Hun Manet pushes agro-industrial investment in western provinces to boost self-reliance

Hun Manet pushes agro-industrial investment in western provinces to boost self-reliance

Prime Minister Hun Manet has advised the policy committee to formulate investment policies for the agro-industrial sector in Cambodia’s western provinces, including Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pursat provinces, to strengthen domestic production capacity and reduce trade dependence on neighbouring countries.

He said on Tuesday while presiding over the 20th National Fish Day celebration at Tonle Bati Lake in Bati district, Takeo province.

He highlighted Cambodia’s journey from war to peace, stating that the country has transformed former battlegrounds into productive agricultural zones with proper infrastructure and thriving communities.

“I have instructed our policy committee to prepare an investment policy to promote further the development of our agro-industrial and industrial sectors in the western region of the country,” Mr Hun Manet said.

Mr Hun Manet noted that in the past, the Royal Government had prioritised investment in Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, and Siem Reap provinces. This year’s investment focus has shifted to the northeastern region. Now, he said, it is time to expand policies to encourage agro-industrial investment in the west.

He stressed that agriculture should not focus solely on cultivation and sale of raw products, but must also involve agro-industrial development, value-added processing for export, and product diversification.

The Premier pointed out that Cambodia’s western provinces—Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, and others—have been designated as a “fish and rice corridor” with China. Promoting agro-industrial investment in these areas is vital for job creation and boosting exports, including products like durian, Pailin longan, and other regional specialities destined for the Chinese market.

“However, we must diversify our economy and our trading partners. If problems arise in one market, we shouldn’t be overly dependent on it. We need to explore multiple channels to ensure the security of our markets,” Mr Hun Manet stressed.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Hun Manet stated late last year that the Royal Government has set a goal to transform and develop border areas nationwide, starting with the northeastern border.

Emphasising the need to increase investment flow into the agro-industrial sector along the northeastern border, the Premier said the government aims to unlock the economic potential of the bordering provinces by encouraging local companies to invest in the agricultural product processing sector.

KHMERTImeskh