Cambodia is vying for a share of the Philippines’ latest rice import tender of 500,000 tons, according to Thon Virak, general-director of state-owned Green Trade Company.
“If we win the auction, it means that we will find a new market because our rice has never reached Philippines and our rice industry will make history,” said Mr. Virak, who will be representing Cambodia in the bidding process.
Cambodia will be up against major rice producers such as Thailand and Vietnam, which have lower production costs and higher production capacity.
But Chea Bolla, owner of Chea Hoeung Rice Miller in Pursat province, said Cambodia could fulfill a large portion of the 25 percent broken rice tender if millers work together.
“I believe that we would be able to respond to the part of the demand in the bidding if we work together and share the amount of supply,” he said, “because only one miller cannot work alone in such a case, even if it is a very big one.”