Growing cooperation between neighbouring countries to boost agricultural opportunities further
Cambodia and Laos have agreed to a new overland route that will support the movement of produce across their shared border and expedite the export of Cambodian produce to China, according to a report from local publication CamNess.
According to the publication, the Cambodian minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Dith Tina, said the new cooperation would help boost the competitiveness of Cambodian agricultural exports in the Chinese market by reducing road transport barriers, saving time and lowering costs.
“The mechanism could also expand opportunities for agribusinesses involving products such as rice, cassava, fruit, vegetables and other processed agricultural goods,” Tina said.
Tina added that the move reflected growing cooperation between the neighbouring countries and reaffirmed efforts to promote agricultural trade and improve supply chains across the region.
The agreement, which was signed in Phnom Penh on 25 January, included practical arrangements for the transit and transshipment of farm goods through Laos.
According to the Laotian Times, under the deal two expert working groups are expected to begin technical work to simplify border procedures and reduce administrative barriers that have previously delayed agricultural exports.
The meeting also explored opportunities for deeper agricultural cooperation between the two countries, including fertilizer supply, seed development, and improvements in food quality and safety standards to meet international requirements, according to CamNess.
