AKP Phnom Penh, October 24, 2026 --

Deputy Prime Minister H.E Sok Chenda Sophea presided over the official opening ceremony of the Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition 2026 (CAFE26) at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh this morning.

Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister spoke highly of the CAFE26 in providing an important platform for strengthening cooperation and networking among government institutions, the private sector, domestic and international investors, development partners, researchers, policymakers, agricultural producers, farming communities and farmers.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to accord high priority to the agricultural sector and promote its sustainable development.

He highlighted Cambodia’s achievement in rice exports, which have reached one million tonnes, describing it as a source of national pride and a testament to the collective efforts of farmers, Cambodian enterprises, rice millers, exporters, private-sector partners and other stakeholders.

The Deputy Prime Minister called on all relevant stakeholders to continue working together to advance the agricultural sector, promote agro-processing to increase value addition, expand international markets for Cambodian agricultural products, attract investment, develop agribusiness and transport infrastructure, and further improve the business environment.

He also underscored the importance of sustaining the Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition, with farmers at its centre, while strengthening the agri-food value chain through a long-term vision, closer cooperation and the establishment of new development targets.

Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, the event will spotlight nine priority commodities, promote strategic alliances, and create direct links to new markets across ASEAN and beyond.

Running from Oct. 23 to 25 at Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event unites global investors, agribusiness leaders, policymakers, innovators, and producers to exchange ideas, forge strategic partnerships, and unlock new business opportunities.

By Chea Vannak