EBN 5: Exploration of Roadmap Development Strategy and the Formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG)

The meeting aimed to share a call for action from entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) on market gaps and opportunities, finalize the scope of the 5- year Cambodia Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Roadmap, establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee the roadmap’s development and announce the details at the Cambodia’s Ecosystem Strengthening Conference (CAMESCO23). 

The event commenced with an opening remark by H.E. Dr. Vanmunin Chhieng, CEO of Khmer Enterprise, who highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape.  

He was followed by Mr. Rajiv Pradhan, who presented on the progress of the Cambodia Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Roadmap, which aims to create a comprehensive 5-year plan that will drive the growth and development of Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Building on the insights gathered during the previous EBN meeting (EBN4), participants outlined the strategy for roadmap preparation. They identified key components to be included in the roadmap, solidified its scope and methodology, and determined the next steps. 

Hence EBN5 saw the participants provide feedback on various components of the Roadmap, especially concerning the Supporting and Regulatory functions that are currently present in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Mr. Madinay Chhuon followed and guided the discussion on the formation of a TWG to oversee the roadmap’s development. The discussion facilitated some recommendations on the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the potential TWG members, to ensure that the TWG will effectively guide the roadmap’s implementation and alignment with the goals and aspirations of Cambodia’s entrepreneurial community. 

An announcement of the Cambodia Ecosystem Strengthening Conference (CAMESCO23) was also made by Ms. Sovannaret Mak. CAMESCO23 has been planned for December 8th, 2023, and aims to provide a platform for ecosystem stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore opportunities for collaboration between local and international actors. Ms. Sabine Joukes, Chief of Party for the USAID-funded Women Entrepreneurs Act project provided the closing remarks. 

EBN has 33 institutions. including Government, Development Partners, and other ecosystem builders, that have taken part in the discussions over the last 2 years. EBN5 was a pivotal event in advancing the objectives of the EBN. The call for action from ESOs, the finalization of the roadmap’s scope, the establishment of the TWG, and the announcement of CAMESCO23 all contributed to creating a clear direction and momentum for future initiatives. The EBN remains committed to fostering collaboration and driving meaningful change in Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The next EBN meeting is eagerly anticipated, as it will build on the achievements and momentum of previous meetings, to propel Cambodia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to new heights.