BritCham
Business & Trade
The United Kingdom and Cambodia maintain a growing trade relationship. In the four quarters to Q3 2023, bilateral trade totaled £829 million, with UK exports to Cambodia valued at £147 million and imports at £682 million. Key imports into the UK include apparel, footwear, and bicycles, while top exports to Cambodia feature cars and industrial machinery.
Cambodia benefits from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers duty-free, quota-free trade on a wide range of goods, enhancing access to the UK market..
Additionally, there has been a strong focus on sustainable infrastructure, green energy, and manufacturing as areas of future investment.
Recent initiatives include the UK-Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum and business-to-business engagements aimed at empowering women-led enterprises, further strengthening trade relations .
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The British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) works with her Member Companies, the British Embassy, the UK Department of Business & Trade, The Royal Government of Cambodia, the European Chamber (of which BritCham is a founder member), BISEA (Britain in SouthEast Asia), and The British Chambers of Commerce to advocate, promote and support business and trade between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
What the Department of Business & Trade (DBT) does Globally
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The DBT operates globally to promote free trade, reduce barriers, and foster strong international relationships. Its mission includes supporting UK exporters, attracting inward investment, and developing policies that stimulate economic growth. DBT leverages trade agreements and global partnerships to ensure UK businesses thrive internationally.
What the DBT does in Cambodia
In Cambodia, DBT focuses on advancing the interests of UK businesses across education, infrastructure, and finance sectors. Notable activities include fostering partnerships such as the Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Trade and Investment Forum (JTIF) and supporting UK universities' collaborations with Cambodian institutions. DBT also works with BritCham to deliver the JTIF and other trade and investment advocacy and promotion activities, to promote rules-based trade and better business.
DBT Export Support Services in Cambodia
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Through BritCham Cambodia, a key Overseas Referral Network partner, DBT provides tailored export support for UK businesses. Services include market entry advice, networking opportunities, and facilitating partnerships with local stakeholders. Businesses can rely on these services to navigate the Cambodian market efficiently.
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DCTS and UK Trade Partnerships
The DCTS replaces the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, offering simplified rules of origin and expanded access for Cambodian exports to the UK. This scheme aligns with Cambodia’s ambitions to diversify exports and increase high-value trade.
BritCham Business Advocacy and Affiliations ​
The British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) works with the British Embassy, Trade Attaches, the Department of Business & Trade, the Royal Government of Cambodia, the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham), BISEA (Britain in South East Asia) and the British Chamber of Commerces to promote and advocate on behalf of her members.
BritCham advocacy via the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham)
Despite the United Kingdom having formerly left the European Union (Brexit), BritCham Cambodia, as a founder member of the Cambodian European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham), is in a unique position to partner with the EuroCham board on joint advocacy projects in Cambodia. BritCham members benefit and can take advantage of this relationship either via their membership of BritCham or by taking advantage of the discounted membership of EuroCham exclusively available to BritCham members
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BritCham and Britain in South East Asia (BISEA)
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Britain in South East Asia (BISEA) is a regional network established by the British Chambers of Commerce to represent and support British businesses operating in Southeast Asia. Its purpose is to foster trade, investment, and business relationships between the UK and Southeast Asian nations by offering a platform for networking, advocacy, and market insights.
Key Objectives of BISEA:
1. Support UK Businesses: Help UK companies explore and succeed in Southeast Asian markets by providing information, resources, and introductions to local partners.
2. Facilitate Trade and Investment: Encourage bilateral trade and investment between the UK and countries in the region.
3. Policy Advocacy: Represent the interests of British businesses to local governments and institutions to promote favorable trade and investment policies.
4. Networking Opportunities: Organize events, trade missions, and forums to connect businesses and facilitate partnerships.
5. Market Intelligence: Provide insights into the economic, political, and regulatory environments in Southeast Asia.
Services Offered:
• Business advisory and consultancy.
• Connections to local businesses, government bodies, and potential partners.
• Assistance with market entry and expansion strategies.
• Training and workshops on doing business in Southeast Asia.
If you’re considering expanding your business to Southeast Asia or leveraging UK connections in the region BritCham can asssit you via her membership of BISEA.
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BritCham and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
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The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is a national network of accredited chambers that work to support businesses across the UK. Their role includes advocacy, networking, and providing business services.
1. Advocacy and Representation
• The BCC represents businesses’ interests to the UK government, policymakers, and international bodies.
• They focus on issues such as trade, taxation, skills development, infrastructure, and employment policies to create a better environment for businesses.
2. International Trade Support
• They provide businesses with guidance, documentation, and services to expand globally.
• This includes export documentation, customs compliance, and trade missions to facilitate international trade.
3. Networking Opportunities
• The BCC connects businesses with other local, national, and international companies through events, forums, and business groups.
• This helps businesses find partners, suppliers, and customers.
4. Training and Professional Development
• They offer training programs to help businesses develop their workforce and improve skills in areas like leadership, compliance, and digital transformation.
5. Accreditation and Standards
• The BCC oversees a network of 53 accredited chambers of commerce in the UK, ensuring they maintain high standards in delivering services to businesses.
6. Economic Insights
• They conduct surveys (e.g., the Quarterly Economic Survey) to provide data and insights about the UK economy, which helps inform policy decisions and supports business planning.
7. Support for SMEs
• Many chambers focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with resources, funding advice, and practical help to grow.
8. Local Business Community Engagement
• Local chambers are at the heart of their communities, helping businesses collaborate and work together on shared challenges.
The BCC acts as the voice of businesses across the UK and plays a critical role in connecting businesses with resources, opportunities, and advocacy at all levels. BritCham Cambodia can link member companies to the relevant local British City Chamber of Commerce.
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Publications & Resources
The British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) are happy to share links to publications and resources to assist business owners. Please contact BritCham Executive Director for bespoke assistance and advice.
