ADB Enhances Cambodian Firms’ Capacity to Navigate International Trade Ahead of the Country’s Graduation from Least Developed Country Status

On 24–25 April in Svay Rieng and 28–29 April in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, ADB conducted executive training sessions entitled Using Preferential Trade Arrangements and Trade Facilitating Practices of Operational Certification Procedures. Supported by ADB's Economic Research and Development Impact (ERDI) Department and it's Law and Policy Reform (LPR) Program, the sessions were organized in partnership with United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Cambodia Trade Training and Research Institute, and the Department of Import and Export. 

 Over 180 participants—including representatives from more than 110 firms mostly located in Cambodia’s Special Economic Zones, senior government officials, and students from Svay Rieng University—enhanced their understanding of rules of origin and operational certification procedures. The sessions also addressed practical challenges and explored strategies to improve preference utilization and streamline supply chains. In his opening remarks, H.E. Puthsodary Tat, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Commerce, emphasized the importance of strengthening the trade policy capacities of Cambodian companies to navigate global markets, enhance market access, and prevent tariff circumvention. This April 2025 training series follows an earlier round held in Phnom Penh in January and marks an important step in equipping Cambodian enterprises for the country’s successful graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.