Haoruidar (Cambodia) Co Ltd is poised to channel over $12 million into constructing a fruit processing facility in Preah Sihanouk province, targeting international markets while engaging directly with local farmers for fruit supplies. This initiative, as revealed by Long Dimanche, the deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk, has received the government’s nod and is set to specialize in processing mangoes, pineapples, jackfruits, and durians within the Kampong Seila district.
Dimanche emphasized the pivotal role of this investment in the province, highlighting its commitment to utilizing Cambodian agricultural produce and sourcing exclusively from local cultivators. He remarked on the project’s capacity to spur economic growth in the region through value addition, technology introduction, and job creation, especially benefiting the farming community. Furthermore, it aligns with the government’s strategic focus on bolstering domestic production capabilities in the processing domain.
Lim Heng, the vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), echoed the sentiment regarding the significance of such investments in the processing industry. He pointed out the ample opportunities it presents for the private sector to establish facilities that serve both local and global markets, leveraging Cambodia’s conducive agricultural environment.
Heng advocated for further investments in the food and fruit processing sector, noting the country’s agricultural foundation yet limited processing capacity. He stressed that such investments are vital for adding domestic value, stabilizing agricultural markets, and enhancing the industry’s overall proficiency.
In the year 2023, Cambodia’s agricultural export volume slightly dipped by 1.9% from the previous year, totaling over 8.449 million tonnes, with the revenue exceeding $4.306 billion. This included significant earnings from milled rice, unmilled paddy rice, and a variety of other agricultural products as per the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ report.
The report elaborated on the extensive range of agricultural exports under the ‘other’ category, featuring items like dried and fresh cassava, cassava by-products, cashew nuts, and more. It also covered exports of fresh fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and longans, along with palm oil, pepper, and an array of vegetables among others.
Additionally, the ministry’s report underscored the cultivation of dry-season rice, exceeding the planned area, and the implementation of emergency measures to support agricultural production and livestock rearing, reflecting the proactive engagement of the farming community in these initiatives.
