The AEO arrangement is strategically important in promoting trade and investment by reducing time and costs, strengthening the competitiveness of businesses and enhancing the reliability of supply chains between the two countries.
The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) signed the authorised economic operator (AEO) agreement on Thursday, aiming to accelerate customs clearance for highly compliant businesses.
The Cambodia-China Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (Cambodia-China AEO MRA) was signed by Kun Nhem, Director-General of GDCE, and Sun Meijun, Minister of GACC, in Phnom Penh on June 4.
According to a GDCE announcement issued on Friday, the Cambodia-China AEO MRA is designed to facilitate trade by simplifying customs procedures, reducing physical inspections of goods and accelerating customs formalities for companies that comply with customs regulations and international trade standards.
The establishment of the AEO arrangement is strategically important in promoting trade and investment by reducing time and costs, strengthening the competitiveness of businesses and enhancing the security and reliability of supply chains between Cambodia and China, the statement added.
GDCE noted that the signing represents another testament to the spirit of iron friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership cooperation, particularly efforts to build a stronger and more fruitful Cambodia-China community of shared future in the new era.
The customs authority added that Cambodia currently has 11 AEO companies and the Royal Government is working to increase the number to 30 by the end of this year. The target reflects ongoing efforts to expand participation in the trusted trader programme and further strengthen trade facilitation and customs compliance.
A day earlier, the GACC Minister, accompanied by Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, led a delegation to meet Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), to discuss measures aimed at further promoting trade growth and economic cooperation.
During the meeting, Pornmoniroth briefed the delegation on Cambodia’s socio-economic situation and the urgent and priority measures recently undertaken by the Royal Government in relation to GDCE.
The measures are intended to strengthen the efficiency of revenue collection while supporting sustainable economic development and safeguarding the daily livelihoods of citizens, he added.
The GACC Minister reaffirmed China’s commitment to enhancing customs cooperation with Cambodia and highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline procedures for importing agricultural products into the Chinese market.
She encouraged greater exports of agricultural products, particularly bananas and durians, to China and underscored the importance of improving market access for Cambodian goods.
She also urged the Royal Government to accelerate the connection of the single-window system and the electronic origin data exchange system. She further called for stronger cooperation in smart customs administration to achieve mutual benefits through faster, more efficient trade facilitation.
Source: KhmerTimes
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<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
