Ankor Wat to SMEXASEAN – The Indian Connection to Cambodia

Date :- May 2, 2019

The Cambodian SME market is poised for a significant transformation, thanks to the partnership between the Small Entrepreneurs Association (SEA), founded by Mr. Tompen Virak Vitou, and SRAM & MRAM Resources Limited, a global conglomerate.

During the press conference, Dr. Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani, Chairman of SRAM & MRAM, emphasized the importance of increasing private sector involvement in Cambodia’s SME development, as the country’s industries have, until now, been largely dominated by the services sector. Dr. Hiranandani argued that the manufacturing sector needs more support, particularly through foreign collaborations, to improve product quality and enable the sector to compete globally.

Mr. Tompen Virak Vitou, President of SEA, stressed that this initiative was vital for revitalizing the Cambodian SME sector and helping the country become a dominant force within ASEAN. He noted that, despite global divisions on Cambodia’s role in the business world, the responsibility lies with both the government and large private sector entities to drive the economy forward. Transitioning from a service-dominated economy to a manufacturing-driven one will require sustained collaboration between the government and industries to position Cambodia among ASEAN’s top economies.

The event was graced by prominent figures, including H.E. Mon Nara, Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia, who praised both Mr. Vitou and Dr. Hiranandani for their initiative, which aims to set Cambodia back on the path of growth. Senior bureaucrats Mr. Ven Kheang Hak, H.E. Hy Chenda, and Mr. Net Mony Bunnaka also attended and expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the need for more such initiatives to strengthen the Cambodian economy.

Mr. Rithy Leksin, Executive Director of Cambodian Operations, and Mr. Vidya Babu, Senior Business Strategist at SRAM & MRAM, are leading the success of this partnership. They have clearly defined their roles and are committed to ensuring the success of Cambodia's SME sector, with SRAM & SEA playing a key part in adapting the country’s economy to its new role in the ASEAN region.

Ms. Mary Mam, Director of SRAM & MRAM Group, shared her excitement for the partnership, describing it as the start of a powerful collaboration that will draw global attention to the positive changes happening in developing economies, particularly in the ASEAN region.

Ms. Neang Sokhen and Mr. Mengkong Dy, Finance and Administrative heads of SRAM Group operations in Cambodia, have been busy allocating resources to move the project forward and ensure its success.