Cambodian officials are pushing the country’s small- and medium-sized enterprises to prepare for a potential increase in demand expected with the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

The expected integration of regional finance and transportation, which many insiders have said will not meet the deadline, could open new markets in the 10-country bloc for Cambodian entrepreneurs, Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprises of Cambodia president Te Taing Por said yesterday at the second SME Industry Exhibition in Phnom Penh.

“It is time for businessmen, vendors and craftsmen to communicate, find partners and share knowledge and experience with each other,” he said.

“[They need] to increase productivity and develop quality products to compete in both regional and international markets.”