Many leaders and business owners in Cambodia’s private sector expressed optimism about future improvements in the country’s exports to Australia.

Cambodian exporters stated that they are expecting exports from the country to Australia to increase, particularly in the rice sector. The optimism was expressed after the end of the Australian Foreign Minister’s, Senator Marise Payne, visit to the Kingdom.

On November 8, the President of the Cambodian Rice Federation, Song Saran, said that during the visit of Senator Marise Payne, Saran thought that investing in Australia will have a positive impact on the further development of agricultural research and exports. Saran continued that they are looking into potential demand from Australia for more agricultural products from Cambodia.

Saran added that exports to Australia and other international markets is still difficult and transportation still faces hurdles due to the pandemic. The differing procedures and food safety management of other countries are also obstacles continued the President the President of the Cambodian Rice Federation.

The President said that Cambodian exporters are more familiar with the procedures and food safety management despite the recent development in trade between the two countries. Saran said that Cambodia has been exporting to the Australian market for more than one year. Saran said that he is hoping that Cambodia will be able to attract Australian investors to finance food processing and agro-industry.

For the past 10 months of 2021, Cambodia exported 490,169 tons to international markets, including more than 8,200 tons to the Australian market. So far, the amount of rice exported is a decrease from the previous year’s 27,854 tons.

Source from: KHMER TIMES (2021). Private sector optimistic about business with Australia (Nov 9, 2021). https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50967508/private-sector-optimistic-about-business-with-australia/