The Ministry of Industry Science Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have jointly published guidance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on recovery from the COVID-19 crisis in the Khmer language. The materials are based on the guidance notes, factsheets and checklists in UNIDO’s Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis.
The launch event, presided over by Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of MISTI, brought together more than 100 representatives from UNIDO and the Ministry. Prasidh applauded UNIDO for developing and sharing the materials and specifically to the UNIDO Cambodia Country Office for working closely with his team to translate materials into the national language. He said, “The guidelines and technical notes are very useful and valuable materials for MSMEs to use in adjusting business operations in response to COVID-19 pandemic in order to ensure business continuity in the new normal. I strongly admire UNIDO for making these public goods.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has already caused significant economic losses to the world including Cambodia and major economic sectors such as garment, tourism and investment have been infected. In response to this situation, UNIDO developed and launched ‘Build Back Better’ materials in June 2020.
Narin Sok, UNIDO’s Country Representative, said that materials provide practical ideas for enterprises on where to begin and how to continue on a path of recovery, while also strengthening business continuity planning processes. He expressed UNIDO’s continued support for the Royal Government of Cambodia and MSMEs through UNIDO’s current and upcoming projects and programmes to develop and implement the economic recovery plan during the COVID-19 crisis.