Phnom penh: The Trade Policy Advisory Board (TPAB), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), launched a two-day National Consultation Workshop on "Cambodia's Trade Resilience and Competitiveness for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP-TPP)."

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the workshop's Opening Ceremony was presided over by H.E. Prof. Bundit Sapheacha Dr. Sok Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions (Multilateral Trade and Economic Affairs), Chairman of the TPAB, and Chairman of the Cambodia CP-TPP Negotiating Working Group. The event, held on May 20-21, was attended by high-level dignitaries and key technical officials, including H.E. Dr. Phan Phalla, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and H.E. Tin Ponlork, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, among others.

The workshop saw participation from technical officers representing various line ministries to discuss strategies for enhancing Cambodia's trade capabilities under the CP-TPP agreement. Additionally, Ms. Adriana Castro, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Chief Negotiator for Costa Rica, was present to share insights from Costa Rica's recent successful CP-TPP accession negotiations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Prof. Bundit Sapheacha Dr. Sok Siphana emphasized that CP-TPP accession demands reforms, technical expertise, and a sustained whole-of-government approach. The two-day sessions covered various aspects of the CP-TPP, including customs administration, rules of origin, intellectual property, investment, and e-commerce. These discussions aimed to agree on the next steps and allocate responsibilities for advancing Cambodia's accession process.

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, has elevated the Fact-Finding Mission on CP-TPP accession into a formal Negotiating Working Group, marking an important political development. The agreement offers Cambodia preferential access to dynamic markets and covers a wide range of economic domains.

H.E. Prof. Bundit Sapheacha Dr. Sok Siphana highlighted the importance of CP-TPP accession for accessing major markets, especially as Cambodia's export base remains concentrated. He noted that as Cambodia graduates from Least-Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029, the nation needs to replace current preferential arrangements with legally binding frameworks like the CP-TPP to ensure continued export growth.

In 2025, Cambodia's total exports reached US$31.28 billion, marking a 16.9 percent year-on-year increase. While apparel remains a key export, the country has seen diversification into higher value-added manufacturing and agricultural growth.