MOC Reviews National Readiness Assessment on Cross-Border Paperless Trade Estimating Potential $200M Saving in Trade Transaction Costs

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MOC Reviews National Readiness Assessment on Cross-Border Paperless Trade Estimating Potential $200M Saving in Trade Transaction Costs
MOC Reviews National Readiness Assessment on Cross-Border Paperless Trade Estimating Potential $200M Saving in Trade Transaction Costs./Image credit: Ministry of Commerce.

The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) held a meeting to review the updated 'Cambodia's National Readiness Assessment on Cross-Border Paperless Trade' report on February 12, 2026, with the participation of leaders and relevant technical officials. 

The report notes Cambodia has made significant progress in implementing trade facilitation measures over the past two years, and achieving full cross-border paperless trade could help the country save over USD 200 million annually in trade transaction costs.

The assessment was conducted with technical assistance from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to review Cambodia's progress and readiness regarding digital trade facilitation. It also serves to prepare for the implementation of the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA), which Cambodia signed in 2017.

During the review meeting, H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State at the MOC, underlined that this report will serve as a critical strategic foundation for advancing the ratification process of the CPTA framework agreement, which is expected to act as a key driver in modernising Cambodia’s trade system, enhancing efficiency and transparency, and significantly reducing the costs of cross-border trade operations.

According to the updated national readiness assessment report, while the overall implementation of trade facilitation measures in Cambodia is higher than the Asia-Pacific regional average, progress in the specific areas of paperless and cross-border paperless trade remains a challenge. 

Significant opportunities exist for Cambodia to reduce trade costs and improve competitiveness by accelerating efforts to digitalise trade procedures. The report estimates that Cambodia could save over USD 200 million in trade transaction costs annually, once full cross-border paperless trade is achieved.