Cambodia, UK deepen economic ties at Third Joint Trade Forum

Held under the theme ‘Progressive Partnerships in a Shifting Global Landscape: A Cambodia-UK Perspective’, the Forum comes at a pivotal time as Cambodia prepares for its anticipated graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2029 and signals its intention to apply for membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both sides emphasised the importance of predictable, rules-based trade in supporting growth and investor confidence.

The JTIF serves as the primary bilateral platform for structured dialogue on trade, investment and market access, bringing together senior officials, regulators and business leaders from both countries. Discussions focused on translating opportunities into tangible trade and investment outcomes through regulatory cooperation, reduced barriers and better utilisation of frameworks such as the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme.

The Forum also reviewed progress since the Second JTIF in November 2024, highlighting advances in export facilitation, taxation, investment-linked visa regimes, skills development, capital market dialogue and customs cooperation. Engagement between British and Cambodian businesses has expanded across sectors including financial services and manufacturing.

“The JTIF has established itself as a flagship platform for advancing the bilateral trade and investment partnership between Cambodia and the UK,” said Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, expressing confidence that the Third JTIF would generate new commercial opportunities amid evolving global conditions.

Rhiannon Harries, UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia), said the Forum reflected the UK’s growing engagement with the region, noting the UK’s £57 billion annual trade relationship with Southeast Asia.

Dominic Williams, British Ambassador to Cambodia said that both countries, as open and export-oriented economies, shared a strong belief in the international rules-based trading system and a common goal of delivering prosperity and employment through deeper economic partnership.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)