The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Cambodia on Jan. 9 expressed hope that the relations between Cambodia and the US, especially in the agriculture sector would be able to move to the next level in the future, according to a release by the minister.

Dith Tina, Minister of MAFF of Cambodia, met a delegation of the US Embassy to Cambodia led by the US Ambassador Patrick Murphy held at the ministry to discuss the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the agriculture sector through a program of the US Department of Agriculture/United States Agency for International Development (USDA/USAID).

“Through the constructive and straight conversation … I hope that the relations between Cambodia and the US, especially in the agriculture sector would continue smoothly or would be able to move to the next level in the future,” said Tina, adding that both parties discussed the bilateral cooperation for over one hour and a half.

Tina further said that USDA/USAID Program’s officials would work closely with the agriculture officials at the General Directorate of Agriculture of Cambodia, Fisheries Administration of Cambodia, General Directorate of Animal Health of Cambodia and Production and the Royal University of Agriculture of Cambodia.

Tina said last week that MAFF has set a new concept aiming to promote agricultural production, keep prices stable and increase value-added potential products for exports. “The ministry will have a new responsibility to set up a more efficient agricultural production system, ensuring that prices do not rise or fall by dividing profits evenly for both consumers and distributors,” Tina added.