The Ministry of Commerce on December 18 said it will indefinitely postpone another trade fair under the umbrella of the fifth season of its “Buy Cambodian Campaign” as a measure to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

The exhibition was initially scheduled to be held from December 24-27 in Sisophon town, the provincial capital of Banteay Meanchey.

Ministry spokesman Seang Thay told The Post that his ministry’s decision was in compliance with government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in an effective and timely manner.

He said: “While the postponement of the exhibition in Banteay Meanchey at this time will cause an interruption in the dissemination and promotion of Cambodian products, we all know that the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic is very important.

“Exhibitors, producers and customers will have fresh opportunities to promote Cambodian products, as the ministry plans to hold more events when the situation improves.”

Ly Ly Food Industry Co Ltd CEO Keo Mom said the delay would not affect the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

She said SMEs still have the opportunity to participate in the ministry’s exhibition events after the disease has been brought under control.

“We hope the ministry will continue to organise exhibitions to help promote Cambodian products, and we are an SME committed to joining the government next time,” Mom said.

Thay noted that between 100 and 200 booths were usually set up at ministry-organised Cambodian-product exhibitions last year, and 350 at the annual import-export fair.

But Covid-19-era events had to be downsized to just 60 booths to keep in line with the Ministry of Health’s preventive measures, he said, adding that 50 companies had registered for the most recent fair in Sisophon.

The commerce ministry is likely to postpone the “Buy Cambodian Campaign” fairs in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces as well, he lamented.