Joint Working Group discusses expanding trade and economic cooperation.
The third meeting of the India-Cambodia Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) was held in Phnom Penh on August 24, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Amit Verma, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India, and Long Kemvichet, Director General of International Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia.
Both sides noted the strong growth in bilateral trade, which increased by more than 36 per cent to USD 406.78 million in 2025-26 from USD 299 million in the previous financial year. The April-June 2026 quarter recorded a further 63.25 per cent year-on-year growth. The discussions focused on diversifying bilateral trade through cooperation in traditional medicine, e-governance, recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, reconciliation of trade statistics and greater participation in trade fairs and business delegations.
The meeting welcomed the launch of UPI acceptance at KHQR-enabled merchants in Phnom Penh in June 2026 and discussed the next phase of enabling Cambodian payment applications to scan UPI QR codes in India. Both sides also welcomed progress on a Memorandum of Understanding on customs cooperation and discussed its early signing to facilitate uniform customs procedures.
The two countries further explored cooperation in agriculture, banking, insurance, dyes and pigments and market access. They also discussed the early conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty. On the sidelines of the meeting, Amit Verma held discussions with Cambodian officials and members of the Indian Business Chamber in Cambodia on promoting investment, strengthening business collaboration and organising an “Invest in Cambodia” roadshow in India.
The next meeting of the India-Cambodia Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment will be held in India in 2027.
