The Philippines is preparing to import more Cambodian agricultural products to strengthen bilateral trade and food security, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday.
Following talks with Cambodian Agriculture Minister Dith Tina on Tuesday, Tiu Laurel said the meeting was “a step forward to flesh out the agreement signed earlier this year by the Philippines and Cambodia on agricultural trade, cooperation and knowledge transfer.”
The meeting, held during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Cambodia, focused on expanding market access for farm goods, boosting agricultural trade and enhancing food supply resilience.
Dith expressed optimism that Cambodia’s exports, particularly premium aromatic rice, would see stronger demand in Manila and other urban centers, noting that Philippine consumers are increasingly open to Cambodian rice and other farm products.
Tiu Laurel said rice, fish, meat and vegetables from Cambodia could help meet the needs of the Philippines’ expanding population, highlighting the importance of greater agricultural cooperation between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
