Phnom Penh, January 29, 2026 — The Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the British Embassy in Cambodia today co-hosted the Third Cambodia–UK Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF), reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and expanding trade and investment ties.
Held under the theme “Progressive Partnerships in a Shifting Global Landscape: A Cambodia–UK Perspective,” the Forum brought together senior government officials, regulators, investors, and business leaders from both countries to explore new opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term commercial partnerships.
The Third JTIF comes at a pivotal moment in Cambodia’s development trajectory, as the country prepares for its anticipated graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029 and following its recent announcement of intent to apply for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both Cambodia and the United Kingdom underscored their shared commitment to predictable, rules-based trade as a cornerstone for economic growth and investor confidence.
The Joint Trade and Investment Forum serves as the primary bilateral platform for structured policy dialogue, market access cooperation, and public–private sector engagement between the two nations. Through the Forum, participants aim to advance two-way trade, reduce market barriers, and foster deeper, long-term investment relationships.
Discussions during the Third JTIF focused on translating opportunities into tangible trade and investment outcomes through enhanced regulatory cooperation, strategic partnerships, and initiatives to strengthen market access. Particular emphasis was placed on maximising the use of existing frameworks, including the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), to support Cambodian exports.
The Forum also highlighted concrete progress achieved since the Second JTIF held in November 2024. Key developments include improved coordination through dedicated policy working groups covering export facilitation, taxation, investment-related visa regimes, capacity building and skills development, capital market dialogue, and customs cooperation. Engagement between British and Cambodian businesses has also deepened across sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, agri-processing, technology, and legal and professional services.
The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) was among the invited participants, reflecting the growing importance of agricultural value chains and agri-processing in bilateral trade discussions.
The Third JTIF is expected to further strengthen Cambodia–UK economic relations and pave the way for increased trade, investment, and sustainable development in the years ahead.