Over 1,200 new SMEs formally registered last year

Over 1,200 new SMEs formally registered last year

The government encourages stakeholders to motivate informal ventures to integrate into the formal economy.

The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MISTI) registered 1,262 new small and medium enterprises (SMEs) last year, bringing the registered SMEs to 44,795.

Of which, 28,343 SMEs are in the food and drink production, accounting for 63 percent of the total registered SMEs, MISTI stated in a report yesterday.

“As of 2025, there were 44,795 SMEs registered formally, of which 8,670 SMEs are women-owned, generating 492,131 jobs,” read the report.

The Royal Government has promoted the transition of SMEs in the informal sector to the formal economy through formal registration. The registration processes were made through various channels, including online registration.

Besides, the ministry has accelerated digital transformation for SMEs.

MISTI Minister Hem Vanndy has recently stressed the importance of strengthening domestic production and supply chain resilience.

“A country that does not produce cannot fully protect its resilience. The national movement to support Cambodian products is not merely emotional; it is a strategic opportunity to accelerate domestic production, strengthen local supply chains, and ensure that local businesses can compete in both local and global markets,” Vanndy said in an annual meeting last week.

As the SME sector is the backbone of the economy, the government has encouraged the ministry and other stakeholders to jointly work to motivate informal ventures to integrate into the formal economy.

Informal economic development advanced steadily, with approximately 270,000 individuals registered through the government’s digital platform by the end of 2025, while benefits have continuously been developed, reflecting efforts to build an economic system that leaves no one behind, according to the report.

The government, through the state-run SME bank assures a reliable and sustainable banking system for all SMEs through the disbursement of loans at low interest rate to help SMEs expand their businesses.

khmertimeskh