Phnom Penh: Following a decade of significant growth and reform in Cambodia's rice sector, Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul has outlined crucial recommendations for the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), exporting companies, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure continued prosperity and international competitiveness. H.E. Minister made the recommendations at the opening ceremony of the 10th CRF Anniversary celebration held here on June 16.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the recommendations include examining the possibility of attracting more investors to improve the added value of the rice production chain, enhancing Cambodia's competitiveness in international trade. Other strategies involve conducting business operations in line with applicable laws, adhering to ethical codes, and transparently supplying competitive rice to protect stakeholder interests and enhance the credibility of Cambodian rice.
The minister also emphasized the importance of promoting and protecting brands and intellectual property. This involves building collective brands and strengthening the quality of Cambodian rice, focusing on packaging standards to maintain the reputation of Cambodian rice in both national and international markets. Further cooperation with relevant departments, especially Green Trade and the Export Promotion Team, was encouraged to strengthen and expand markets.
Additionally, the modernization of the CRF's operational structure, work procedures, and statutes was highlighted as a priority, particularly in light of the upcoming election of the federation's president and board members. H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul expressed appreciation for the CRF's achievements over the past decade, highlighting rice as a strategic crop crucial for food security, nutrition, and as a high-potential export commodity.
The minister noted Cambodia's success in becoming a nation with a substantial rice surplus for export, thanks to collaborative efforts from the Royal Government, the CRF, and other stakeholders. She mentioned the Ministry of Commerce's 2025 memorandum of understanding to export 500,000 tonnes of milled rice to China and agreements to export to Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Last year, Cambodia exported approximately 651,000 tonnes of milled rice and over 5.1 million tonnes of paddy rice, generating more than US$1.98 billion in revenue.