Siem Reap provincial authorities held a three-day exhibition of locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as handicrafts and other goods to encourage local producers, while also increasing public awareness of the wide range of high-quality products which are available.
The exhibition, held at the Royal Residence in Siem Reap town, ran from November 10 to 12. It was attended by provincial authorities, relevant officials, private sector representatives and farmers, as well as curious members of the general public.
The provincial administration quoted deputy provincial governor Nak Neron, who attended the exhibition, as explaining that the event showcased fruit and vegetables, souvenirs, community products and items from the One Village One Product (OVOP) Movement from Siem Reap and six provinces.
He said the campaign to promote the sale of Khmer products is an important part of the Ministry of Commerce’s trade sector development policy, describing it as a “wake-up call” for the Cambodian people to begin embracing local goods over imported ones.
“Thanks to the participation of the public and private sectors, many organisations – including hotels and restaurants – now have an idea of the quality that is available from within the Kingdom. Increased demand will encourage an expansion of cultivation and production, as well as improvements in domestic production, in terms of quantity, quality, aesthetics, competitiveness in the market,” he added.
He urged all local growers and manufacturers to strive to create more innovative products to serve the market, in accordance with the principles of “loyalty to trade”, which he defined as meaning that products must be high-quality, safe for consumers and affordable, in order to compete in the free market.
Siem Reap Provincial Department of Commerce director Phoeun Kimly explained that the exhibition featured 70 booths, displaying a variety of local fruits, vegetables and products such as silver and copper sculpting, woven silk handicrafts, milled rice, traditional medicine, souvenirs, spices, cakes and beverages.
“This exhibition of local products was a chance to show local business owners and tourists that many high-quality items are made right here,” he added.