From left: Industry minister Hem Vandy, commerce minister Cham Nimul, agriculture minister Dith Tina and Australian ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip inaugurate the 7th Cambodia Rice Forum on September 10. Agriculture ministry
The 7th Cambodia Rice Forum 2024, held on Tuesday, September 10, focused on strengthening and expanding the country’s rice supply chain in response to climate change, with support from Australia.
Organised by the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) under the theme "Transforming the Cambodia Rice Supply Chain to be Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive", the forum brought together around 400 stakeholders, according to a joint press release issued today, September 11, by CRF and the Australian embassy.
CRF chairman Song Saran stated that one of the key objectives of the forum was to strengthen and expand the country’s rice supply chain in response to evolving environmental challenges and global trends.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing environmental, social responsibility and good governance practices – requirements for international rice exports, which are set to be implemented for the EU market by early 2026.
CRF president Chan Sokheang emphasised the government's efforts to promote the rice sector, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries focusing on rice variety development and cultivation techniques.
He added that the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation concentrates on quality standards and rice milling, while the Ministry of Commerce is driving market diversification and international outreach.
Sokheang said that collaboration with relevant ministries, institutions, development partners and UN agencies has enabled the country to expand its export markets from 35 in 2010 to 121 in 2023.
“Cambodian rice has gained international recognition, winning the prestigious World’s Best Rice Award for its Phka Rumduol variety five times – in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018 and 2022 – as well as China’s Golden Award for fragrant rice in 2023,” he highlighted.
Australian ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip expressed his country’s excitement to continue supporting Cambodia's rice sector, particularly through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED).
He noted that Australia is committed to helping Cambodian rice exporters find global markets and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
“Australia has been supporting Cambodia’s agricultural sector since the 1960s. We are pleased to see significant progress in Cambodia's rice sector, with rice and paddy exports valued at around $1.8 billion in 2023,” Yip said.
The forum was inaugurated by commerce minister Cham Nimul, agriculture minister Dith Tina, industry minister Hem Vandy and ambassador Yip. Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over the forum’s conclusion.
In the first seven months of 2024, Cambodia exported 379,546 tonnes of rice, generating $280 million. Additionally, the country exported 2,711,179 tonnes of paddy rice to neighbouring countries, valued at over $784.6 million, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
