Sreekanth Ravindran / Khmer Times

The Philippines will support Cambodia in its strategy to attain the diversification of rice exports, according to a statement released by its Department of Agriculture (DAP).

The statement, by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P Tiu Laurel Jr, following the two-day official visit of Prime Minister Hun Manet to the Philippines, was released on Friday by the DAP.

As part of Mr Hun Manet’s visit to Manila, eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Cambodia and Philippines and among them are a special agreement to boost agricultural ties.

“Cambodia will gradually be an important agricultural trading partner as the country diversifies its markets, particularly for rice,” said Tiu Laurel.

“There will be enhanced collaboration in areas such as agricultural planning, animal feed development, animal health protection, irrigation management, and agricultural marketing systems.

“Both countries will also explore the exchange of non-Geographical Indication-protected plant commodities to foster agricultural diversity and innovation,” he added.

Earlier, during the signing of MoUs on Tuesday, Tiu Laurel said the Philippines has a demand for many agricultural products from Cambodia to meet the needs of its growing population, which is increasing by more than a million on an annual basis.

“The country has needs such as rice, pork, beef, chicken, fish, and many fruits and vegetables. In addition, we will also look into the possibility of investing in rice milling and horticulture.”

He also pointed out that the DAP has been authorised to import rice and food with a budget of $100 million.

Agriculture Minister Dith Tina has already invited the Agriculture Secretary of Philippines alongside senior DAP officials to visit Cambodia to examine the potential of Cambodian agricultural products and discuss further details about forging cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.

Tiu Laurel has expressed enthusiasm over the prospect, highlighting the role of the Department of Agriculture’s Food Terminal Inc in carrying out such investments and ventures.

According to Dith Tina, the bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector between Cambodia and The Philippines will be focusing on two key areas: ensuring food security and agri-trade between the two countries.

Trade between The Philippines and Cambodia in 2023 totalled $80.50 million, with agricultural products accounting for $20.40 million. The Philippines has a trade deficit with Cambodia, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows.

Speaking to Khmer Times, economist Darin Duch said Cambodia can supply many agricultural products to The Philippines including rice, cassava and rubber.

“From a trade standpoint, there is complementarity between the two countries’ economies. Bilateral trade agreements that strengthens can help unlock opportunities for both nations businesses.”

Dr Cheang Hong, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture at Royal University of Agriculture Phnom Penh, earlier told Khmer Times that the Kingdom must focus on discovering new markets for exports.

Last year, Cambodia and Indonesia, the fourth largest country in the world by population, reached an agreement to promote rice trade and a MoU is on the anvil.

As per the agreement, Indonesian company Perum BULOG will contribute towards developing agricultural businesses, namely rice mills and warehouses across the Kingdom.

Published Date: February 18, 2025