The Third Cambodia–UK Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF) convened this week in Phnom Penh, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United Kingdom. Co-hosted by Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce and the British Embassy, the forum centered on advancing economic ties under the theme:
“Progressive Partnerships in a Shifting Global Landscape: A Cambodia-UK Perspective.”
Forum Focus
The JTIF is the primary platform for structured policy dialogue and public-private sector engagement between the two countries. It supports efforts to:
- Expand two-way trade
- Facilitate market access
- Deepen commercial partnerships
- Strengthen regulatory cooperation
With Cambodia targeting graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029 and preparing for a potential application to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Forum comes at a strategic moment for aligning trade frameworks and investor confidence.
Outcomes
Discussions at the Third JTIF focused on practical steps to increase trade flows and reduce commercial barriers, particularly by leveraging the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). Cambodia currently benefits from the most favorable DCTS tier, granting duty- and quota-free access to the UK market – a benefit that will continue until at least 2032, even after its expected LDC graduation.
Since the Second JTIF in November 2024, notable progress includes:
- Formation of dedicated policy working groups
- Deeper engagement on export facilitation, taxation, and investment visas
- Capacity building for Cambodia’s trade institutions
- Expansion of dialogue in customs cooperation, capital markets, and skills development
- Strengthened ties across sectors like financial services, manufacturing, agri-processing, technology, and legal services
Economic Impact
Two-way trade between the UK and Cambodia surpassed US$1 billion in 2025, signaling a strong upward trend in commercial activity. Cambodia’s ambitions to move toward a more open, export-driven economy align well with the UK’s vision for deepening engagement across Southeast Asia.
UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Southeast Asia, Rhiannon Harries, emphasized that the Forum reflects the UK’s growing role in the region:
“This is a significant opportunity to strengthen ties, address shared challenges, and plan for a sustainable future. It also supports our wider engagement with Southeast Asia, where UK trade totals £57 billion annually.”
Leadership Remarks
H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, described the JTIF as a “flagship platform” for advancing practical trade and investment cooperation:
“The Forum brings together policymakers and private sector leaders to jointly address shared challenges and lay the groundwork for impactful outcomes.”
British Ambassador Dominic Williams MBE added:
“We are both open economies that believe in rules-based trade. Our close collaboration with the Cambodian government and private sector continues to unlock real opportunities for growth and employment.”
Support for Cambodia’s Transition
The UK remains an early and active partner in Cambodia’s LDC graduation journey, offering technical assistance and policy dialogue to support its successful transition. A key component of this support is ensuring Cambodia retains preferential market access and investment opportunities even after graduation.
In November 2024, a Memorandum of Knwoing was signed between the UK’s Export Finance agency (UKEF) and Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, aimed at improving access to infrastructure and green development finance.
Forward Look
Cambodia’s upcoming CPTPP application and its evolving investment climate make continued UK engagement essential. The JTIF’s role as a permanent forum will ensure that bilateral cooperation remains responsive, inclusive, and focused on long-term growth.
The outcomes of the Third JTIF are expected to contribute directly to improved trade flows, enhanced investor confidence, and stronger institutional frameworks – with a shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.
FAQs
What is the Cambodia–UK JTIF?
A trade and investment forum to deepen UK-Cambodia economic ties.
When will Cambodia graduate from LDC status?
Cambodia is expected to graduate in 2029.
What is the DCTS?
The UK’s trade scheme offering duty-free access to developing countries.
How much was UK-Cambodia trade in 2025?
Two-way trade exceeded US$1 billion.
