The “One Village, One Product” forums were established to match sellers and buyers. The forum has been held in provinces across the Kingdom to promote and find markets for local products. On October 27, it was held in Phnom Penh.

Mao Chandara, the owner of Dara Food, said he took part in the forum, whenever it was held. Thanks to the Phnom Penh location this time around, his travel expenses were reduced. He said this products have received considerable attention.

He produces coconut, black sesame, peanut and sachainchi oils. While some are new products, they are becoming well known. Thanks to his repeated participation in the forum, he has noticed more and more awareness of his goods, from other sellers and the general public alike.

“I displayed my products yesterday, and had many enquiries from people who recognise my products. They sold well,” Chandara said.

He added that exhibitors received lots of support from the forum’s promotion committee, as well as some technical schools which were involved in the processing of agricultural products.

He plans to expand his business once he has secured a steady supply of the raw materials he needs.

Suong Noy, secretary-general of the national committee for promotion of One Village, One Product, said the forum gave him hope and confidence that Cambodia's local economy would continue to improve in the future.

He encouraged the One Village, One Product movement and asked members of the team, especially producers – those who have already registered and those who are applying for registration – to cooperate with each other for the good of all. They must be honest and take responsibility for the quality of their products if they want to enhance the image of Cambodian goods on the international stage, he said.

Phnom Penh deputy governor Keo Sok Pisey, who is also the deputy head of the One Village, One Product Movement Committee of Phnom Penh, appreciated the forum and encouraged further participation.

She encouraged all of the participants to sell their products honestly and responsibly, and expressed her pride in the quality of Cambodia’s production chains.