This week, the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Yamato Green Co Ltd on the cooperation, investment and development of the country's 'safe vegetable’ sub-sector for the domestic market and export.
The deal comes as part of the government’s ambitions to boost vegetable exports and take advantage of the EU market, which issued Vietnam and Thailand “red cards” temporarily blocking their exports to the bloc.
The MoU had different purposes, a press release said. The deal will further strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation between Cambodia and Japan with the latter’s hand in the development of the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
Secondly, the contract will strengthen and expand cooperation in the investment and development of all stages of the vegetable production cycle from cultivation, processing, packaging and distribution. These will use state-of-the-art technology from Japan.
Also, the agreement will entail active engagement in improving the quality and safety of vegetables and the sustainability of supply to meet the demand and preferences of consumers and export markets. The pact will enhance the capacity of producers through the use of value chain technology and access to market trend data and other input.
According to phnompenhpost.com, Minister Veng Sakhon said the MoU clearly reflects the will of the Japanese government to financially and technically support the development of the Cambodian vegetable production network and shape it to take advantage of the market’s needs.