In 2025, Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation reported steady expansion across small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and handicraft establishments. The sector continues to play a vital role in national economic development, creating job opportunities, driving local production, and fostering female entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights for 2025
- 1. Enterprise Registration & Expansion:
- – New Business Registrations: A total of 1,262 new establishments registered in 2025.
- – Certificates Issued: 1,148 operating certificates and 1,367 extension certificates were issued to local businesses.
- – Job Creation: Registrations and expansions generated 23,597 new jobs during the year.
- – Business Closures: Meanwhile, 437 establishments closed, resulting in a loss of 7,689 jobs.
- 2. Total Sector Figures (As of End-2025):
- – Total Establishments: 44,795 active enterprises nationwide.
- – Female-Owned Enterprises: 8,670 businesses are led by female entrepreneurs.
- – Total Workforce: 492,131 employees are active in the sector.
- – Female Workforce: 155,513 women are employed across various manufacturing and handicraft sub-sectors.
Multi-Year Growth Trend (2020 – 2025)
The total workforce in SMEs and handicrafts has maintained a consistent upward trajectory over recent years:
- 2020: 43,082 establishments | 428,563 workers
- 2021: 43,258 establishments | 435,840 workers
- 2022: 43,997 establishments | 452,024 workers
- 2023: 44,628 establishments | 463,966 workers
- 2024: 43,970 establishments | 476,223 workers
- 2025: 44,795 establishments | 492,131 workers
Capacity Building & International Collaboration
To further empower local business owners and enhance product quality, government agencies continue to collaborate with international partners. Programs such as the Technical Training of Cambodia Food Processing TASK Center (FTC) Project—supported by Korean institutions (KIAT, KFRI, KCL)—provide specialized technical skills, safety standard education, and processing technological upgrades for local entrepreneurs.
Source
Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation. (2026). Report on the work achievements of 2025 and direction for 2026 (p. 28–29). Royal Government of Cambodia. https://cdn.misti.gov.kh/documents/20260223010023LLv8zBirQEL8.pdf
Photo: Khmer Enterprise
