Cambodia, Philippines Forge Closer Agricultural Trade Ties

Cambodia and the Philippines launched the Cambodia-Philippines Government-Private Sector Forum on Agriculture in Manila on July 21, 2026, to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade, particularly in rice, cashew nuts, and livestock products. The forum was co-organized during the official visit of H.E. Dith Tina, Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, to the Philippines, together with his Philippine counterpart, H.E. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Agriculture. The forum aims to strengthen partnerships between the private sectors of both countries, expand agricultural trade, and contribute to sustainable food security. A total of 33 Cambodian and Philippine companies participated in discussions on increasing Cambodian rice exports to the Philippines, promoting other Cambodian agricultural products—including cashew nuts and livestock products—in the Philippine market, and enhancing cooperation in the supply of agricultural fertilisers to ensure sustainable agricultural inputs in both countries. H.E. Dith Tina described the forum as another milestone in Cambodia-Philippines agricultural cooperation, particularly in expanding market access for Cambodian rice and other agricultural products. “The achievements of this new cooperation will not only open the door to wider international markets for Cambodian rice and agricultural products, but will also generate tangible economic benefits for Cambodia’s farmers,” he said. The Philippines is one of the key export markets for Cambodian rice. According to the Cambodia Rice Federation, Cambodia exported approximately 70,000 tonnes of milled rice to the Philippines in the first six months of 2026.