Private sector urges faster customs reforms at Cambodia forum

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.17, 2025) — Cambodia’s private sector called for faster and more efficient customs procedures during the country’s third Customs Forum, held Nov. 14 at the National Customs School. Business leaders said streamlined documentation and digital reforms are critical to boosting trade and investment.

The forum, themed “Customs Administration in the Digital Context,” was presided over by Cambodia Chamber of Commerce President Kith Meng and Kun Nhim, minister delegate to the prime minister and director general of the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Meng emphasized the importance of customs modernization for exporters and importers, praising recent reforms but urging customs officers at border checkpoints to further simplify processes. He said investors and traders need clarity and speed to remain competitive.

Kun Nhim highlighted progress in digitalizing customs services, stressing transparency, accountability and efficiency as priorities. He outlined 14 measures introduced under the Government–Private Sector Forum to strengthen trade facilitation.

Officials, business associations and international stakeholders attended the forum, which concluded with consensus on closer cooperation between customs authorities and the private sector to enhance Cambodia’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.