On December 15, 2025, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) continues to attract global interest, with Cambodia taking steps toward potential membership. In June 2025, the Cambodian government established an inter-ministerial task force to study the feasibility of acceding to the high-standard trade pact, signaling growing ambition to integrate deeper into Asia-Pacific economic frameworks beyond its existing participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The CPTPP, which entered into force in 2018 following the U.S. withdrawal from the original Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) under President Donald Trump, now comprises 12 members: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom—the latter becoming the first new member after its accession protocol took effect in late 2024 for most parties and fully by early 2025.
Accession to the CPTPP requires unanimous consent from existing members, followed by the establishment of an Accession Working Group to negotiate terms. The process emphasizes maintaining the agreement's high standards on issues like labor rights, environmental protection, intellectual property, state-owned enterprises, and digital trade—standards often more rigorous than those in other regional deals like RCEP.
Recent developments highlight the pact's expanding appeal. At the Ninth CPTPP Commission meeting held in Melbourne, Australia, on November 20-21, 2025, ministers advanced several accession processes. They aimed to conclude negotiations with Costa Rica by year's end, with its membership nearly finalized following the establishment of an Accession Working Group in 2024. The commission also decided to commence formal accession talks with Uruguay in late 2025, and potentially with Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates starting in 2026, provided conditions are met.
These moves reflect the CPTPP's growing geopolitical and economic significance, representing about 15% of global GDP with the UK's inclusion. The bloc's rules promote open markets, reduce tariffs on over 98% of goods, and include modern provisions on e-commerce, data flows, and sustainable trade—areas where Cambodia could benefit but would need substantial reforms to comply.
Cambodia's interest aligns with its efforts to diversify trade partnerships amid rising exports in garments, footwear, and agriculture. As an ASEAN member already in RCEP (which includes China and overlaps with seven CPTPP nations), joining CPTPP could provide preferential access to key markets like Canada, Mexico, and Peru, while attracting foreign investment through stronger investor protections. However, experts note challenges: Cambodia would need to address gaps in labor standards, intellectual property enforcement, and competition policy involving state enterprises.
The task force, led by veteran negotiator Sok Siphana (involved in Cambodia's 2004 WTO accession), is assessing impacts and preparing recommendations. No formal application has been submitted as of December 2025, but the study could pave the way for one in the coming years.
In contrast to Cambodia's exploratory phase, other aspirants have progressed further. Costa Rica applied in August 2022; Uruguay in December 2022; Indonesia formally in September 2024; the Philippines and UAE in 2025. Earlier applicants like China (2021) and Taiwan (2021) remain stalled due to geopolitical sensitivities and standards concerns.
The CPTPP's evolution underscores shifting trade dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Originating from the P4 agreement among Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore in 2006, it expanded under TPP negotiations before the U.S. exit prompted the "progressive" rebranding. The UK's 2023-2024 accession set a precedent for non-regional members, boosting the pact's global reach.
For Cambodia, membership could enhance economic resilience but requires domestic reforms. Analysts suggest complementary benefits with RCEP, positioning Cambodia at a trade crossroads. As the bloc prioritizes high standards, future expansions will likely proceed cautiously.
