The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, Matt Western MP, is visiting Cambodia from 20–21 October to strengthen trade and investment links between

the two countries and to support Cambodia’s sustainable economic development.

The visit builds on progress made under the UK–Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF) — the key platform for driving bilateral cooperation and engaging the private sector.

During his trip, Mr. Western will take part in the inauguration of Techo International Airport, an important national infrastructure project designed by the UK’s renowned Foster + Partners. The new airport stands as a symbol of the UK’s contribution to Cambodia’s growing connectivity and long-term economic progress.

He will also hold meetings with senior Cambodian officials to discuss the country’s trade policy, regional trade frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and ways to deepen collaboration on regional integration.

Mr. Western is set to meet British companies operating in Cambodia to recognize their role in creating jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable growth. He will also engage with UK education institutions active in the country to explore how they can continue helping develop skills, improve employability, and promote inclusive growth.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Matt Western MP said:   

“It is a real privilege to be in Cambodia at such a significant moment. Attending the inauguration of Techo International Airport is not only a celebration of progress, it’s a powerful symbol of what UK-Cambodia partnership can achieve. I am delighted that British design and expertise have contributed to a project that will make a lasting impression on every visitor to Cambodia, and which rightly invokes feelings of such national pride among our Cambodian friends.  

I look forward to building on this momentum, engaging with Cambodian leaders and British businesses during my visit to celebrate our strong commercial partnership and to unlock new opportunities to support sustainable growth and shared prosperity and deliver benefits to the people of both our countries”.

This visit underscores the UK’s long-standing commitment to supporting Cambodia’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and promoting green, inclusive growth. It also reflects the UK’s broader ambition to deepen economic ties across the Indo-Pacific, recognising ASEAN’s vital role in fostering regional trade and investment.

The United Kingdom remains dedicated to working closely with Cambodian partners to promote shared prosperity and open new trade opportunities that benefit both nations. Photo by Richard Townshend, Wikimedia commons.