RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/ 141 
19 January 2018  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  CAMBODIA  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 21 AND 23 NOVEMBER 2 017 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara. blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 2 February 2018 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
CAMBODGE  
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 21 ET 23 NOVEMBRE 20 17 
Les délégations sont in vitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@ wto.org ) le 2 février 2018  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
CAMBOYA  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 21 Y 23 DE NOVIEMBRE  DE 2017  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 2 de febrero de 2018  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
CAMBODIA  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Juan Carlos González (Colombia)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F CAMBODIA  ................................ .. 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  12 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF CAMBODI A AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  32 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAI RPERSON  ................................ .........................  39 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Cambodia are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/364/Add.1 and will be available 
online at htt p://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Cambodia was held on 21 and 23 November 2017. The 
Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia) welcomed the delegation of Cambodia 
headed by H.E. Mr. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce; the rest of the delegation; and the 
discussant, H.E. Ms Frances Lisson (Australia).  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures f or the meeting. The report by Cambodia was contained in document 
WT/TPR/G/364 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/364.  
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Singapore; Canada; Argentina; China; Un ited States; Brazil; Chinese Taipei; Indonesia; European 
Union; Japan; and Malaysia. The following delegations submitted written questions after the 
deadline: Thailand; Australia; and the Republic of Korea.  
1.4.  During the previous TPR meeting in 2011, Members had praised Cambodia for its solid 
economic performance and for having successfully overcome the global economic crisis without 
backsliding on trade liberalization. Members had also acknowledged the relative trade openness of 
Cambodia's economy. They had n oted that trade policy was an integral part of Cambodia's efforts 
to promote development and improve living standards. They had also underlined its reliance on a 
few export products and markets. For the current review, Members sought through their advanced  
questions further information regarding Cambodia's measures to reduce the informal sector and to 
diversify the economy, as well as the steps to mitigate the risk of asset price bubbles in sectors 
such as real estate.  
1.5.  Members recalled that, at the time of the previous review, they had commended Cambodia's 
use of its participation in the WTO to further its integration into the world economy, which had 
been reflected in its active participation in the Doha Development Agenda as well as its regional 
cooperatio n efforts. They had also acknowledged the steps taken to promote good governance 
through judicial and legal reforms and to create a more transparent and predictable business 
environment to help attract investment. Cambodia remained an active participant in , and 
committed to, the multilateral trading system, and also as voice for the least developed countries 
as Chair of the LDC Group in 2017. Notably, it had ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and it 
had undertaken several policy, institutional and r egulatory initiatives, including the establishment 
of a Permanent Mission to the WTO. As indicated by the advanced written questions, Members 
wished to learn more about Cambodia's regulatory and institutional reforms in areas such as 
Foreign Direct Investm ent, and to improve the business climate and enhance transparency. 
Members had also inquired about Cambodia's plans on its WTO notification of certain measures; 
and the state of play of its international donor assistance.  
1.6.  With regard to trade policy, at t he time of the previous review, Members had expressed 
satisfaction over Cambodia's simplified tariff structure, binding coverage, its efforts to ensure that 
applied rates remained below bound rates, and the reduction of its dependency on trade -related 
taxes. Members had also appreciated Cambodia's continued commitment to fully implement the 
agreements on Customs Valuation, TRIPs, TBT and SPS. At the same time, they had encouraged 
Cambodia to make import requirements more transparent and focus attention on t he transparency 
of tendering procedures. With regards to the current review, Members inquired about Cambodia's 
plans to rectify applied MFN rates exceeding bound rates. They also sought further information 
pertaining to the implementation of the Authorised  Economic Operator Programme. Members were 
also interested in other aspects of customs procedures and clearance such as advance rulings and 
rules of origin. As illustrated by the advance written questions, Cambodia's IPR regime was also an 
area of particul ar interest to Members. Some issues raised by Members included, inter alia , those 
relating to IPR enforcement, and Cambodia becoming a signatory to international treaties such as 
the Berne Convention, the International Convention for Protection of Phonogra ms and 
Broadcasting Organisations, and other WIPO treaties.  
1.7.  Other areas for which Members sought further information for this Review included the 
following: Cambodia's Rectangular Strategy, the Industrial Development Policy, the Financial 
Sector Developme nt Strategy, the Education Strategic Plan, and the Tourism Development 
Strategic Plan. Other issues of interest signalled by Members through their advance questions were WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  the modernization of SPS and testing capacity issues; standards and technical regulati ons; certain 
import licensing requirements; special tax issues; price controls and monitoring; government 
procurement; the policy rationale for tariff increases and export taxes on certain agricultural 
products; the implementation of energy and industrial development plans; and issues relating to 
finance, microfinance, insurance, telecommunications, air and maritime transport, tourism, 
distribution services, and professional services.  
1.8.  This meeting would be a good opportunity for Members to discuss in great er detail issues of 
interest to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson 
looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F CAMBODIA (H.E. MR.  PAN 
SORASAK)  
2.1.  I am very pleased to be w ith you this morning as Head of the delegation of the Royal 
Government of Cambodia. The Royal Government welcomes this opportunity to review with you 
the progress we have made in using trade policy to advance our development and poverty 
alleviation objecti ves. We believe that our review will also help clarify the challenges that we must 
meet in the period ahead.  
2.2.  This is Cambodia's second trade policy review, and Members will already be familiar with the 
role that international trade plays in Cambodia's dev elopment and with the broad thrust of 
Cambodia's trade policies.  
2.3.  Cambodia is a small economy. Many of its citizens are impoverished, and most of its 
population is under the age of 24. The labor force is growing rapidly, and accommodating this 
growth while reducing poverty requires an exceptionally rapid expansion of employment 
opportunities. This can only be accomplished by accessing markets outside Cambodia, and by 
mobilizing financial resources and skills not presently available in Cambodia, in particular  through 
private direct investment.  
2.4.  Recognizing this, Cambodia has maintained an open economy during the past two decades, a 
policy that was formalized through accession to WTO. Exports account for a high proportion of GDP 
and of formal employment and to a  very high proportion of the growth of employment. Trade, 
employment and poverty reduction are tightly linked in Cambodia, and trade policy is an integral 
and central element in the Royal Government's efforts to promote development and improve living 
stand ards. 
2.5.  Those efforts have met with considerable success. Since our last Trade Policy Review in 2011, 
GDP has grown at an average annual rate that is slightly above 7%. Over the same period, per 
capita GDP grew at an average annual rate of 7.7%, and, in 2016 , reached US$1,302, as 
compared with US$911 in 2011. In 2016, Cambodia passed the World Bank's gross national 
income per capita graduation threshold, and passed from low -income -country status into lower 
middle -income -country status.  
2.6.  The sharp rise in per capita income, in turn, has been accompanied by visible and significant 
improvement in the welfare of all Cambodians. The poverty rate, which was 53% in 2004, and 
21% in 2010 fell further to around 13.5% in 2014. The infant mortality rate fell from 45 deat hs 
per 1,000 live births in 2010 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014, and the literacy rate 
increased from 79.9% in 2011 to 80.5% in 2015.  
2.7.  The progress described above is part of the longer -term trajectory of the Cambodian 
economy. As the Internatio nal Monetary Fund and World Bank have pointed out, Cambodia ranks 
sixth in the list of the world's most rapidly growing economies during the past 20 years.  
2.8.  The remarkable growth that Cambodia has experienced is the direct result of its ability to 
compete in international markets and maintain an open economy. Cambodia's competitiveness 
was initially based primarily on its abundant and low -priced labour. More recently, trade 
preferences under GSP and duty -free-quota -free (DFQF) programmes, in particular the EU's EBA 
programme, have been the key to export expansion: as much as 80% of the growth of Cambodia's 
exports occurred in markets providing non -reciprocal tariff preferences. These incentives, when 
combined with Cambodia's attractive investment regime, acc ount for the major part of Cambodia's 
growth performance.  
2.9.  The set of circumstances that allowed this rapid growth is changing, and will change further 
in the future. Some countries providing DFQF preferences are also entering into free -trade 
agreements wi th non -LDC countries, thereby diluting the commercial value of Cambodia's 
preferential access. The special DFQF privileges that Cambodia enjoys as an LDC will, at some 
point, come to an end: UNCTAD has forecasted that in the second half of the 2020s Cambod ia may 
be approaching eligibility for graduation from the LDC group. Wage rates are going up, as they 
must if the benefits of Cambodia's integration into the world economy are to be equitably shared. WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  The old bases for Cambodia's competitiveness are eroding , and new ones must be found and 
created by Cambodia itself.  
2.10.   Under the wise leadership of Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Royal 
Government of Cambodia has redoubled its efforts to enhance its competitiveness as both an 
investment destination and an exporter. Cambodia's report to the Trade Policy Review Body 
contains a brief discussion of these efforts under five broad, cross -cutting headings: the quality 
and completeness of the legal environment governing trade and business; the cost and ease of 
complying with government regulations and practices; the quality of the labor force; the 
availability and cost of electricity; and the cost and ease of transportation and logistics.  
2.11.   I should like to say a few words this morning on each of these topics.  
2.12.   In its report to our last trade policy review in 2011, Cambodia informed the Membership 
that it had adopted 19 laws and regulations required by its accession to the WTO, and that a 
number of other relevant laws and regulations were being prepared. During the p eriod since our 
last TPR, this work has continued and we have adopted laws on geographical indications, public 
procurement, the management of pesticides and fertilizer, insurance, telecommunications, animal 
health and animal production, the organization of  courts, and trade unions. At the same time, we 
have acceded to a number of international conventions, and taken the steps necessary to fulfil our 
obligations under these conventions. The international conventions in question are the revised 
Kyoto Conventi on, the Madrid Protocol on the International Registration of Marks, the Patent 
Cooperation Treaty, and the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of 
Industrial Designs.  
2.13.   Cambodia currently has under development 16 additional laws dealing  with the legal 
environment for business and with Cambodia's WTO obligations. Some of these draft laws are 
already with our National Assembly, some are being considered by the Council of Ministers, and 
others are under development in various ministries. Wh en they are all adopted and implemented, 
Cambodia will have a more transparent legal environment for business, and will have completed 
the work programme agreed with Members at the time of its accession.   
2.14.   Since our last trade policy review, the Royal Gove rnment has taken a number of steps to 
reduce the costs of engaging in international trade and, more generally, of doing business. These 
steps usually entail greater use of risk management and of automation. The ease of doing business 
in Cambodia has been s ignificantly increased by the automation of the procedures required to 
establish and operate an enterprise —registration with the Ministry of Commerce and with the Tax 
Department of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. These two registrations are now done o nline. 
In addition, the Royal Government has taken a number of steps to facilitate import and export 
transactions, which I would like to enumerate briefly:  
1. Cambodia has recently established its national trade repository, an online portal where 
traders can  access easily all trade -related information needed to import into or export from 
Cambodia.  
2. Customs automation and risk management have been continuously expanded and upgraded, 
so as to ease import formalities.  
3. A best traders programme has been established  that allows traders that meet certain criteria 
to enjoy priority with regard to some customs procedures and to be exempted from others.  
4. Post clearance audit has been established for garment sector imports, and then was 
gradually extended into other sector s. Since 2016, it has been applied generally, with 
particular attention to regular exporters and importers.  
5. A legally binding advance rulings process has been established allowing traders to secure 
rulings on customs classification, valuation and origin th at are valid for three years.  
6. Applications for certificates of Cambodian origin are now made and processed on line, and 
Cambodia has taken first steps toward implementing self -certification by exporters.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  7. Work is advancing on the creation of a national sing le window, which will eventually be part 
of the ASEAN single window.  
8. Cambodia has joined the UN -ESCAP Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross -border 
Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, which seeks to enable the exchange and mutual 
recognition of trade -related data and documents in electronic form.  
2.15.   In the period ahead, Cambodia will continue to simplify import and export procedures in the 
context of its implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
2.16.   The quality of its labor force is one of  the most basic determinants of a country's 
international competitiveness. The Royal Government is well aware that there is presently a 
mismatch between the needs of our investors and entrepreneurs in terms of the knowledge, skills 
and critical thinking ab ility of their work force, and the actual competencies of Cambodia's work 
force. Correcting this mismatch is the highest priority of the Royal Government and is reflected in 
the rapid rise of government expenditure on education and training. Since our last  Trade Policy 
Review, the Royal Government of Cambodia has put in place a wide -ranging programme designed 
to improve basic education, in particular by revamping the curriculum to give greater emphasis to 
the "STEM" topics: science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and by creating new 
general and technical high schools. Cambodia's vocational education and training programmes 
have also been expanded and revamped in consultation with the private sector to ensure that they 
produce graduates with the ski lls required by Cambodia's investors and entrepreneurs. In our two 
main export sectors, garments and tourism, the private sector has participated in the creation of 
training facilities designed to produce the specific skills that they need.  
2.17.   The two complai nts that we hear most from our exporters and investors are that the cost of 
electricity and the cost of transportation and logistics are too high. Indeed, both of these costs are 
higher in Cambodia than in our neighboring countries, reducing our relative c ompetitiveness. The 
Royal Government has in place detailed investment plans and programmes that will significantly 
reduce costs in these two areas over the next decade. The key to lower electricity costs lies in the 
environmentally sound and socially sensi tive exploitation of Cambodia's hydro -electricity potential. 
This is underway. High transportation costs are being addressed by improving Cambodia's river 
and deep -water ports and the road networks providing access to them. We are also reviving our 
rail links between Phnom Penh and our deep -water port at Sihanoukville and between Phnom Penh 
and the Thai border, a key element in developing ASEAN connectivity.  
2.18.   The period since our last TPR has been one of rapid progress. Progress that owes much to 
the support  of WTO Members. I should like to express, on behalf of the Royal Government of 
Cambodia, our appreciation to all those Members who have facilitated and supported our trade and 
development policies, whether by putting in place DFQF programmes or providing technical and 
financial support through EIF, Aid for Trade or other programmes.  
2.19.   The Royal Government has the ambition of seeing the World Bank classify Cambodia as a 
middle income country by 2030, an ambitious but do -able target. We understand that reachin g 
this target requires a re -doubling of effort on our part, effort that can only achieve its full results 
with continued support by WTO Members.  
2.20.   Cambodia's trade -related assistance needs have been articulated in its Trade Integration 
Studies, the most rece nt of which was adopted in 2014. Cambodia now has a well -established 
infrastructure for coordinating and managing such assistance, using a trade sector -wide approach, 
or trade SWAp. Recently the Ministry of Commerce has produced, with the support of the EI F and 
UNDP, an assessment of those areas in which additional support will be required during 
2016-2020. A number of development partners have indicated that they are prepared to consider 
providing such assistance, and we appreciate these indications of con tinued support.  
2.21.   Thank you Mr. Chairman.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  Thank you Chairman and thank you H.E. Minister Sorasak for leading Cambodia's 
participation in its second WTO Trade Policy Review.   
3.2.  The impressive delegation you have brought to Geneva t his week – which includes 
representatives from a wide range of ministries - demonstrates Cambodia's commitment to this 
review process and to the WTO more broadly.  
3.3.  It is a privilege to act as discussant for this Trade Policy Review.  
3.4.  I recall that Cambodia w as the second LDC to join the WTO through the full accession 
process. And we welcome the establishment of Cambodia's Permanent Mission in Geneva, ably led 
by Ambassador Rithi Pich, which is actively engaged in the range of WTO activities. This is 
demonstra ted, for example, by Cambodia's acceptance in 2016 of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, and its important role this year as coordinator for the LDC Group in the lead -up to 
MC11.  
3.5.  Of course, trade liberalization and participation in the rules -based multilat eral system are of 
great importance for an economy such as Cambodia, which relies heavily on exports as a source of 
income and economic growth. To that end, it's encouraging to see the significant progress 
Cambodia has made since its last Trade Policy Revi ew in December 2011.  
3.6.  I'd like to cover four topics in my remarks today:  
 Firstly, Cambodia's Macroeconomic Environment;  
 its Trade and Investment Profile;  
 Cambodia's participation in Multilateral and Regional Trade Agreements;  
 And, fourthly, Trade -Related R eforms.  
Macroeconomic Environment  
3.7.  Turning first to Cambodia's macroeconomic environment, as Minister Sorasak noted, 
Cambodia has sustained strong economic growth during the period under review, averaging 7% 
real GDP growth since 2011.  
3.8.  As highlighted in th e Secretariat's report, construction, manufacturing and tourism -related 
services have been the main drivers of this growth. Encouragingly, this growth has been inclusive, 
meaning inequality and poverty have decreased during the review period.  
3.9.  Cambodia reb ounded well from the impact of the global financial crisis, in part due to prudent 
macroeconomic management that has resulted in moderate inflation, a stable exchange rate, 
relatively low unemployment, and manageable external debt levels.  
3.10.   There are, howev er – as is the case for all countries – opportunities for improvement.  
3.11.   The high cost of doing business, coupled with an underdeveloped financial market, render 
Cambodia's economy vulnerable to shocks. I note that Cambodia is taking measures to address 
these issues, for example the launch of the Industrial Development Policy (IDP) in 2015, the 
simplification and automation of companies' registration, and the adoption in 2014 of the "Revenue 
Mobilization Strategy".  
3.12.   Debt management will also be important. Ca mbodia has run fiscal deficits throughout the 
review period, albeit at a declining rate on account of revenue growth. Ensuring that external debt 
– which is currently at around 30% of GDP – remains at a manageable level, has been identified in 
the Secretar iat's report as an important consideration.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  Trade and investment profile  
3.13.   Moving to Cambodia's Trade and Investment Profile, the integration of Cambodia's economy 
to the global economy through market -oriented reforms has proven critical in Cambodia's pover ty 
reduction efforts. Indeed, trade and investment are fundamental for Cambodia to achieve its 
economic and social objectives.  
3.14.   The ratio of trade in goods and services to GDP increased during the review period, from 
127% in 2011 to around 140% in 2016. At  the same time, Cambodia's trade deficit as a proportion 
of GDP declined, from 21% in 2013 to 17% in 2016.  
3.15.   Merchandise Exports continue to be heavily concentrated in clothing, which accounted for 
around two -thirds of total exports in 2016. Other manufactu red goods, such as footwear and 
handbags, accounted for a further 13% of total exports. Manufactures fell only marginally as a 
share of total exports over the review period, while agriculture increased slightly, due to a rise in 
rice exports. Cambodia's ma in merchandise export destinations over the period were the EU, the 
US and Japan.  
3.16.   Cambodia's merchandise imports continue to be highly concentrated – both in terms of 
product and origin. Textiles, especially fabrics and yarn, which are used as inputs for the garment 
industry, represent the largest single import category. Over 90% of imports come from Asia, in 
particular China, Thailand and Vietnam.  
3.17.   The share of services in Cambodia's total employment increased over the review period 
from 27.3% in 2011 to 3 2.9% in 2015. In 2016, Cambodia's main services exports consisted of 
travel (79.6%), whereas imports largely consisted of transportation (51.5%) and travel (24.5%). 
Cambodia remains a net exporter of services; the trade balance increased from US$1.4 billio n in 
2011 to about US$2.1 billion in 2015.  
3.18.   On tariff policy, as part of its WTO Accession, Cambodia bound 100% of its tariffs with 
nearly all applied on an ad valorem  basis, with just 14 lines subject to specific rates.  
3.19.   The average bound tariff is 20.9% a nd the simple average applied MFN tariff in 2017 was 
12.3% - a slight increase from 11.7% in 2011. Tariffs on agricultural products (on average 14.6%) 
are higher than those on non -agricultural products (on average 11.9%), with the highest ad 
valorem  rate o f 35% applying to finished agricultural products, finished industrial products, and 
petroleum products.  
3.20.   Commitments in free trade agreements have been gradually reducing Cambodia's effective 
rate of protection and supporting increased trade and investment . Under the ASEAN trade in goods 
agreement, Cambodia has been following its agreed schedule for reducing tariffs on goods 
originating in its ASEAN trading partners. In 2015, duties on most of the tariff lines on its Inclusion 
List were reduced to zero, as scheduled, with tariff elimination scheduled for the remaining 7% of 
tariff lines on its Inclusion List by 2018.  
3.21.   The reduction of tariffs on ASEAN trade has been accompanied by rapid expansion of 
Cambodia's trade with its ASEAN partners. During the period  2012-16, Cambodia's exports to 
ASEAN countries rose at an average annual rate of almost 24%, compared with an average annual 
growth of 15% in its exports to the rest of the world. Imports from ASEAN countries also grew 
faster than imports from the rest of  the world. I'll address regional integration later.  
3.22.   Foreign Direct Investment has played a key role in Cambodia's growth during the review 
period. FDI inflows rose from US$1.4 billion to US$2.3 billion during the review period, with the 
stock of inward F DI rising to US$15 billion. Investment came primarily from the Asian region and 
was concentrated in the garment, agriculture, construction, tourism and financial sectors.  
3.23.   During the review period, Cambodia signed three new bilateral investment promotion a nd 
protection agreements and its first double taxation agreement. It is also undertaking an OECD 
Investment Policy Review (IPR). Addressing ongoing foreign investor issues, such as the 
prohibition on foreign ownership of land and local workforce participat ion requirements, will help 
make Cambodia a more attractive destination for foreign investment and trade.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  Participation in the Multilateral and Regional Agreements  
3.24.   Over the review period, Cambodia has deepened its engagement with the WTO. It was one 
of the first LDCs to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement on 12 February 2016.  
3.25.   Through the Enhanced Integrated Framework, Cambodia has been the beneficiary of a 
number of technical assistance activities designed to assist LDCs integrate into the multilatera l 
trading system, including projects on export diversification and e -trade remedies. In particular, the 
EIF supported Cambodia's development of a Trade Sector -wide Approach Roadmap (known as the 
Trade SWAP Roadmap). This roadmap sets out prioritized reform s and actions for improving 
Cambodia's trade performance and promoting diversification and inclusive growth. The Trade 
SWAP Roadmap also identified priority sectors for trade development of which the EIF is currently 
supporting, including milled rice, high  value silk, fisheries, cassava and hospitality.  
3.26.   Cambodia has also benefitted from the WTO Trade Development Support Programme 
focussed on increasing efficiencies in formulating and implementing effective trade policies.  
3.27.   As mentioned earlier, Cambodia is a voice for the least -developed countries (LDCs) in the 
WTO, including in its capacity as LDC Coordinator this year. This is a very important task, 
particularly in a Ministerial Conference year where the agenda is packed and constantly evolving.  
3.28.   In additi on to its engagement at the multilateral level, Cambodia has focussed on 
strengthening regional economic integration ties, most notably as a member of the Association of 
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  
3.29.   Under the ASEAN Economic Community, intra -ASEAN impo rt tariffs have been virtually 
eliminated. In addition, formal restrictions in services sectors are gradually being removed, and 
Cambodia is following the established scheduled for the liberalization of trade in services under the 
ASEAN Framework Agreement  on Services.  
3.30.   Cambodia has also participated in the negotiation and implementation of ASEAN agreements 
on operational certification procedures, rules of origin and measures to safeguard the balance of 
payments; and is a signatory to ASEAN's RTAs with Chin a, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, 
Australia and New Zealand. These agreements have the potential to strengthen Cambodia's 
linkages with regional supply chains, and have also provided support to Cambodia's internal reform 
path and capacity -building ef forts.  
3.31.   The ongoing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations could 
further simplify and strengthen Cambodia's trade and investment links with the region. RCEP 
covers a comprehensive set of issues, including trade in goods and services , investment, economic 
and technical cooperation, intellectual property, competition, dispute settlement, e -commerce, and 
small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs).  
Trade -related reforms  
3.32.   The Secretariat's report usefully sets out in detail a number of tra de-related reforms that 
Cambodia has undertaken during the review period. I'd like to highlight a few.  
3.33.   Firstly, customs procedures. Since 2011, Cambodia has made significant strides in this area, 
including through the use of the Single Administrative Docu ment and the one -stop shop 
mechanism. Cambodia has also implemented the "Best Trader Programme" - a stepping -stone 
towards implementing the Authorized Economic Operator Programme as envisaged in Cambodia's 
Customs Strategy and Work Programme on Reforms (20 14-18).  
3.34.   Cambodia has also initiated procedures for advanced rulings, and, as mentioned earlier, has 
ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation. Both of which will help further improve customs 
clearance times.  
3.35.   Secondly, technical regulations and sta ndards. Cambodia mainly uses the ISO/IEC as a 
national guide to adopt international standards as national standards or technical regulations. 
There are currently 804 Cambodian standards, mainly on foods and electrical appliances. WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  According to the authoriti es, nearly 83% of Cambodian standards align with international 
standards. During the review period, Cambodia has introduced a new Law on Animal Health and 
Production, and a law on food safety was drafted in 2015.  
3.36.   Cambodia continues to face some difficulti es with respect to its SPS regime. These 
difficulties relate to defining responsibilities among various government agencies, lack of 
systematic inspection or monitoring of production and processing, and a certification system that is 
not backed by testing,  and not necessarily recognized in some markets. To address these, 
Cambodia could look for opportunities to improve its regime, including through the Standards and 
Trade Development Facility (STDF) here at the WTO.  
3.37.   Lastly, I'd like to highlight the mining that manufacturing, banking and telecommunications 
sectors are potential growth areas. Services, in particular, have played a significant role in 
supporting economic growth, amounting to almost 40% of gross value in 2016. Cambodia's 
commitments under the G ATS, reflecting its aim to attract FDI, remained unchanged throughout 
the review period, and its five RTAs involve commitments on trade in services. Further 
liberalization and reform to domestic regulations in these areas will help Cambodia realize its 
potential.  
Conclusion  
3.38.   This trade policy review is taking place in the context of a rapidly evolving global economic 
and trade environment.  
3.39.   The reforms Cambodia is undertaking have significant potential to strengthen its institutions 
and increase its attracti veness as a business, tourism and investment destination. It will be 
important for Cambodia to successfully implement these reforms if it is to continue to enhance its 
integration into the multilateral trading system and to build its resilience against fut ure economic 
shocks. I encourage Cambodia to continue on its reform path and provide an environment that 
supports reform and open trade and investment.  
3.40.   I'd like to conclude by wishing Cambodia a successful Review, and once again thank the 
delegation for gi ving me the honour of acting as discussant. I look forward to listening to Members 
statements and questions.  
3.41.   Thank you.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
SINGAPORE  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.1.  Cambodia has been part of the ASEAN family for over 18 years. ASEAN has been workin g 
together on a continuous journey towards greater regional economic integration through the 
ASEAN Economic Community. Over the years, and spurred on by the ASEAN Economic 
Community, Cambodia has achieved remarkable macroeconomic growth, with an annual GDP  
growth rate of over 7% since Cambodia's first Trade Policy Review in 2011.  
4.2.  Cambodia's profile in international trade has improved significantly. In 2016, Cambodia's 
trade with ASEAN grew by 26%, accounting for a total of US$5.4 billion. We are confident that 
Cambodia will continue on this path of growth, given Cambodia's strong commitment to trade 
liberalization, and the strengthening of multilateral and regional economic ties.  
4.3.  ASEAN appreciates the leadership of Cambodia as the coordinator for the Least  Developed 
Countries (LDC) Group this year. As coordinator, Cambodia, working together with other Members 
of the LDC Group, ensures that the Group's needs and interests are represented in this house. 
ASEAN will continue to work closely with Cambodia and th e LDCs to achieve meaningful outcomes 
at the upcoming Ministerial Conference.  
4.4.  Some of the ASEAN colleagues have submitted written questions and we thank Cambodia in 
advance for their written responses.  
4.5.  ASEAN wishes Minister Pan Sorasak and his delegation a successful trade policy review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.6.  Singapore and Cambodia enjoy warm and robust bilateral economic ties. Last year, 
Singapore was Cambodia's fifth largest trading partner and foreign investor, and Singapore's 
investments in Cambodia amounted to US $169 million. This spans across a wide range of sectors, 
including property development, financial services, energy and logistics. More recently, Singapore 
F&B businesses, such as Yakun, a local coffee house which serves a hearty Singaporean breakfast 
of coffee, eggs and toast, have set up flagship stores in Cambodia.  
4.7.  Cambodia's economy has shown strong growth. Macroeconomic conditions are more stable 
today than before, although risks such as inflation remain. We welcome Cambodia's Industrial 
Development Po licy, which aims, among others, to diversify Cambodia's economy, reduce its 
dependence on garment manufacturing and improve agricultural productivity. Several important 
pieces of legislation, such as the Law on Public Procurement, Law on Telecommunications , were 
adopted during the period under review. These are good developments that will provide 
predictability when doing business in Cambodia.  
4.8.  Trade and investment will continue to feature prominently on Cambodia's economic 
development agenda. We are encour aged by Cambodia's commitment to a rules -based 
international trading system. Cambodia maintains a liberal investment regime and its services 
sectors are largely free of restrictions. Since its last TPR, Cambodia has made significant strides in 
improving it s customs procedures. It implemented the "Best Trader Programme", which is a 
stepping stone towards the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. Singapore is glad to 
have contributed to this initiative by providing technical assistance alongside the W CO. We 
understand that the GDCE (General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia) is now 
conducting a pilot for its AEO programme.  
4.9.  There remain areas for improvement. While Cambodia has bound all its tariff lines, its applied 
MFN rate exceeded bound rates for over 60 lines at the HS eight -digit level. We urge Cambodia to 
bring its applied MFN tariffs in line with its bound commitments. We encourage Cambodia to fulfil 
its WTO notification obligations, such as those concerning import prohibitions and im port licensing. 
We also encourage Cambodia to improve its legislation process, which is crucial for the 
predictability of doing business. We note that a draft law on anti -dumping and safeguard measures 
is currently being reviewed by the National Assembly a nd a draft competition law is expected to be WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  submitted to the National Assembly for approval. We hope these legislative pieces can be finalized 
soon.  
4.10.   Finally, we congratulate Cambodia again on the establishment of a separate Permanent 
Mission of Cambodia to the WTO in June this year. This is a significant milestone for Cambodia and 
a testament of Cambodia's commitment to the WTO. My delegation shares very good working 
relations with the Cambodian Mission in Geneva, headed by Ambassador Pich Rithi. We hope to 
continue such relations in Geneva and beyond.  
CANADA  
4.11.   I would like to congratulate Cambodia for their leadership at the WTO in the role as the 
coordinator of the LDC group for 2017.  
4.12.   Canada and Cambodia have a strong and dynamic economic partnership base d on shared 
values and interests, including a ruled -based multilateral trading system, a mutual recognition of 
the importance of open trade to economic growth and prosperity. This understanding underpins 
our important and mutually beneficial relationship, including at the WTO.  
4.13.   Canada is one of Cambodia's top export destinations and bilateral trade has grown 
consistently over the past 10 years with two way trade currently at $CDN 1.23 billion, mostly due 
to imports from Cambodia.  
4.14.   Several Canadian companies have managed to establish a successful presence in Cambodia. 
The increasing numbers of Canadian companies active in sectors include Angkor Gold, Bee Doo 
Cloud Services, Architect firm B+H, and Manulife, the first licenced foreign life insurance company 
in Cambodia. The "Banque Nationale" increased its investment in Cambodia's Advance Bank of 
Asia (ABA) and now holds a 90 % interest in ABA Bank.  
4.15.   There are about 127 business registered with the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce as 
Canadian owned or partly owned by Canadians.   
4.16.   Significant challenges to doing business in Cambodia commonly cited by the private sector 
include weak rule of law, poor infrastructure, high energy costs, corruption, and under -developed 
human resources. Also, despite the Cambodian Governm ent's pro -business approach to 
transparency, corruption remains a significant concern. We call upon Cambodia to provide 
additional support to the private sector though programs to increase the understanding of new 
laws and regulations.  
4.17.   While both the Royal  Government of Cambodia and the Kingdom's private sector share the 
common goal of fostering a compliant, competitive, and sustainable economy, investors still 
consider that the positive impacts of reforms initiated by the Royal Government are yet to be fel t 
in their daily operations.  
4.18.   We would like to take the opportunity today to highlight certain key issues identified by the 
business community. The issues are as follows:  
1. Access to dispute settlement mechanisms for trade issues.  
2. Better governance and cred ibility.  
3. Legal and judicial system reforms.  
4. Trade -related aspects of intellectual property rights.  
4.19.   With respect to dispute settlement mechanisms for trade issues, Cambodia's current regime 
of provisional measures, as prescribed under the Trademark Law, doe s not provide detailed and 
clear procedures to enable relevant administrative authorities to provide support to businesses 
that are having their trademarks infringed. Although the Ministry of Commerce received 
17 applications for the prevention of Trademar k infringement in 2016, and mediated and settled 
12 of the cases, it may not address the entire needs of businesses.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.20.   I would like to draw attention to the need for better governance rule of law approach and 
credibility in the form of a more modernized admi nistration, and a clearer and updated legal 
framework.  
4.21.   Cambodia could work to provide additional support to the private sector to increase 
understanding of new laws and regulations. Cambodia has not yet introduced a recourse 
mechanism through which compani es with decisions of public institutions perceived to be irregular 
or inconsistent with the Kingdom's laws can apply to have their case assessed by an independent 
review mechanism.  
4.22.   We encourage Cambodia to develop a more detailed legal framework to enable stronger 
provisional measures in the protection of Intellectual Property Rights. Also, Cambodia should 
empower customs to prevent counterfeit goods and parallel imports from entering Cambodia.  
4.23.   Finally, Cambodia is ranked 135 among 190 economies in the Eas e of Doing Business, 
according to the 2018 World Bank annual ratings. I encourage the Cambodian government to 
improve business conditions and I believe the net result will be highly positive for Cambodia's 
business environment in the medium to long term.  
4.24.   Allow me to conclude by underscoring the growing relationship Canada and Cambodia share 
which has spanned many decades. In addition to our bilateral ties, Canada and Cambodia are also 
partners in multilateral organizations. Canada is a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN). Canada and Cambodia cooperate in a number of other multilateral 
organizations, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). 
Canada -Cambodia relations encompass the full range of political, economic, development, and 
regional security issues, and a promising commercial relations program. Canada looks forward to 
continuing this momentum in the months and years ahead. Canada would like to congratulate 
Cambodia for their on -going e fforts, and wish them a successful trade policy review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.25.   La Argentina felicita a Camboya por el fuerte crecimiento registrado por su PIB real en los 
últimos años. Celebramos que ese crecimiento haya sido inclusive y generalizado, permitiendo 
reduc ir los niveles de desigualdad y de pobreza.  
4.26.   Destacamos los resultados positivos de una gestión macroeconómica prudente, en especial 
en materia de inflación y de niveles de desempleo así como de consolidación fiscal.  
4.27.   Asimismo, nos permitimos resaltar el com promiso de Camboya con el sistema multilateral 
de comercio. Nos complace que en este examen se haga mención al establecimiento de su Misión 
Permanente ante la OMC y de su rol como portavoz de los países adelantados.  
4.28.   Valoramos que Camboya mantenga su apertu ra comercial y que fomente la inversión 
extranjera directa, aspectos reflejados en un régimen de importaciones previsible y en el aumento 
de la IED durante el período objeto de examen.  
4.29.   En cuanto a las relaciones comerciales entre Argentina y Camboya, nos c omplace señalar 
que Argentina es el principal proveedor de Camboya entre los países de América Latina y el cuarto 
destino de sus exportaciones a la región.  
4.30.   El comercio bilateral total con Camboya durante los últimos cinco años tuvo su pico en 
2016, alcanza ndo los 31,8 millones de dólares EE.UU. Los principales productos exportados pro 
Argentina a Camboya en ese año fueron cueros y pieles de bovino, vino, tabaco y velas. En el 
mismo período, les principales productos importados por Argentina desde Camboya fu eron 
baúles/maletas, calzados y prendas textiles.  
4.31.   Finalizando, reiteramos nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de intercambiar 
opiniones y consideraciones sobre las políticas y prácticas comerciales de Camboya, y resaltamos 
la importancia de e ste ejercicio de transparencia en todos sus aspectos, deseando a las 
autoridades de Camboya la exitosa conclusión del presente examen.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  CHINA  
4.32.   By and large, there has been a remarkably rapid economic development during the period 
under review for Cambodia, w ith an annual GDP growth of over 7%. The excellent performance of 
economic development was featured by a steady and people -oriented micro -economic 
environment. Naturally, this has contributed significantly to the considerable improvement of its 
people's we lfare in terms of income increase, poverty alleviation, increase of literacy rate, better 
health condition, etc. We also would like to commend the positive measures and policies the 
Cambodian Government has undertaken to facilitate trade and investment, in cluding some 
institutional and regulatory reform initiatives, the launching of the Industrial Development Policy, 
the simplification and automation of companies' registration, and the improvement of the custom 
procedures.  
4.33.   Nevertheless, Cambodia is faced wi th certain constraints and challenges for its economic 
development as a LDC, like low road and water connectivity, and vulnerabilities to external 
circumstances. We would encourage Cambodia, therefore, to undertake further domestic reforms 
and adjustment o f macroeconomic and trade policies, to trigger the endogenous growth and 
enhance economic resilience and diversification.  
4.34.   Coming to the multilateral front, Cambodia has always been a committed advocate of the 
multilateral trading system. During the review period, it improved its WTO commitments and 
ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016. This year, Cambodia strongly voiced for LDCs. 
Notably, the 5th China Roundtable for LDCs Accessions was successfully concluded in Siem Reap 
this March, and Prime  Minister Hun Sen showed his honourable personal presence there, which 
fully demonstrated Cambodia's support to the system and LDCs' accession. This Thursday and 
Friday, the 2nd South -South Dialogue on LDC and Development sponsored by China Programme 
will take place in Montreux. I look forward to Minister Plan Sorasak's participation and your 
valuable contribution to the event.  
4.35.   From China's perspective, as the largest developing country, we always attach great 
importance to the development dimension within this Organization. We have done a lot, and are 
more than willing to do more, to help LDCs better integrate into the multilateral trading system, 
benefit more from trade and investment, and achieve steady and sustainable development.  
4.36.   Bilaterally, China and Cambodia have long been good friends and enjoyed complementary 
trade and investment relations with each other. China is the largest trading partner and 
investment origin for Cambodia, and one of the most contributing donor countries as well. In 
2016, the t wo-way trade expanded to US$4.76 billion, increasing 7.4% on a year -on-year basis. 
The two sides will continue to make our concerted efforts to reach the objective of expanding the 
bilateral trade to US$6 billion, set by leaders of the two nations. In addi tion to trade, the 
accumulated investment from China amounted to US$4.48 billion. We have invested on a range of 
large-scale projects, with Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone being one of the spectacular ones. 
Further, we applaud Cambodia's active partici pation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and would 
encourage more Chinese enterprises to do business in Cambodia.  
4.37.   The year of 2018 will mark the 60 years' anniversary of the establishment of the two 
countries' diplomatic ties. China stands ready to enhance our cooperation to a high level, focusing 
on the trade, investment and assistance to truly improve the welfare of the people in Cambodia.  
4.38.   That being said, we thank Cambodia for their replies to our questions and will study them 
carefully.  
4.39.   I wish this trade  policy review a complete success, and a pleasant stay for Minister Pan 
Sorasak and your delegation here in Switzerland.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.40.   The United States would like to commend Cambodia for the economic success it has 
maintained since the last Trade Policy R eview (TPR). As one of the fastest growing world 
economies, Cambodia has become an increasingly important trading partner of the United States. 
Since 2011, the United States and Cambodia have experienced a 9.5% increase in goods trade. In WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  addition, we have  further deepened our trade relationship through continued dialogue under the 
United States -Cambodia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).  
4.41.   As noted in the Secretariat's report, Cambodia's trade policy formulation and objectives are 
shaped by wid e-ranging strategies such as the Cambodia Trade Integration Strategy (CTIS) and 
trade sector -wide approach (Trade SWAp). These initiatives, together with the recent 
establishment of the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the WTO, demonstrate that internation al 
trade continues to be a focal point in Cambodia's long -term economic growth plans.  Cambodia's 
success in maintaining high economic growth through trade -focused initiatives, together with its 
demonstrated efforts in meeting its WTO commitments, have mad e it an exemplary coordinator of 
the WTO's LDC Group this year.  
4.42.   The United States appreciates Cambodia's continued improvement in its WTO commitments 
by ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), as well as its August 2017 submission to the 
WTO of its Category A, B, and C notifications and indicative dates for implementation of the 
various provisions of the TFA. We also would like to commend Cambodia for other positive reforms 
made in the area of customs procedures since the last TPR, such as wideni ng the use of ASYCUDA 
(the Automated System for Customs Data) to all Cambodian border posts and implemen ting the 
Best Trade Programme. As the Secretariat report notes, there is still room for further improvement 
in the area of customs procedures, and we lo ok forward to seeing Cambodia continue to make 
such progress.  
4.43.   We commend Cambodia for the steps it has taken towards insulating its economy from 
external vulnerabilities through the Industrial Development Policy (IDP) 2015 -2025. Cambodia's 
IDP focuses on t ransitioning the country's industrial structure from labor -intensive industry to 
skill-driven industry with the ultimate goal of transforming Cambodia into a knowledge -based 
modern economy. As part of this transition, Cambodia has launched some initiatives  focused on 
improving the quality of its labor force. These programmes include, but are not limited to, the 
Education Strategic Plan 2014 -18, the Royal Government's technical vocational education and 
training policy, and programs for workers in the garment  and tourism industries.  
4.44.   The United States also appreciates Cambodia's commitment to improve its Sanitary a nd 
Phytosanitary (SPS) regime. As noted in the S ecretariat's report, Cambodia's SPS regime still faces 
a number of difficulties including problems w ith definitions of responsibilities and coordination 
between various agencies, limited capacity of these agencies, lack of adequate laboratory testing, 
and issues with inspections and monitoring. The United States encourages Cambodia to continue 
its effort s to improve its implementation of the WTO SPS Agreement.  
4.45.   With respect to government procurement, the WTO Secretariat report notes that Cambodia 
is neither an observer to, nor a Member of, the WTO's Agreement on Government Procurement 
(GPA). The United Sta tes encourages Cambodia to consider becoming an observer to the GPA.  
4.46.   As noted in the Secretariat report, Cambodia, in conjunction with the International Labour 
Organization (ILO), has implemented a system through the Better Factories Programme to 
regularly  monitor working conditions in some export factories. In addition, during the review 
period, Cambodia enacted the Law on Trade Unions, which aims to provide a more detailed legal 
framework for the operation of trade unions by clarifying the rights and resp onsibilities of workers' 
and employers' organizations, and cope with the proliferation of unions.  However, Cambodia has 
acknowledged in the ILO's Direct Contacts Mission Report that the Law on Trade Unions has 
created a number of difficulties, which have threatened workers' free exercise of their right to 
freedom of association, including confusion in relation to the trade union registration process and 
the need to issue instructions and training in this regard. As noted in our questions, we look 
forward t o hearing what steps Cambodia has taken to ensure that trade unions and administrative 
officials have a clear understanding of the new system of registration.  
4.47.   The United States welcomes the efforts by Cambodia to improve enforcement of intellectual 
propert y rights (IPR), although as noted in the WTO Secretariat report, IPR infringement continues 
to be widespread. In addition, as the Secretariat report highlights, Cambodia has not made 
substantial change to its IPR legislation during the review period. We en courage Cambodia to 
incorporate further development in its IPR regime as part of its efforts to increase foreign 
investment and diversify its economy. Membership to treaties and conventions, such as the WIPO WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonogra ms Treaty, and the Berne Convention for the 
Protection of Literary and Artistic Works related t o Copyrights and Related Rights  are key to 
Cambodia's long -term development into a knowledge -based economy. Cambodia noted it has been 
receiving technical assist ance from WIPO to aid in its accession to these treaties. We would like to 
hear in more detail what kind of technical assistance WIPO has provided regarding these copyright 
treaties and what are the current timelines for their ratification. In addition, we  would like to 
confirm if, upon ratification, these treaties will be self -executing under Cambodian law.  
4.48.   The United States appreciates Cambodia's efforts to prepare for this review and commends 
Cambodia for its demonstrated accomplishments in trade and inv estment reform. Cambodia's 
success in maintaining robust growth through inclusive trade policy makes it a role model for other 
LDCs. The United States wishes the delegation of Cambodia a successful review, and we look 
forward to continued dialogue with Cam bodia at the WTO and on a bilateral basis.  
BRAZIL  
4.49.   I extend Brazil's greetings to Ambassador Pich Rithi and his team in Geneva, congratulating 
them for their active participation in WTO, including as this year's coordinator of the LDC Group, a 
key role on t he road to MC -11. 
4.50.   As we heard from Minister Sorasak, the economy of Cambodia has undergone consistent 
economic growth since its last TPR, with a robust performance in the past three years. The 
impressive average annual growth of more than 7% between 2011 a nd 2017, supported by sound 
fiscal and monetary policies and an overall openness to trade, resulted in important results in the 
reduction of poverty and inequality.  
4.51.   Tourism also played a major role. It is the largest contributor to GDP, with a participati on in 
the Cambodian economy well above the world average. The sector alone contributed with 12.2% 
of GDP and 11.4% of total employment, without including related activities and indirect jobs. 
Improvements in domestic infrastructure as well as the Tourism D evelopment Strategic Plan 
2012-2020, with its focus in enhanced regional and international connectivity, will strengthen 
sectorial preparedness and facilitate the attraction of investments.  
4.52.   Now turning to agriculture, a system still largely based on subsi stence production poses 
some challenges to Cambodia, considering the low level of overall productivity and lack of price 
competitiveness when compared to neighboring countries. Relatively high agricultural tariffs are an 
additional burden on consumers, inc reasing prices faced by them. Nevertheless, the country is 
virtually self -sufficient in some major products of the national diet, such as rice – which is also 
exported. There should be room for diversifying the domestic agricultural production, which relie s 
on a relatively short number of crops, mostly rice, rubber and cassava – and, still on the primary 
sector, for improvements in the combat against trade in illegal fisheries and logging products.  
4.53.    In manufacturing, clothing is the most dynamic sector. Th e robust expansion of garment 
production and exports allowed for a reduction in Cambodia's current account deficit and attracted 
substantial FDIs, spurred by a liberal, investor -friendly investment regime. The sector clearly 
illustrates the benefits of int ernational trade for adding value to the domestic economy: 
Cambodia's main single import category is textiles, coming mainly from Asia, which are 
subsequently used as inputs in the garment industry and exported to markets in other regions 
such as the Europ ean Union and the USA. It certainly helps that Cambodia has made significant 
improvements in its customs regime, namely through the creation of a Single Administrative 
Document, reducing average customs clearance time. We commend those efforts.  
4.54.   Internation al trade has contributed to the strong performance of the Cambodian economy 
over the last years, supported by participation in several non -reciprocal preference schemes such 
as GSP, DFQF and EBA, and, increasingly, by the liberalization efforts under sever al ASEAN 
initiatives. This has facilitated Cambodia's integration to value chains and the opening of new 
markets for its products. Reinforcing regional integration will undoubtedly generate additional 
benefits for the country. Pursuing the implementation o f the Trade Facilitation Agreement will also 
engender gains for the country's economic environment.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.55.   On the bilateral front, trade flows between Cambodia and Brazil are very small, but have 
seen a rise in the last year. Brazil's exports consist mainly of m achinery and tobacco; imports from 
Cambodia include textiles, clothing and footwear. There are opportunities for expansion and 
diversification of trade, and Brazil wants to explore them. In this context, it is worth noting that 
the Ministers of Foreign Rel ations from MERCOSUR and ASEAN met this last September, at the 
margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, and committed to enhance the economic, trade 
and investment ties between our two regions.  
4.56.   We have submitted a set of questions on measures relate d to applied MFN rates exceeding 
bounds rates and on the availability of copyright exceptions for the blind and print disabled, under 
the WIPO Marrakesh Treaty. We thank the delegation for the answers provided, which will be 
conveyed to our capital.  
4.57.   Let me  conclude by wishing the Cambodian delegation a successful trade policy review.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.58.   We see from the reports that Cambodia has been experiencing strong GDP growth during 
the period under review.  Over the last 5 years, the ratio of trade in goods and services to GDP 
increased, foreign exchange reserves have more than doubled, and FDI inflows have risen, 
probably in response to the government's continuing liberal and investor -friendly regime.  
4.59.   In fact, there have been several positive developments and improvements across many 
aspects of Cambodia's economic, trade and investment regimes. On tariffs, for example, 
predictability has been noticeably increased by a series of adjustments to the bound rates . 
Cambodia's customs procedures have improved significantly since the introduction of its "Best 
Trader Programme", which is a stepping -stone towards the Authorized Economic Operator 
Programme. Its efforts to improve legislation procedures are also very enc ouraging, in particular, 
the draft law on anti -dumping and safeguard measures, which is expected to be in force by the 
end of the year. We look forward to learning more about that.  
4.60.   Other positive developments include the fact that nearly 83% of Cambodia's standards are 
now aligned with international standards, with SPS regulations to follow shortly, and there has 
been a marked improvement in IPR enforcement. We commend the Cambodian Government too 
on transforming the agriculture sector into one driven by ne w technologies in an environmentally 
sustainable manner. And, of course, we congratulate Cambodia on its rice being ranked 2nd, just 
after Thailand, in the World's Best Rice contest at the 9th World Rice Conference earlier this 
month.  
4.61.   It is also clear from  the reports that tourism -related services and agriculture continue to be 
the main drivers of Cambodia's growth, and its merchandise exports are still concentrated on 
garments and rice. We are pleased to learn, therefore, that Cambodia is embarking on a 
programme of reform initiatives to address the issues of diversification and competitiveness, as 
well as to improve the business climate and fiscal situation.  
4.62.   We commend Cambodia on its continuing commitment to the multilateral trading system, as 
shown by it s recent ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). It also seeks to 
strengthen its regional economic ties through implementation and/or negotiation of several ASEAN 
agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).  
4.63.   At the same time, there remains a significant amount of work to do in areas such as the 
SPS regime, IPR infringement, agriculture tariff protection, merchandise transportation costs, 
infrastructure connectivity at the regional level, mobile telephony pene tration and e -Commerce 
development, technical and vocational training, etc. We can only encourage the Cambodian 
Government to maintain its open trade regime and to continue developing its trade and 
investment policies in the same directions that they are c urrently taking.  
4.64.   Bilateral relations between Cambodia and the Separate Custom Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu are growing closer. We are Cambodia's 5th largest source of FDI. Two -way 
trade between us amounted to US$750 million in 2017, and th ere has been a surge in imports 
from Cambodia since its last review in 2011. We look forward now to the proper protection of the WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  rights and interests of our businesses in Cambodia, and to working together to expand our 
exchanges of personnel, capital, tech nology, culture and education, in line with international 
norms.  
4.65.   We wish Cambodia a successful second trade policy review.  
INDONESIA  
4.66.   Indonesia associates itself with the ASEAN statement made by Singapore and  also 
commends Ambassador Pich Rithi and his Gene va-based delegation for the good cooperation as 
fellow ASEAN member; and for their active engagement as coordinator of the LDC Group.  
4.67.   Indonesia applauds Cambodia for the good performance of its economy since the last review 
in 2011. As stated by ASEAN, rea l GDP has been strong, and grew at an average annual rate of 
over 7%. Since 2013, export expansion has been robust, which took care of the previously 
prevalent current account deficit. Indonesia also commends the Cambodian government for the 
significant st rides in improving its custom procedure.  
4.68.   In the last five years, in the period between 2012 and 2016, which covers the majority of 
timeframe of this review period, Cambodia and Indonesia have been enjoying a good bilateral 
trade. Average yearly trade reach ed over US$394 million, with an average yearly trade growth of 
11.09%.  
4.69.   During the same 2012 to 2016 time period, average yearly Indonesian export to Cambodia 
reached over US$375 million. And average yearly bilateral trade value reached over 
US$394  million.  
4.70.   And Indonesia is happy to see that over time, Cambodia has been benefiting much from our 
mature trade ties; including to take a good advantage of Indonesia's large market to absorb 
Cambodia's exports.  
4.71.   Within the period under review, average yearly growth of Cambodian exports to Indonesia 
reached 22.95%; which means, Cambodian export growth to Indonesia is over two times larger 
than the growth figure of imports from Indonesia (at 10.6%). Additionally, Cambodian export 
growth to Indonesia is also two times l arger than the growth figure of our bilateral trade value (at 
11.08%).  
4.72.   Indonesia wishes to use this opportunity to briefly address its concerns on Cambodia's trade 
policies and measures, related to export licenses, standards and technical regulations, stat e 
trading enterprises, illegal trade of fisheries and forestry goods, local content requirement on the 
mining sector, and domestic registration for foreign investment on professional services sector.  
4.73.   Hence, Indonesia encourages Cambodia to make improvement s in updating its notifications 
to the WTO. We note that Cambodia has never notified any state trading enterprises to the WTO. 
We also note that there are 804 Cambodian standards of which 151 are technical regulations. And 
we praise Cambodia for having ali gned 83% of its national standards, with that of international 
standards. However, we questioned that there are only three TBT notifications ever notified by the 
Cambodian Government.  
4.74.   We have addressed these concerns in our advanced written questions, and we thank 
Cambodia for the answers provided this morning to our questions. The Indonesian delegation will 
be in touch with the Geneva -based Cambodian delegation for possible clarification to the answers 
provided.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.75.   The EU would like to start by  pointing out the importance and significance of Cambodia's 
accession to the WTO in 2004. In doing so, it was a pioneer for other LDCs at the time with regard 
to the working party negotiation process. Thanks to domestic reforms based on multilateral 
princi ples and increased access to third country markets while becoming a member, Cambodia has 
successfully integrated itself into the world economy. During the period under review, shares in WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  GDP of goods export and import rose and, in absolute terms, the servic es balance improved. In 
short, WTO rules delivered on the economic growth and development for Cambodia.  
4.76.   The EU would like to highlight some of the positive issues that have emerged during the 
period under review.  
4.77.   First, we congratulate Cambodia's strong e conomic performance. Since the last review in 
2011, real GDP has grown at an average annual rate of about 7%, with construction, 
manufacturing (mainly garments) and tourism -related services, being the main drivers of growth. 
The robust economic growth has been inclusive and widespread, with poverty levels declining 
(from 26% in 2011 to 14% in 2015) which also allowed Cambodia to graduate from low income to 
lower -middle income status in 2015. Prudent macroeconomic management has also resulted in 
moderate inf lation, a stable exchange rate and a relatively low unemployment rate (0.3% in 
20161). However, we note that for the financial system, the expanding economy has resulted in 
rapid expansionary credit growth (+25.8% in mid -2016 and +28% in 2015) which has ra ised 
concerns about an overheating of the economy and the formation of a construction and real estate 
bubble. These two sectors accounted for nearly 30% of real growth in 2015 and are projected to 
remain the second most dynamic driver of growth after the g arment sector.  
4.78.   Second, the EU is pleased to note the improvements made in Cambodian customs 
procedures. The ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in February 2016  was an 
important step. The EU welcomes Cambodia's category A commitments noti fied to the WTO and 
would be very much interested, along the lines discussed in the last Committee on Trade 
Facilitation, to know when Cambodia intends to notify its needs for assistance related to its 
category C measures.  
4.79.   Third, the EU commends Cambodia's  open and investor -friendly investment regime, offering 
incentives to various sectors under many schemes. FDI is concentrated in the garment sector, 
agriculture, construction and the financial sector.  
4.80.   As we do with all Everything But Arms  beneficiary count ries, we are closely monitoring 
Cambodia's compliance with its human rights and fundamental freedoms obligations. Regarding 
our bilateral trade relations, the EU is one of Cambodia's main trade partners. In 2016, the EU was 
Cambodia's main export destinati on with a value of around €4.6 billion which represents an 
increase of more than 11.2% compared to 2015. Cambodia's exports to the EU are concentrated in 
clothing (74.7% export -share to the EU), footwear (11.4%), bicycles (6.2%) and rice (3.9%).  
4.81.   EU development cooperation in Cambod ia is designed to support Cambodia's policies 
reflected in Cambodia's Rectangular Strategy and National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP). 
For the period 2014 -2020, Cambodia has an indicative bilateral allocation of €410 million focusing 
on three focal are as: (1) agriculture and natural resources management; (2) development of basic 
education/skills; and (3) reforms in gover nance and public administration.  
4.82.   In addition, the EU is also a donor of trade -related assistance in Cambodia which support 
has contributed to simplifying export and import procedures as well as the implementation of a 
programme of customs automation; the new programme ARISE plus Cambodia, co -funded by the 
EU, is expected to start implementation early 2018, in close coordination with the regional 
component of the same programme which is supporting ASEAN economic integration. We also note 
the customs reforms  highlighted by the Discussant.  
4.83.   Despite all these positive developments the EU would also like to raise a few concerns, 
some related to the questions we submitted earlier.  
4.84.   First of all, we would like to highlight the importance for Cambodia to improve the  general 
business environment, i.e. promote good governance and transparency, and address weak 
institutional capacity by enacting and implementing legislation.  We also encourage Cambodia to 
keep up its efforts to fight corruption.  
                                                
1 Source: World Bank.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.85.   Second, the EU would enco urage Cambodia to pursue efforts to diversify its export products 
and markets and to improve its infrastructure.  
4.86.   Finally, while recognising steps made by Cambodia in the area of sanitary and phytosanitary 
(SPS) measures, the EU encourages Cambodia to conti nue efforts to further improve inspection 
and certification systems . 
4.87.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views during this review 
and I wish Cambodia's delegation the utmost success during its trade policy review.  
MALAYSIA  
4.88.   Malaysia also associates herself to the ASEAN Statement delivered by Singapore.  
4.89.   We would also like to take this opportunity to first commend Ambassador Pitch Ritch and his 
team for their constructive engagement with all delegations here in Geneva in working at our 
shared commitment to the multilateral trading system. In addition, we also congratulate Cambodia 
for the leadership as coordinator for the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group this year.  
4.90.   We are pleased to note that Cambodia's economy has continued  to do well through 
challenging times and the GDP has been strong averaging at 7% annually as stated in the 
Secretariat report. Cambodia has demonstrated its ability to adjust in the challenging international 
economic environment. Such we are encouraged by  the efforts by Cambodia in striving to improve 
its trade and investment regime.  
4.91.   We note from the Secretariat's report that Cambodia has made institutional and structural 
reforms since her last TPR in 2011. Against the global backdrop, Cambodia managed to  address 
these challenges through various efforts such as the Industrial Development Policy (IDP), as well 
as simplification and automation of process pertaining to business registration among others.   
4.92.   We are also encouraged by Cambodia's initiatives in i mproving her competitiveness through 
adoption of new trade -related and investment policies, despite prohibition and restrictions in 
certain aspects of ownership in of foreign ownership certain services sectors.  
4.93.   Malaysia also commends Cambodia for its stead fast support and commitments to the 
Multilateral Trading System. Cambodia was the 8th least -developed country ratifying the TFA last 
year. In facilitating trade, we welcome efforts undertaken by Cambodia in improving the customs 
procedure domestically, amo ng others.  
4.94.   While we gear up towards the MC11 this December, Malaysia calls on Cambodia, as 
Coordinator of the LDC for a meaningful outcome at the MC11, deliverables that would benefit all 
Members with development at the core.  
4.95.   Bilateral trade between Malays ia and Cambodia has been relatively was valued at 
US$424.4  million in 2016 of which Malaysia's exports amounted to US$284.6 million and imports 
valued at US$139.8million. Malaysia's main export s to Cambodia are mainly textiles, apparels and 
footwear, follo wed by petroleum products and processed food. Imports from Cambodia are mainly 
textiles, natural rubber and palm oil and palm based agriculture products. While trade remains 
small, the trend has indicated a gradual increase since 2002 to 2016.  
4.96.   On the inves tment front, Cambodia has emerged as among key destination for Malaysian 
companies. This include in the areas of manufacturing as well as the services and the financial 
sector. Cambodia's relatively open and liberal investment regime has been the key to FD I. While 
so, we encourage Cambodia to continue pursuing business friendly trade and investment policies.  
4.97.   Malaysia would like to express our appreciation to the responses that Cambodia has 
provided to our written questions these are currently being examined  at the Capital. We will also 
be submitting additional questions later and look forward to receiving the feedback.  
4.98.   Malaysia wishes the delegation of Cambodia a successful second trade policy review.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  THAILAND  
4.99.   Thailand would like to associate itself with ASE AN's statement delivered by Ambassador Tan 
of Singapore.  
4.100.   As close neighbors and members of ASEAN, Cambodia and Thailand have a strong and 
longstanding trade relation. Thailand and Cambodia established a Joint Trade Committee in the 
year 2000, with a view t o enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation, the forum is chaired 
by the respective Ministers of Commerce and 6 meetings have been held.  
4.101.   In September, our Prime Minister also visited Phnom Penh for a successful third 
Thailand -Cambodia Joint Cabinet Retreat. During the said meeting, Thailand and Cambodia also 
signed a double taxation agreement that protects each country's nationals from dual taxation, 
aiming to encourage bilateral investment and strengthen economic ties.  
4.102.   Both countries are also member s of the ASEAN Economic Community which provides trade 
and investment liberalization within ASEAN where we look to further enhance the AEC with 
continuous liberalizations.  
4.103.   With strong fundamentals for trade cooperation, our bilateral trade has been expandi ng 
steadily at a healthy level, averaging 15.1% growth annually since 2011. As a result, Cambodia 
ranked as Thailand's 21st largest trading partner in 2016, with trade value of US$5.55 billion. We 
hope that the mutually beneficial trader relation will cont inue. 
4.104.   We would like to congratulate Cambodia on its solid economic growth since the last review, 
with real GDP growth averaging 7% since 2011, driven mainly by the construction, manufacturing, 
and tourism sectors.  
4.105.   We commend Cambodia for having ratified th e Agreement on Trade Facilitation in February 
last year, and also for further enhancing its customs procedures and improving clearance time, 
including through the initiation of procedures for advance ruling and the implementation of the 
Single Administrati ve Document, the one -stop mechanism, and the "Best Trader Programme", 
used as a first step towards the Authorized Economic Operator Programme.  
4.106.   We note that Investment regimes remain open and investor -friendly, and that the 
Government is proactively address ing longstanding weaknesses and arising challenges such as 
basic infrastructure costs, access and cost of finance, skill shortages, logistics and trade 
facilitation, and technology upgrading.  
4.107.   Cambodia has been an active and valued contributor in the WTO, e specially as the 
coordinator of the LDC Group and as an essential member of the ASEAN family here in Geneva. 
We also congratulate Cambodia as it further emphasized its commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and the WTO by officially establishing the  Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the WTO 
earlier this year.  
4.108.   In this review, Thailand submitted several questions to Cambodia and we look forward to 
the responses which we will study with great interest.  
4.109.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its ap preciation to the Cambodian delegation 
for today's presentation. We are thankful for the close and friendly cooperation with Cambodia in 
every level, including the Geneva -based Cambodian delegation led by Ambassador Pich Rithi. We 
wish Cambodia every succe ss in this second trade policy review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.110.   Australia is pleased to participate in the second trade policy review of Cambodia, and we 
thank Cambodia for its responses to the questions Australia submitted.  
4.111.   Australia has a long -standing engagement in C ambodia spanning over 65 years since the 
establishment of diplomatic relations. Our bilateral relationship is broad and covers many areas WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  including trade and investment, development cooperation, education, transnational crime and 
regional security.  
4.112.   We are working together to maximise trade and investment opportunities in the region, 
including by negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and further 
implementing AANZFTA. We are committed to economic cooperation through multilateral forums 
such as the World Trade Organization and the East Asia Summit. This shared commitment has 
promoted prosperity and economic integration in our region.  
4.113.   As one of the working party Members that negotiated with Cambodia ahead of its WTO 
accession, Australia is pleased to continue to engage with Cambodia in the WTO. We welcome 
Cambodia's progress from one of the first two least developed countries to join WTO through the 
full accession, to Cambodia's role this year as coordinator of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) 
Group in the WTO. Cambodia's role will no doubt translate into a stronger engagement by LDCs in 
the global trading system and to an invigorated WTO.  
4.114.   Cambodia is one of the fastest -growing economies in our region, with strong activity in 
garment manuf acturing, tourism and construction. This growth saw Cambodia's economy reach 
lower -middle income status in 2015.  
4.115.   Alongside Cambodia's economic growth and poverty reduction, we note that bilateral trade 
with Australia has rapidly increased, albeit from a l ow base. Total two -way merchandise trade 
increased from AUD52 million in 2010 to AUD258 million in 2016. The Australian aid programme is 
supporting ways to increase incomes through private sector engagement, while also continuing to 
help improve health and  education outcomes, and agricultural productivity.  
4.116.   Australia continues to work closely with Cambodia and all ASEAN member States to 
strengthen regional intellectual property systems. Under the Australia WIPO Funds -in-Trust 
Australia supported WIPO to assi st Cambodia formulate a national IP strategy in 2013. The aim of 
the National IP Strategy is to harness national IP capacities to achieve development goals and 
policies. Australia has also worked through the ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Area 
Economic Cooperation Work Programme to support Cambodian accession to and implementation of 
the Madrid Protocol. Australia welcomes the accession of Cambodia to the Madrid Protocol as well 
as the Patent Cooperation Treaty.  
4.117.   We acknowledge Cambodia's policies t hat seek to sustain growth, create jobs and 
modernise and diversify its economy, particularly into tourism and other service sectors. 
Notwithstanding, we urge Cambodia to continue to improve its business, trade and investment 
operating environment, and to encourage balanced foreign investment from diverse sources.  
4.118.   We wish Cambodia a successful trade policy review and look forward to the discussions 
over the next few days.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.119.   Korea and Cambodia have enjoyed an excellent economic relationship over the years. Last 
year the two -way trade volume between two countries reached to US$801 million which is 
15 times bigger than that of 1997 when two countries re -established the diplomatic relation. 
Moreover, with a total accumulation of US$4.5 billion o f investments, Korea is the second largest 
foreign investor in Cambodia.  
4.120.   From 1987 to 2016, Korea provided Cambodia with a development aid of US$203 million 
focusing on education, health, rural development and transportation.   
4.121.   Our economic relationship h as been further enhanced since the entry into force of the FTA 
in goods between Korean and the ASEAN in 2008, FTA in Services in 2009, and FTA in Investment 
in 2010 respectively.  
4.122.   We are pleased to note that our two countries are currently negotiating Double taxation 
avoidance Agreement. In this regards, our two Governments should encourage our delegation to WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  actively engage in and to conclude the negotiation in a timely manner in order to provide our 
investors with  a better business environment.  
4.123.   We note tha t Cambodia has achieved steady economic growth since its previous TPR in 
2011 as the Secretariat's report highlights. It is noteworthy that the ratio of trade in goods and 
services to GDP increased to around 140% in 2016 from 127% in 2011. Supported by Cam bodia's 
liberal and investor -friendly regime as indicated in the Report, FDI inflows also rose to 
US$2.3  billion during the review period.  
4.124.   In this regards, we recognize and praise Cambodia's strong commitment to an open and 
multilateral trade system. Korea  appreciates Cambodia 's important role as LDC Group coordinator 
for MC11. Cambodia improved its WTO commitments by ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA). D uring the review period, Cambodia has also made a meaningful improvement  in its 
customs pr ocedures. We also note that Cambodia continues to pursue trade liberalization through 
regional trade agreements, including the negotiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP).  
4.125.   While it is fair to highlight Cambodia's achievements, I w ould like to take this opportunity 
to point out some concerns over Cambodia's trade -related policies. We are concerned about the 
escalation of Cambodia's average applied tariff rate by 0.6% during the review period.2 We also 
note that in some cases the app lied rates are above their bound levels. We are also concerned 
about the revocation of Economic Land Concessions (ELCs). We are of the view that fair 
compensations should be given to foreign investors for the cancelled ELCs.  
4.126.   At this TPR, Korea  submitted ad vance written questions on the prepayment tax regarding 
industries that are exempted, exemption period, impact on industries, etc. We thank the 
delegation of Cambodia for providing answers to those questions, which we will review carefully.   
4.127.   Korea is plea sed to note the steps Cambodia has taken since the last review to make the 
overall trading environment more efficient and we certainly encourage Cambodia to continue in the 
direction of facilitating trade, increasing investment, strengthening administrativ e capacity and 
enhancing the overall economic environment in a sustainable way.  
4.128.   Korea looks forward to working with Cambodia to enhance opportunities for trade and 
investment, and hence promote Cambodia's economic growth.  
4.129.   In closing, we would like to expr ess once again appreciation to the delegation of Cambodia 
for their hard work and wish them every success in this TPR.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.130.   The Philippines associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by Ambassador Tan 
Yee Woan of Singapore that recognizes Cambodia's recent remarkable economic growth and its 
leadership role as coordinator of the LDC group in the WTO this year.  
4.131.   The Philippines and Cambodia have long -standing bilateral relations. In fact, this year 
marks the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic  relations. Bilateral trade continues to expand with 
Philippine exports to Cambodia increasing by more than 76% in 2016 compared to the previous 
year. Similarly, Philippine imports from Cambodia expanded by more than 68% during the same 
period.  
4.132.   In December  2011, the Philippines and Cambodia held the first Joint Commission for 
Bilateral Consultations (JCBC) in Phnom Penh. This paved the way for the signing of a 
memorandum of agreement on air services in 2012, which led to the launch of direct flights 
between  Manila and Siem Reap. The availability of direct flights helped boost tourism, trade and 
commerce, and people connectivity between our two countries.  
                                                
2 Cambodia 's simple average applied MFN tariff rose from 11.7% in 2011 to 12.3% in 2017.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.133.   Our established bilateral ties were reaffirmed during the State Visit of the Philippine 
President to Camb odia on 13 -14 December 2016, where cooperation agreements in the areas of 
labor, sports, combatting transnational crimes, and tourism were signed.  
4.134.   Cambodia's prudent macroeconomic management has resulted in its inclusive and 
widespread economic growth wit h moderate inflation, relatively low unemployment, and 
manageable external debt levels. It has also maintained an open economy committed to the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.135.   The Philippines notes that international trade remained central to Cambodia's effor ts in 
raising the incomes and welfare of its citizens. The trading regimes of WTO, ASEAN, and the 
various generalized system of preferences (GSP) of WTO Members, shape the external 
environment in which Cambodia pursues its development objectives.  
4.136.   The Phili ppines appreciates Cambodia's support during the Philippines' Chairmanship of the 
ASEAN this year and we look forward to further strengthening the economic relations between our 
two countries through the upcoming Philippines -Cambodia JCBC in the Philippine s in 
December  2017.  
4.137.   In closing, the Philippines congratulates Cambodia's Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak and 
Ambassador Pich Rithi for its second trade policy review. We also like to express our appreciation 
to Ambassador Frances Mary Lisson of Australia fo r her insightful comments as discussant, and to 
the Secretariat for a comprehensive report.  
MYANMAR  
4.138.   It is also a great pleasure for us to associate ourselves with the statements delivered on 
behalf of the ASEAN and the LDCs.  
4.139.   Myanmar and Cambodia are closel y working together not only in WTO's Multilateral 
Trading System but also in many regional agendas including ASEAN and GMS. In terms of bilateral 
initiative, Myanmar and Cambodia signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of 
ordinary passport s in Nay Pyi Taw in December 2013. The two countries agreed to establish joint 
marketing efforts including joint events to promote new package tours such as a proposed 
"Angkor -Bagan, Two Ancient Capitals -One Destination" tour. According to our record, the two-way 
trade between Myanmar and Cambodia reached about US$3 million in 2016 -2017 Fiscal Year.  
4.140.   Cambodia has taken the role of LDCs Group Coordinator for this year, 2017, and we have 
fully supported Cambodia in this role. We believe that the role of LDCs Group Coordinator in the 
WTO is very important for the Group and we congratulate Cambodia for its best contribution and 
able leadership as the Coordinator for LDCs Group.  
4.141.   Based on the Secretariat's report, I would like to highlight some points on trade and  
economic development of Cambodia as well as some key policy measures and reforms. The real 
GDP of Cambodia has increased 7% annually and it is remarkable. The merchandise trade volume 
of Cambodia was US$22.5 billion in 2016. The foreign exchange reserves reached approximately 
US$8.3 billion in 2016. During the review period, the FDI inflow of Cambodia is US$2.3 billion.  
4.142.   In this review period, Cambodia has undertaken some institutional and regulatory reform 
initiatives in areas including the promotion of th e Ministry of Commerce's role, the establishment 
of a Permanent Mission to the WTO, and anti -corruption. Cambodia adopted the Revenue 
Mobilization Strategy (RMS) in 2014 and launched the Industrial Development Policy (IDP) in 
2015.  
4.143.   In the areas of trade re lated regulations, Cambodia enacted the Law on Geographical 
Indication (GI) in 2014 and acceded in 2015 to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement 
Concerning the International Registration of Marks. Cambodia has become a member of the Patent 
Cooperat ion Treaty and the Hague Agreement concerning the International Registration of 
Industrial Designs in 2016. Moreover, Cambodia already ratified the WTO's Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA) which has entered into force early this year.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.144.   The delegation of My anmar is pleased to convey our sincere appreciation to His Excellency 
Mr. Pan Sorasak, Head of delegation and his team for their constructive engagement throughout 
this TPR.  
4.145.   In conclusion, we wish the delegation of Cambodia every success in their second tr ade 
policy review.  
INDIA  
4.146.   Since the last review, the Cambodian economy has witnessed a robust GDP growth rate of 
over 7% annually and sharp rise in per capita income. The growth has been driven by 
construction, manufacturing (mainly garment exports) and tou rism services. The economic growth 
which has been inclusive has led to decline in inequality and poverty in Cambodia. The challenges 
for Cambodia as an LDC include structural constraints in the economy, addressing poverty, 
vulnerability to financial shocks , narrow economic base, exchange rate fluctuations, fiscal deficits 
and under -developed financial markets. Cambodia also has a large informal sector which is 
dependent on agriculture and services. We commend the Government of Cambodia for taking 
several me asures which include prudent macroeconomic management, launching the industrial 
development policy in 2015, simplification of trade and investment regime in adopting a revenue 
mobilisation strategy in 2014 which has augmented government revenues and helped  in fiscal 
consolidation. As a result of new investment policies during the period under review the FDI 
inflows into Cambodia also rose to US$2.3 billion mainly in the manufacturing, garments, 
agriculture and financial sectors.  
4.147.   India and Cambodia share war m, cordial and friendly relations. Under India's "Look -East 
Policy" our ties in recent years have further strengthened and deepened with Cambodia and all 
other ASEAN countries. There have been regular high -level, political and also business exchanges 
betwe en both countries. India's trade with Cambodia which stood at US$141 million in 2016 -17 
though modest has considerable potential to grow in areas like drug products, pharmaceuticals, 
textiles, automobiles, machinery, agricultural products, spices and metal s. Indian companies are 
also looking at investing in Cambodia in areas like tourism, services, education and manufacturing.  
4.148.   Under the Development Partnership Cooperation, India is assisting Cambodia for 
implementing several development projects in the area s including drinking water supply, power, 
education, agriculture, health and capacity building. The assistance projects include restoration of 
Angkor Wat Temple, restoration of Ta Prohm Temple, setting up of an Asian Traditional Textile 
Museum and Centre i n Siem Reap, and lines of credit (i) US$65.20 million to Cambodia for water 
development and transmission line projects; and (ii) two LOCs are also currently under 
consideration amounting to US$37 million and US$20 million for two development projects. Indi a 
has also provided grant assistance to Cambodia for Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong 
Ganga Cooperation Initiative in areas like health, women empowerment and agriculture, drinking 
water projects in rural areas and Siem Reap basin, besides, other hum anitarian assistance from 
time to time.  
4.149.   India is actively engaged with ASEAN in implementing many developmental assistance 
projects including in Cambodia. For capacity building and human resources development, India is 
regularly offering scholarships to a large number of Cambodian professionals under India's 
Economic and Technical Cooperation Programme.  
4.150.   India has always been a supporter of special dispensation for LDCs and provides 98.2% 
tariff lines as duty free or preferential access to LDCs with applicab le tariff on all cotton lines at 
zero. We have also provided one of the most liberal packages for services waiver, including 
complete waiver of visa fees.  
4.151.   To conclude, we look forward to working with the authorities of Cambodia for further 
expanding and ha rnessing the potential of our trade and investment ties for mutual benefit. We 
also wish to place on record our appreciation for the good work and the cooperation extended by 
Cambodia's Mission to the WTO as the Coordinator for LDCs Group. We wish the dele gation of 
Cambodia a productive and successful TPR.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  VIET  NAM 
4.152.   We would like to associate ourselves with the ASEAN joint statement delivered by 
Ambassador Tan of Singapore.  
4.153.   Since Cambodia's first trade policy review, the Cambodian economy has been performin g 
remarkably, with the GDP growth rate at over 7%. Construction, manufacturing (mainly garments 
exports) and tourism -related services have been the drivers of growth. It is well noted that since 
accession, international trade has been crucial to Cambodia's  efforts to achieve rapid and 
sustained socio -economic development as it has been a key element of the country's efforts to 
reduce poverty and inequality, and to boost economic growth.  
4.154.   We have noted with appreciation that since its first TPR, Cambodia has undertaken 
numerous trade -related, investment policy, institutional and regulatory reforms and enhanced 
measures to promote trade good governance In addition, Cambodia is working to improve its 
commercial law regime for the purpose of creating a more trans parent and predictable business 
environment that will help attract investment. We appreciate Cambodia's continued commitment 
to the multilateral trading system, in particular, by timely ratifying the TFA during the review 
period. We also appreciate Cambodi a's active engagement in the WTO works, including its active 
role as the coordinator for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Group this year.  
4.155.   Viet Nam and Cambodia have a strong and longstanding trade relation. Over the past few 
years, Viet Nam has been one of the largest trading partners of Cambodia. In 2016, the trade 
value between Viet Nam and Cambodia amounted to about US$2.92 billion. In the first nine 
months of 2017, the two -way trade amounted to US$2.8 billion, up 30.1% compared to the same 
period of last year. In the preceding months of 2017, Viet Nam's export to Cambodia reached 
about US$2 billion, up to 23.4% from 2016. Import from Cambodia increased nearly 50% year -on-
year to US$828 million, bringing Viet Nam to become the third largest trading partner of 
Cambodia.  
4.156.   In terms of investment, Viet Nam is currently the fifth biggest investor in Cambodia with 
183 projects, amounting to US$2.85 billion.  
4.157.   Sharing more than 1.100 km of border, Cambodia is not only our geographically and 
traditionally clos e neighbor, but also an important trading partner. In this regard, we welcome the 
country's numerous achievements in its socio -economic development. Last but not least, I would 
like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Ambassador Pich Ri thi and his able 
team in Geneva for the constructive contribution to, and proactive engagement in the WTO work. 
We wish the Cambodian delegation a successful trade policy review.  
NEPAL  
4.158.   Cambodia has been able to maintain over 7% growth in GDP, meeting the t arget of the 
Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs and progress achieved in human development index 
indicates its steady move towards graduation. The growth of per capita income is appreciable 
which increased from US$911 in the first TPR year 2011 to US$1, 300 at present. The economy 
based on construction and manufacturing sector, garments being the main export is 
complemented by tourism -related services to some extent. Typical to problems commonly faced in 
LDCs, Cambodia needs to continue working in diversi fication of export of products and services. 
The increasing trend of inward investment flow would be helpful in this regard if the momentum is 
continued. The macroeconomic fundamentals including moderate inflation, a stable exchange rate, 
relatively low un employment, and manageable external debt are noteworthy.  
4.159.   It is encouraging to see the progress registered by the Government of Cambodia in the 
areas of foreign direct investment, infrastructure development, customs reforms and trade 
facilitation as well a s transparent and predictable legal reforms complying with WTO obligations.  
4.160.   We appreciate the efforts of Cambodian Government to establish the Permanent Mission to 
the WTO led by Excellency Mr. Pitch Richi. This initiative could be supportive for Cambodia  to 
engage further in the multilateral trading system. I wish Cambodia a success in its role as LDC 
Group Coordinator at the WTO.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.161.   The bilateral relations between Nepal and Cambodia have always remained cordial and 
friendly. It is the matter of satisfaction  to mention that Nepal and Cambodia are the first LDCs 
having joined to the WTO in 2004 under the Article 12 of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing 
the WTO. The macroeconomic policies, including trade and industrial ones, prove that both 
countries are ful ly committed towards rule based multilateral trading system. We appreciate 
Cambodia's role as an active member in strengthening trade and economic integration in the 
ASEAN regional Group.  
4.162.   Nepal and Cambodia could work together in promoting cultural and re ligious tourism along 
the Hindu -Buddhist historic trails. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha in Nepal, for instance, 
could be linked for joint promotion of tourism for mutual benefits.  
4.163.   Cambodia being a least developed country needs further assistance to overcome structural 
and institutional weaknesses in the economy and build productive capacity to boost trade, which is 
an enable of sustainable development. Together with Cambodia and other members in the LDC 
group, we work together to achieve our commo n goal.  
4.164.   Finally, I wish Cambodia a very successful and productive trade policy review.  
LAO PDR 
4.165.   We would like to congratulate Cambodia for their tremendous efforts over this year to take 
up as the Chairmanship of LDCs Group under WTO.  
4.166.   Regarding trade betwee n the Kingdom of Cambodia and Lao PDR, total merchandise trade 
between the two countries amounted to nearly US$17.8 million in 2016 with a positive trade 
balance for Lao PDR. Despite this, the annual growth in value of Lao exports to Cambodia between 
2013 and 2015 reached 192%, but declined by 27% in 2016 compared to 2015. Exports of Lao 
products to Cambodia, which were valued in 2016 at US$16,8 millions, consisted essentially of 
vehicles, and parts and accessories thereof, electricity, beverages, spirits, its raw commodities 
(lead, copper) and some coffee. Leading imports from Cambodia are live animals and machinery. 
Total imports of Cambodian products represented 0.9 million in 2016. In sum, trade in goods 
between Lao PDR and the Kingdom of Cambodia increa sed by 574% in 3 years (from 2013 to 
2015) at an annual average growth of 181%, but declined by 27% in 2016 compared to 2015.  
4.167.   We hope that our fruitful trade and economic relationship with the Kingdom of Cambodia 
will grow further and stronger. Lao PDR wis hes every success to the Kingdom of Cambodia in its 
second trade policy review.  
BRUNEI  DARUSSALAM  
4.168.   We would like to associate ourselves with the ASEAN statement delivered by Singapore.  
4.169.   Brunei Darussalam enjoys strong political, social and economic cooperati on with Cambodia, 
not only under the ambit of ASEAN but also at the bilateral level. For the past two years, our 
bilateral cooperation has strengthened in every aspect, especially in the field of agriculture, 
education, youth, culture, and labour.  
4.170.   On 25 Ma y 2017, we took another step forward as we signed the Double Taxation 
Agreement. This agreement is a significant step forward for us to further enhance our economic, 
trade and investment cooperation through the private sector's participation. Brunei Daruss alam is 
confident that this would provide us leverage to expand our areas of cooperation in the long run.  
4.171.   Overall, our economic cooperation has been rewarding and this can be observed from our 
two-way trade alone. The total trade has increased from an esti mated value of US$53 thousand in 
2015 to US$13 million in 2016, whereby most of trade was concentrated in agriculture sector. 
Noting Cambodia's outstanding pace of improvements in the business environment for greater 
industrialization as well as attracting  more foreign direct investment, we certainly foresee a 
diversification in our trading relationship in the near future.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.172.   Before I conclude, Brunei Darussalam's delegation would like to wish Cambodia every 
success in their second trade policy review.  
BÉNIN  AU NOM  DU GROUPE  DES  PMA 
4.173.   Le Groupe apprécie les efforts fournis par le Cambodge dans son rôle de coordinateur du 
Groupe des PMA depuis le 20 février 2017. Ensemble avec le Cambodge, nous avons travaillé sur 
des priorités, sujet d'intérêt pour les membres du  Groupe en vue de la 11ème Conférence 
ministérielle de l'OMC à Buenos Aires en Argentine d'ici à deux semaines. Le Groupe espère obtenir 
de fructueux résultats au terme de cette conférence dans l'intérêt de tous les PMA à l'OMC.  
4.174.   Selon les critères des Nati ons Unies, le Royaume du Cambodge est classé dans la catégorie 
des PMA. C'est une économie ouverte et dépendante des exportations comme source de croissance 
et de création d'emplois. Le commerce international et l'investissement dans le commerce ont joué 
un rôle crucial pour accroître les revenus de ce pays et contribuer au bien -être des populations du 
Cambodge. Depuis son accession à l'OMC en 2004, le Cambodge a enregistré de remarquables 
progrès qui ont contribué à booster le développement économique et l e renforcement de sa 
capacité du côté de l'offre afin de leur permettre de participer aux échanges commerciaux en 
contribuant à réduire la pauvreté au Cambodge.  
4.175.   Depuis son premier EPC en 2011, le Royaume du Cambodge a continué d'enregistrer une 
croissance moyenne annuelle de 7% et une inflation qui a décru de 5,5% en 2001 à 1,2% en 
2015. Le taux de pauvreté qui était à 53% en 2004 est passé à 21% en 2010 et a chuté jusqu'à 
13,5% en 2014.  
4.176.   Les secteurs de la construction, de l'industrie, notamment l'industrie  textile, l'agriculture et 
les services touristiques ont été les moteurs de cette croissance. En effet, le secteur de la 
construction et des BTP ont été les plus dynamiques avec une croissance d'environ 14% en 2004, 
19% en 2015, et 32% en 2016. Les activit és industrielles demeurent prioritaires en terme de la 
contribution à l'économie et à la création d'emplois et à l'exportation des marchandises. Sa part 
dans la valeur ajoutée s'est accrue de 15,2% en 2011 à 16,1% en 2016. Le Cambodge continue 
d'enregistre r des progrès dans la filière textile dont le taux de croissance de cette filière s'établit 
autour de 8% par an sur la période 2012 -2016. L'agriculture joue également un important rôle 
dans la croissance économique de ce pays contribuant à l'équité, le mai ntien de la sécurité 
alimentaire et la réduction de la pauvreté à travers le développement de l'économie rurale. Quant 
au commerce des services, il a largement contribué à la valeur ajoutée du Cambodge avec une 
part à l'économie qui s'est accrue de 37% en 2011 à 39,2% en 2016.  
4.177.   Le Cambodge a enregistré ces progrès macroéconomiques et commerciaux grâce à des 
réformes courageuses qu'il a entreprises. Il est ressorti du rapport du Gouvernement cambodgien 
la poursuite de son processus de réformes législatives co nformément à ses engagements à l'OMC. 
Toutes ces réformes ont eu un impact significatif à la fois sur la promotion du commerce et ont 
rendu plus attractif l'environnement des affaires au Cambodge. De plus, le Groupe note 
l'importance du Système généralisé des préférences et du programme d'accès en franchise de 
droits et sans contingent (FDSC) qui demeurent majeurs pour le renforcement des capacités 
d'exportation du Cambodge: environ 80% de la croissance des exportations du Cambodge 
bénéficie de ces facilité s. Ces incitations, combinées avec un régime cambodgien d'investissements 
étrangers directs, attractifs, contribuent en majeur partie à la performance économique de ce 
pays. Le Groupe apprécie également l'appui très important que le Programme de Cadre inté gré 
renforcé a apporté au Cambodge afin de l'accompagner à travers l'assistance technique et 
financière.  
4.178.   Pour terminer, le Cambodge et les PMA souhaitent que l'OMC et ses Membres apportent 
l'assistance technique nécessaire dans la maîtrise et la mise en œu vre des rênes du système 
commercial multilatéral, le renforcement des capacités concernant les mesures SPS et TBT ou 
également pour la mise en œuvre des dispositions de l'Accord de l'OMC sur la facilitation des 
échanges. Différents autres domaines méritent  l'assistance technique pour les PMA.  
4.179.   Au nom du Groupe des PMA, la délégation du Bénin remercie le Secrétariat pour la 
documentation élaborée et, à l'occasion de la présente session, elle félicite S.E. M. Rithi Pich, 
Ambassadeur, Représentant permanent du Cambodge auprès de l'OMC et son équipe à Genève WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  pour les interactions utiles qu'ils mènent dans le cadre des travaux du Groupe des PMA à l'OMC. La 
délégation du Bénin souhaite plein succès au Cambodge pour son deuxième examen des politiques 
commerciales.  
YEMEN   
4.180.   Yemen associates itself with the statement just delivered by Benin on behalf of the LDC 
Group.  
4.181.   Yemen's delegation commends Cambodia for its economic success. The economic 
indicators show high levels of performance since the first TPR in 2011 as illus trated by the 
Minister's opening statement and earlier statements.  
4.182.   However, Cambodia, as an LDC, needs further facilitation and assistance to continue its 
economic success story. As an LDC, Yemen is looking up to the Cambodia experience and hopes to 
utilize it in future development endeavours .  
4.183.   We wish Cambodia a very successful second TPR.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
4.184.   Mozambique would like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Cambodia for 
the responses made available which allowed us to see developments and al l efforts made by the 
Government aiming at development.  
4.185.   We congratulate the Government for all the policies taken and carried out on measures 
aiming at improving the business environment, structural transformation in the country and 
diversification of the goods.  
4.186.   Like my country, though there are substantive differences, Cambodia is an LDC, and faces 
many challenges in its attempts aiming at development. We support the statement presented by 
Benin on behalf of the LDC Group and we would only like to join our  voice to request developed 
partners and all those in condition to do so, to lend their support, technical and financial assistance 
to Cambodia in all its attempts to become a graduated LDC. We would also like to address our 
thanks to Cambodia for all the efforts in coordinating our LDC Group and all the support devoted to 
aiming at seeing development in all LDC countries.  
4.187.   We wish Cambodia a successful Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  NATIONS  INDUSTRIAL  DEVELOPMENT  ORGANIZATION  (UNIDO)  
4.188.   With Cambodia we have been  cooperating successfully for many years. UNIDO's technical 
cooperation in Cambodia has focused on agro -industry, trade capacity development, in particular 
the development of quality infrastructure and conformity assessment services, renewable energy, 
resource efficiency, SME development, and environmental management. The total UNIDO 
programme value is over US$42 million. Cambodia's commitment to promoting inclusive and 
sustainable industrial development is commendable. There are currently 5 ongoing project s with a 
total value of US$12.9 million (including one regional project) and 4 pipeline projects, with a 
proposed total budget of US$7.2 million.  
4.189.   In November of 2016, UNIDO and the Government of Cambodia signed a Country 
Programme Framework. Developed toge ther with the Government, the Country Programme covers 
a five -year period (2016 -2020) and proposes interventions in agro -industry development; 
strengthening export trade potential, and pro -poor and inclusive SME development. The Country 
Programme has taken  cognizance of three current strategic documents that outline the 
Government's strategic plan: (i) the National Strategic Development Plan 2014 -2018; (ii) the 
Cambodia Trade Integration Strategy 2014 -2018; and (iii) the Industrial Development Policy 
2015-2025 to ensure inclusive economic growth and enhance the country's participation in global 
value chains.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  4.190.   In Cambodia agriculture, fisheries and forestry is one of the largest contributors to GDP 
(25.7%) and fisheries export is considered as a top priority. The Secretariat report makes a 
reference to the highly successful case of fishery comprehensive and inclusive value chain 
development implemented jointly by UNIDO, the Cambodian Ministries, and private sector and 
funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework  (EIF).  
4.191.   Launched within the Export Diversification and Expansion Programme, the Marine Fisheries 
Product component aimed at improving export readiness, increasing capacities to meet the 
regulatory market requirements and enhancing the competitiveness of th e sector's export. The 
project has achieved policy, development, social and financial impact:  
 The notable impact on policy side is the incorporation of some findings of sectoral analysis in 
the Strategic Planning Framework for 2018 -2024 and draft Value Cha in Development 
Strategic Framework for 2018 -2024.  
 The project has successfully advocated for reforms in the regulatory framework governing 
fisheries post -harvest and trade.  
 Four new Cambodian standards were developed which are harmonized with ASEAN 
require ments.  
 Two processing plants are HACCP certified. HACCP certified fishery products in the domestic 
market will ensure customer protection and safety. The project has also resulted in attacking 
foreign investors. For example, a US investor is currently esta blishing a HACCP certified and 
modern plant in the country.  
4.192.   We would like to acknowledge the good cooperation and support of Ministry of Commerce 
and Fishery Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.  
4.193.   Building on present well -founded cooperation and outcomes achieved, advancing the 
partnership to another level is on our agenda. During Director General Li's official visit to 
Cambodia in April of this year, ways to reinforce the partnership to further advance the country's 
inclusiv e and sustainable industrial development through the introduction of a Programme for 
Country Partnership was discussed. This will assist private sector development, boost economic 
competitiveness and innovation while introducing measures to better protect the environment. It 
will also focus on industrial skills development, trade related capacity -building and trade 
facilitation, logistics services and trade -related infrastructure growth. The PCP is a cooperation 
model for accelerating inclusive and sustaina ble industrial development in the Member States 
aligned with the national development agenda. It mobilizes partners and resources to achieve 
larger development impact.  
4.194.   To conclude, we wish Cambodia a very successful trade policy review.  
H.E.  MR. PAN SORASA K (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)   
4.195.   On behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and my entire delegation, I 
would like to express my sincere thanks to all Members for their statements and active 
participation at this first day of our second TPR. My delegati on appreciates the remarkable 
welcoming and congratulations made by Members. We took seriously the encouragements, 
comments, suggestions and questions raised by Members. Cambodia commits to working closely 
with all Members to improve our business environme nt, to fulfil international obligations with the 
purpose of raising the standard of living and reducing poverty in our country. I look forward to 
seeing all of you again on our second day of our TPR to be held on 23 November 2017.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENT ATIVE OF CAMBODIA AN D ADDITIONAL COMMENT S 
5.1.  I would like first of all to thank you for your expert guidance of our discussions last Tuesday. 
My special thanks also go to our discussant, Ambassador Frances Mary Lisson, for her helpful 
opening remarks.  
5.2.  Cambodi a is well aware that its trade regime requires further improvement in order to 
achieve full compliance with WTO norms. As the Secretariat report and our Government's report 
have pointed out, we have in place a number of policies, strategies and work progra mmes 
designed to bring about the necessary improvements. The discussion on the 21st of November was 
helpful in this regard, because it allowed us to hear directly from WTO Members their assessment, 
concerns and priorities regarding our progress. I wish to thank Members for their contributions, 
and assure them that we will take fully into account all Members' comments.  
5.3.  I also took special note of the interventions of the LDCs. As you know, Cambodia has had the 
honor of coordinating the LDC group, and has mad e every effort to help them articulate their views 
to the Membership. The international trade regime requires constant attention to ensure that it 
provides adequate trading opportunities for LDC, and the Group's activities are designed to put 
forward modif ications in the regime that would allow LDCs to make fuller use of trade in fostering 
their own development, a result that all Members seek. One previous modification in favor of LDCs 
has played an important role in Cambodia's own development efforts: DFQF  Market Access has 
allowed Cambodia to turn trade into an engine of growth. I hope that Members will recall the 
success that they have had with this modification when considering proposals for further 
modification recently submitted by the LDC Group. As co ordinator, we also seek to facilitate the 
engagement of LDCs in all aspects of the WTO's activities, thereby deepening their integration into 
the Multilateral Trading System, and will continue to do so as a member of the Troika when the 
coordinator -ship pa sses to another Member of the LDC Group.  
5.4.  I should also like to note with appreciation Members' comments on the establishment of 
Cambodia's Permanent Mission to the WTO in Geneva. In this regard, we wish to express our deep 
appreciation for all the support extended to the Permanent Mission, led by Ambassador Pich Rithi. 
Ambassador Pich and his effective team will continue to actively participate in the work of WTO, 
including the negotiation process and coordination with LDCs on their priorities in order to p roduce 
a fruitful outcome at the upcoming MC11. Cambodia looks forward to your continued support in 
the future.  
5.5.  I should like to turn now to some specific points raised by Members during Tuesday's 
discussion.  
5.6.  Cambodia recognizes the need to diversify its e xport basket, and, in particular, to foster the 
export of higher value -added products. To achieve this objective, the Cambodia Industrial 
Development Policy 2015 -2025 identifies the following priority sectors:  
 New industries: electronic assembly, natural r esource processing, high value -added garment 
products, industrial equipment assembly.  
 Supporting industries: SMEs supporting industry, light manufacturing, construction 
materials, food and beverage, packaging equipment for exports, transport and logistics . 
 Agro-industry.  
5.7.  As regards the diversification of export markets, Cambodia is actively seeking to promote 
non-traditional export products to new markets in the region by establishing export promotion 
points in the countries concerned. The success of these  efforts will, of course, depend not only on 
our promotion efforts but also on our ability to increase our competitiveness.  
5.8.  Cambodia's competitiveness in turn, is significantly affected by the costs of transportation, 
logistics and electricity.  
5.9.  Cambodia h as in place detailed strategies for improvement in transportation, logistics and 
electricity. These include significant improvement and expansion of our existing rivers and deep WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  water ports as well as a major upgrading in the highways serving these ports a nd connecting by 
land to neighboring countries and their ports. We are also upgrading both our rail lines and 
extending the line to the west so that it connects to Thai rail system, thereby contributing to the 
ASEAN connectivity. To ensure coherence of the se efforts, the Ministry of Public Works and 
Transportation is preparing a master plan covering all aspects of transportation and logistics.  
5.10.   As regards the cost of electricity, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Electricity 
Authority of Cambodia have  issued an electricity tariff reduction plan 2015 -2020, aiming at cutting 
tariffs by as much as 30% for households and industries. We have now put in place power 
generating capacity to meet our domestic needs, and have detailed plans to expand rapidly our 
generating capacity in the years ahead, in particular through the careful exploitation of 
hydropower. We are also starting to further diversify our energy mix with clean and renewable 
sources such as biofuel and solar, which will play a more important role  going forward.  
5.11.   Last Tuesday, many honorable speakers referred to the need to improve the business 
environment and good governance. I should like to make a few brief points in this respect. As 
regards investment procedures, these have gradually been simpl ified. Today, the registration and 
establishment process is easy for both domestic and foreign investors seeking investment 
guarantees and incentives as qualified investment projects (QIPs). It is based on automatic 
approval and a one -stop service that enc ompasses providing information, processing applications 
for approval, granting exemption of customs duty and tax, providing visas and work permits, and 
securing company registration.  
5.12.   Cambodia has also been undertaking judicial reforms, which greatly assis t our efforts to 
suppress corruption. These reforms have resulted in open courtrooms, published decisions and 
transparent recruitment and appointment procedures for court officials. We are strengthening our 
investigation and inspection procedures and are p reparing a draft law on the protection of 
witnesses and whistle blowers in corruption cases. We have also initiated a process through which 
private companies enter into MoUs with the Anti -Corruption Unit (ACU), committing themselves to 
refuse invitations t o engage in corruption and to report such invitations to the ACU. So far, 
83 MoUs have been signed. The ACU has put in place a detailed work programme designed to 
promote public intolerance of corruption and create impediments to corruption.  
5.13.   Members also expressed interest in knowing Cambodia's activities in the area of public 
procurement policy. Cambodia is now implementing its Public Financial Management Reform 
Programme, including public procurement. In this context, we are reforming the legal framework  
for public procurement and are engaged in capacity building for procurement officials. Cambodia is 
considering being an observer to the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement.  
5.14.   Cambodia has entered in a number of double taxation agreements with Member cou ntries 
and continues to engage with other countries. Negotiations of additional agreements are currently 
underway. Cambodia is open to consider ways to accelerate their completion.  
5.15.   Our discussant has underscored the importance of ensuring that Cambodia's external public 
debt remains at manageable level. We agree completely. Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) 
showed that all the five key indicators, that is, the ratio of debt to GDP, to exports, and to 
Government revenue and the ratio of debt service to exp orts and revenue are all well below the 
indicative thresholds. Cambodia's management of its external public debt is based on international 
best practice and Cambodia's public debt remains and will remain "sustainable" and at "low risk" of 
debt distress.  
5.16.   As regards the relationship between Cambodia's applied rates and bound rates, the 
transposition from the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2007 to AHTN 2012 and 
from AHTN 2012 to AHTN 2017 had the unintended result of allowing applied rates on 45 t ariff 
lines to exceed bound rates. These transpositions also resulted in a slight increase in Cambodia's 
unweighted average applied tariff rates. The Ministry of Economy and Finance is presently 
undertaking the necessary corrections for the breach of bound  rates, which are expected to be 
completed in 2018.  
5.17.   As noted by many speakers, Cambodia has made rapid progress in the area of Trade 
Facilitation. We will continue these efforts in the context of our implementation of the Trade WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  Facilitation Agreement. We are currently canvassing relevant ministries to obtain complete detailed 
information on our technical assistance needs, and will convey this information to the WTO as soon 
as possible. Cambodia encourages Members and development partners to come forward wi th the 
necessary assistance.  
5.18.   Members made a number of comments on Cambodia's WTO notifications. Cambodia's 
notifications in the area of Agriculture and Import Licensing are now out of date and Cambodia will 
update these notifications during 2018. Cambodia 's notification of standards is incomplete. At the 
moment, we have adopted 804 standards as Cambodian standards of which 151 are technical 
regulations. Twenty -nine of the technical regulations are national standards which are not aligned 
with international  standards. Three of them have already been notified and the remaining 26 will 
be notified in due course.  
5.19.   In recent years, Cambodia has made headway with its SPS regime development with 
respect to strengthening physical infrastructures and formulating pert inent regulations. These 
include investments in upgrading laboratory testing facilities in relevant competent authorities and 
academic institutions; establishment of five regional plant quarantine offices across the country to 
bring SPS inspection and cert ification services closer to end -users; and finalization of the draft law 
on plant protection and quarantine. The latter, currently under review by the Office of the Council 
of Ministers, will further fast -track the country's SPS regime enhancement, by tak ing into account 
relevant international standards and procedures.  
5.20.   A Food Safety Law is being drafted, and will provide a framework in which food safety and 
the wholesomeness of food in the Kingdom of Cambodia can be enhanced by preventing, 
controlling and eliminating hazards throughout the food chain. The Law will also ensure fair trade 
practices related to food.  
5.21.   Cambodia has signed a number of investment promotion and protection agreements with 
WTO Members. It also provides unilaterally protection to inve stments registered with the Council 
for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). One Member has drawn attention to the fact that one of 
its investors has encountered difficulties with its investment in an Economic Land Concession. We 
take good note of the Member 's concern and will bring it to the attention to the Government of the 
Kingdom of Cambodia.  
5.22.   There was a concern that Law on Trade Unions had not been well understood. Since the 
promulgation of the Law, several training and dissemination workshops have bee n conducted to 
ensure that trade unions and administrative officials have a clear understanding of the new system 
of registration. Workshops to review the registration procedures will be conducted in the 
immediate future.  
5.23.   Cambodia appreciates the technical  assistance provided by WIPO, WTO and its Members in 
the area of IP. WIPO has assisted in translations and publication of relevant legal documents, and 
in organizing capacity building workshops on IP treaties. Cambodia is willing to accede to the 
internati onal treaties but will use the transitional period given to LDCs by the TRIPS Council to 
build institutional capacity and human resources as well as prepare technical regulations.  
5.24.   When Cambodia accedes to international treaties, the act of promulgation in cludes a clause 
stipulating that the contents of the treaties become national law. In the case of IP treaties, it also 
stipulates that in case there is a difference between existing Cambodian laws and the treaty, the 
provisions of the treaty shall prevail.   
5.25.   Cambodia continues to improve IP enforcement. The Ministry of Commerce provides an 
avenue for the administrative resolution of disputes related to Marks. In order to clarify this 
process, the Ministry of Commerce intends to prepare regulations that will further clarify the 
procedures. We recognize the important role that ex officio measures play in IP enforcement at the 
border. We plan to take those steps necessary to allow our competent authorities to fully 
implement such measures.  
5.26.   The draft Law on Trad e Remedies was adopted by the National Assembly on 
12 October  2017 and approved by the Senate on 27 October 2017 and it is expected to be 
promulgated by December 2017. Cambodia will notify it to the WTO promptly.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  5.27.   I hope that my remarks will help Members t o have a better understanding of our trade 
regime and look forward to hearing further comments during the rest of this morning session.  
5.28.   Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.29.   Thank you Chairman and thank you again to Minister Sorasak and the Cambodian 
deleg ation for having me as discussant at this Review.  
5.30.   This has been a very constructive Review. The breadth of Members' statements and 
questions throughout this Review reveals the Membership's strong interest in Cambodia's 
engagement in the WTO.  
5.31.   Equally, Cam bodia's positive engagement in this Review - including its responses to 
questions submitted by Members - demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and highlight the positive strides Cambodia has taken to improve its trade and in vestment 
environment since its first Review in 2011.  
5.32.   I'd like to share a few reflections on the interventions from Members and on Cambodia's 
response.  
Questions and statements from Members  
5.33.   Several themes were recurrent in the statements and questions from  Members.  
5.34.   First, a number of Members commended Cambodia for its role as LDC coordinator this year 
and as a voice for LDCs in the lead up to MC11, and for having ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. There is evidently strong interest among Member s in seeing Cambodia's effective 
implementation of this Agreement, in particular to build on the useful role Cambodia is already 
undertaking to simplify and streamline its customs procedures.  
5.35.   Second, several Members sought clarification on Cambodia's plan s to rectify applied MFN 
tariff rates, which exceed WTO bound rates on many lines. I was pleased to hear that Cambodia is 
working to correct this breach and hope to have that implemented in 2018. Members also inquired 
about the number of notifications Camb odia had provided to the WTO and noted Cambodia's 
non-notification on state trading enterprises. Again, I understand that work is going ahead in 2018 
in this area.  
5.36.   Members also encouraged Cambodia to continue to modernize and strengthen its SPS 
regime. To  this end, it was pleasing to hear Cambodia was progressing laws on animal health, 
pesticides and fertilisers.  
5.37.   Plans to strengthen Cambodia's investment regime were also a focus in this review. We 
heard from Cambodia that FDI inflows had increased during the review period, and a number of 
Members highlighted examples of their own companies that had successfully established 
operations in Cambodia. Members inquired about Cambodia's plans for enhancing foreign 
investors' access to information, and encouraged Cambodia to continue its work on legislative and 
judicial reform, improved governance and transparency.  
5.38.   On intellectual property (IP) rights enforcement, numerous Members commended 
Cambodia's recent actions to join several IP -related conventions, but note d there was still room for 
improvement to address IP infringements.  
Cambodia's response  
5.39.   I was encouraged by Minister Sorasak's recognition both of the role Cambodia's open trade 
regime has played in its impressive economic growth to date, and the need for  Cambodia to 
continue its reforms and adjust to the rapidly changing global environment.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  5.40.   As Cambodia approaches graduation from the LDC group it will need to continue to look for 
ways to deepen its integration into the global economy through its participat ion in the multilateral 
trading system, regional initiatives and institutional reform.  
5.41.   The effective implementation of Cambodia's reform strategies will be critical. Indeed, the 
priority areas identified by Cambodia have aligned strongly with the issues ra ised by Members 
during this Review. These include:  
 improving the legal environment;  
 lowering the cost and difficulty of regulatory compliance;  
 increasing the quality of Cambodia's workforce; and  
 addressing issues relating to electricity, transport and lo gistics costs.  
5.42.   I was pleased to hear from Minister Sorasak that Cambodia will fully take on board the 
comments from Members and I encourage Cambodia to continue an active dialogue with its 
trading partners and to continue to take advantage of facilities s uch as the WTO Enhanced 
Integrated Framework to implement its obligations under WTO Agreements.   
Conclusion  
5.43.   In conclusion, I would like to say how grateful I am for the opportunity to act as a 
discussant to Cambodia's second Trade Policy Review.  
5.44.   The Tra de Policy Review process provides a very important mechanism to strengthening 
each Member's commitment to the multilateral trading system and I am pleased to have 
participated in this review.  
JAPAN  
5.45.   Needless to say, Kingdom of Cambodia and Japan have devel oped long and deep friendly 
relationship for years. Japan has been one of the largest donor countries for Cambodia, and, in 
recent years, we have been strengthening economic ties. For example, according to statistics of 
the Cambodia Investment Committee, J apan ranked first, with regard to foreign direct investment 
outside the SEZ in 2016.  
5.46.   Cambodia and Japan should share our experiences each other and further develop 
cooperation that we have maintained so far.  
5.47.   While many emerging economies have been sluggish , Cambodian economy has been strong. 
It has maintained a high economic growth rate of over 7% since the last review. Drivers of this 
economic growth are mainly manufacturing industries, particularly garments exports, and 
tourism -related services which has grown recently.  
5.48.   Although its economy seems to be strong, as the Minister mentioned at the day 1, the set of 
circumstances supporting high growth is now changing. Labor costs have soared, and graduation 
from the LDC status in the 2020s is on the horizon.  
5.49.   We know that the Cambodian Government is now making great efforts to address those 
challenges, which is commendable.  
5.50.   For example, Cambodia concluded a tax treaty with Singapore and China last year. Also, 
Cambodia enacted the labor union law. Japan positiv ely evaluates both of them as Cambodian 
efforts to improve investment environment.  
5.51.   However, Japan has received several concerns from our investors, such as the cost of 
electricity and inadequate transportation infrastructure. In this regard, Japan is aware  that the 
Cambodian government formulated the Industrial Development Policy of 2015 to address those WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  challenges. Japan expects the Cambodian government to implement this national policy, which 
results in improving its investment environment.  
5.52.   In conclusion,  I would like to express our strong wish to continue cooperation between 
Cambodia and Japan.  
5.53.   We wish Cambodia a successful and productive TPR.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.54.   Let me first thank the delegation of Cambodia for the comprehensive overview presented on 
Tuesday  and this morning of the main developments occurred during the review period.  
5.55.   The EU is pleased to note that this review has been very useful for better understanding the 
trade policy of Cambodia and hopes that Cambodia will duly take into account some of the 
challenges highlighted by Members.  
5.56.   The EU would like to recall that as one of Cambodia's main trading partners and as we do 
with all Everything But Arms beneficiary countries, we are closely monitoring whether Cambodia 
complies with the EBA conditions of the EU law on GSP, in particular the conditions related to the 
fundamental principles on human rights and labour rights.  
5.57.   Furthermore, we note from the replies provided by Cambodia that the state -owned Green 
Trade Company (GTC) is operating under the gui dance of the Ministry of Commerce and is in 
charge of the management of national rice stock for natural disasters and emergency release. At 
the same time, we note in the WTO Secretariat report that GTC has exported more than 
2.2 million tonnes of rice betw een 2011 and 2016. It would be interesting for the EU if Cambodia 
could provide us more detailed data on GTC's trading activities.  
5.58.   Finally, the EU would like to express its appreciation for the timely replies provided to the 
EU questions. We have submitted  one follow -up question regarding planned measures to be 
adopted in the area of primary and secondary education.  
5.59.   In conclusion, we would like to thank the delegation of Cambodia for its very constructive 
participation in this exercise.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.60.   The de legation of the United States would like to express its appreciation to Minister Pan 
Sorasak for his excellent stewardship of Cambodia's second Trade Policy Review, to Ambassador 
Lisson for her insightful remarks which helped guide us through the review, a nd to the Secretariat 
staff for their hard work in preparing the policy review documents that made our discussions 
possible.  
5.61.   The United States also acknowledges the hard work and excellent efforts and contributions 
of Cambodia's Geneva Mission, the delega tion here today, and those colleagues in Phnom Penh 
who worked on the reports and provided responses to Member's questions. I personally have had 
the honor and privilege to work with many of them, and have seen how they have focused their 
efforts on implem enting WTO obligations, and more importantly how they have integrated those 
efforts into their national development goals. Cambodia's sustained economic growth over the 
review period can be credited to their hard work and dedication.  
5.62.   The United States sub mitted a number of written questions to Cambodia, and we appreciate 
the written responses we have received. We have no additional follow -up questions at this time. 
However, these responses will be helpful as we continue our engagement and support both 
bilaterally and here at the WTO.  
5.63.   We also would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge our appreciation for the 
thoroughness and completeness of the responses provided to all the Members. We believe this is a 
direct result of the interagency coordination mechanisms we know Cambodia has worked hard to WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  build. This is yet another area where we see Cambodia providing a positive inspiration to other 
Members.  
5.64.   We thank Minister Sorasak for his remarks today and his efforts to acknowledge the 
comments offered by Members during this review. We welcome the updates that have been 
provided regarding Cambodia's efforts to diversify its export profile, address the high cost of 
electricity, simplify investment procedures and continue efforts to combat corruption.  
5.65.   We als o welcome the indication today that Cambodia is considering seeking observer status 
to the Government Procurement Agreement. We stand ready to assist however we can in these 
efforts.  
5.66.   The review today has certainly highlighted an ambitious reform programme and look 
forward to a continued cooperation to support your efforts. We also want to note, as we did in the 
Committee on Trade Facilitation, that we acknowledge and welcome Cambodia's notification of its 
TFA commitments, and view your efforts as another po sitive example of an LDC using the tools 
and flexibilities provided in this new agreement exactly as they were intended, aimed at achieving 
your development goals. So, here again, we see Cambodia having established a best practice that 
is an inspiration fo r other Members.  
5.67.   In conclusion, we appreciate the opportunity to participate in Cambodia's review. We want 
to reiterate our firm commitment to supporting your efforts both in the implementation of WTO 
obligations as well as national development goals. And  we want to congratulate Minister Sorasak 
and the entire delegation on a successful Trade Policy Review.  
H.E.  MR. PAN SORASAK  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)   
5.68.   On behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, I would like to express my 
sincere thanks and deep a ppreciation to all Members for their active participation at our second 
day of the TPR.  
5.69.   I would also like to thank the Secretariat, especially the Trade Policy Review Division, for 
the documents and arrangements made for the review. My thanks also go to m y capital and 
Geneva -based delegations for their efforts and preparation contributing to this successful review. 
My delegation welcomes comments made by Members from last Tuesday and today. We have 
taken all concerns and questions raised by Members. We wil l provide written answers within the 
period of one month.  
5.70.   Cambodia, once again, commits to working closely with all Members to improve our 
business environment and fulfil international obligations with the purpose of attracting more 
investors, raising stan dards of living and reducing poverty.  
5.71.   Finally, I would like to take this last opportunity to wish you all a happy prosperous year 
and to my delegation a pleasant and safe return.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Camb odia has offered us a good opportunity to deepen 
our understanding of recent developments, the achievements and challenges related to 
Cambodia's trade, economic, and investment policies. Cambodia plays an important and a valued 
role in the WTO as a Member of the LDC group that has strived for the group's better integration 
into the multilateral trading system. The more than 147 advance written questions submitted by 
14 Members and the 24 delegations that took the floor underline the importance attached to 
Cambodia's trade and investment policies and practices.  
6.2.  I would like to thank the Cambodian delegation, led by the Minister of Commerce, H.E. 
Mr. Pan Sorasak, for its constructive engagement throughout this Review. Also, I would like to 
thank our discussan t, Ambassador Frances Lisson of Australia, for her insightful remarks, and all 
the delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions.  
6.3.  Since the time of its first Trade Policy Review in 2011, Cambodia's prudent macroeconomic 
management allow ed for remarkably strong and inclusive growth. Cambodia's real GDP had grown 
at an average annual rate of 7.2% over the past six years. Consequently, income inequality has 
declined considerably and poverty levels fell from 50% in 2005 to 14% in 2015. Membe rs 
acknowledged that Cambodia's investor friendly regime had played a key role in promoting 
growth. At the same time, they encouraged Cambodia to enhance business confidence and create 
an environment conducive to further investment by addressing challenges  in several areas, such 
as the legal framework, the rule of law, institutional capacity, good governance, transparency, 
infrastructure bottlenecks and energy costs. Members also urged Cambodia to continue efforts to 
diversify its economy and integrate the informal sector. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, 
banking, telecommunications, and tourism were seen by some as potential growth areas and they 
encouraged Cambodia to undertake further reform to realize its economic potential. Members also 
welcomed the implementation of the revenue mobilization strategy and the subsequent reduction 
in the fiscal deficit.  
6.4.  Members noted that Cambodia remains committed to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system while expanding its RTAs commitments with its ASEAN partne rs, including through the 
negotiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, thus increasing merchandise 
trade and removing barriers to trade in services at the regional level. Members commended 
Cambodia for furthering its WTO commitments by p romptly ratifying the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and submitting all related notifications. Many Members commended its active 
participation in WTO work as a strong voice for the least developed countries, in its capacity as 
LDC coordinator in 2017, contri buting towards a meaningful outcome at MC11, and for its newly 
established separate Mission to the WTO. Some Members encouraged Cambodia to improve its 
notifications record in certain areas, such as import prohibitions, import licensing, state trading, 
and technical barriers to trade, and to consider becoming an observer to the GPA. Cambodia 
benefits from technical assistance under the Enhanced Integrated Framework, the Trade Sector 
Wide Approach Roadmap, and other trade development support programmes such as the 
Duty-Free-Quota -Free preferences for LDCs, all of which were widely acknowledged.  
6.5.  Members welcomed Cambodia's trade facilitation efforts including the Best Trader Programme 
- a stepping stone towards the Authorized Economic Operator Programme, and the increased use 
of ASYCUDA; however, at the same time, they called for further improvements in this area such as 
further reduction in clearance times. Members appreciated the predictability of Cambodia's tariff 
regime although some concerns were raised r egarding the MFN applied tariff for certain lines, 
exceeding the bound rate, and the level of tariffs in agriculture. Members welcomed the progress 
made on the passing of the Law on public procurement and the forthcoming entry into force of 
legislation on contingency measures. While acknowledging efforts to improve its SPS regime, 
Members urged Cambodia to continue improving the implementation of the WTO SPS Agreement, 
particularly with respect to testing, inspection and certification systems. In the area o f intellectual 
property, Members welcomed the enactment of the Law on Geographical Indications and they also 
appreciated Cambodia acceding to the Madrid Agreement concerning the International Registration 
of Marks, the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Hag ue Agreement concerning the International 
Registration of Industrial Designs. However, they also encouraged Cambodia to become a 
signatory to international treaties such as the Berne Convention, the International Convention for 
Protection of Phonograms and  Broadcasting Organisations, and other WIPO treaties. Several 
Members noted that further efforts were required regarding IPR infringement and enforcement.  WT/TPR/W/141  • Cambodia  
 
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  6.6.  Many Members praised Cambodia for the benefits resulting from wide -ranging strategies such 
as the In dustrial Development Policy 2015 -2025 and the Tourism Development Strategic Plan 
2012-2020. On the other hand, while commending developments in agriculture, some Members 
encouraged improvements in the fight against illegal fisheries and logging activities.   
The above are some of the key issues that had emerged in our discussion. I am certain that the 
Cambodian delegation will take into account, and further reflect on, the many constructive 
comments, both broad and detailed, that it has received during this Review. Finally, I would like to 
thank all those that participated in our discussion, and I look forward to receiving the answers to 
any outstanding questions within the next month, at which point the Review will be successfully 
concluded.  
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