PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, said that the strategy of the Cambodian agricultural sector is focused on quality rather than quantity. He said that an effective and sustainable economy can be achieved by increasing safety, reducing costs and adding high value to Cambodian products.

His comments were made during a courtesy call from Ghanaian Ambassador to Cambodia, Florence Buerki Akonor, on July 15 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Dith Tina noted another strategy for Cambodia’s agricultural sector in exporting rice and processed rice to provide benefits and economic cooperation with other countries. He emphasized that Cambodia stands on the principle of equality in both investment and benefits with its partners.

During the meeting, he welcomed further cooperation between Ghana and Cambodia, especially in the field of agriculture for food security. He shared Cambodia's experience of going through food insecurity in 1993, only to become one of the top ten rice exporters of the modern day.

He stressed that for cooperation to run smoothly and successfully, there must be security, stability and coordination between the legal, political and technical aspects of both countries. He noted that a partnership with Ghana would be opportune due to its democratic principles and similar geographic conditions, which are conducive to agricultural production, especially to growing rice.

The Minister of Agriculture stated that the next step is for a specialized group to start holding virtual meetings to gather information and consider drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cambodia and Ghana to focus on what needs to be achieved. The group should thoroughly study both legal and technical aspects of a deal, as well as facilitate and build confidence in the private sector on stability and profitability.

He also advised Ghana to pay attention to the infrastructure, input for agriculture and costs for production.