A delegation of leading UK buyers from the rice, cashew nut and dried fruits industries explored business opportunities in Cambodia from 9 to 15 February 2025, as part of a mission connecting UK businesses with high-quality Cambodian agricultural products.
This initiative funded by the UK Government under the UK Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) enabled seven UK buyers to engage with agricultural producers from Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom.
The programme included business to-business meetings and visits to cashew processing facilities, rice paddies and dried mango operations, offering the opportunity for face-to-face exchanges with key Cambodian producers and stakeholders.
Escipión Oliveira-Gómez, ITC Director of the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions said:
“This initiative will help transform trade and change lives by facilitating direct contact and fostering greater understanding between UK buyers and Cambodian agricultural producers. This initiative is also expected to strengthen trade relations between the two nations through a win-win approach, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The mission featured visits to prominent Cambodian companies and cooperatives, providing UK buyers with insights into local production capabilities and quality standards. A business networking event hosted by the British Embassy to Cambodia, connected UK buyers with Cambodian suppliers, including representatives from the Cambodia Rice Federation and the Cambodia Cashew Nut Federation.
Dominic Williams MBE, British Ambassador to Cambodia said:
“My ambition is for the UK to play an important role in Cambodia’s continued growth, to help more people in this amazing country to secure well-paying jobs and improve the livelihoods for them and their families. Agriculture is a major employer in Cambodia so, as part of this goal, we are working with Cambodia to export more agricultural products to the UK. I’m delighted that we are supporting a visit from a range of UK buyers, who will see for themselves the quality of Cambodia’s delicious produce. We are particularly keen for our buyers to explore higher-value processed items, since these ensure Cambodians keep a much greater share of the price paid by British consumers at their local shop or supermarket. I very much hope that when I return to the UK I will be able to buy my favourite Cambodian products from a wide range of stores over there.”
This trade mission underscores the UK Trade Partnerships Programme's commitment to strengthening trade ties between the UK and emerging markets. By facilitating direct engagement between UK buyers and Cambodian producers, the initiative aims to promote sustainable growth in the agricultural sectors of both nations, creating mutually beneficial partnerships and expanding market access for Cambodian products.
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