AKP Phnom Penh, August 26, 2025 -- Cambodia this morning launched its “Milled Rice Market Expansion and Export Diversification Strategy 2025-2030” to boost its presence in the global rice trade. 

The launch took place along with the 4th Mandate Annual General Meeting of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), which also included the election of the organization's new leadership.

The event, held at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, was presided over by Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries H.E. Dith Tina. 

It brought together officials from various ministries, representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), development partners, international chambers of commerce, and numerous industry associations.

In her address, Minister Cham Nimul praised the CRF's role and emphasised the spirit of partnership among the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and other stakeholders. 

She highlighted the new strategy's three core objectives: Protecting and strengthening Cambodia's position in major fragrant rice markets worldwide; Increasing exports of premium rice to target growing middle-income populations, particularly in Asian markets; Diversifying markets by leveraging existing and future trade agreements, government-to-government (G2G) mechanisms, and global food security programmes.

H.E. Minister noted that in 2024, China accounted for nearly 30 percent of Cambodia’s total rice exports. This share is expected to grow in 2025, with a new Memorandum of Understanding with China targeting 500,000 tonnes of rice.

She underscored the private sector's crucial role in implementing government policies and maximising the benefits of Cambodia's participation in international trade frameworks. 

As the technical custodian of the 2025–2030 strategy, the Ministry of Commerce will partner closely with the CRF.

The Minister also provided several key recommendations for the CRF and other stakeholders: Operate with transparency and ethics to build consumer trust in Cambodian rice; Enhance rice quality, ensuring high standards, safety, and proper packaging to protect the brand's reputation; Provide buyers with reliable quality assurance for Cambodian rice brands; Strictly adhere to international standards and regulations regarding the use of substances in rice production; Collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce on market negotiations and new memoranda of understanding to expand access for Cambodian rice abroad.

The joint event marks a significant milestone for Cambodia's rice sector, reinforcing the nation's commitment to strengthening its global market position through a focus on sustainability, quality, and competitiveness.

By K. Rithy Reak