Cambodia Boosts Digital Trade for Global Market Access Ahead of LDC Graduation

PHNOM PENH, Sept 13, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is stepping up efforts to expand digital trade and connect local businesses with global markets as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in December 2029, Commerce Minister Cham Nimul said Friday. Speaking at the Cambodia–UK–U.S. Joint Networking Reception, held alongside the 3rd Cambodia Digital Trade Forum and Online Expo, Nimul said digital trade can help Cambodian producers reach buyers worldwide while reducing costs, improving transparency and strengthening competitiveness. She urged technology firms, investors, development partners and Cambodian businesses to turn partnerships into concrete opportunities by expanding access to technology, knowledge, financing and international markets. The minister highlighted government efforts to digitize trade and public services through platforms including the National Single Window, online business registration, intellectual property services, the CambodiaTrade e‑Marketplace, the Cambodia FTA Portal and e‑Certificates of Origin. An electronic expo permit is also planned. Nimul said these systems aim to make trade more efficient and help enterprises compete internationally. The reception gathered British Ambassador Dominic Williams, U.S. Embassy representatives, officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs. She thanked the UK and U.S. embassies for their partnership, stressing that cooperation should move beyond dialogue to create meaningful connections between government, business and technology. With Cambodia’s LDC graduation approaching and ASEAN advancing its Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the government is seeking stronger partnerships to help domestic enterprises adapt to a changing trade environment. Nimul urged participants to build lasting ties that can translate digital connectivity into investment, exports and wider market opportunities. The push comes as Cambodia works to strengthen enterprise competitiveness and ensure digital trade becomes a key channel for linking Cambodian products and services with regional and global consumers.