Maybank Cambodia, in partnership with the USAID-funded Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest III project and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), on Saturday launched the ‘SME Export Finance Solution’ to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
This initiative also includes the Building Capacity and Capability (BCC) programme for SMEs.
The partnership between the three parties aims to elevate the competitiveness of local SMEs on the global stage, fostering sustainable growth and strengthening Cambodia’s presence in international markets.
By offering tailored financial products—such as working capital loans, trade finance, competitive foreign exchange in 21 currencies, remittance solutions, and export credit facilities—the initiative equips SMEs with resources to overcome financial barriers.
The launch of the ‘SME Export Finance Solution’ was marked by the signing of an agreement between Rath Sophoan, Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of Maybank Cambodia and Nimish Jhaveri, Chief of Party of Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest III.
In his welcoming remarks, Sophoan said that the SME Export Finance Solution will be a game-changer for Cambodian businesses aiming to expand exports to existing or new international markets.
“By empowering SMEs to overcome traditional barriers to finance, this partnership advances individual business growth while contributing to the broader economic development of Cambodia,” he stated.
“As SMEs are the backbone of the Cambodian economy, by equipping them to succeed in export markets, this collaboration will fuel job creation, foster sustainable economic growth, and strengthen Cambodia’s position as a competitive player in the ASEAN region and beyond,” Sophoan noted.
“This initiative also reinforces Maybank’s commitment to its role as the Best ASEAN Bank in Cambodia, leading the way in regional economic empowerment,” he added.
Nimish Jhaveri, Chief of the Party of Feed, the Future Cambodia Harvest III, said the new trade financing solution would provide SMEs with the necessary capital to manage production costs, invest in quality improvements, and fulfil international orders.
“An effective trade financing solution is crucial for these enterprises, as it not only helps bridge cash flow gaps but also enables them to compete more effectively by facilitating timely deliveries and expanding their market reach,” he noted.
“Together, we ensure that these enterprises are equipped not only with financial resources but also with the knowledge and expertise required to succeed globally,” Jhaveri added.
In conjunction with the SME Export Finance Solution, Maybank Cambodia, CGCC, and Harvest III also announced the ‘SME Building Capacity & Capability (BCC) Programme 2024 & 2025’, a flagship initiative designed to further equip SMEs with essential business skills and knowledge.
Since its inception in 2021, the BCC Programme has trained hundreds of SMEs on business fundamentals, advanced techniques, and modern technologies.
Building on this success, in 2024 and 2025, the programme aims to deliver specialised sessions on trade finance solutions, financial management, and strategic planning, led by industry experts from the accounting and business, consulting, and finance sectors. This training empowers SMEs with practical insights and skills needed to enhance their operations and optimise their growth potential.
No Lida, CGCC’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his strong support for this initiative, stating that the BCC programme equips SMEs with essential skills and knowledge, empowering them to access finance and expand their businesses.
“Through this initiative, we can help improve financial literacy and lay the groundwork for SMEs to thrive locally and internationally. This programme is a crucial step toward our shared vision of fostering a resilient and dynamic SME sector that significantly contributes to Cambodia’s economic growth,” Lida said.
With this initiative, Maybank Cambodia, Harvest III, and CGCC are building a robust support ecosystem for Cambodian SMEs, positioning them to thrive in domestic and global markets.
This initiative provides SMEs with the resources, knowledge, and confidence to scale their businesses and pursue international opportunities through the combined power of financial solutions, capacity-building programmes, and reduced collateral requirements through credit guarantees.