With coordination and support from the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), the Cambodia Rice Federation and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce’s representative office in New Zealand signed a memorandum of understanding on March 20 to strengthen rice trade and investment cooperation between Cambodia and New Zealand.
The MOU aims primarily to promote Cambodian rice exports to New Zealand and establish a framework for exchanging market information and connecting businesspeople from the two countries.
The ceremony was presided over by Kao Thach, government delegate in charge as ARDB director-general; Lay Chhun Hour, president of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF); and Khuy Michael, head of the chamber’s New Zealand representative office.
Kao Thach urged both parties, particularly the New Zealand office, to work responsibly to attract investors to promising Cambodian sectors, implement the MOU effectively, deliver tangible economic benefits and raise the country’s international profile. He called for an active role as a bridge for investors and an outlet for Cambodian farm products to the New Zealand market.
He said promoting sales and supporting purchases of Cambodian agricultural products could improve farmers’ livelihoods through added value and stable markets, as well as expanding international market access.
He viewed the initiative as reflecting the government’s commitment to finding new markets and ensuring that international investment and trade directly benefit farmers in local communities.
Written by Nget Pisant.
