Cambodian Minister Stresses Trade, Sustainability at OECD Forum

PARIS, France (Oct.29, 2025) — Cambodian Senior Minister Sok Siphana on Monday highlighted Cambodia’s trade-driven economic transformation and commitment to sustainability during the 2nd Meeting of the OECD Due Diligence Policy Platform at OECD headquarters in Paris.

Representing the Royal Government of Cambodia, Siphana said the country is diversifying beyond traditional sectors, with a focus on agro-processing, automotive, and electronics industries.

“We are focusing on agro-processing to add value to our agricultural products and meet international food safety standards,” he said. “At the same time, we are laying the groundwork for more complex industries.”

He noted Cambodia’s reliance on global value chains led by multinational buyers, stressing the importance of traceability, quality, and precision.

In 2024, Cambodia exported $13.74 billion worth of garments, textiles, footwear, and travel goods, employing about 900,000 workers—80% of them women.

Siphana said compliance with global due diligence laws is increasingly critical, as buyers in the EU, Japan, Canada, and Australia demand human rights and environmental standards across supply chains.

He acknowledged challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises but pointed to the Better Factories Cambodia program as a foundation for expanding social and environmental compliance.

“Cambodia is not a passive player,” he said. “We are committed to working with the OECD to advance the due diligence agenda.”