On 21 February 2025, Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) launched a book titled “Global Service Supply Chains in ASEAN and East Asia: Implications and Opportunities for Regional Integration”. The book was edited by JCI Head Prof Shandre Mugan Thangavelu, along with Fukunari Kimura, Christopher Findlay, and Lurong Chen.
In her keynote address, Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul emphasized the timeliness and relevance of the research presented in the newly launched book. She highlighted its role in providing vital insights into existing policy gaps and structural economic challenges that hinder service supply chain development. Moreover, the book offers actionable policy recommendations designed for national policy makers, especially for Cambodia, she said.
In conjunction with the book launch, a policy dialogue was also organised gathering representatives from both the public and private sectors, as well as key stakeholders from the industry sector. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities presented by these chains within the broader ASEAN and East Asia context. Discussions also covered the implications of service liberalization and the specific obstacles and prospects Cambodia faces in achieving deeper regional integration.
Minister Nimul underscored the importance of the policy dialogue as a unique opportunity to scrutinize the hurdles confronting Cambodia's service sector. By convening representatives from both the public and private sectors, alongside key industry stakeholders, the event facilitated a collaborative environment conducive to constructive dialogue. The aim was to forge practical strategies that could effectively address these challenges and propel Cambodia's service sector forward.
Comprising 15 chapters, the book provides an analytical framework of the development of services GVC in the ASEAN and East Asian region. It covers specific key services development in terms of tourism, business services, logistics, heath, aviation, accounting, finance and insurance, BPO services, wholesale and retail, knowledge-based services using the GVC framework. The book “Global Service Supply Chains in ASEAN and East Asia” is available for purchase here:
