Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, arrived at the headquarters of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, to present Cambodia’s third Trade Policy Review (TPR) report to member states. The review, which spans three days from March 26 to March 28, involves Cambodia addressing over 300 questions from approximately 20 WTO member countries. These inquiries focus on the nation’s trade and investment policies, legal frameworks, market opportunities, and business conditions.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, before the WTO’s director-general, secretariat, and member state representatives, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul delivered responses highlighting Cambodia’s compliance with WTO principles and its approach to global trade trends. She emphasized the country’s alignment with international standards to ensure a predictable trade environment. The minister also expressed gratitude to nations supporting Cambodia’s trade policies and reaffirmed the Royal Government’s readiness to address further inquiries.

Cambodia joined the WTO in 2004 under then-Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen’s leadership. Currently, the WTO has 166 member states, functioning as the sole global body regulating international trade laws and agreements. As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Cambodia has benefited from trade concessions like the European Union’s “Everything But Arms” (EBA) scheme. However, due to its economic progress, Cambodia is set to graduate from LDC status by the end of 2029, reflecting its development achievements.

This transition means Cambodia will lose certain trade privileges, including the EBA scheme. The EU has already reduced EBA benefits by 20 percent, with full withdrawal expected by 2030. The TPR, conducted every seven years for LDCs, allows WTO members to assess Cambodia’s trade policies. Cambodia’s impending LDC graduation underscores its recovery and growth, recognized by the WTO, EU, and World Bank.

While Cambodia prepares for its transition away from LDC status, the royal government is actively pursuing bilateral and multilateral partnerships to mitigate the impact of losing preferential trade benefits. Under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Royal Government of Cambodia has intensified economic diplomacy, fostering stronger trade and investment cooperation both regionally and globally.

During her mission in Switzerland, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul met with H.E. Helene Budliger Artieda, Switzerland’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs, to discuss enhanced trade and investment collaboration. The talks also covered regional and multilateral frameworks to expand economic opportunities for both nations. Additionally, she held discussions with Dr. Ratnakar Adhikari, Executive Director of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), focusing on ongoing EIF-backed projects in Cambodia and future cooperation post-LDC graduation.

This month marks Cambodia’s third WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR), following previous assessments in 2011 and 2017. The review highlights Cambodia’s evolving trade landscape and its compliance with global standards as it transitions toward a more developed economy. With LDC graduation set for 2029, Cambodia is engaging with international partners to sustain its economic momentum. While preferential schemes like the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) will phase out, the royal government remains committed to diversifying trade partnerships and enhancing competitiveness through strategic diplomacy.