Customers buy Cambodian products at a PTT filling station. COMMERCE MINISTRY
The Ministry of Commerce and Thai-owned petroleum firm PTT (Cambodia) Ltd have announced they will continue to promote the sale of Cambodian products at its filling stations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, for the month of May.
A ministry announcement said its General Department of Trade Promotion has collaborated with PTT to extend the sales push. The project – implemented at 19 stations across 16 provinces – was fist implemented in 2022, and has been successfully running since.
“Our cooperation aims to help promote small Cambodian family-made products in the domestic market. This boost the development of the Cambodian trade sector on the basis of transparency and community interests,” it added.
“The project will be implemented every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of May from 8am to 5pm,” it said.
Royal Academy of Cambodia economics researcher Ky Sereyvath welcomed the project, as changing the mindsets of Cambodian consumers – many of whom prefer to purchase imported goods – is important to the growth of the economy.
“Cambodian products do not mean a lack of quality or standards, but many people do not understand that. A sales promotion like this one will gradually spread awareness among the youth. Many young people go to drink coffee at PTT petrol stations, so this is a really great way to reach them,” he said.
“It is important that we encourage young people to love and support Cambodian products, and it also contributes to better local economic activity,” he added.
The participating petrol stations – in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Battambang, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Banteay Meanchey, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kratie, Preah Sihanouk and Stung Treng – will sell products such as snacks, desserts, seasonal fruits and even souvenirs.
The ministry said the project was originally inspired by an April 2022 message from Prime Minister Hun Sen, honorary chairman of the National Committee for the One Village, One Product (OVOP) Movement.
On the occasion of the 5th National Day for the promotion of the use of Khmer products, the premier introduced the slogan “One person should buy at least one Cambodian product”.
