Customs Efficiency & Compliance: The Dual Key to Sustaining Cambodia’s Export Growth

Customs Efficiency & Compliance: Key to Sustaining Export Growth

A prominent business leader is driving a push for smoother international trade, emphasizing that both the government and the private sector share a vital responsibility in achieving this goal.

Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), delivered this balanced message at the 3rd Cambodia Customs Forum, a key meeting focused on refining trade regulations.

His primary directive to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) was direct: “Accelerate trade processing!”

He specifically urged customs officials at border checkpoints to expedite the handling of all necessary import and export documentation. This crucial step not only attracts more foreign investors but also maintains strong business fluidity.

Shared Responsibility: Speed Depends on Compliance

However, Oknha Kith Meng quickly addressed the obligations of the business community. His message was firm: Companies must strictly adhere to all regulations.

He called upon business owners, private enterprises, and their customs brokers to maintain equal respect for the law. He underscored a core truth: when companies fail to achieve regulatory compliance, the entire customs process slows down, making rapid processing impossible.

Ultimately, he stressed that national success depends on a foundation of mutual collaboration and strict adherence to Cambodian trade laws.

Why Trade Efficiency is Critical for Cambodiaโ€™s Economic Growth

This critical focus on better trade efficiency is timely, given Cambodiaโ€™s booming economic performance.

During the first 10 months of 2025, Cambodiaโ€™s total exports reached nearly $25 billion, an impressive 15.2% growth compared to the previous year.

The strategy is clear and straightforward: if the GDCE streamlines procedures and businesses maintain full compliance, the result is the ideal foundation needed to sustain Cambodiaโ€™s robust long-term economic expansion.