Case Studies Cambodia – Proof by example

This section presents in detail the three success stories that definitively establish EREB Cambodia’s credibility:

Case 1: Tech Startup – AI Platform for Environmental Monitoring (2025)

Context and challenge: A European startup specializing in AI applied to environmental monitoring wanted to expand its operations in Southeast Asia. The challenges: data compliance, local partnerships for field data, financing the expansion, and adapting the technology to the Cambodian context.

Our comprehensive intervention:

Phase 1 – Analysis and Strategy (2 months)

• Study of the Cambodian regulatory framework on data.
• Mapping of local environmental actors.
• Identification of an aligned university research program.
• Intellectual property analysis and protection.

Phase 2 – Structuring and Financing (3 months)

• Setting up a consortium with the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
• Drafting of Horizon Europe proposal (Green Deal program).
• Optimal legal structuring (branch office).
• Negotiation of university partnership.

Phase 3 – Implementation (2 months)

• Opening of the branch office in Phnom Penh.
•  Recruitment of 3 local data scientists.
• Setup of technical infrastructure.
• Launch of the pilot project.

Regional Funds

• Digitalization and innovation.
• SME internationalization.
• Amounts depending on programs.
• Can be combined with other aid.

Measurable results

• Funding obtained : EUR 500,000 Horizon Europe + EUR 200,000 Simest.
• Operational structure : Legally established branch office.
• Local team : 3 trained Cambodian employees.
• Pilot project : Monitoring of 50 sites in progress.
• Projected ROI : Break-even in 18 months.

Measurable results

• Funding obtained : EUR 500,000 Horizon Europe + EUR 200,000 Simest.
• Operational structure : Legally established branch office.
• Local team : 3 trained Cambodian employees.
• Pilot project : Monitoring of 50 sites in progress.
• Projected ROI : Break-even in 18 months.

Key Success Factors

• Early identification of the ideal academic partner.
•  Perfect alignment with Horizon Europe priorities.
• Expert management of administrative complexity.
• Ongoing post-implementation support.

Case 2: Textile Company – Sustainable Fashion and Ethical Trade (2024-2025)

Initial Situation: An Italian sustainable fashion company was looking to diversify its supply sources while developing an Asian market for its finished products. The challenge was twofold: find ethical producers AND establish a distribution channel.

Our 360° approach:

Market analysis (1 month)

• Study of local demand for sustainable fashion.
• Audit of the Cambodian textile supply chain.
• Identification of required certifications.
• Competitive analysis and price positioning.

Partnership development (3 months)

• Screening of 15 potential importers/distributors.
• Organization of 8 qualified meetings.
• Visits to 5 production sites.
• In-depth due diligence of partners.

Commercial Structuring (2 months)

• Negotiation of framework contract with main importer.
• Implementation of traceability system.
• Adaptation of collections to the local market.
• Training of local sales team.

Financial Support

• Obtained Italian regional funding: EUR 150,000.
• Activation of Simest e-commerce credit: EUR 100,000.
• Tax optimization of the structure.

Concrete results

• Framework contract : Signed with major importer.
• Volume : 50,000 pieces/year contracted.
• Financing : EUR 250,000 obtained (70% non-repayable).
• Digital presence : B2B e-commerce operational.
• Impact : 200 jobs supported in the sector.

Innovations

• Blockchain traceability system for transparency.
• Training program for Cambodian workers.
• Fair trade certification obtained.
• Local profit reinvestment model.

Case 3: Winery – Premium Organic Wine Export (2024)

Market Context: An Italian organic winery was looking for new markets in Asia. Cambodia, with its growing HORECA sector and large expatriate community, presented a unique but complex opportunity: cultural barriers, delicate logistics, and a distribution network to be created.

Our winning strategy:

Research and positioning (6 weeks)

• Analysis of the imported wine market in Cambodia.
• HORECA and retail segmentation.
• Consumer preference study.
• Premium pricing strategy.

Product adaptation (4 weeks)

• Redesign of packaging for the Asian market.
• Creation of “Italian Heritage” storytelling.
• Obtaining health certifications.
• Development of suitable formats (half bottles).

Market penetration (3 months)

• Organization of a 5-day trade mission.
• 12 tastings in premium establishments.
• Negotiations with 3 importers.
• Selection of an exclusive partner.

Commercial activation

• Training of local sommeliers.
• Launch event (80 VIP guests).
• PR campaign in lifestyle media.
• HORECA loyalty program.

Performance achieved:

• First container : 3,000 bottles sold in 4 months.
• Distribution : 25 restaurants/5-star hotels.
• Simest financing : EUR 120,000 obtained.
• Recurring order : 1 container/quarter established.
• Margin : +40% vs. European market.

Differentiating factors

• Positioning as a “celebration wine” vs. everyday wine
• Premium price justified by rarity and organic status
• Exclusive distribution creating desirability
• Ongoing marketing support from EREB

Overall metrics for the 3 cases

• Total customer investment : EUR 2.3 million
• Funding obtained : EUR 1.6 million (70%)
• Net cost to clients : $700K (30%)
• Jobs created : 200+ direct and indirect
• Average ROI : 280% over 24 months