The Philippines is looking to welcome more Cambodian agricultural products into its domestic market, a move expected to strengthen the country’s food supply resilience and enhance bilateral trade, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) said on September 10.

Philippines Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. held a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina on Sept. 9 during Philippines President Marcos’ state visit to Cambodia.

The talks focused on deepening cooperation in agricultural trade, food security and market access for farm products.

“This bilateral meeting is a step forward to flesh out the agreement signed earlier this year by the Philippines and Cambodia on agricultural trade, cooperation and knowledge transfer,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Dith expressed optimism that Cambodia’s agricultural exports to the Philippines, particularly its premium aromatic rice, would see an uptick amid growing demand in Manila and other urban areas.

Tiu Laurel, acknowledged that Cambodian products such as rice, fish, meat and vegetables could help meet the growing demand from the Philippines’ expanding population.

He added that the Philippines is preparing to welcome more Cambodian agricultural goods into its domestic market, a move expected to enhance bilateral trade and food supply resilience.

The talks concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, ensure mutual food security and promote sustainable trade between their countries.

In February, the Philippines and Cambodia signed a memorandum of understanding on agricultural and agribusiness cooperation during the state visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Manila.

The agreement aimed to boost investments in Cambodia’s agriculture sector, especially rice production and explore trade opportunities in vegetables and meat, while enhancing technical exchange and training.

As part of the ongoing collaboration, Tiu Laurel and Dith also visited the Khmer Food Group and the Tram Bok Modern Agricultural Community to observe best practices in vegetable farming and agri-innovation.

Trade between the Philippines and Cambodia reached $80.5 million in 2023, with agricultural products making up $20.4 million.