Background
The Ministry of Commerce reported that a Cambodian delegation visited the Philippines from 1 to 3 February 2023 to explore opportunities for expanding Cambodia’s rice export markets. The delegation was led by Kim Sreyrath, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce, together with Chan Sokty, representative of the Royal Government of Cambodia and head of Green Trade, and Oknha Chan Sokheang, President of the Cambodia Rice Federation, along with eight other members. The mission was facilitated by Oknha Van Sou Ieng, adviser to the Cambodia Rice Federation.
Scope of Engagement
During the visit, the Cambodian delegation held meetings and conducted a market study on rice demand and import mechanisms in the Philippines. Discussions were held with Alfredo E. Pascual, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, and Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong, head of the international trade business unit of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, as well as other stakeholders involved in rice imports. The engagement covered both potential state-to-state trade arrangements and possibilities for direct private-sector trade in rice.
Key Discussions and Understandings
The Cambodian and Philippine sides agreed to study the feasibility of concluding a new memorandum of understanding on rice trade under a state-to-state mechanism, with the expectation that it could be signed in the near future. In parallel, the Philippine side indicated that it would also allow free rice trade conducted directly between private operators, based on mutually agreed quantities, quality specifications, and prices.
As part of the mission, the Cambodian delegation also met with Philippine rice importing companies to discuss technical requirements, mechanisms, and price conditions for potential supply. These companies expressed interest in the quality of Cambodian rice and signaled an intention to import Cambodian rice into the Philippine market.
The Ministry of Commerce noted that the Philippines is both a rice-producing country and one of the largest rice importers in Asia. In 2022, the Philippines imported approximately 3.82 million tonnes of rice from various countries, mainly ordinary rice varieties.
Implications for Trade and Exporters
The visit indicates potential expansion of market access for Cambodian rice in the Philippines through both government-to-government and private-sector channels. If a new memorandum of understanding is concluded, it may provide a structured framework for state-supported rice trade. At the same time, the expressed interest of Philippine importers in Cambodian rice quality suggests possible commercial opportunities for Cambodian rice exporters, subject to meeting agreed technical conditions and price terms.
Official Source
This information is based on an announcement published by the Ministry of Commerce on its official Facebook page on 6 February 2023.
