Cambodia exported approximately 8.5 million tonnes of agricultural products in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 53 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, said a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State and a spokesman for MAFF, posted on social media on Monday that the exports earned the country around $3 billion in the first nine months of 2024.
“It’s a significant achievement, one that is not easily reached. These results reflect the success of opening new markets and boosting competitiveness, which have helped Cambodian agricultural products reach export-quality standards. Furthermore, the majority of Cambodia’s agricultural exports are now formal, which is a positive sign. We are no longer exporting informally, our exports are recognized through official channels,” said Finan.
The main agricultural products exported include rice, cassava, cashew nuts, bananas, mangoes, peppers and other agricultural products.
Finan said that Cambodia recently became one of the largest producers in the world for cashew nuts. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, we have the opportunity to become a global leader in cashew production. We have high hopes for this sector,” he said.
According to Finan, Cambodia is currently negotiating with China on the export of swiftlet nests, durian, jackfruit, and pineapple. These exports could further boost the country’s agricultural growth.
He also highlighted key priority policy programme, including a $100 million financing initiative aimed at supporting market research and ensuring price stability. Additionally, the ministry has recruited 250 Commune Agriculture Officers and plans to recruit 1,000 more to deploy in all communes across the country by next year.
Uon Silot, President of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), told Khmer Times yesterday that in the first nine months of 2024, Cambodia produced 840,000 tonnes of cashew nuts, a 26 percent increase from last year. Of this, more than 790,000 tonnes were exported to Vietnam, generating $1.11 billion—an increase of 36 percent in volume compared to the same period in 2023.
Source: khmertimeskh
