Cambodian senior agriculture officials on Apr. 19 discussed the possibility of importing fresh apples from France and exporting fresh mangoes from Cambodia, according to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

The meeting was attended by agriculture officials led by Director General of Cambodian MAFF’s General Directorate of Agriculture Ngin Chhhay and the French delegation of Marion Chaminade, Regional Agri-Food Counsellor for Hanoi of Vietnam, Emmanuel Ly-Batallan, Economic Advisor and To Malinda, Economic Attaché of French Embassy to Cambodia.

The release pointed out that Cambodian and French officials exchanged information that included import requirements of importing fresh apples from France to Cambodia, the import requirements of importing fresh mangoes from Cambodia to France and the enhancement of cooperation on other aspects in the agriculture sector.

Chhay said that it was the second meeting between him and Chaminade after the first one was held during the former’s visit to France at the end of February and beginning of March this year. Chaminade urged the Cambodian counterpart to present the phytosanitary requirements set by the government and other main conditions for importing fresh apples from France.

“The director general and his colleagues explained the necessary requirements as per the request and will send details of all requirements to the delegation later,” the release pointed out, adding that Chhay urged for a separate meeting with the officials of the Plant Protection, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Department to discuss more details.”

Chaminade said she would comply with all guidelines and recommendations provided by Cambodia counterpart to expedite the import of fresh apples from France to Cambodia as soon as possible.

“Hopefully, the cooperation on this matter is hopefully expected to proceed as soon as possible to share information effectively and efficiently,” Chaminade said.

Chhay also pointed out that Cambodia has the intention to expand coverage of exporting fresh mangoes to overseas markets, especially Europe, according to the release, adding that Chhay asked the French counterpart to provide the details of requirements for Cambodia to export agricultural products to France, which is one of the members of European Union (EU).

“Exporters who want to export agricultural products to France need to fulfil requirements such as the level of agrochemicals, certificate of phytosanitary, clear agreement and more,” said Chaminade, adding that she would send the details of the requirements to the Directorate of Agriculture of Cambodia after the meeting.

Chhay also asked Chaminade to consider an initiative to develop a project for agricultural crop production with gas emission at a minimum level by focusing on paddy. “This project will provide a lot of benefits to the country … and requested for a study of the method of the emission levels of greenhouse gases,” he said.