SPC Global — a renowned Australian agribusiness, visited Kampong Speu and Phnom Penh from 14 - 16 June, to explore agricultural investment and trade potential in Cambodia.

The company, based in Victoria, Australia has over a century of experience in process ing and packaging fruit and vegetable products. Already sourcing some inputs from the region, they are interested in expanding to Cambodia for produce such as Mango, Rambutan, Logan and Dragon fruit.

The Australian Embassy, and our flagship economic development program, Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) welcomed Mr. Hussein Rifai, Chairman of SPC Global, and Mr. Matthew McMichael, Chief Operating Officer.

The two - and - a - half - day visit allowed SPC Global to travel to Kirirom Food Production in Kampong Speu and Lyly Food Industry Co. in Phnom Penh. They also met with four prominent agribusiness suppliers — Navita Food Production, Misota Food Cambodia, SHE Agrocam, and Royal Trust.

The visit also provided an opportunity to meet with key representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture

Fisheries and Forestry, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, and the Investment Agency of the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

“Cambodia is an ideal country for us to find new agricultural opportunities — especially in fruits and vegetables that don’t grow or are currently unavailable in Australia. SPC can provide Australian food expertise and knowhow that will enable the development of innovative food products of the highest global quality while developing the agri - food industry in Cambodia. The agri - food sector is one of Cambodia’s key focus sectors and Australia is already supporting its development. We are grateful to CAPRED for bringing this opportunity to our attention and are already progressing discussions with a couple of the businesses they introduced to us,” said Mr Rifai.

Between 2017 and 2022, Cambodia’s mango production increased by 160% and dried fruit exports increased by up to 6,500%. Cambodia has exceptional capacity for high value agricultural produce, including mango, banana, cashew, sweet potato, sesame, chilies and the world - famous Kampot Pepper.

SPC Global’s visit is part of Australia’s efforts to strengthening agricultural ties with Cambodia. It was initiated following a successful meeting between SPC and Cambodian delegates during the CAPRED Agri- food Industrial Park visit to Australia earlier this year.