PHNOM PENH: On the afternoon of Friday, 15 March 2024, at Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel, Her Excellency CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce, presided over the conclusion of ARISE Plus Cambodia and the launch of “EU Global Access and Trade Expertise (GATE)” with many participants from the Ministry of Commerce, representatives from the relevant partner and stakeholders.

To begin, Her Excellency Minister acknowledges the important role of the European Union and the German Federal Government (GIZ), in contributing to Cambodia's pursuit of its inclusive and progressive trade development agenda. Her Excellency Minister also emphasized Cambodia's commitment to regional and global economic integrations, which has significantly fostered its economic growth and socio-economic development

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Her Excellency Minister highlighted that under the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, Cambodia's key mission is to rise to an upper middle-income status by 2030 and advance towards realizing the Cambodia Vision 2050, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

During the launching of the EU GATE Project, Her Excellency Minister shared some key insights about the efforts to elevate Cambodia's participation in regional and global trade. Her Excellency stressed, amongst others, (1) the supply-side capacity and trade-related infrastructure to promote Cambodia's participation in regional and global trade, (2) the capacity to fully and effectively implement and utilize the existing Free Trade Agreements, and (3) the preparation for Cambodia's LDC graduation.

In conclusion, Her Excellency Minister urged all crucial partners and stakeholders to deeply engage in the initial stages of the EU GATE Project, to voice the specific support required. The collaboration will pave the way for a robust and sustainable trade environment in Cambodia, ensuring our readiness for the challenges and opportunities post-LDC status and as we move towards the 2050 vision.