In the initial nine months of 2024, Cambodia witnessed a 53 percent uptick in agricultural exports, totaling approximately 8.5 million tonnes, as reported by a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson for MAFF revealed on social media that these exports generated around $3 billion for Cambodia within this period.
Finan emphasized the transition to formal export processes, stating, "It's a significant achievement, one that is not easily reached. These results reflect the success of opening new markets and boosting competitiveness, which have helped Cambodian agricultural products reach export-quality standards. Furthermore, the majority of Cambodia's agricultural exports are now formal, which is a positive sign. We are no longer exporting informally, our exports are recognized through official channels." The array of exported goods includes rice, cassava, cashew nuts, bananas, mangoes, and peppers, among others, with Cambodia recently emerging as a top global producer of cashew nuts.
The country is also in talks with China regarding the export of swiftlet nests, durian, jackfruit, and pineapple to further enhance agricultural growth. Additionally, MAFF has initiated a $100 million financing program for market research and price stability, alongside plans to increase the number of Commune Agriculture Officers.
According to Uon Silot, President of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), cashew nut production reached 840,000 tonnes in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 26 percent increase from the previous year, with over 790,000 tonnes exported to Vietnam, resulting in $1.11 billion in revenue.
Source: KHMER TIMES