Jakarta, 9 September 2025: Trade policy is a specialised field that requires rigorous data analysis, tailored metrics, and advanced modelling techniques. To strengthen Cambodia’s capacity in this area, ERIA conducted a series of eight online workshops from June to September 2025 for approximately 20 officials from the Ministry of Commerce.

The training programme introduced participants to core elements of trade policy analysis, including trade theory and policy, trade indicators, econometric modelling of trade flows, and both partial and general equilibrium modelling. The course aimed to equip participants with essential analytical tools to assess the impacts of policy changes on Cambodia’s trade performance and integration. Trade policy analysis expert Ben Shepherd designed the materials and served as the lead facilitator, while H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, formally opened the programme in June.

From the sixth session onwards, participants were divided into four working groups to develop and present case studies on assigned topics. These included: comparing Cambodia’s services trade and policies with other ASEAN Member States; benchmarking Cambodia’s trade agreements against those of other countries; identifying policies or agreements that could support Cambodia’s deeper integration into global and regional economies; and assessing evidence on how trade has contributed to inclusive growth in Cambodia.

The training concluded on 9 September, with closing remarks delivered by Jeremy Gross, ERIA’s Director of Mekong Affairs and Capacity Building. He commended the participants’ strong engagement and underscored the importance of developing trade policy expertise to support Cambodia’s long-term economic development and regional integration.