Cambodia Investment Review
The Khmer Can Do exhibition, organized by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), recently turned Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich Convention & Exhibition Center into a vibrant showcase of Cambodian craftsmanship, innovation, and small business ambition.
Over the three-day event, hundreds of visitors explored handmade goods, cultural products, and entrepreneurial initiatives, underscoring how local talent is shaping new opportunities in Cambodia’s growing consumer and creative economy.
A Platform for Local Entrepreneurs
The exhibition provided a platform for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses to connect with customers, potential investors, and industry leaders. Stalls featured everything from artisanal crafts to modern lifestyle products, reflecting both traditional Khmer heritage and a forward-looking approach to design and business.
UYFC positioned the event as not only a commercial showcase but also as part of a broader national push to promote entrepreneurship and youth-led innovation. The focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) aligns with the government’s economic diversification agenda, which aims to create jobs and stimulate domestic industries beyond garments and agriculture.
Recognition for Corporate Participation
The event also highlighted collaboration between the private sector and civil society. Representing OCIC, one of Cambodia’s leading investment and development groups, Vice President Thierry Tea received a certificate of appreciation from H.E. Hun Many, President of UYFC, for the group’s contribution to the exhibition.
OCIC’s involvement reflects the role of major companies in supporting local entrepreneurs and cultural promotion. For corporations, events like Khmer Can Do offer a chance to build community goodwill while aligning with national development objectives.
Celebrating Khmer Pride
Beyond the business opportunities, the exhibition carried a strong cultural message. Visitors were encouraged to take pride in “Made in Cambodia” products, with the event framed as both an economic and cultural showcase. For participants, it represented a chance to position their products within a narrative of national identity and self-reliance.
Observers noted that exhibitions like Khmer Can Do illustrate how Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is diversifying, with increasing attention on creative industries, small-scale manufacturing, and socially driven ventures. The combination of grassroots entrepreneurs and institutional support suggests a growing recognition of the role SMEs can play in shaping the country’s next phase of development.
As Cambodia continues to attract foreign investment, local initiatives like Khmer Can Do highlight the importance of nurturing domestic talent and industries to balance external capital with homegrown growth.
