Phnom penh: H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, met with a delegation from the Association of Global Entrepreneur 1% Club, led by its President, Mr. Heang Vuthea. The discussion focused on enhancing the role of entrepreneurs in the economic development of Cambodia.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during the meeting held at the Ministry on October 2, Mr. Heang Vuthea introduced the association, which has grown to include over 1,250 members managing more than 4,000 businesses. He detailed its activities such as regular networking events, business exchanges, capacity-building programs, and CSR initiatives. The association’s international presence and partnerships have benefited nearly 4,900 companies.

Minister Vanndy acknowledged the progress made by the association and encouraged it to further contribute to Cambodia’s ‘missing middle’ of enterprises. He emphasized the importance of capturing opportunities between small businesses and large foreign investors. The Minister highlighted that business associations that provide tangible benefits to their members have the most significant impact.

The Minister urged the association to promote compliance, strengthen entrepreneurship, enhance capacity on standards and export requirements, and maintain a strong membership base rooted in business ethics, rules, and discipline.

Mr. Vuthea expressed appreciation for Minister Vanndy’s guidance and noted the association’s interest in supporting local production and advancing import substitution.