Print page

Phase 1, ADB Frontier, single phase


In Cambodia and Laos, young fast-growing SMEs are incremental to transform local economies. However, perceived as risky and operating in small frontier markets, the finance sector doesn’t invest in them the capital to further grow. This contribution aims to close this gap and demonstrate the viability of investments through adapted financial products and technical assistance, while creating employment, developing the market, and driving gender- and climate inclusive growth.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Mekong
Employment & economic development
SME development
01.11.2024 - 31.10.2028
 CHF  3’139’556
The project in brief
Background Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of every economy. Especially in frontier markets1, they play important roles for economic and social development. One promising segment in this landscape are young fast-growing SMEs, referred to as “Gazelles”2. They are often at the forefront of value creation and innovation, and have high potential for job creation and gender/climate impact. Albeit the business landscape is distinct between Cambodia and Laos, they have in common that their finance sectors are still nascent and typically do not finance Gazelles, because the latter often lack sufficient collateral to access bank lending, while their funding needs are too small for private equity funds, and incubators mostly support startups. Gazelles are in the “missing middle” in need for a form of finance with higher risk tolerance and targeted technical support in accounting, digitalization, marketing and governance.
Objectives
  1. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transform and create industries, contributing to employment, women economic empowerment, and climate responsive growth in Cambodia and Lao PDR.
  2. Support capital market transition towards greater inclusion of Gazelle SMEs in frontier markets.
Target groups
  • At least 25 gazelle SMEs in Cambodia and Lao PDR with potential to generate climate and/or gender impact (min 30% ♀)
  • 756 job seekers (min. 35% ♀) via jobs generated in companies and suppliers
  • 1,260 vulnerable people with enhanced climate resilience and 630 farmers (min. 45% ♀) with better market access
  • 500 SMEs (min. 30% ♀ led) strengthened through exposure to an investor approach.
Medium-term outcomes A portfolio of SMEs with potential to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth in Cambodia and the Lao PDR is established, and SMEs showcase significant growth.
Results

Expected results:  

  1. Increased financing for growing SMEs with potential to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth (gender and social impact) in Cambodia and the Lao PDR;
  2. Increased knowledge for supporting SMEs in Cambodia and the Lao PDR.


Results from previous phases:   N/A


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
International Financial Institution (IFI)
Private sector
  • Asian Development Bank (Fund)
  • Foreign private sector North

Implementing partner
Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Coordination with other projects and actors

SDC projects: Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments (3Ei, Cambodia); Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (Laos); Access to Green Finance (Bangladesh);

ADB projects: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth (Laos & Cambodia); Trade &Competitiveness (Cambodia); Sustainable Agri-food System Sector (Laos);

Others: Private Sector Working Group (Lao PDR); Private Sector Forum (Cambodia).
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    3’139’556 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’000’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   3’139’556
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation INDUSTRY
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
    Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F11420

Start of page
Last update 05.12.2024