On May 20, 2026, the Trade Policy Advisory Board (TPAB), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), launched a two-day National Consultation Workshop on “Cambodia’s Trade Resilience and Competitiveness for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP-TPP).” Running from 20-21 May, the Workshop’s Opening Ceremony was presided over by H.E. Prof. Bundit Sapheacha Dr. SOK Siphana, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions (Multilateral Trade and Economic Affairs), Chairman of the TPAB, and Chairman of the Cambodia CP-TPP Negotiating Working Group.
The Workshop was attended by high-level dignitaries and key technical officials, including H.E. Bundit Sapheacha Dr. PHAN Phalla, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Secretary-General of the Economic and Finance Policy Committee; H.E. TIN Ponlok, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment; Mr. Milan THOMAS, Senior Country Economist at the ADB; and Mr. Julian CLARKE, Senior Regional Cooperation Specialist at the ADB. Technical officers representing line ministries also participated in the session to discuss strategies for enhancing Cambodia’s trade capabilities under the agreement.
Notably, Ms. Adriana Castro, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Chief Negotiator for Costa Rica, and her colleagues were also in attendance. Following Costa Rica’s recent substantial conclusion of their CP-TPP accession negotiations, Ms. Adriana shared her country’s valuable insights and experiences regarding strategic preparation and implementation throughout the negotiation process.
