Cambodian rice seeks markets in Africa, Middle East
Cambodian rice seeks markets in Africa, Middle East
The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) is optimistic of expanding the rice market after a fruitful participation in the Saudi Food Expo held in Riyadh, attracting significant interest from potential buyers across the Middle East and Africa.
The CRF’s delegation, composed of four leading rice millers and exporters, showcased Cambodia’s premium rice varieties. The high quality and distinct flavours of Cambodian rice impressed attendees, with many foreign buyers expressing a strong interest in forging partnerships, CRF Secretary-General LunYeng said.
“The pavilion of the Cambodian Rice Federation received a lot of attention from professional guests because it was the first time to see Cambodia’s rice in this international food fair,” Yeng told Khmer Times yesterday.
“Participating in the Saudi Food Expo will help Cambodian rice have more potential to expand its rice export market. We are confident that this expo has opened doors to new markets for Cambodian rice in the Middle East and Africa,” he said.
The CRF’s participation in the Saudi Food Expo aligns with the Cambodian government’s initiative to diversify rice export markets.
Traditionally, Cambodia’s rice exports have been heavily concentrated in countries like Vietnam, China, and the EU. However, the government and CRF has been actively promoting Cambodian rice in new regions.
Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East is experiencing significant economic growth and is a potential market for Cambodian rice and it can play a crucial role in expanding the market for the Middle East and Africa.
“This market has a growing demand for high-quality rice, and Cambodia is well-positioned to meet that demand,” he said.
Markets in both regions have grown significantly. Rice export to the Middle East market increased from 1,398 tonnes in 2015 to 7,521 tonnes in 2023 and to the African market increased from 4,284 tonnes in 2015 to 52,828 tonnes by 2023.
Cambodia had exported 656,323 tonnes of milled rice in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 3 percent, according to CRF news release.
The country earned a total revenue of $466 million from the export of the commodity, up 13 percent year-on-year, the news release said, adding that the kingdom’s rice had been shipped to 61 countries and regions.
