Cambodia Signs Deal to Export 10,000 Tons of Rice to Philippines via First-Ever Barge Shipment

CITY RICE Import Export, a Cambodian rice exporting company, has signed a purchase and sale contract with the Philippines' DILAI TRADING CO. to export 10,000 tons of Cambodian rice. This agreement marks the first time a bulk shipment of Cambodian rice will be transported via barge, a method anticipated to offer significant savings in both time and cost. The signing ceremony took place on September 14, 2026, at the Ministry of Commerce, presided over by H.E. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce. Representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia, leaders from the Rural Development and Agricultural Development Bank, and the leadership of the Cambodia Rice Federation were also in attendance. Dr. Lay Chhunhuor, CEO of CITY RICE Import Export Co., Ltd., stated that this event is not merely a commercial agreement but a historically significant milestone for Cambodia's rice sector. He emphasized that this first-ever bulk shipment of Cambodian rice via barge to the Philippines demonstrates the growing international buyer confidence in the quality, safety, competitiveness, and supply capacity of Cambodian rice. He added that it also validates Cambodian companies' ability to efficiently and professionally process, manage quality, and transport large volumes of rice to international markets, thereby contributing significantly to national economic growth and enhancing Cambodia's international reputation. Dr. Chhunhuor further noted that this initial export will serve as a cornerstone for long-term trade relations, paving the way for increased and regular rice exports to the Philippines. This, he believes, will help create additional markets for paddy rice for farmers and support rice millers, the transportation sector, and related businesses in the future. "This agreement to export 10,000 tons of rice is not our final goal, but the beginning of a new chapter for Cambodian rice exports to the Philippine market," he stated. "CITY RICE Import Export Co., Ltd. will continue to invest in quality, technology, processing capacity, and supply systems, while closely cooperating with the Ministry, financial institutions, the Cambodia Rice Federation, farmers, and international partners." During the ceremony, H.E. Minister Cham Nimul highly commended the achievements and progress of CITY RICE Import Export's business operations. She also expressed gratitude to DILAI Trading Co. Pte. Ltd. for choosing Cambodia as its rice supply partner and for placing its trust in the quality and supply capabilities of Cambodian rice. H.E. Minister Cham Nimul highlighted that this contract is not only a commercial transaction but also a crucial strategic step in expanding Cambodia's rice market, strengthening food security, and promoting economic and trade cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines. Concurrently, the Minister encouraged both companies to fully and effectively implement the contract with professionalism, responsibility, transparency, and close cooperation, ensuring timely payments, punctual delivery, consistent quality, and stable supply. She also urged all stakeholders in the rice value chain and the Cambodia Rice Federation to continue strengthening quality, safety, and packaging aesthetics, and to fully implement the "Cambodia Rice Export Market Expansion and Diversification Strategy 2025-2030" to enhance competitiveness and increase Cambodia's rice market share in the international arena. Source: CPP Cambodia