Phnom Penh, 10 June 2026 — The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, Matt Western MP, is visiting Cambodia to build on previous engagements and further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s long‑standing commitment to Cambodia’s sustainable economic growth.
Speaking ahead of the visit the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Matt Western MP said
It is a pleasure to return to Cambodia at such an important moment in the country’s development. As Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status, there is a real opportunity to deepen trade and investment links, strengthen skills and education partnerships, and support the growth of Cambodian businesses. The United Kingdom is proud to work with Cambodia in areas where our strengths and ambitions align, including green infrastructure, financial services and capital markets, and education. These sectors have the potential to support sustainable growth, create jobs, attract investment and unlock long-term prosperity.
Cambodia’s open and outward-looking approach to trade and investment creates significant opportunities for deeper economic cooperation. British businesses are already making a positive contribution across the country, and there is considerable potential to strengthen commercial links further as Cambodia continues its economic transformation. During my visit, I look forward to meeting Cambodian leaders, regulators, businesses and educators to explore how we can deepen our partnership, unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, and support the next chapter of Cambodia’s growth story. By working together, we can build a future-focused partnership that delivers lasting benefits for people and businesses in both our countries.
During his visit, Mr Western will meet with senior Cambodian leaders, including H.E. Dr Sok Siphana, counterparts from the Ministry of Commerce and the Council for the Development of Cambodia. Discussions will focus on Cambodia’s key trade and investment priorities, delivery following the Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF), regulatory reform, and increasing utilisation of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The meetings will also highlight the role of UK expertise and programmes, including the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP), in supporting Cambodia’s long‑term growth.
Mr Western will also meet representatives from Electricité du Cambodge (EDC) to discuss Cambodia’s energy ambitions, financing partnerships, and the current and potential future role of the UK in supporting Cambodia’s energy development and transition.
In addition, he will engage with members of UK–Cambodia Capital Markets Development Working Group, delivered in partnership with BritCham Cambodia, to review progress to date, discuss next steps, and explore opportunities to position UK professional and financial services expertise in support of Cambodia’s capital market development.
As part of the programme, Mr Western will visit British businesses operating in Cambodia, including Reigate Grammar School Phnom Penh and Unilever, to highlight their contributions to job creation, skills development, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
He will also attend a networking reception with UK institutions, businesses, the British Chamber of Commerce, and Cambodian counterparts, aimed at strengthening collaboration and deepening partnerships on trade and development.
The UK remains committed to working closely with Cambodian partners to foster mutual prosperity and unlock new trade and investment opportunities that benefit both nations.
Note to Editors
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Matt Western MP is the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia and Laos. His role is to promote UK trade and investment interests and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
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The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is the UK’s flagship trade preference programme designed to support developing economies by reducing tariffs and simplifying trading rules.
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Cambodia is one of the key beneficiaries of the scheme, which offers duty-free access to over 99% of goods exported to the UK, helping Cambodian businesses grow, diversify exports, and compete globally.
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The DCTS reflects the UK’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade, supporting economic development, job creation, and poverty reduction in partner countries.
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Update Improved Rules of Origin under the Developing Countries Trading (DCTS) are now in effect. – GOV.UK
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The beneficiaries of the Trade for Development Programme include Misota Food Import and Export, Handcrafted Cashew Nuts Stung Treng (HCST), Signatures of Asia Co., Ltd, Royal Trust Trading Co., Ltd, Confirel, Ample Agro Product Co., Ltd., Kirirum Food Production, SHE-Agro Cam Co., Ltd., Amru Rice Cambodia Ltd., Cambodia Agriculture Cooperation Corporation (CACC), Khmer Organic Cooperative, Khmer Food, and Indochina Rice Mill Limited.
