The talks were held during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Cambodia.
Focus on food security and trade
The bilateral meeting centered on strengthening collaboration in food security, agricultural trade, and market access for farm products.
The Cambodian minister expressed optimism that exports of Cambodia’s premium aromatic rice to the Philippines would increase, citing growing demand in Manila and other urban markets.
Tiu Laurel said Cambodian products such as rice, fish, meat, and vegetables could help meet the Philippines’ food requirements. He added that the Philippines is preparing to welcome more Cambodian agricultural goods to bolster bilateral trade and ensure resilience in food supply.
Building on earlier agreements
“This bilateral meeting is a step forward to flesh out the agreement signed earlier this year by the Philippines and Cambodia on agricultural trade, cooperation, and knowledge transfer,” Tiu Laurel said.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen agricultural ties, promote sustainable trade, and safeguard food security.
In February, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation during the visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Manila. The pact aims to boost investments in Cambodia’s agriculture sector, particularly rice production, and create opportunities in vegetables, meat, and technical exchange.
Agri-innovation visits
As part of the ongoing collaboration, Tiu Laurel and Dith toured the Khmer Food Group and the Tram Bok Modern Agricultural Community to observe best practices in vegetable farming and agri-innovation. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
