Call For Applications for Export Readiness Development Program

Announcement Description
1. Background

1.1 About CAPRED

Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) is Australia’s flagship bilateral economic development program in Cambodia. Funded Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and implemented by Cowater International, CAPRED focuses on supporting inclusive economic recovery and boosting resilient and sustainability over the next five years from 2022 to 2027. The Facility supports Cambodia in implementing a range of necessary economic interventions and reforms to maintain the country’s economic transition. These interventions and reforms are primarily aimed at encouraging more productive and inclusive public and private investment, which promotes a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy (RISE).

CAPRED interventions and investments fall under three technical components including: Agriculture and Agro-processing; Trade, Investment and Enterprise Development and Infrastructure Development; and one Cross-Cutting component comprising: Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI); Climate Resilient initiatives, and policy support. GEDSI is at the heart of all that CAPRED does. Further information about CAPRED can be found on our website.

1.2 About Export Readiness Development Program

In mid-2023, CAPRED organised a study visit to Australia with Fourteen (14) Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs)1 to address the gaps of market access and market diversification. As a result, the selected agri-businesses were able to connect with potential Australian buyers, among which several firms were able to secure or are negotiating trade deals as a direct result from this visit. CAPRED aims to continue supporting this intervention and on a broader scale. (Find more details at the below attachment.)

Bid Components
Call For Applications for Export Readiness Development Program
CATEGORY:Invitation for Bids, Call for Proposals
LOCATION:Phnom Penh
CFA Number CFA24-025

Project Name: Export Readiness Development Program

Domain Name: Trade, Investment and Agri-food innovation

Program Duration: April 2024 – March 2025

2. Purpose and Scope of the Program

CAPRED is inviting applications from Cambodian agri-food enterprises to participate in its Export Readiness Development Program. The objectives of this comprehensive development program are as follows:

To enhance the market knowledge and skills of Cambodian agri-food SMEs through participation in educational workshops, skills training, coaching, and mentoring from experts.
To improve international market access by providing connections to pre-qualified, international agri-food buyers and investors through in-market business meetings and participation in trade shows.
To support the innovation of the selected SMEs’ products, upscale their businesses for export, and raise the quality of their products to meet international demand through the provision of necessary financial support.
3. Target Participants

Applications are open to all Cambodian agri-food enterprises who meet the following criteria. Up to 10 Cambodian enterprises (one representative per business) can take part in the program, with women-led businesses particularly encouraged to apply.

Bidder Eligibility
Essential
Must be formally registered in Cambodia and have operated at least 2 years.
Must have experience exporting to at least one country.
Agri-food firms will be prioritised.
Must source more than 50% input from Cambodia.
Enterprises that are led by women will be prioritised.
Enterprises that are implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation will be prioritised.
The application representative to join the program must be from the senior leadership within the business.
The application representative to join the program must be one person and must avail their times to attend all the capacity building programs, market visits and other meetings or events in the program.
The application representative to join the program must have or be able to obtain a valid passport (with at least six months validity; from the start of the travel date) and required documents for visa applications.
The selected representative must be able to cover the costs of a round-trip air ticket and visa fee and other associated costs for the international market visit that are not covered by CAPRED.
Other eligibility criteria include:
Demonstrating integrity and high ethical standards.
Displaying sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national, and age differences.
Treating all people fairly without favouritism.
Fulfilling obligations to GEDSI sensitivity and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
Strictly comply with DFAT Child Protection Code of Conduct and Policy. (htps://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/child-protection-policy.pdf )
Submission Requirements
6. How to Apply

Interested SMEs are invited to complete and submit the online application form no later than 5pm (Phnom Penh time), Sunday 31 March 2024. The application link can also be accessed here.

For further information:

Further information about this call for application can be obtained from Mr. Sousachak Sim, Trade & Export Promotion Manager, at Email or via phone provided in the contact details.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to the professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. CAPRED aims to have a diverse workforce and a workplace that is supportive of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion. Women, people with disabilities and other minorities are highly encouraged to apply.