Cambodia Investment Review

Australia Reaffirms Support for Cambodia’s Rice Sector at 7th Cambodia Rice Forum

Australia Reaffirms Support for Cambodia’s Rice Sector at 7th Cambodia Rice Forum

Cambodia Investment Review

The 7th Cambodia Rice Forum, organized by the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), was held in Phnom Penh on September 10, 2024, under the theme, “Transforming the Cambodia Rice Supply Chain to be Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable.” Attended by around 400 participants, the event included government officials, international dignitaries, exporters, importers, and CRF members. The forum was inaugurated by prominent Cambodian government representatives and H.E. Mr. Derek Yip, the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia. Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet presided over the closing ceremony.

The forum’s primary focus was on strengthening Cambodia’s rice supply chain to meet international sustainability and social responsibility standards, a growing requirement in global markets. This is particularly relevant for Cambodia’s export efforts to the EU, which will implement new environmental and governance standards starting in early 2026.

The 7th Cambodia Rice Forum in Phnom Penh on September 10, 2024.

Strengthening the Rice Supply Chain

Oknha Song Saran, Chairman of the CRF Board of Directors, stressed the importance of adapting to the changing global landscape. “One of the primary objectives of the 7th Cambodia Rice Forum is to strengthen and expand Cambodia’s rice supply chain in response to the evolving environmental landscape and global trends on enhancing environment, social responsibility, and good governance,” he said.

Read More: Opinion: The Imperative for Cambodian Rice Exporters to Embrace ESG Standards: Enhancing EU Market Access and Leveraging Sustainable Financing

This was echoed by CRF President Oknha Chan Sokheang, who highlighted the government’s multi-sectoral efforts to support the rice industry. “The government promotes the Cambodia rice sector, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries focusing on rice variety development and cultivation techniques, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation on standard quality and rice milling, and the Ministry of Commerce on market diversification and international outreach.”

Through collaboration with relevant ministries, development partners, and United Nations agencies, Cambodia has expanded its rice export market from 35 target countries in 2010 to 121 in 2023. This growth is coupled with global recognition for Cambodian rice, with the Phka Rumduol variety winning the World’s Best Rice Award five times and a Golden Award from China for its fragrant rice variety in 2023.

The 7th Cambodia Rice Forum in Phnom Penh on September 10, 2024.

Australia’s Long-Term Partnership and Support

Australia has been a steadfast partner in Cambodia’s agricultural development since the 1960s. During the forum, Australian Ambassador Derek Yip underscored Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Cambodia’s rice sector. “We are very pleased to see significant progress in Cambodia’s rice sector, with rice and paddy exports worth about US$1.8 billion in 2023,” he noted. Ambassador Yip also mentioned the continued role of the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) in helping Cambodian rice exporters access global markets while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

CAPRED was the forum’s primary sponsor, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to enhancing Cambodia’s agricultural sector. Other key sponsors included Khmer Enterprise, Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, and USAID’s Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest III initiative.

The Cambodia Rice Forum, held at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, provided a platform for stakeholders across the rice supply chain to address challenges, such as market diversification and sustainability, while promoting Cambodia’s rice exports globally.

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