Two more provinces are setting up small-scale weekend community markets to showcase local farmers’ products in line with the Ministry of Commerce’s marketing promotion policy.

The Kratie Provincial Administration inaugurated its market last weekend, while its Pailin counterpart is scrambling to find a suitable location.

Pailin provincial Department of Commerce director Sok Sathim told The Post that the provincial administration was hopeful that its market would open soon.

He said the market would contain 12 large booths that will peddle vegetables, fruits, eggs, fish, chicken, duck, milled rice, cassava products, as well as some processed products that are characteristic of the province.

“The market will benefit farmers who sell their products here and improve their livelihoods,” Sathim said.

Newly-minted provincial governor Ban Sreymom on December 26 led officials to inspect a prospective site for the market.

She said: “The establishment of a weekend community market will contribute to the government in improving the lives of farmers.

“I call on the people and the public to support the project to improve living standards as well as the products of farmers in the province.”

Kratie provincial Department of Commerce director Chea Veng said the market in his province debuted with 11 stalls, which the provincial administration plans to increase to 20 down the line.

The market is in Kratie commune in the eponymous town, he said, adding that Weekend Market is a ministerial initiative that is supported by the Accelerating Inclusive Markets for Smallholders (AIMS) project.

“Through this market, farmers will be connected as producers with buyers to exchange products,” Veng said, adding that the market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 3-8pm.