PHNOM PENH, October 21, 2025 – The United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties and supporting Cambodia’s sustainable economic development was front and center today as H.E. Matt Western MP, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, concludes his two-day visit to the Kingdom.
The visit, which ran from October 20th to 21st, is part of a regional tour across Southeast Asia—including Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos—and builds on progress made under the UK–Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF), the main platform for bilateral economic coordination.
A highlight of the mission was the Trade Envoy’s attendance yesterday, October 20th, at the inauguration of Techo International Airport. The landmark infrastructure project, designed by the UK firm Foster + Partners, symbolizes the United Kingdom’s significant contribution to Cambodia’s long-term growth and connectivity.
Later yesterday, H.E. Western attended a luncheon hosted by H.E. Samheng Bora, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce. The officials discussed advancing bilateral trade cooperation to a higher level, focusing on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth and the development of green Special Economic Zones. They also reviewed technical cooperation under the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP), aligning with the development visions of both nations. The discussions served as crucial preparation for the upcoming 3rd Cambodia-UK Trade and Investment Forum.
Today, H.E. Western is scheduled to meet with other senior Cambodian officials to follow up on Cambodia’s trade policy. Discussions are set to cover the regional trade architecture, particularly developments concerning the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and ways to enhance Cambodia–UK cooperation in regional trade integration.
The Envoy will also engage with British businesses operating in Cambodia to highlight their contributions to job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth. Furthermore, he is meeting with UK education institutions active in Cambodia to discuss their role in developing skills, improving employability and social mobility, and supporting inclusive growth.
The diplomatic efforts come amid a positive trajectory for bilateral trade. In the first nine months of this year, the UK ranked as Cambodia’s ninth-largest foreign trade partner. Total trade between the two countries reached more than US$824 million from January to September, marking a 4.9 percent increase year-on-year. Notably, Cambodia’s exports to the UK were valued at US$786 million, up 5.4 percent for the period.