Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, extended a significant request to Indonesia for establishing a rice production ecosystem within Cambodia. This initiative, aimed at increasing direct investments from Indonesia, is to build a comprehensive system encompassing production, storage, milling, and packaging for rice, intended for export markets, including Indonesia.
During a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto on Wednesday morning (Jun. 5), Samdech Techo addressed the virtues of the Cambodian agricultural arena, highlighting the nascent rice imports from Cambodia to Indonesia commenced in 2023. He indicated that Indonesia’s interest in investing in Cambodia’s rice sector could lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
In matters of trade, Ambassador Darmosumarto commented on the contemporary trade volume between the nations, which stands at approximately USD 1 billion. He pointed out, however, that this figure has yet to reach its fullest capacity. The statement subtly suggested that Cambodia’s potential as a trade partner remains untapped, signaling room for growth and improved trade relations.
Moreover, the Indonesian envoy mentioned plans to conduct a health product fair in Sihanoukville later in the year, displaying health-related commodities to consumers in Cambodia. Additionally, the potential for bilateral cooperation in the transportation sector, with a specific focus on railways, was discussed.
Ambassador Darmosumarto praised Samdech Techo for being an esteemed friend of Indonesia, acknowledging his role in fostering a longstanding relationship between the countries, particularly within the context of ASEAN collaboration. Further extending his commendations, the Ambassador remarked on Cambodia’s laudable conduct as the chair of ASEAN in 2022 and voiced his anticipation for Indonesia to build on those achievements in 2023.
In the realm of leadership accolades, the Ambassador conveyed congratulatory sentiments from the Indonesian leadership, denoting the anticipated assumption of office by President-elect Prabowo Subianto in October. Emphasizing his commitment, Darmosumarto expressed his dedication to augmenting the ties between Cambodia and Indonesia, principally through strengthening interpersonal connections and enhancing services for Indonesians living in Cambodia.
In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, while congratulating the Indonesian president-elect on his electoral victory, reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment, guided by Prime Minister Hun Manet, to reinforce all facets of cooperation with the ambassador. He reflected on the profound historical relationship with Indonesia, free from discord, and reminisced on collaborative efforts for peace in Cambodia, including Indonesia’s influential role in co-chairing pivotal conferences.
The Senate President also acknowledged Indonesia’s contributions to Cambodia’s peace process by naming two streets in honor of prominent Indonesian figures. He then suggested a direct investment from Indonesia into Cambodia’s food sector could help the Cambodian farming community by providing stable export opportunities, while also availing Indonesia of sustainable food security.
He reiterated that despite the increase in trade volume between the countries, there was still more potential to be harnessed. To facilitate this, the existing treaties within the AFTA and RCEP frameworks could be leveraged. Additionally, Samdech Techo signaled a keenness to collaborate with the Indonesian technology sector and encouraged alignment between the Cambodian Ministry of Health and Indonesian technological advancements.
Concluding the meeting, Samdech Techo Hun Sen requested the ambassador to relay his personal greetings to both President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, showcasing the continued warm relations and mutual respect between the nations.
Source: Fresh News
