News Details

Philippines, Cambodia Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation to Boost Trade, Food Security

NPO

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September 10, 2025

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (September 9, 2025) — The Philippines and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen agricultural cooperation, with a focus on trade, food security, and sustainable market access.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. met with Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina on Tuesday, September 9, during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Cambodia.

Minister Dith expressed optimism that Cambodia’s premium aromatic rice exports to the Philippines would increase, citing the rising demand in Manila and other urban areas. Secretary Tiu Laurel acknowledged that Cambodian exports—particularly rice, fish, meat, and vegetables—could help meet the growing needs of the Philippines’ expanding population.

“This bilateral meeting is a step forward to flesh out the agreement signed earlier this year by the Philippines and Cambodia on agricultural trade, cooperation, and knowledge transfer,” Tiu Laurel said.

Both countries concluded the talks by reaffirming their commitment to strengthen agricultural ties, improve food supply resilience, and promote sustainable trade.

In February, the Philippines and Cambodia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation during Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s state visit to Manila. The MOU aims to boost investments in Cambodia’s agriculture sector—particularly rice production—while exploring expanded trade in vegetables and meat, and enhancing technical exchanges and training programs.

As part of ongoing collaboration, Secretary Tiu Laurel and Minister Dith also visited the Khmer Food Group and the Tram Bok Modern Agricultural Community, where they observed best practices in vegetable farming and agricultural innovation.

NPO News Team | DA Press Office