Phnom Penh: The Philippines is exploring agricultural imports from Cambodia to bolster its food supply, according to Philippine Agriculture Secretary H.E. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during their meeting in Manila, H.E. Dith Tina, Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Philippine Agriculture Secretary H.E. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, focusing on food security and agribusiness.

H.E. Minister Dith Tina highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration to drive agricultural growth, economic expansion, and sustainable development. In response, H.E. Secretary Laurel expressed the Philippines’ interest in importing various agricultural products, including rice, pork, beef, chicken, fish, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

He also noted the country’s interest in investing in Cambodia’s rice milling and aquaculture sectors. To further explore these opportunities, the Cambodian Minister H.E. Dith Tina invited the Philippines’ Secretary Laurel to visit Cambodia at an appropriate time to assess the country’s agricultural potential and facilitate discussions between private sector stakeholders from both nations.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural and agribusiness cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines.