Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Dith Tina urged Russian Ambassador to Cambodia Anatoly Borovik to encourage private companies to import agricultural products from the Kingdom.
The meeting between Cambodian agriculture officials, led by Tina, and the Russian delegation led by Borovik, was held at the MAFF Office.
Tina, who has been leading
the agriculture ministry since last year, said it would be easy for Russian firms to import agricultural products and agricultural fertilisers at reasonable prices, especially rubber and cashew, compared to importing by Cambodian firms to Russia market, according to the release.
“The minister also requested the Russian Ambassador for sending trainers to Cambodia to focus on the main skills including agriculture and mechanic engineering as they would help the agriculture sector,” the release pointed out, adding that Cambodia’s three agriculture schools will provide cooperation in
conducting training.
Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce Seang Thay said that the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine will affect trade between Cambodia and Russia. This will in turn send ripples through the economy despite trade between both
countries are small.
According to the data from the ministry, trade between Cambodia and Russia in 2021 was valued at more than $94.18 million, an increase of over $30 million compared to the $63.18 million trade between both countries.
The data stated that Cambodia exports to Russia are valued at $59.54 million, while imports from Russia amounted to $34.64 million.
“The ongoing war in Ukraine will have a significant impact on trade between the two countries. The extent of the impact, we can’t assess at this time. However, the trade volume between the two countries … is still low,” said Thay, adding that negotiations on a Cambodia-Russia free trade agreement have not yet begun.
However, Cambodia has been negotiating the establishment of a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, which has five countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
Source: Khmer Times
