CAC News
Phnom Penh, July 31, 2026 — The Royal Government of Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country's private sector by integrating financial support mechanisms and expanding access to funding for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), through the inaugural National Forum on Financing for Business 2026.
Held on July 30–31 in Phnom Penh, the forum was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in collaboration with its affiliated institutions and eight key government-backed organizations under the theme, "Integrating Royal Government Financial Support to Achieve Economic Resilience."
The event was presided over by H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, and brought together approximately 600 participants, including representatives from government ministries, development partners, financial institutions, business associations, MSMEs and the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC).
During the forum, officials announced that the Royal Government has disbursed more than US$1.86 billion through eight state-supported institutions to assist businesses, agricultural communities, agro-industrial enterprises and MSMEs.
The participating institutions include the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), SME Bank of Cambodia, Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX), Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF), Khmer Enterprise (KE), Techo Startup Center (TSC) and the Skills Development Fund (SDF).
Working closely with the private sector, these institutions provide financial services, credit guarantees, entrepreneurship support, workforce development and technology adoption programs designed to strengthen business competitiveness and improve resilience against economic challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth said the forum reflects the Royal Government's coordinated approach to supporting private sector development through stronger inter-agency collaboration.
"The National Forum on Financing for Business 2026 is a clear reflection of the close cooperation among relevant Royal Government institutions in creating synergies and aligning inter-institutional policies," he said. "It aims to drive private sector development by promoting inclusive and flexible access to finance, ensuring business stability, and strengthening national economic momentum."
The forum, organized for the first time, also served as a platform for businesses to learn about available government support programs, exchange experiences with financial institutions and provide feedback on ways to improve services for MSMEs.
For the agricultural sector, including Cambodia's rapidly growing cashew industry, the expanded support mechanisms are expected to improve access to financing, technical assistance and skills development, enabling enterprises to invest in processing, modern technology and value-added production.
Silot Uon, the president of Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia, said greater coordination between government support institutions and the private sector will play an important role in helping Cambodian businesses enhance productivity, expand exports and contribute to the country's long-term economic resilience.
