Phnom penh: Cambodia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have engaged in discussions about their ongoing partnership, which has been instrumental in supporting the country's socio-economic growth. The meeting occurred on September 10, when H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, welcomed Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, the newly appointed UNDP Resident Representative to Cambodia, at the ministry.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, both parties reviewed past collaborative initiatives that have contributed to market diversification, enhanced e-commerce capabilities, and promoted green trade and the circular economy. They also explored opportunities for additional cooperation in other priority areas.
The dialogue also addressed Cambodia's preparations for graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029, a classification it has held since 1991. Graduation will lead to the gradual withdrawal of international support measures such as preferential trade arrangements, flexible application of the WTO's Rules of Origin, and Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
These changes are expected to have significant implications on Cambodia's macroeconomic and trade performance, particularly affecting the export sector, employment, and poverty levels, alongside differential gender impacts.