Graham Russell, CEO of the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), recently engaged with government, regulatory and business stakeholders in Cambodia and Lao PDR to advance cooperation on consumer protection, regulatory reform and quality infrastructure.

Key Highlights

Supporting Consumer Protection in Cambodia

• Meetings with Cambodia’s Directorate-General of Consumer Protection and Competition (DGCC) focused on strengthening market surveillance systems, product safety frameworks and regulatory cooperation.
• UK experts joined Cambodian officials in field inspections to observe market surveillance activities and discuss the development of new standard operating procedures for consumer product safety.
• A public seminar brought together policymakers, businesses and consumer groups to share international best practice on product safety, responsible business conduct and consumer confidence.

Advancing Good Regulatory Practice

• Discussions with the Ministry of Commerce and the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) explored how effective regulation, Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) and evidence-based policymaking can support investment, trade and sustainable economic growth.
• Supporting Cambodia’s wider regulatory reform agenda through capacity building, development of RIA systems and strengthening institutional oversight.

Driving Digital Consumer Protection in Lao PDR

• A major milestone was the launch of Lao PDR’s new Consumer Complaint Mobile Application, supported by the ASEAN-UK EIP and developed in partnership with national authorities and development partners.
• The application enhances access to consumer redress through mobile technology, including phone-based registration, AI-supported guidance and integration with business registration systems.
• The initiative is expected to improve consumer confidence, strengthen enforcement capability and support Lao PDR’s readiness for the growing digital economy and ASEAN digital integration.

Strengthening Quality Infrastructure for Trade

• Stakeholders also reviewed progress on Lao PDR’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) Roadmap, developed under the ASEAN-UK EIP.
• Discussions focused on improving standards, accreditation, metrology and regulatory coordination to boost competitiveness, facilitate trade and support long-term economic development.

Impact

The agenda reinforced the UK’s commitment to supporting ASEAN partners through practical reforms that improve consumer protection, strengthen regulatory systems and promote inclusive economic growth. Through the ASEAN-UK EIP, Cambodia and Lao PDR are building stronger institutions, enhancing consumer confidence and creating more predictable and transparent environments for business, trade and investment.