Cambodia MSME2/BEE is a follow-on to the highly successful Cambodia MSME project, which was implemented by DAI from 2005 to 2008. The predecessor project worked to improve the competitiveness of swine, clay tile, and aquaculture value chains in Cambodia’s rural areas.

MSME2/BEE will expand the geographic and value-chain reach of original project and additionally focus on improving Cambodia’s business enabling environment. The project’s overall objective is to improve business productivity in selected value chains; increase the voice of business in policy making; and improve the Royal Government of Cambodia’s ability to respond to the private sector in reforming the business environment.

The project will cover 12 provinces: Battambang, Siem Reap, Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Kratie, Kampot, Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Speu, Takeo, and Svay Rieng. Select value chains may include swine, clay tile, aquaculture, non-timber forest products, water and sanitation services, fruit, vegetables, animal feed, and poultry.

Through the initial Cambodia MSME project, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the DAI team, and people of Cambodia, together achieved several notable successes:

Improved Small Business Production, such as when medical and vaccine suppliers were persuaded to market their products to small farmers -- heretofore ignored as too poor a market – which resulted in more sales for the suppliers and healthier herds for the farmers. Overall, the project facilitated 59 training sessions for 1,963 MSMEs.

Promoted Competition, as when rural brick and tile makers were linked with construction firms in Phnom Penh, boosting sales for the rural businesses while teaching them to improve the quality of their product and delivery.

Established Public-Private Dialogue, which in one case prompted the Cambodian government to safeguard small farmers by imposing a moratorium on pig imports until fairer trade regulations could be established.

Built Communication and Trust among business owners and between the public and private sectors.