Cambodia Pushes ASEAN Customs Digital Integration and Trade Connectivity

PHNOM PENH, June 3, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has urged stronger digital integration and deeper customs cooperation across ASEAN as the Kingdom hosted the 35th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors‑General of Customs in Phnom Penh, officials said Tuesday.

Opening the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth said ASEAN must strengthen regional cooperation, institutional resilience and digital transformation to respond to global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions.

He described the gathering as an important platform for advancing ASEAN’s shared commitment to integration, trade facilitation and sustainable growth.

Pornmoniroth stressed that customs modernization, digital connectivity and supply chain resilience will be critical to ASEAN’s ambition of becoming the world’s fourth‑largest economy by 2045. He outlined five priorities: accelerating digital integration through next‑generation national single window systems, strengthening supply chains, improving transport and transit connectivity, enhancing law enforcement cooperation, and investing in human resource and institutional development.

He also highlighted expanding the ASEAN Customs Transit System and deepening mutual recognition arrangements for Authorized Economic Operator programs with dialogue partners.

Kun Nhem, Director‑General of Cambodia’s Customs and Excise and rotating chair of the meeting, said closer collaboration was vital amid rapidly changing global trade conditions. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to implementing the ASEAN Customs Development Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and strengthening cooperation with partners to address emerging challenges.

Delegates also consulted with the World Customs Organization and customs administrations from Australia, China, Japan and South Korea, as well as private sector groups including the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the EU‑ASEAN Business Council and the US‑ASEAN Business Council.