Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia convened a significant meeting with representatives from the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh to assess the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) initiative. This meeting emphasized the necessity of ongoing collaboration to bolster economic resilience and promote sustainable trade development.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the debriefing session was chaired by H.E. Samheng Bora, Secretary of State and Chairman of the Export Promotion Task Force. He was joined by Ms. Kanu Negi, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy, and other CAPRED delegates. The agenda focused on reviewing CAPRED’s achievements and setting a strategic plan for 2025, as reported in a statement released on February 17.

CAPRED, recognized as Australia’s flagship economic development program in Cambodia from 2022 to 2027, is vital for promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, as highlighted by the ministry. The meeting evaluated key accomplishments and ongoing projects, particularly in private sector coordination, export promotion, and infrastructure development, aligning closely with Cambodia’s economic priorities.

The discussions underscored the progress made in expanding market access for Cambodian exports, enhancing trade and investment linkages, and boosting the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Both parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation under CAPRED, highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing economic resilience and long-term trade development.