Cambodia is pushing for stronger regional cooperation on digital trade, agricultural exports and private sector development as countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) work toward deeper trade and investment integration. The call was made during a regional consultation on the draft Trade and Investment Strategy under the GMS Economic Cooperation Programme, held at Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday.
Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce and Chair of Cambodia’s Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI), Penn Sovicheat, led a Cambodian delegation to the consultation, which brought together representatives from GMS member countries and international experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The discussions focused on how the proposed strategy could reduce barriers to cross border trade, create more opportunities for agricultural exports and help micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) participate more actively in regional and international markets.
GMS stands for Greater Mekong Subregion. It is a regional cooperation programme involving Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The GMS works to strengthen economic cooperation, trade, investment, infrastructure and connectivity among member countries.
Digital trade seen as key to reducing barriers
One of Cambodia’s main priorities is to accelerate the digitalisation of trade. Sovicheat called on the ADB to give greater attention to digital trade as a way to simplify cross border commerce, reduce barriers and create a more attractive environment for investment.
For businesses, greater use of digital systems could make regional trade more efficient by reducing paperwork, improving access to information and making it easier for companies to connect with customers and partners across borders. This could be particularly important for smaller businesses that often face greater challenges when entering international markets.
More opportunities for agricultural exports
The proposed strategy also places stronger regional trade integration alongside efforts to expand export opportunities for agricultural products. For Cambodia and other GMS economies, better access to neighbouring markets could create new opportunities for farmers, food producers, processors and exporters.
Stronger regional cooperation could also help businesses share knowledge, improve their ability to meet market requirements and develop more competitive products for international buyers. The strategy is therefore intended to support trade growth while encouraging closer economic links among GMS countries.
MSMEs at the centre of regional growth
Another major focus is increasing private sector participation, particularly among MSMEs. These businesses play an important role in employment, production and economic activity across the region, but many still face limitations in skills, technology, financing and access to overseas markets.
Sovicheat also stressed the importance of knowledge sharing among GMS countries and proposed targeted capacity building and training for government officials and private sector stakeholders. He said stronger institutional capabilities would help create the conditions for more sustainable economic development.
What could the strategy mean for Cambodian businesses?
If implemented effectively, the proposed GMS Trade and Investment Strategy could give Cambodian MSMEs more opportunities to connect with regional markets and participate in cross border trade. Digitalisation could make it easier for businesses to reach customers and partners, while stronger cooperation could help improve access to knowledge, investment and export opportunities.
For Cambodian entrepreneurs, exporters and other private sector businesses, the bigger opportunity is not simply selling more within Cambodia. It is becoming more connected to a regional market where digital tools, stronger trade systems and improved business capabilities can help smaller companies compete beyond their domestic market.
A framework for deeper regional integration
The proposed strategy is expected to provide a framework for deeper trade integration among GMS economies while helping MSMEs make better use of international market opportunities. The consultation gave member countries an opportunity to contribute recommendations before the strategy moves forward.
For Cambodia, the message is clear: stronger digital trade systems, better support for agricultural exports and greater private sector participation could become important drivers of the country’s regional economic integration.
Conclusion
The GMS Trade and Investment Strategy could create new opportunities for Cambodia by bringing digital trade, agricultural exports and MSME development closer together. If regional governments and businesses can strengthen cooperation, share knowledge and build the skills needed for digital commerce, smaller Cambodian companies could gain better access to markets beyond the country’s borders. The success of the strategy will ultimately depend on how effectively these regional plans are translated into practical opportunities for businesses on the ground.