Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Matt Western MP, arrived in Phnom Penh on October 20, 2025, for a two-day official visit aimed at reinforcing trade relations and investment cooperation between the UK and Cambodia.
Focus on Sustainable Economic Development
The visit underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s sustainable economic growth and comes at a pivotal time as the country transitions from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Western’s trip builds on the momentum established under the UK-Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF), which serves as the primary platform for bilateral coordination and private sector engagement.
Techo International Airport Inauguration Highlights UK Contribution
A key highlight of the envoy’s visit is his attendance at the inauguration of Techo International Airport, a landmark infrastructure project designed by renowned British architectural firm Foster + Partners. The airport represents a significant symbol of UK-Cambodia partnership and the United Kingdom’s contribution to enhancing Cambodia’s connectivity and long-term economic development.
“It is a real privilege to be in Cambodia at such a significant moment,” said Matt Western MP ahead of his visit. “Attending the inauguration of Techo International Airport is not only a celebration of progress, it’s a powerful symbol of what UK-Cambodia partnership can achieve.”
High-Level Meetings and Trade Discussions
During his visit, Western is scheduled to meet with senior Cambodian officials, including Minister of Commerce Her Excellency Cham Nimul, to discuss trade policy developments and regional trade architecture. Key topics on the agenda include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and opportunities for strengthening cooperation on regional trade integration.
The envoy will also engage with the CPTPP Taskforce, appointed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, to exchange views on regional economic frameworks and explore pathways for deeper trade collaboration.
British Business Engagement in Cambodia
Western’s itinerary includes meetings with British businesses operating in Cambodia to recognize their contributions to job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth. Among the companies he will visit is Dewhirst, a British-owned garment manufacturer employing significant numbers of Cambodian workers and producing clothing for major international brands including Marks & Spencer and Nike.
The trade envoy will also engage with UK education institutions active in Cambodia to discuss their role in skills development, employability enhancement, and social mobility support.
UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme Benefits Cambodia
Cambodia remains a key beneficiary of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers duty-free access to over 99 percent of goods exported to the United Kingdom. This flagship trade preference program is designed to support developing economies by reducing tariffs and simplifying trading rules, helping Cambodian businesses grow, diversify exports, and compete in global markets.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Economic Ties
The visit aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to deepen economic relationships across the Indo-Pacific region, recognizing ASEAN’s central role in fostering regional trade and investment opportunities.
Western will also attend a UK-funded conference on regulatory reform and host a networking reception with British businesses and senior Cambodian figures to explore new avenues for commercial cooperation.
“I look forward to building on this momentum, engaging with Cambodian leaders and British businesses during my visit to celebrate our strong commercial partnership and to unlock new opportunities to support sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” Western added.
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Cambodian partners to promote mutual prosperity and unlock new trade opportunities that benefit both nations.
About Matt Western MP: Matt Western serves as the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. His role focuses on promoting UK trade and investment interests while strengthening bilateral economic relationships across the region.
Source: This article is based on an official press release from the UK Government. For the original announcement, visit: UK Government Official News