ERIA Supports Cambodia’s AI in Trade Readiness with National Validation Workshop Ahead of ASEAN DEFA

Phnom Penh, 16 March 2026:In support of Cambodia's efforts to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for trade and inclusive economic growth, ERIA's Capacity Building Programme (CBP), in collaboration with the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), convened a 1-day national validation workshop in Phnom Penh.

The workshop aimed to validate the findings and recommendations of the study Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Trade in Cambodia, along with the accompanying paper onGender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Dimensions of AI and Trade in Cambodia.

With the ASEAN Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA) expected to be signed later this year, the project contributes to Cambodia's preparedness for its implementation. The workshop brought together around 50 participants from government, the private sector, academia, and development partners to review key findings, policy implications, and priority actions.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Chea Ratha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted the potential of AI to enhance trade through automation and emerging technologies. She emphasised that responsible adoption, trusted data systems, and sound governance will be critical to strengthening competitiveness under Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy and Digital Trade Strategy toward 2030. While AI adoption remains at an early stage, she underscored the importance of partnerships, including with Australia, to address challenges related to technical capacity, trust, and cybersecurity.

Dr Kirill Artyukhov, First Secretary at the Australian Mission to ASEAN, delivered remarks on behalf of the Australian Government, which supports ERIA's CBP. He reaffirmed Australia's commitment to ASEAN digital integration and noted that DEFA is expected to enhance cross-border efficiency, digital payments, and MSME participation. He also highlighted AI's growing role in trade, cybersecurity, and resilience, while recognising associated risks such as digital divides, data governance challenges, and misinformation.

The workshop featured several key presentations. Mr Sven Callebaut, Project Lead, outlined the study's background, methodology, and structure, emphasising its focus on the role of AI in trade and its relevance to DEFA and Cambodia's digital policy priorities. Mr Chanty Pisal, Director of Digital and Innovation Policy Research at CADT, presented the study's main findings, including an overview of Cambodia's AI ecosystem, opportunities and risks in trade applications, and existing regulatory and institutional gaps. Dr Srun Sopheak, Innovation Policy Researcher at CADT, proposed policy recommendations, highlighting the need to strengthen digital trust infrastructure, develop an AI-ready workforce, and promote innovation.

A dedicated session on GEDSI examined the importance of inclusive AI adoption, offering practical recommendations to ensure that digital transformation does not exacerbate gender and regional inequalities, particularly for women-led and rural MSMEs.

Panel discussions and group sessions further explored national AI strategy development, cybersecurity, skills gaps, and institutional readiness. The workshop marked an important step toward building a trusted, inclusive, and competitive digital trade ecosystem in Cambodia.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr Be Chantra, Deputy Director General of the Institute of Digital Research and Innovation at CADT, and Dr Kirill Artyukhov, both of whom expressed appreciation for the collaboration and looked forward to the finalisation of the report.