PHNOM PENH, June 3, 2024 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has inaugurated a two-day exhibition called “Khmer Agricultural Village” in Phnom Penh, running from June 1-2, 2024. The event is dedicated to promoting and garnering support for locally-grown agricultural products.
The expo was opened by the First Lady, Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, alongside the Minister of Agriculture, Dith Tina, and included officials from various ministries, business leaders, investors, and both national and international guests.
In her opening remarks, the First Lady emphasized the importance of supporting domestic agriculture. She urged food service companies, chefs’ associations, tourism groups, and restaurants to source directly from Cambodian agricultural associations and cooperatives.
She also encouraged local farmers and cooperatives to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices to strengthen consumer confidence in Cambodian produce.
Minister Dith Tina highlighted the expo’s role in enhancing the visibility and use of Cambodian agricultural products, which ultimately benefits local communities and farmers. “In a world facing challenges like climate change and international conflicts, Cambodia not only ensures its own food security but also contributes significantly to the global market,” he stated.
In the previous year, Cambodia exported approximately 8.4 million tonnes of agricultural goods, including rice, cashew nuts, pepper, bananas, mangoes, and rubber, with exports valued at US$4.3 billion.
A Phnom Penh resident, Srey Touch, who attended the expo, expressed her admiration for the quality and packaging of the local products on display. “I am truly impressed by the high quality of products produced here. It’s evident that Cambodian farmers and producers are capable of creating products that stand on par with imported goods,” she commented.