Phnom penh: His Excellency Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), alongside His Excellency Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, spearheaded a significant mission to the northeastern provinces of Tboung Khmum, Kratie, and Stung Treng. The high-profile delegation included ambassadors from the Czech Republic, Romania, and Croatia, as well as Deputy Heads of Mission from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland. Representatives from international organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) also participated.
According to European Union, the mission highlighted the collaboration between the Royal Government of Cambodia and Team Europe in promoting climate-resilient agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and rural development. The visit commenced in Tboung Khmum province, where the delegation toured the Chiro Rung Roeung Agricultural Community. This community benefits from the Agriculture Services Programme for an Inclusive Rural Economy and Agricultural Trade (ASPIRE-AT) programme, which fosters climate-smart farming techniques and market linkage initiatives.
In Kratie, the focus was on the Mekong dolphin conservation zone, managed by the Fisheries Administration and WWF with support from Belgium and the EU. This project combines species protection with sustainable income generation for local residents. The mission concluded in Stung Treng, where the delegation visited several agricultural sites supported by the EU-German Cambodia Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (CAPSAFE). These initiatives aim to enhance post-harvest processing and quality assurance, thus benefiting local livelihoods and resource management.
H.E. Dith Tina emphasized Cambodia's transition from basic farming to commercial production through Modern Agricultural Communities and contract farming. This shift, supported by the EU and partners, aims to improve food safety standards and market competitiveness for key crops like cashew and pepper, offering new opportunities for farmers domestically and internationally.
Throughout the visit, delegates engaged with government officials, development partners, rural communities, and local agribusinesses. Discussions centered on investments in contract farming and post-harvest processing, which are crucial for improving food safety standards and enabling access to higher-value markets in line with the EU Global Gateway strategy.
H.E. Igor Driesmans noted the transformative impact of the partnership between the EU and Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture in delivering tangible benefits and praised the shared vision that is making a real difference in the region.
The Royal Government of Cambodia and Team Europe reiterated their commitment to sustainable agricultural development, food system resilience, biodiversity protection, and rural development.
Team Europe, which includes the European Union, its Member States, and European development finance institutions, works closely with Cambodian partners to promote sustainable economic development and inclusive growth. Key initiatives like the EU-German Cambodia Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (CAPSAFE) and the Agriculture Services Programme for an Inclusive Rural Economy and Agricultural Trade (ASPIRE-AT) play a significant role in these efforts. Additionally, the EU-CAPFISH programme and Belgium's support for dolphin and fisheries conservation underscore the ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability and resource management in Cambodia.