PHNOM PENH, May 8, 2024 – The Ministry of Commerce is taking steps to establish a Trade Assistance Committee aimed at fostering better coordination with donors and development partners. This initiative was highlighted during a meeting held at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday morning, May 7, 2024, between HE Cham Nimmol, Minister of Commerce, and the Cambodian delegation, and Dr. Ratnakar Adhikari, Executive Director of the Secretariat for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) of the WTO, along with Aik Hoe Lim, Director of Trade and Environment of the WTO.

Minister Nimmol emphasized the significance of the Trade Assistance Committee in optimizing resources for the implementation of Cambodia's trade policy framework, aimed at fostering business development. He outlined the Ministry's commitment to aligning Cambodia's trade policies with the Royal Government's strategic priorities, particularly focusing on elevating the country from Least Developed Country status in the near future.

Dr. Adhikari commended Cambodia for its effective implementation of the EIF project and expressed support for the establishment of a trade policy framework in the country. Additionally, Lim, Director of Trade and Environment of the WTO, announced a collaboration between the WTO Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable development through trade and economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region.