Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodian rice exporter Amru Rice has signed a new agreement to export around 400 metric tonnes of premium fragrant jasmine rice to The Green Group, one of Australia’s largest food wholesalers, marking another step forward in growing agricultural trade between Cambodia and Australia.
The agreement, which runs from January to June 2026, is expected to pave the way for longer-term contracts that could bring Cambodian rice to large supermarket chains across Australia. The first shipments under the deal were marked during a send-off ceremony at Amru Rice’s processing facility in Phnom Penh, where two containers of Cambodian jasmine rice were dispatched to Australia.
Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip joined Amru Rice Co-founder and CEO Oknha Song Saran at the event, highlighting the growing commercial ties between the two countries and the increasing international demand for Cambodian agricultural products.
Expanding Cambodia’s presence in premium rice markets
The partnership reflects Amru Rice’s strategy to expand its presence in high-value export markets, particularly those seeking premium and specialty rice varieties.
Read More: Leader Talks – Saran Song, CEO of Amru Rice Cambodia
Song Saran said the agreement represents an important milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Australia while promoting Cambodian fragrant jasmine rice internationally. He noted that the company aims to supply rice that meets international quality standards while maintaining sustainable farming and value-added processing practices.
The Australian rice market is projected to expand significantly in the coming decade. Industry estimates suggest the market could grow from around $5.7 billion in 2024 to approximately $7.1 billion by 2033, driven by rising consumer demand for premium, organic, and specialty rice varieties.
Cambodian producers, particularly those specializing in aromatic jasmine rice, are increasingly targeting this segment as global buyers seek high-quality rice from diversified sources.
Australian support helping open export markets
The deal was facilitated through ongoing cooperation between Cambodia and Australia aimed at expanding exports of value-added agricultural products.
Through Australia-funded trade promotion initiatives, Amru Rice participated in a trade visit to Australia in 2023 where it established relationships with local distributors and buyers. The company has also received ongoing assistance through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) program, which supports Cambodian businesses in accessing international markets.
Ambassador Yip said the agreement demonstrates the strengthening trade relationship between the two countries while supporting Cambodian producers in reaching premium global markets. He noted that the partnership provides Australian consumers with more choices while helping drive inclusive economic growth in Cambodia.
Trade ties continue to deepen
The export deal builds on broader growth in bilateral trade between Cambodia and Australia. Total trade between the two countries reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2025, including around $850 million in Cambodian exports to Australia.
Rice remains one of Cambodia’s most important agricultural exports. In 2025, the country exported a record 940,000 metric tonnes of milled rice, generating approximately $602 million in export revenue.
The relationship between Amru Rice and The Green Group has been developing over the past several years. Representatives from The Green Group visited Cambodia in 2024 before the companies signed a memorandum of understanding in Sydney in February 2025 to commercialize Cambodian agri-food products, including rice.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul.
Nelson Green, Managing Director of The Green Group, said successful market entry requires strong collaboration between exporters and importers. He noted that the partnership between Amru Rice and The Green Group reflects a coordinated approach to bringing Cambodian food products to the Australian market.
Australia has supported Cambodia’s rice sector for more than three decades, including research into high-yield and climate-resilient rice varieties as well as improving farmers’ access to agricultural technologies.
Current cooperation focuses on strengthening in-country processing capacity, promoting sustainable production practices, and helping Cambodian producers expand their presence in international markets.
