Cambodia

Curtis Hundley of DAI shares practical activities that can sustainably ignite private sector development where inter-firm trust is missing, business relationships are fragile, and commercial excess and market linkages are minimal. In 2005, Cambodian supply chains were fractured, production was uncompetitive, and technical assistance was unavailable. In addition, most government officers played an unhelpful role in economic development through predatory enforcement of poorly written laws and regulations.

During the past six years, through fun, enjoyable, and educational activities, Cambodian firms have learned to compete regionally through increased production and better quality, and are developing strong business relationships across value chains. The government now seeks advice from private firms before promulgating laws and listens to concerns about enforcement. By sticking to principles, yet being pragmatic, the MSME Project assists in transforming business culture in rural Cambodia.

This edition of Migrant Remittances brings news of developments on various fronts. Flows of money to developing countries are estimated to amount to more than $300 billion and money transfer companies are actively connecting and deepening their partnerships with banking institutions as well as advance payment technology players. We also feature in this issue a research piece and guest article on the relationship between diaspora communities and development. The articles point to both conceptual and factual realities associated with the ways in which people away from their homeland seek to reconnect back home. Finally, discussions and knowledge continue to advance with events being planned and studies and publications being produced on the subject of remittances.