AKP Phnom Penh, April 23, 2026 --

Cambodia is aiming to transform itself from a supplier of agricultural raw materials into a hub for high-value processed products by attracting greater investment in agro-processing, climate-resilient production, and standards-based value chains.

H.E. Ms. Yoeu Asikin, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, made the remarks during the 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC), held in Brunei Darussalam on April 22.

At the forum, she presented investment opportunities in Cambodia’s rice sector, highlighting progress in production capacity, investment potential, processing infrastructure, and exports of Cambodian rice to international markets.

She noted that these efforts are aimed at accelerating the transformation of Cambodia’s agri-food system while attracting increased investment into the agricultural sector.

H.E. Ms. Yoeu Asikin further emphasised that Cambodia continues to work actively with regional partners to promote sustainable agricultural development, strengthen cooperation, and build more resilient agri-food systems for the future.

During a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), she reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation focused on agricultural development, food system advancement, and investment mobilisation to support food security in line with the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1.

The two sides also discussed preparations for the Cambodia Agricultural Forum and Exhibition 2026 (CAFE26), as well as diversified financing initiatives aimed at strengthening freshwater resources, aquaculture, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

By Chea Vannak