Background
The national Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) is the coordination framework led by the Ministry of Planning to prepare Cambodia for graduation from the United Nations least-developed country (LDC) category.
The trade-sector component of the STS includes mapping Cambodia’s obligations under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and evaluating measures to address impacts on major export products and sectors.
The Ministry of Commerce implements trade-policy measures through its General Department of International Trade and its General Department of Trade Policy and Promotion, which work to translate STS priorities into regulatory and promotional actions for exporters.
Key Developments
On 22 September 2026, Secretary of State Tekreth Kamrang of the Ministry of Commerce chaired a consultation meeting with international and national consultants from the EU-German GATE project to review the STS Inception Report and preliminary findings. The meeting discussed the Inception Report’s mapping of WTO obligations, an assessment of potential impacts on Cambodia’s key export sectors and products, and an evaluation of national readiness for the LDC graduation process.
Policy Context
The Inception Report and preliminary findings reviewed by officials are intended to identify priorities and strategic directions for the trade sector that align with the national STS framework led by the Ministry of Planning. Assessments of WTO-related obligations are central to that work because changes in trade policy or administrative practices during and after graduation can affect tariffs, non-tariff measures, and export competitiveness.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Commerce provided the forum for the consultation and engaged technical staff from the General Department of International Trade and the General Department of Trade Policy and Promotion. The EU-German GATE initiative supplied international and national consultants to support preparation of STS deliverables such as the Inception Report and preliminary findings. Source: Ministry of Commerce Facebook post, 22 September 2026 (linked).
