In an effort to develop international markets for Cambodian rice, Japan will assist in a study of export marketing and post-harvest quality control, senior officials said.
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency signed an agreement last Thursday with the ministries of Agriculture and Commerce to conduct a 10-month study.
“Our quality of rice is seriously deficient for export to the international market,” said Chan Tong Yves, secretary of state for the Agriculture Ministry, at the signing ceremony. He noted that Cambodian rice is not competitive, partly because of low-tech mills and poor rice storage.
Officials said the study, along with a $10-million Australian-funded agricultural-quality improvement project scheduled to start next year, will help develop strategies to expand rice exports.
“The study will be the most significant step to find out specific information on marketing and milling systems for rice exports to overseas markets,” said Sok Siphanna, secretary of state for the Commerce Ministry.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, Cambodia is expected to have a slight surplus in rice production next year.