ERIA | Public-Private Dialogue 1: The RCEP E-commerce Provisions and What They Mean for Cambodia

Jakarta, 2 November 2021: With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) set to come into force in January 2022, the agreement’s e-commerce provisions will play a crucial role in facilitating trade digitalisation and cross-border trade, of particular importance for Cambodian MSMEs. These themes were addressed during the first Public-Private Dialogue in the new Unpacking the RCEP Agreement series. Focusing on ‘The RCEP E-commerce Provisions and What They Mean for Cambodia’, it was organised by ERIA’s Capacity Building Programme and co-hosted by Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce. With over 100 participants, this Dialogue was an opportunity to discuss the benefits and challenges of the e-commerce provisions with the private sector, alongside government and trade experts.

This public-private dialogue was opened by HE SIM Sokheng, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce and Mr Andreas Zurbrugg, Deputy Ambassador of the Australian Embassy in Cambodia. The Public-Private Dialogue was divided into three sessions consisted different speakers on each:

· Session 1: Setting the Scene: The RCEP E-commerce Agreement and Cambodia’s Work Plan for its Implementation

· Session 2: Private Sector Perspectives on Opportunities for Cambodia in RCEP

· Session 3: Discussion on Bridging National Interest and Global Trends

Mr Sven Callebaut, International Trade Consultant for ERIA’s Capacity Building Programme moderated Sessions 1 and 2, with Mr Danny Burrows, Founder and Principal of TradeWorthy Ltd. moderating Session 3. Mr Jeremy Gross, ERIA’s Director of Capacity Building of ERIA was the host of the Dialogue.