Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 10 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet views the presence of Cambodian products in international markets as a source of great pride and a testament to the Royal Government's successful collaboration with the private sector.
The premier spoke on Tuesday (Sep. 10) during the 7th Cambodia Rice Forum, held in Phnom Penh under the theme, ‘Transforming the Cambodia Rice Supply Chain to be Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable’.
Samdech Thipadei underscored, “Thirty years ago, when I went to study in the United States and visited an Asian shop, there were no Cambodian products. Today, we can proudly say that we export a variety of agricultural products not only to the US but also to many European countries. In addition to agricultural products, we now have numerous items made in Cambodia, which is a significant accomplishment for the country over the past three decades.”
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that, besides agricultural products, Cambodia also exports garments, textiles, bags, jewellery, and electrical components, marking a substantial achievement for the country in the last 30 years.
Samdech Thipadei also expressed gratitude to all partners, particularly the private sector globally, for their collaboration in promoting Cambodian agricultural products to an international audience.
The premier further added that this success demonstrates the effectiveness of efforts by both the Royal Government and the private sector to establish a presence in the Cambodian rice market, despite the challenge of competing with more experienced countries in the global market.
Regarding the rice sector, Samdech Thipadei affirmed that the Royal Government has provided substantial support, including subsidies for farmers and tax incentives for the private sector involved in the rice industry.
Prime Minister Hun Manet further underlined that the Royal Government remains committed to the rice sector, offering various incentives including tax relief for agricultural communities, rice mills, and rice exports. Additionally, the import of agricultural equipment and machinery for rice mills is also exempt from taxes and duties.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, in the first eight months of 2024, Cambodia exported goods worth over USD 17 billion, an increase of 16.7 per cent, while imports totalled nearly USD 19 billion, an increase of 16.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.
Cambodia’s major exports include garments and accessories made from fabrics, fruits and nuts, machinery and electrical equipment, footwear, and rubber products, with key trading partners including the US, Viet Nam, China, Japan, Thailand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Hong Kong, and other significant markets.
=FRESH NEWS
