Cambodian could soon be exporting its world-renowned rice to the Oceanian nation of Papua New Guinea after trade representatives from both countries held negotiations last week.
Hean Vanhan, director-general of the General Directorate of Agriculture, and his team of ministry officials on Friday held a meeting with representatives of Papua New Guinea’s National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Agency (Naqia) to work out a rice deal.
According to Mr Vanhan, both countries have agreed to ink an agreement on the exportation of Cambodian rice next month.
“Negotiations today focused on the quality of Cambodian rice, the amount to be exported, export procedures as well as sanitary and phytosanitary requirements,” Mr Vanhan said. He added that the visiting delegation also wanted to know about rice storage facilities in Cambodia and how the country deals with pests.
“They agreed to purchase rice from Cambodia, and we agreed to supply a product of the highest quality,” he said, adding that shipments of the commodity could begin as soon as both parties affix their signatures to the agreement next month.
Song Saran, CEO of Amru Rice, told Khmer Times that Papua New Guinea is mostly interested in Cambodia’s premium rice, particularly Phka Romdoul. He said the country, who already imports from Thailand and other countries in the region, demands between 300,000 to 400,000 tonnes of rice per year.
