PM urges people to buy Khmer products to strengthen economy

PM urges people to buy Khmer products to strengthen economy

Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday called on all citizens to support and purchase Khmer products, emphasizing the importance of using them with a sense of nationalism. He highlighted the need to foster the mindset that ‘Khmer people love Khmer, Khmer people use Khmer products as the pride of the Khmer nation,’ ensuring the sustainability of local production while enhancing national prestige and ownership.

In a message posted on social media to commemorate the 8th National Day to Promote the Use of Khmer Products on April 9, Mr Hun Manet stated, “If we, the Khmer, do not support Khmer products, who will?”

The Prime Minister further instructed all relevant ministries and institutions – both national and sub-national – along with development partners, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector to continue collaborating with the One Village One Product (OVOP) Committee. This partnership aims to strengthen Khmer producers by helping them develop higher-quality products that inspire consumer confidence and have the potential for success in both domestic and international markets.

He emphasized that Cambodia has been diversifying its economy and modernizing various sectors through key policy initiatives. These efforts include promoting economies of scale across different types of production, integrating digital technology into the production chain, and implementing mechanisms to improve cost efficiency, quality, aesthetics, and market potential for local products.

“In line with this vision, the Royal Government has launched a national policy to promote the OVOP movement, encouraging local development by involving people in raw material production, processing, and product development. This initiative instills pride and brings honor to those involved,” the Premier stated.

“Many local products are produced and processed using existing raw materials, transforming them into food, consumer goods, and souvenirs with innovative ideas. These products not only preserve the rich traditions and customs of the Khmer people but also showcase our national identity through quality, reasonable pricing, and a sufficient supply to meet market demand.”

“These efforts have gradually shifted our people’s mindset, increasing trust in and preference for Khmer products over imported goods, demonstrating national pride in Cambodian-made items,” he added.

Mr Hun Manet also provided four key recommendations to relevant parties for promoting, supporting, and inspiring the cultivation, raising of animals, production, and processing of Khmer products to advance local development and expand the market for producers.

The recommendations include relevant ministries and institutions must focus on cultivating, raising animals, producing, and processing local products, especially converting basic agricultural items into food, art, or consumer goods for both local and international markets.

The National Committee and various ministries must collaborate to effectively develop local products and expand markets for producers. Committees in the capital and provinces must work closely with the National Committee to include local potential products in the OVOP initiative and address challenges efficiently.

The National Committee, together with other ministries and local authorities, should organize events to display and sell Khmer products in key locations, effectively promoting them.

At the same time, Mr Hun Manet expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the National Committee for Promoting the OVOP Movement, ministries, relevant institutions, and committees in promoting the OVOP movement across the country. He commended their hard work in advancing Cambodian products, overcoming challenges, and working together to resolve key issues.

Chey Tech, a socio-economic researcher, told Khmer Times that the OVOP initiative has played a pivotal role in enhancing local production, fostering unity, and promoting collaboration among community members.

“This initiative encourages communities to strategically plan their production processes while ensuring that their packaging meets industry standards, making the products more attractive and competitive in the market,” Tech explained.

He emphasized that OVOP is not only instrumental in creating employment opportunities but also in strengthening social bonds within communities. “Additionally, it helps preserve traditional culture and heritage, which not only appeals to tourists but also stimulates local economic activities,” he added.

Beyond benefitting individual villages, Tech noted that OVOP has a far-reaching impact, contributing to regional economic growth. “By empowering local producers and promoting locally made goods, OVOP plays a crucial role in driving national economic growth and ensuring long-term prosperity,” Tech said.

Ultimately, the OVOP initiative serves as a vital tool for economic progress while safeguarding cultural traditions, positioning itself as a key driver of sustainable development, he added.

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