ADB, UNCTAD, and Cambodia Ministry of Commerce Host Research and Policy Dialogue Workshop

ADB Law and Policy Program, the ADB Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI), the Cambodia Ministry of Commerce, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) co-organized a national research and policy dialogue workshop for Cambodia in preparation for its Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation.

The workshop examined ways to accelerate trade reforms to address the challenges its new status will bring once Cambodia graduates from least developed country status, in particular the loss of trade preferences. ADB and UNCTAD recommended improving implementation and utilization of existing trade agreements, forging new agreements with major trading partners to diversity the economy and continuing to strengthen its legal and regulatory environment for international trade as well as foreign direct investment in line with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy. 

ADB and UNCTAD continues to provide aid for trade technical assistance and develop trade policy options to address the challenges faced by Cambodia, especially on market access and rules of origin. Additionally, ADB, through its Law and Policy Reform Program, will provide capacity building on Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) drafting and negotiations on trade in goods and services, and also on new issues such as inclusive, sustainable, and digital trade. Tailored workshops will also be delivered to the private sector on ways to maximize benefits under international trade and investment agreements.