Cambodia seeks to join trans-Pacific trade pact

(MENAFN) Cambodia has formally applied to join the trans-Pacific free trade agreement, according to reports from officials of member countries on Monday.

Discussions on Cambodia’s potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will begin once all current members grant approval and establish a working group to negotiate the terms.

At a ministerial-level meeting in Australia last November, talks began regarding Uruguay’s membership, while negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Indonesia could start as early as next year. Costa Rica’s entry into the pact is reportedly close to completion.

The trade agreement, which came into force in 2018 following the US withdrawal during President Donald Trump’s first term, welcomed the UK as its 12th member in 2024. Other members include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

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