British ambassadors and high commissioners from the ASEAN region convened last week in Singapore; among the range of topics discussed was the increase of the UK’s economic involvement in the region.

According to Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Cambodia, UK trade with Cambodia has been increasing steadily.

“Over the last four years, trade has increased four-fold from £100 million (US$160 million) to £400 million.”

He also said that trade in the first eight months of the year increased by 28 per cent compared to the same period last year, promting to decision to open a UK Trade and Investment office in Phnom Penh.  

“Our decision was based on the increasing trade between our two countries and growing interest from UK companies to explore this market,” said Gooding.

Abigail Gilbert, executive director of the British Business Association of Cambodia, said the garment manufacturing industry has seen an increase in interest from British-based companies, but also indicated other prospects in Cambodia.

“There are opportunities in business services and finance, where Britain has a lot of experience to offer,” she said.

Nguon Meng Tech, director general of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, said another British delegation may visit Cambodia in March.

The Post reported in September that a Cambodian delegation will visit the UK later that month. Nguon Meng Tech said the Cambodian representatives learned a lot, particularly in terms of the UK’s education system.

“Education is a business as well, we’d like to send Cambodians to study there,” he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Erika Mudie at [email protected]