Commerce minister Cham Nimul (3rd from left) meets with Azucena L. Yao, chairperson of Arvin International Marketing Inc. Commerce ministry
Arvin International Marketing Inc, the largest supplier and distributor of salt in the Philippines, has expressed interest in purchasing Cambodian rice for distribution through their extensive domestic operations.
Azucena Yao, chair of the board of Arvin International, met with Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul – who is accompanying Prime Minister Hun Manet on an official visit to the Philippines – on February 11.
Yao informed Nimul about the company's operations and latest progress, while expressing interest in importing Cambodian rice, a high-quality product that has been ranked as the world's best rice six times in the past.
Nimul expressed her delight at the company's interest and encouraged all relevant parties to enhance cooperation in exporting agricultural products, especially rice.
She emphasised how the government’s policies and measures to support the agriculture and agro-industrial sectors encouraged companies to invest in the Kingdom’s agricultural commodities, including premium rice, along with other goods such as cashews and potatoes.
The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) reported that in 2024, Cambodia exported 651,522 tonnes of rice to 68 countries worldwide, with Europe and China remaining the largest markets.
Additionally, the Kingdom exported rice to seven ASEAN countries, including Timor-Leste, and 32 other countries in Africa, Central Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
In 2024, Cambodia and the Philippines reached an agreement on the rice trade, which resulted in Cambodia exporting 2,650 tonnes to the Philippines.
Cambodia’s most recent “World's Best Rice” award win was in November 2024, at the World Rice Conference in Manila, the Philippines.
Manet is currently paying his first official visit to the Philippines.
During a February 11 meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for the long-standing good relations and cooperation between the two countries.
The two sides pledged to further strengthen bilateral relations, enhance cooperation and continue to work towards higher levels of development in several areas. These included trade, investment, national defence and security, agriculture, health, culture, education, vocational training, technology and people-to-people connections.
On February 10, during a meeting with Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Filipino agriculture minister Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. informed the Cambodian side about his nation’s need for agricultural products.
Laurel Jr. noted that to address the growing needs of its population, the Philippines has significant demand for agricultural products. He explained that this includes rice, pork, beef, chicken, fish and a variety of vegetables and fruits.
Tina emphasised that the agricultural trade between the two countries will meet their mutual needs, rather than drive competition. He believed that they can strengthen their cooperation even further to drive growth in the agricultural sector, contributing to economic development and long-term sustainability.
Tina invited the Philippine minister and a delegation from his ministry to visit Cambodia and explore the potential of the Kingdom’s agricultural products. He also suggested that further discussions between representatives of the private sector be encouraged.
Both ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the agricultural and agro-business sectors between their respective governments.
