Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, addressing citizens during the 19th National Fish Day in Kampong Cham province, highlighted the necessity of agricultural diversification to meet market demands. The Prime Minister emphasized that selecting crops or livestock must cater to both local and global market needs. He said that the Royal Government is committed to aiding farmers by reducing the cost of production, including lowering import duties on agricultural machinery and devising relevant solutions to enhance the agricultural sector’s efficiency.
Agriculture remains a pillar of the Cambodian economy, crucial for safeguarding food security, elevating living standards, mitigating poverty, and driving sustainable economic growth, while ensuring environmental conservation. Recognizing the significant role of the agricultural industry, the government has relieved additional taxes on a variety of domestic and export products such as rice, corn, and rubber, motivating enterprises to further invest and encourage farming practices in the nation.
Prime Minister Manet delineated the government’s readiness to continue implementing policies supporting farmers and attracting agricultural investment. Strong emphasis was laid on creating a profitable environment for agricultural products by improving market links and ensuring an adequate return on investment for farmers. To support the changing landscape of land use, priority is given to developing irrigation systems, reservoirs, and infrastructure to enhance utility access, thus promoting agricultural resilience and growth.
In particular, the Cambodian Prime Minister urged the development of advanced aquaculture, implementing breeding techniques for endangered species, and enhancing quality control to boost the economic value of fishery products. He also invited greater support from private entities and development partners through technology sharing, capital influx, and favourable financing options for aquaculture development in the country.
Moreover, 2023 marked a significant year for Cambodian agriculture, with exports exceeding 8.82 million tons of produce, valued at approximately $4.8 billion to 78 countries. This performance surpassed 2021’s record and demonstrated Cambodia’s expanding influence in the global agricultural market. The government has been proactive in fostering export opportunities, as demonstrated by initiatives such as China’s pledge to import more Cambodian rice and other products, a result of the diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Manet.
In a reflection of selected successful policies, Prime Minister Hun Manet also praised the abolition of fishing lots, which has transformed fishing practices around the Tonle Sap Lake, empowering local communities with management and sustainable utilization of fishery resources. This abolition came as an extension of the nation’s focus on environmental stewardship and the protection of vital ecosystems.
Alongside environmental concerns, the Prime Minister mentioned national initiatives such as the Funan Techo Canal Project, set to commence on the birthday of Samdech Techo Hun Sen. This significant infrastructure endeavor reflects a unified act of nationalism, expected to cost around USD 1.7 billion, illustrating a collective effort to strengthen the nation’s water resource management.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to preserving the nation’s natural resources, Prime Minister Manet called on community members to actively engage in preventing forest degradation and promoting reforestation efforts, specifically around the lifeline Tonle Sap Lake. These efforts manifest the government’s dedication to balancing development with environmental conservation, benefiting current and future generations.
Source: Fresh News
