Phnom penh: Cambodia and the United Kingdom on Jan. 29 reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties as they co-hosted the Third Cambodia-UK Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF) in Phnom Penh. Organised by the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia and the British Embassy, the forum was held under the theme 'Progressive Partnerships in a Shifting Global Landscape: A Cambodia-UK Perspective,' bringing together senior officials, regulators, investors, and business leaders from both countries.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the forum took place at a pivotal moment for Cambodia as it prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029 and following its recent announcement of intention to apply for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both sides underscored their shared commitment to predictable, rules-based trade as a foundation for growth and investor confidence.
The JTIF serves as the principal bilateral platform for structured policy dialogue, market access cooperation, and public-private engagement, aimed at advancing two-way trade, reducing barriers, and fostering long-term commercial and investment partnerships. Discussions focused on translating opportunities into concrete trade and investment outcomes through regulatory cooperation and enhanced utilisation of frameworks such as the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
Participants highlighted progress since the Second JTIF in November 2024, including strengthened coordination through dedicated policy working groups in areas such as export facilitation, taxation, investment incentives, customs cooperation, skills development, capital market dialogue, and increased engagement between British and Cambodian businesses across sectors including finance, agri-processing, technology, manufacturing, and professional services.
Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul described the JTIF as a flagship platform for advancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation, expressing confidence that the forum's outcomes would generate new opportunities amid an evolving global landscape. UK officials echoed this view, emphasising the importance of deepening economic ties with Cambodia and Southeast Asia, and reaffirmed the UK's support for Cambodia's post-LDC transition, including through continued preferential market access under the DCTS and expanded cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development.
According to official figures, two-way trade between Cambodia and the United Kingdom exceeded US$1 billion in 2025.