Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 24 – On August 24, 2023, a B2B meeting was held between Indian ICT companies and Cambodian counterparts in Phnom Penh. Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), as an endeavour to enhance Information and Communication Technology trade between India and Cambodia, mounted a delegation of 15 Indian ICT industry players for an exclusive Business Alliance Meet with Cambodian Industry. More than 80 delegates joined from the Cambodian side.
The event provided the participating companies with opportunities to forge business and strategic alliances, strike market tie-ups, and create win-win propositions to take their businesses on a growth trajectory.
The ICT products and services projected by the visiting Indian ICT delegation included Edu-tech, e-commerce, mobile web applications, identity verification, customer onboarding solutions, staff augmentation, ERP/ CRM solutions, international contact centres, block chain, embedded verticals, WMS software, quality management software, cloud consulting, UI/ UX, machine learning, mobile computing, Fintech, Agritech, Metaverse, VFX mobile editing, digital transformation, consulting infrastructure solutions, Health IT, ticketing machines, banking solutions, skill development, scientific and lab equipment, among others.
The event began with the playing of the national anthems of India and Cambodia. Mr. Ashwani Kumar Rath, the leader of the ESC delegation, delivered the welcome address. The gathering was addressed by Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia; Mr. Sun Seng Hout, Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kingdom of Cambodia; Mr. So Visothy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Cambodia; as well as a vote of thanks by Oknha Dr. Chhin Ken, President of Cambodia Digital Tech Association (CDTA).
Mr. Ashwani Kumar Rath in his welcome address, highlighted India`s significant strides in turning itself digital through its «Digital India» mission. He said that India`s journey will create capacities and demands that will open significant opportunities for close partners like Cambodia to engage in and benefit from our growth story. He said that the ESC has mounted a 15-member IT delegation with expertise in various IT verticals and aims to create growth synergies together: MEET: CONNECT: GROW. The Business Meet will aid our efforts in strengthening these engagements with Cambodia and facilitate building long-term linkages between our two economies.
Dr. Devyani Khobragade said that India and Cambodia enjoy warm and cordial political relations which can facilitate business partnerships and tie-ups. Ambassador conveyed that with an objective to enhance trade and investments, the two sides are working on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and also discussing a Preferential Trade Agreement. Ambassador also elaborated on various initiatives including India setting up a Centre of Excellence in Software Development & Training in Cambodia, a Pilot Project on a Common Service Centre to facilitate digitalization of various government services at the village level.
She added that Joint Working has been established to iron out any difficulties being faced by the businesses from the two sides and efforts are on for establishing a Joint Business Council to facilitate private sector led initiatives. Ambassador added that India and Cambodia are working towards linking of payment systems enabling UPI payments in Cambodia. Emphasising the importance of direct air connectivity for business facilitation, the Ambassador said that the utmost efforts are underway for the early establishment of direct air linkages between India and Cambodia. Ambassador impressed upon businesses from the two sides to take full advantage of the impressive economic growth rates in India and Cambodia as well as of the excellent political relations, cultural connect and understanding between India and Cambodia.
Mr. Sun Seng Hout said that Cambodia has endorsed numerous strategic policies strengthening the use of digital technologies, including digital economy, digital government, digital commerce, on-line registrations for industry and enterprise, and to promote technology for supporting economic growth. He expressed thanks to the Embassy of India and visiting delegates for arranging the meeting to bring together business executives to share expertise and knowledge.
Mr. So Visothy said that the Royal Government of Cambodia has launched Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 and Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035 for building a vibrant digital economy and society, to promote digital adoption and transformation, to accelerate new economic growth, to build a digital government, and to provide effective and inclusive public services. He added that one of the strategic goals of the Cambodia Digital Government Policy is to promote partnerships between the public and private sectors. He expressed deep appreciation for India's prowess in the field of ICT describing it as a leader in the field. He expressed hope that today`s event will provide companies from Cambodia and India with an opportunity to connect, cooperate, explore potential partnerships and opportunities for cooperation and investments.
Oknha Dr. Chhin Ken thanked Ambassador of India, all the dignitaries, and the ESC delegation for the event. He said that in nations where ICT investments have been successful, the government has supplied both a defined plan and critical initial funding. He added that a deeper knowledge of the benefits of ICT would drive all stakeholders to collaborate on further ICT investments.
The inauguration was followed by B2B meeting between the business persons from the visiting delegation and Cambodian side.
To further strengthen the IT relations between India and Cambodia, the ESC invited a large delegation from Cambodia to visit India for INDIASOFT 2024 the largest IT global networking event in India, to be held in New Delhi, India during 17 to 19 January 2024. INDIASOFT 2024, comprising of International Exhibition and Conference, is aimed to facilitate joint ventures, collaboration and strategic alliances for outsourcing with overseas buyers. The event will provide participants an opportunity to broaden their vision and forge business partnerships. The ESC conveyed that it will be happy to host delegates from Cambodia at INDIASOFT 2024.
