Cambodia is accelerating efforts to expand digital trade and help local businesses compete in increasingly connected markets, with e commerce revenue projected to grow from an estimated $1.1 billion in 2025 to $1.8 billion by 2029. The push was highlighted at the 3rd Cambodia Digital Trade Forum and Online Expo, officially opened by Commerce Minister Cham Nimul in Phnom Penh under the theme “Advancing Cambodia’s Digital Trade Toward 2030.”
Running from September 11 to 13, the three day event brings together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, entrepreneurs and international participants. The government is placing particular emphasis on MSMEs, rural entrepreneurs and women led businesses, seeking to improve their productivity, competitiveness and access to digital markets.
“Cambodia’s digital trade agenda is moving beyond simply promoting e commerce toward building the infrastructure, regulations and business platforms needed for sustainable online growth. With e commerce revenue projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2029, the government is focusing on trusted digital markets, stronger rules and wider access for Cambodian businesses. The development of a Cambodia Trade Policy Framework toward 2030 and a Digital Trade Strategy 2025 to 2030, together with plans to further develop CambodiaTrade.com, signals a broader effort to help MSMEs and other businesses reach customers beyond traditional markets. The opportunity is significant, but stronger infrastructure, effective regulation and business readiness will remain essential to turning digital trade growth into wider economic benefits.”
Digital Trade Becomes a Bigger Economic Opportunity
The forum, which began in 2024 before becoming a standalone event in 2025, has expanded this year as the government seeks to develop a trusted, efficient and inclusive digital trade ecosystem. Its growing scale reflects the increasing importance of online commerce to Cambodian businesses.
For MSMEs and entrepreneurs, digital channels can provide access to customers and markets without relying entirely on traditional physical distribution. The projected increase in e commerce revenue also points to expanding opportunities for businesses that can adapt their products, services and sales strategies to digital markets.
Cambodia Focuses on Infrastructure and Rules
Cham Nimul said Cambodia needs stronger digital infrastructure and a stronger regulatory framework to support the sector. The Ministry of Commerce is developing a Cambodia Trade Policy Framework toward 2030 and a Digital Trade Strategy 2025 to 2030, while working with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications on rules governing intermediaries and e commerce service providers.
“Cambodia needs to strengthen both its digital infrastructure and regulatory framework to support the sector. The Ministry is developing a Cambodia Trade Policy Framework toward 2030 and a Digital Trade Strategy 2025–2030, while also working with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications on rules governing intermediaries and e-commerce service providers,” Minister Nimul said.
The policy direction is important because digital trade requires more than online storefronts. Businesses also need reliable digital infrastructure, clear rules and trustworthy service providers to participate effectively in the online economy.
CambodiaTrade.com Could Expand Market Access
The ministry also plans to further develop CambodiaTrade.com as a platform to help Cambodian businesses access digital markets. The initiative could provide another channel for local companies seeking greater exposure and opportunities beyond their existing customer base.
With rural entrepreneurs and women led businesses among the government’s priorities, broader digital access could help bring more businesses into Cambodia’s online economy. The key challenge will be ensuring that policy improvements, infrastructure and digital platforms translate into practical opportunities for businesses.
Cambodia’s Digital Trade Push Enters a New Phase
The projected growth of Cambodia’s e commerce market and the government’s 2030 policy agenda suggest that digital trade is becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s economic development strategy. For entrepreneurs, exporters and MSMEs, the direction creates opportunities to reach new customers and build more competitive businesses online.
The bigger opportunity will depend on execution. Strong infrastructure, effective regulation, trusted platforms and digitally capable businesses will be essential for turning Cambodia’s digital trade ambitions into sustained commercial growth.