In a bid to bolster their rice trade amidst the challenges posed by the current El Niño phenomenon, the Philippines and Cambodia have pledged to strengthen their collaboration in agricultural trade, particularly focusing on rice.
During a meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on March 4, 2024, on the sidelines of the 50th Asean-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, discussions centered around enhancing trade ties, with a specific emphasis on rice trade.
President Marcos conveyed the Philippines’ keen interest in engaging Cambodia in agricultural trade, highlighting the importance of securing rice inventory amid the ongoing drought conditions. The leaders reflected on the necessity of flexibility in sourcing supplies, drawing lessons from the challenges posed by the pandemic.
While acknowledging improvements in local palay production, President Marcos underscored the importance of imports to ensure sufficient rice inventory, expressing a desire to strengthen ties with rice-producing nations like Cambodia.
Additionally, discussions between the two leaders extended to areas of connectivity, aiming to boost tourism industries through improved transportation links and enhanced trade and investment opportunities.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the increased connectivity between the two countries, including expanded flight routes and the opening of new airports, fostering greater tourism and business exchange.
President Marcos emphasized the Philippine government’s efforts to modernize airports and develop regional infrastructure, facilitating easier access to tourist destinations and encouraging bilateral travel.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to explore opportunities for increased tourism and business exchange between the Philippines and Cambodia.
As the Philippines continues to address the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon on agricultural production, strengthening partnerships with rice-producing nations like Cambodia becomes increasingly vital in ensuring food security and stability in the region.
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