Virtual, 24 June 2025: To support the capacity development of young officials at Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC), ERIA, through its Capacity Building Programme, has launched an online training course titled ‘Toolkit for Trade Policy Analysis.’

The course, which runs until September, features pre-recorded lectures, presentation materials, and weekly online discussion sessions. It is part of a broader effort to support Cambodia as prepares for graduation from least-developed country (LDC) status.

As trade policy regains global prominence, the course comes at a crucial time. Policymakers face increasing pressure to respond effectively to rising protectionism, navigate bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and formulate trade policies that drive sustainable domestic growth and development.

Participants will gain a solid foundation in trade theory and policy, explore key data and indicators for inclusive trade, and learn to interpret econometric and computational models. The programme also highlights the rising importance of services trade in both regional and global economies.

 The kick-off session, ‘Introduction to Trade Theory and Policy’, was opened by H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State at the MOC, and Mr Jeremy Gross, ERIA’s Director of Mekong Affairs and Capacity Building.

In her remarks, H.E. Tekreth Kamrang underscored the value of this training, emphasising the MOC’s central role in shaping Cambodia’s trade and investment policy frameworks. She also highlighted Cambodia’s successful completion of its fourth Trade Policy Review with the World Trade Organization earlier this year – a milestone that reaffirms the country’s commitment to the multilateral trading system.

Approximately 20 officials from the MOC are participating in the course, which is developed and facilitated by Dr Ben Shepherd, Principal of Developing Trade Consultants. The programme is made possible with funding support from the Government of Australia.