Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that a Singaporean team is set to meet with officials from the commerce and agriculture ministries shortly. The discussions aim to assess the feasibility of exporting agricultural produce to their country.
Manet made the remarks during a meeting with garment workers in Kampong Speu province’s Samrong Tong district on September 9.
“Singapore has begun to show interest in certain of the Kingdom’s products such as vegetables, pork and chicken. Relevant ministries are fast-tracking discussions as the group is arriving next week,” Manet said.
The prime minister met his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on September 5. The leaders explored ways to bolster existing partnerships and identify new areas for cooperation, including trade, investment, tourism, education, security, energy, health, digital technology, agriculture and defense.
Hun Lak, CEO of Tropicam Fruit and Vegetable Co. Ltd., believes the country could access new markets if negotiations yield positive outcomes.
“Our foreign sales include a variety of vegetables that are easily transported abroad, although we are still in the pilot stage,” Lak said.
He emphasised the importance of adhering to quality and phytosanitary standards.
Lak’s company has previously supplied vegetables and spices to South Korea and is now conducting detailed studies for air shipments to European countries.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise, trade between the two countries saw significant changes this year. Exports from Cambodia to Singapore reached over $476 million in the first eight months, compared to just $72 million in the same period last year. Meanwhile, imports declined from more than $2.88 billion to $625 million.