PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. met with Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina, to bolster agricultural cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia.

The meeting, held during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Cambodia, focused on agricultural trade, food security, and market access for farm products.

Minister Dith expressed optimism that Cambodia’s agricultural exports—particularly premium aromatic rice—would see increased demand in the Philippines, citing growing consumption in Manila and other urban areas.

Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that Cambodian products such as rice, fish, meat, and vegetables could help meet the Philippines’ expanding population needs. “This bilateral meeting is a step forward to flesh out the agreement signed earlier this year by the Philippines and Cambodia on agricultural trade, cooperation, and knowledge transfer,” he said.

The talks concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, ensure mutual food security, and promote sustainable trade.

In February, the Philippines and Cambodia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural and Agribusiness Cooperation, aimed at boosting investments in Cambodia’s agriculture sector, exploring trade in vegetables and meat, and enhancing technical exchanges.

As part of the collaboration, Secretary Tiu Laurel and Minister Dith visited the Khmer Food Group and the Tram Bok Modern Agricultural Community to observe best practices in vegetable farming and agri-innovation.