International Economics, through its CEO, is supporting Cambodia in integrating the country’s trade into the Global Economy, as part of the “Cambodia’s Trade Policy Framework Towards 2030.”
The project is being implemented within the “Cambodia Trade Policy Framework Towards 2030”, which is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) in close coordination with the EIF Focal Point (FP).
Cambodia is set to graduate from LDC status by 2029, which will result in the loss of trade preferences and reduced global market competitiveness. To address this challenge, Cambodia aims to deepen its trade integration regionally and globally, by developing a dedicated pillar on “Integrating Cambodia’s Trade into the Global Economy” within the Trade Policy Framework, aligning with the Pentagonal Strategy and preparing for LDC graduation.
International Economics will review Cambodia’s recent trade patterns, focusing on the use and impact of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) at regional and bilateral levels. This will include assessing the effects of trade preference erosion due to LDC graduation and proposing strategies to maintain GSP benefits. The analysis will evaluate the influence of agreements such as RCEP, Cambodia-China FTA, Cambodia-Korea FTA, and Cambodia-UAE CEPA on economic growth, export diversification, and market access. Key features, strategic outcomes, and lessons learned from these agreements will inform strategies for future FTA negotiations. Policy recommendations will also be developed to enhance Cambodia’s utilization of FTAs and CEPAs, ensuring alignment with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 (2023–2028) and addressing public and private sector priorities.
International Economics will work closely with the MoC team, beginning with a thorough literature review and policy analysis to establish a strong foundation. The team will lead comprehensive stakeholder consultations through focus group discussions and bilateral interviews, ensuring diverse perspectives are captured. They will draft up to three iterations of Pillar I, thoughtfully integrating stakeholder feedback at each stage. Drawing from consultations and trade analysis, the team will craft targeted policy recommendations and strategies, ensuring seamless alignment with the overarching goals and narrative of the Cambodia Trade Policy Framework 2030 (CTPF 2030).
The cross-cutting nature of trade is such that it requires a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive framework. While well-designed trade policies are vital to delivering long-term benefits for economies, so is the need for effective implementation.
At International Economics, we support the public and private sectors in navigating the policy and negotiation landscape regarding international trade. This includes establishing robust monitoring and evaluation framework through sophisticated real-time dashboards and reporting systems to ensure the best outcomes. We provide advocacy services to empower delegations and negotiators to participate effectively in trade negotiations and deliberations and advocate for their countries’ interests and positions.
