The Cambodian government has officially launched the “Strategy for the Development of Electronic Services for Business 2025–2028,” aiming to enhance the country's digital infrastructure and improve the business environment. This strategy builds upon the success of the Online Business Registration (OBR) system and the Cambodia Data Exchange (CamDX) platform, which have already facilitated significant improvements in business registration processes.(Phnom Penh Post, BowerGroupAsia)
Key Achievements
- Cost and Time Efficiency: The OBR system has reduced business registration costs by approximately 40% and shortened processing times to just eight working days. (CamDX)
- Increased Business Registrations: By December 2024, over 42,000 enterprises had registered through the OBR system, with a combined investment capital exceeding $15.6 billion. (BowerGroupAsia)
- Integration Across Ministries: The system has expanded to include services from 21 ministries and institutions, streamlining the process for obtaining licenses, permits, and certificates. (registrationservices.gov.kh)
Strategic Objectives
The 2025–2028 strategy focuses on:(OD Mekong Datahub)
- Digital Transformation: Aiming to digitalize up to 80% of high-demand, low-complexity public services by 2028. (Khmer Times)
- Enhanced Data Sharing: Promoting interoperability among government agencies through the CamDX platform to reduce redundant data entry and improve service delivery. (registrationservices.gov.kh)
- Improved Business Environment: Reducing bureaucratic complexity and enhancing transparency to attract higher-value foreign direct investment. (BowerGroupAsia)
Implementation Tools
- CamDX Platform: Facilitates secure data exchange between government agencies, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of information. (CamDX)
- CamDigiKey Application: Provides a secure digital identity for users to access various government services, streamlining the authentication process. (CamDX)
Challenges and Opportunities
While significant progress has been made, challenges remain:
- Manual Processes: Out of 714 business-related services, over 600 are still managed through manual or semi-digital processes, indicating a need for further digitalization. (BowerGroupAsia)
- Capacity Building: Ongoing training and support are necessary to ensure that both government officials and business owners can effectively utilize new digital tools.(Digital Economy Commission)
The successful implementation of this strategy will depend on continued collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to address these challenges and fully realize the benefits of digital transformation in Cambodia's business environment.(BowerGroupAsia)