SunRice Group Eyes Organic Rice Production Investment in Cambodia Amidst ASEAN-Australia Summit

During a significant meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, SunRice Group, one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, expressed a keen interest in investing in Cambodia’s burgeoning organic rice production chain. This move was discussed as SunRice Group’s CEO, Mr. Paul Serra, met with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in Melbourne, marking a potential milestone in ASEAN-Australia agricultural relations.

Building on Existing Ties and Recognizing Potential

Mr. Serra highlighted SunRice Group’s historical engagement with Cambodia, notably being the first Australian company to import Cambodian rice. He emphasized Cambodia’s agricultural strengths, including its world-renowned rice reputation, youthful workforce, stable electricity prices, and an efficient transport and logistics infrastructure. These attributes make Cambodia an attractive destination for SunRice’s ambition to deepen its involvement in the rice processing industry, with a specific focus on organic rice for export.

Government Support and Policy Alignment

In response to SunRice Group’s intentions, Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the idea of expanding investment activities within Cambodia’s rice processing sector. He reaffirmed the agricultural sector’s pivotal role in the government’s agenda, detailing policies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity through the deployment of experts and the development of infrastructure. The Prime Minister also underscored the government’s focus on clean and renewable energy sources to boost the competitiveness and connectivity of business and trade activities within Cambodia.

Future Prospects and Strategic Importance

The dialogue between SunRice Group and the Cambodian government underscores the strategic importance of agriculture in Cambodia’s economic landscape and its potential to contribute significantly to the ASEAN-Australia economic partnership. Encouraging SunRice to explore further investment opportunities in Cambodia, the Prime Minister’s engagement with the company signals a promising future for bilateral trade relations, particularly in the sustainable and organic agricultural sector.

This development serves as a testament to the growing interest and investment in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, highlighting the country’s potential as a leading exporter of organic rice. As Cambodia continues to focus on enhancing its agricultural productivity and infrastructure, the commitment from international companies like SunRice Group could herald a new era of growth and sustainability in the region’s agricultural trade.

Published Date: March 4, 2024