Phnom Penh, 20–21 October 2025 – The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, Matt Western MP, is visiting Cambodia to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties and supporting Cambodia’s sustainable economic development. The visit builds on momentum under the UK–Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF), the main platform for bilateral coordination and private-sector engagement.
During his visit, Mr Western will attend the inauguration of Techo International Airport, a landmark infrastructure project designed by UK firm Foster + Partners, symbolising the UK’s contribution to Cambodia’s connectivity and long-term growth.
He will also meet with Cambodian ministers to follow up on Cambodia’s trade policy and discussions will include regional trade architecture, notably developments around the Comprehensive and Progressive Transpacific Partnership, and how Cambodia and the UK can strengthen cooperation on regional trade integration.
Mr Western will meet with British businesses operating in Cambodia to highlight their contribution to job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth. He will also engage UK education institutions active in Cambodia to discuss their role in developing skills, improving employability, social mobility, and supporting inclusive growth.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Matt Western MP said:
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 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 which rightly invokes feelings of such national pride among our Cambodian friends.
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 and deliver benefits to the people of both our countries.
This visit reflects the UK’s enduring partnership to support Cambodia’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and its efforts to promote green and inclusive growth. It also aligns with the UK’s broader ambition to deepen economic ties across the Indo-Pacific region, recognising ASEAN’s central role in fostering regional trade and investment.
The UK remains committed to working closely with Cambodian partners to promote mutual prosperity and unlock new trade opportunities for both nations.
Note to Editors
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Matt Western MP is the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. His role is to promote UK trade and investment interests and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
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Mr Western is expected to meet Minister of Commerce, Her Excellency Cham Nimul, during his visit.
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He will visit a British-owned garment factory, and major employer, Dewhirst. Dewhirst manufacture clothing for high-profile international brands, including Marks & Spencer and Nike.
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During the visit, Mr Western will also engage with the CPTPP Taskforce, appointed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, to exchange views on regional trade architecture, including developments around the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and explore opportunities for deeper regional trade integration.
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Mr Western will attend a UK funded conference on Regulatory Reform and host a networking cocktail with British businesses and senior Cambodian figures.
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The Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is the UK’s flagship trade preference programme designed to support developing economies by reducing tariffs and simplifying trading rules.
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Cambodia is one of the key beneficiaries of the scheme, which offers duty-free access to over 99% of goods exported to the UK, helping Cambodian businesses grow, diversify exports, and compete globally.
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The DCTS reflects the UK’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade, supporting economic development, job creation, and poverty reduction in partner countries.
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