From: Department for Business and Trade Cambodia and British Embassy Phnom Penh
Overview of the Visit
Phnom Penh, 20–21 October 2025 – Matt Western MP, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, is visiting Cambodia to reinforce the United Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties while supporting Cambodia’s sustainable economic development. This visit builds on the momentum of the UK–Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF), the primary platform for bilateral coordination and private-sector engagement.
Key Activities
Inauguration of Techo International Airport
During the visit, Mr. Western will attend the inauguration of Techo International Airport, a landmark infrastructure project designed by the renowned UK firm Foster + Partners. This project symbolizes the UK’s significant contribution to Cambodia’s connectivity and long-term economic growth.
Meetings with Cambodian Ministers
Mr. Western will meet with Cambodian ministers, including Her Excellency Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, to discuss Cambodia’s trade policies and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation. Discussions will focus on regional trade architecture, particularly developments related to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and ways to enhance regional trade integration.
Engagement with British Businesses
The Trade Envoy will connect with British businesses operating in Cambodia, such as Dewhirst, a British-owned garment factory and major employer that manufactures clothing for international brands like Marks & Spencer and Nike. These engagements will highlight their contributions to job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Support for Education and Skills Development
Mr. Western will also engage with UK education institutions active in Cambodia to discuss their role in developing skills, improving employability, promoting social mobility, and supporting inclusive growth.
Statement from Matt Western MP
“It is a real privilege to be in Cambodia at such a significant moment. Attending the inauguration of Techo International Airport is not only a celebration of progress, it’s a powerful symbol of what the UK-Cambodia partnership can achieve. I am delighted that British design and expertise have contributed to a project that will make a lasting impression on every visitor to Cambodia and rightly invokes feelings of national pride among our Cambodian friends.
I look forward to building on this momentum, engaging with Cambodian leaders and British businesses to celebrate our strong commercial partnership and unlock new opportunities to support sustainable growth and shared prosperity for both our countries.”
Strategic Importance of the Visit
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting Cambodia’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and its efforts to promote green and inclusive growth. It aligns with the UK’s broader ambition to deepen economic ties across the Indo-Pacific region, recognizing ASEAN’s pivotal role in fostering regional trade and investment.
Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is a flagship trade preference program designed to support developing economies by reducing tariffs and simplifying trading rules. Cambodia is a key beneficiary, gaining duty-free access to over 99% of goods exported to the UK, enabling Cambodian businesses to grow, diversify exports, and compete globally. The DCTS reflects the UK’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade, supporting economic development, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Additional Engagements
Mr. Western will meet with the CPTPP Taskforce, appointed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, to exchange views on regional trade developments and explore opportunities for deeper integration. He will also attend a UK-funded conference on Regulatory Reform and host a networking event with British businesses and senior Cambodian figures to foster further collaboration.