Cambodia is moving forward with efforts to modernise its logistics and trade systems as the European Union and Germany deepen cooperation with the country’s business community. On September 8, trade officials, logistics specialists and representatives of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce reviewed progress under the EU German Global Access and Trade Expertise programme, known as EU German GATE, which runs from 2024 to 2028.
The mid term evaluation meeting, led by Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Director General Nguon Mengtech, focused on achievements, challenges and lessons from the project so far. The initiative is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Cambodian exporters by improving logistics, customs procedures, digital business systems and access to regional and global value chains.
“Cambodia’s logistics modernisation is entering an important phase as the European Union, Germany and Cambodian business representatives work to improve the systems that support international trade. The EU German GATE programme is focusing on practical areas including digital business services, lower logistics costs, more efficient customs procedures and stronger integration of Cambodian companies into global value chains. Progress at Techo International Airport, particularly the use of pre arrival processing for express shipments, shows how customs modernisation could make trade faster and more efficient. At the same time, the programme is looking beyond infrastructure by strengthening small and medium sized enterprises, export services and digital capabilities. Addressing data security, privacy, consumer protection and digital skills will also be essential as Cambodia builds a more modern and competitive trade environment.”
EU and Germany Review Cambodia’s Logistics Progress
The September 8 meeting provided an opportunity for the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and its partners to assess the progress of the EU German GATE programme. Discussions covered achievements made so far, implementation challenges and experiences gained during the project, while also examining priorities and support for its next phase.
The programme is part of a broader effort to help Cambodian businesses compete more effectively in regional and international markets. For exporters, logistics efficiency is closely linked to business costs, delivery times and access to overseas customers. Improving these systems could therefore strengthen the position of Cambodian companies seeking to expand beyond the domestic market.
Digital Trade and Customs Reform Take Centre Stage
One major area of the programme is the modernisation of older business processes through e business systems. The initiative also aims to streamline logistics costs, improve customs procedures and help Cambodian companies become more connected to global value chains.
Customs modernisation is already receiving attention at Techo International Airport. In April, a delegation involving EU and German ambassadors and Cambodian officials visited the airport to observe progress on pre arrival processing for express shipments. The system allows customs information to be submitted and processed before an aircraft arrives, potentially making the clearance process more efficient.
Air Cargo Could Strengthen Cambodia’s Trade Competitiveness
The focus on air cargo reflects the growing importance of efficient logistics for international trade, particularly for goods that require faster delivery. EU and German officials have been working with Cambodian counterparts to strengthen logistics operations and improve the systems supporting imports and exports.
For Cambodian companies, better air cargo procedures could help reduce delays and improve the reliability of international shipments. More efficient customs processing could also make Cambodia more attractive to businesses that depend on predictable supply chains and timely movement of goods.
SMEs Remain a Major Focus of the Programme
The meeting also looked at ways to strengthen Cambodia’s private sector, particularly small and medium sized enterprises seeking to enter export markets. Building the capacity of these businesses and expanding services available to exporters are among the next priorities identified through the programme.
For SMEs, entering international markets often requires more than having a competitive product. Companies also need knowledge of export procedures, logistics, customs requirements, digital tools and international market expectations. Strengthening these capabilities could help more Cambodian businesses participate in regional and global trade.
Digital Skills and Data Security Still Present Challenges
Despite progress, several challenges remain. The project continues to address the development of digital skills, data security and privacy, as well as consumer protection.
These issues are increasingly important as businesses move more of their operations online. Digital trade systems can improve efficiency, but companies also need the skills and safeguards required to manage information securely and maintain customer confidence. For Cambodia’s private sector, developing these capabilities will be an important part of becoming more competitive in a digital trading environment.
Stronger Business Support Could Expand Export Opportunities
The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce has expressed appreciation to the European Union and German government for their support through the EU German GATE programme. The CCC said the cooperation has helped strengthen the capacity of Cambodia’s business community and provincial chambers of commerce.
The continued partnership could provide practical support for businesses as Cambodia seeks to improve its trade infrastructure and export capabilities. Better coordination between government agencies, business associations and international partners will remain important as the country works to reduce trade barriers and improve the overall business environment.
Cambodia’s Logistics Modernisation Has a Wider Economic Role
Modern logistics is not simply a transport issue. It affects the cost of doing business, the speed of trade, the reliability of supply chains and the ability of companies to reach international customers. Improvements in customs, air cargo and digital trade systems could therefore have implications across Cambodia’s wider economy.
As the EU German GATE programme continues through 2028, its progress will be closely linked to Cambodia’s ambition to strengthen its role in regional and global value chains. The broader takeaway is that a more efficient logistics system, combined with stronger SMEs and better digital capabilities, could give Cambodian businesses a stronger foundation for competing internationally.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s cooperation with the European Union and Germany is bringing greater attention to the systems behind international trade, from customs and air cargo to digital business services and SME export capacity. The progress reviewed on September 8 shows that logistics modernisation is being approached as part of a wider effort to improve Cambodia’s trade competitiveness.
The next phase will need to address both physical and digital challenges, particularly logistics efficiency, digital skills, data security, privacy and consumer protection. If these areas continue to improve, Cambodia could create a more efficient environment for exporters and strengthen opportunities for local businesses to connect with regional and global markets.