Cambodia Launches 10,000 Ton Rice Shipment by Sea to Boost Exports

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia celebrated the official launch of a 10,000-ton rice shipment by sea (vessel) to the Philippines on the morning of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The event was attended by His Excellency Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, His Excellency Mang Sinaeth, Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, and His Excellency Lu Kim Chhun, Delegate of the Royal Government and Director General of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. Reporting on the official launch of the 10,000-ton rice shipment by sea by CITY RICE IMPORT EXPORT CO., LTD., His Excellency Lu Kim Chhun, Director General, expressed gratitude on behalf of the port's leadership and staff to the Minister and the Provincial Governor for their efforts in attracting investors, opening markets, and to all port users, especially shipping companies, for choosing the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to connect Cambodia to the global market and contribute to national economic growth. He stated that this historic event is another testament to the potential and a new level of progress in Cambodia's agro-commerce and maritime logistics sector. This export of 10,000 tons of rice is not only a brilliant success for CITY RICE in its partnership with DILAI TRADING and FOOD TERMINAL INCORPORATED of the Republic of the Philippines but also opens a new chapter in transportation options, helping to reduce logistics costs, accelerate export speed, and enhance the competitiveness of Cambodian rice in the international market. His Excellency Dith Tina congratulated CITY RICE for partnering with the Philippines to export rice and strengthen the quality of Cambodian rice, which consistently ranks first. He added that the shipment of general cargo (rice) is a competitive pricing effort for sea transportation of general cargo, which is a key factor in competition for the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The Minister of Agriculture further explained that the port is primarily for containerized cargo, not general cargo. While transporting general cargo like rice is cheaper and easier than container shipping, reducing costs and enhancing market competitiveness, it presents challenges for the port. However, achieving this shipment to the Philippines marks a new milestone for Cambodia's agricultural exports in 2026. Cambodia's rice export destinations include international markets such as China, the European Union, and the Philippines. The export and import of agricultural products require collaboration between state institutions and the private sector. He congratulated the private sector for successfully exporting general cargo (rice) to the Philippines, noting that the transportation went smoothly. He encouraged the selection of this route for exporting Cambodian rice to the global market. This is also the first time buyers have come directly to Preah Sihanouk Province, demonstrating the potential of exporting and importing countries. The Philippines, with its numerous islands and ports, facilitates the increased export of Cambodian rice, aligning with the policy of Prime Minister Hun Manet. Therefore, the full potential of the deep-sea port must be utilized. He thanked the Royal Government for strengthening the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, leading to increased transportation volume in Preah Sihanouk Province, and urged the port to further boost transportation and contribute to additional national and socio-economic growth in the future.