PHNOM PENH, June 4, 2024 – PHNOM PENH, June 4, 2024 – In a strategic move to boost Cambodia's rice exports, Minister of Commerce Lok Chumteav Chamnimol held a meeting on June 3, 2024, with Patrick Murphy, Executive Vice President for Rice and Grain Purchasing at Otis McAllister, Inc. The meeting, which took place at the Raffles Royal Hotel, included representatives from the Cambodian Rice Federation and focused on the feasibility of exporting Cambodian rice to the US market.

Minister Chamnimol encouraged 16 leading rice exporters within the federation to collaborate directly with Otis McAllister to secure a purchase agreement. The initiative aims to promote sustainable production, ensure safety, and enhance marketing efforts to build lasting trust between Cambodian exporters and US buyers.

Patrick Murphy praised Cambodian agricultural advancements, highlighting the quality and consistency of the country's rice products.

In 2023, Cambodia exported 656,323 tons of rice to 61 countries, earning over $466 million, according to the Cambodian Rice Federation. This represents a 3% increase in volume and a 13% rise in revenue compared to the previous year.

Despite these gains, Cambodia's rice exports have not yet met their full potential, even as global demand and prices for rice surged in 2023.