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.

Región/País Tema Período Presupuesto
Mekong
Empleo y desarrollo económico
Desarrollo de pequeñas y medianas empresas
01.11.2024 - 31.10.2028
CHF  3’139’556
Contexto 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.
Objetivos
  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.
Grupos destinarios
  • 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.
Efectos a medio plazo 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.
Resultados

Resultados previstos:  

  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.


Resultados de las fases anteriores:   N/A


Dirección / Officina Federal responsable COSUDE
Crédito Cooperación al desarrollo
Contrapartes del proyecto Contraparte del contrato
Institución financiera internacional (IFI)
Sector privado
  • Banco Asiático de Desarrollo (Fondo)
  • Sector privado extranjero Norte

Contraparte de la implémentación
Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Coordinación con otros proyectos y actores

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).

Presupuesto Fase en curso Presupuesto suizo CHF    3’139’556 Presupuesto actual suizo ya emitido CHF    1’000’000 Total del proyecto desde la primera fase Presupuesto suizo CHF   0 Presupuesto inclusive contrapartes del proyecto CHF   3’139’556