to create 10,000 new jobs

This initiative is one of the key components of Cambodia’s e-commerce acceleration project (Go4eCam), which aims to boost domestic and international opportunities for SMEs through a digital platform. One of the main objectives of Go4eCAM is to create over 10,000 new jobs by 2022. 

The US$500,000 investment will benefit 125 SMEs, which will be able to apply for grants and training in online commerce, said a joint press release by the MoC, UNDP and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). 

The funds will go toward a six-month incubation and training initiative and small grants programme to help SMEs move and sell online, as well as for some to market their products and services to overseas customers via a new online marketplace (B2B2C) being developed by the MoC. 

Part of the funds will be set aside for businesses owned by women and businesses based outside of Phnom Penh. It was not disclosed how businesses would be selected for funding nor if they needed to be formally registered, according to Khmer Times. 

At the launch of the e-commerce strategy, minister of commerce Pan Sorasak said: “The Go4eCAM project is launching at the right time, coinciding with the approval of the e-commerce law and the launch of the e-commerce strategy. The project will provide many other benefits, including increasing productivity, innovation, business expansion and job creation in Cambodia.” 

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UNDP Cambodian resident representative Nick Beresford said: “Cambodia’s new e-commerce strategy, combined with the right incentives and investments, could be a game-changer to propel inclusive growth in the recovery from COVID-19. Inclusive investment in people, in skills development and in digital infrastructure for everyone are absolutely crucial.”