Cambodia Investment Review
UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West is in Cambodia this week to advance shared interests between the two countries, with a focus on boosting economic ties, promoting climate resilience, supporting sustainable infrastructure development, and enhancing regional security cooperation.
West’s visit represents an important step in the UK’s growing engagement with Cambodia, reflecting a wider Indo-Pacific strategy to deepen partnerships across Southeast Asia.
Promoting Trade, Climate Action, and Green Growth
Throughout her visit, West is meeting with key Cambodian counterparts, including Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and representatives from the Council for the Development of Cambodia.
According to the British embassy, a major highlight will be the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to promote strategic infrastructure development. This agreement aims to boost mutual economic growth, particularly through support for the development of a Green Special Economic Zone in Cambodia.
The embassy also emphasized the importance of broader trade and development initiatives underpinning the bilateral relationship. These include the UK’s Trade Partnerships programme and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, both designed to expand Cambodian businesses’ access to British and international markets.
“Our commitment to Cambodia is evident not only in our infrastructure partnerships but also through supporting trade that creates jobs, protects the climate, and promotes sustainable development,” the embassy noted.
Minister West is also scheduled to meet with the British Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia to engage directly with UK businesses active in the Kingdom. Discussions will center on how British firms are leveraging new policies to grow partnerships with Cambodian counterparts, particularly in sectors such as education, infrastructure, and financial services.
Showcasing Sustainable Infrastructure Collaboration
As part of her program, West visited the under-construction Techo International Airport in Kandal province. The project, designed by renowned British architecture firm Foster + Partners, reflects the increasing emphasis on green development in the UK-Cambodia partnership.
During the visit, Foster + Partners associate partner Krzysztof Szymanski described the airport as aspiring to be one of the greenest in the world, drawing inspiration from Cambodia’s rich heritage and adapting to its tropical climate.
“This project not only creates a new gateway to the city and the country, enhancing Cambodia’s reputation on the global stage, but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable airport design,” Szymanski said.
Minister West highlighted the broader significance of such collaborations. “Our relationship goes far beyond just one project. We bring the same partnership approach to everything we do – whether increasing trade, protecting our climate and nature, or expanding access to education,” she remarked.
Advancing Security and Regional Stability
Beyond economic and climate priorities, West’s visit also focuses on deepening cooperation on security issues. Discussions with Cambodian officials will address shared concerns, including combating serious organized crime, tackling human trafficking, and responding to the growing threat of online fraud and scam operations.
Future defence cooperation initiatives are also expected to be explored as part of the broader security dialogue between the two countries.
According to the embassy, these efforts align with the UK’s Indo-Pacific strategic priorities and reflect Cambodia’s growing role as a regional partner on key transnational challenges.
West’s visit comes at a time of expanding opportunities for cooperation between the UK and Cambodia, particularly in advancing sustainable development, promoting open markets, and strengthening regional resilience.
The British embassy noted that the visit underscores a shared vision for the future: one built on prosperity, security, and mutual respect.
