Agriculture minister Dith Tina and Ghanaian ambassador Florence Buerki Akonor pose for a group photo at the ministry headquarters in Phnom Penh on July 15. MAFF
Agriculture minister Dith Tina is proposing a Cambodia-Ghana agricultural partnership for global food security.
With the Kingdom’s evolution from a nation facing food insecurity in 1993 to one of the world’s leading rice exporters, this alliance could prove promising.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced this on July 17 following Tina’s meeting with Florence Buerki Akonor, the ambassador of Ghana with official residence in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.
The discussions centred around Cambodia’s overseas agricultural investments, following Prime Minister Hun Sen’s directive.
This policy has led to Cambodian investment in milled rice in Cuba and the Ivory Coast.
The minister stated that Cambodia’s agricultural strategies go beyond quantity to encompass quality, safety, cost reduction, economic effectiveness, and sustainability.
He also highlighted the need to consider exporting rice and processed milled rice.
For effective collaboration, he emphasised security, stability, and legal, political, and technical coordination.
The minister pointed to the potential for a successful alliance with Ghana, given their democratic governance and similar climates favourable for agriculture, particularly rice.
Working groups will continue to develop a memorandum of understanding (MoU) based on the nations’ agreed terms, with an emphasis on legal and technical aspects, stability, profitability, and inspection of agricultural inputs and costs.
Economist Hong Vannak lauded the ministry’s focus on quality, safety, and cost reduction.
He suggested that Cambodia should translate political framework agreements into clear, actionable plans to foster understanding and stimulate economic development.
Prime Minister Hun Sen underscored the importance of food safety for society’s health and well-being, announcing “Safer Food, Better Health” as the theme of the upcoming ninth National Nutrition Day.
The Premier advised ministries and institutions to continually review hygiene, safety, quality, and food suitability, including street food and food at educational institutions, for improved food safety, food security, and nutrition.
Widespread discussions with the private sector and development partners are vital to support law enforcement on food safety.
