Cambodia joins Vietnamese programme for agri cooperation

The agriculture sector in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos still lag when it comes to the adoption of modern technology. KT/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodia has sent representatives to attend a Vietnamese programme that seeks to strengthen the relationship between them and the agricultural sectors of Vietnam and Laos, Vietnamese media reported.

The programme, which also includes a green agricultural fair, kicked off Saturday and concludes today in the Vietnamese city of Da Lat in the Central Highlands.

The Cambodian delegation to the Friendship Meeting Programme includes Agriculture Ministry officials, agricultural experts and farmers.

Cambodian companies that deal in agricultural products were also represented at the event, as well as firms from Vietnam and Laos. There were 225 booths featuring agriculture products from the three countries.

According to a report in Nhan Dan Online, the participants during the three-day programme shared their experiences on agricultural development, farming and rural affairs.

“This programme aims to strengthen solidarity and friendship between the peoples of the three countries while promoting mutual support among farmers in doing businesses and consuming agricultural products,” Dinh Khac Dinh, vice chairman of Vietnam Farmers’ Association (VFA), was quoted as saying in Nhan Dan Online.

His statement was backed up by Meas Pyseth, deputy secretary of state of Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. “The Cambodian delegation wishes to exchange experience with farmers from Vietnam and Laos,” he said.

It was reported that several cooperation agreements to facilitate the application of technology in the sector were signed. There is still a lack of advanced agricultural technology in the three countries, but this limitation could be addressed soon with more focus on agricultural development.

A separate report in Saigon Online emphasised that the gathering was also a good opportunity to find ways to cooperate further as production and consumption of agricultural products in the three neighbouring countries increases.

“This will also assist businesses in promoting their products or accessing domestic markets,” the report noted.

The participants, according to Nhan Dhan Online, later visited high-tech agricultural models in Da Lat that are being developed to catch up with the best and the most advanced in the world.

The cool climate and fertile soil of Da Lat have made it the breadbasket of Vietnam since ancient times. Da Lat and the region around it produce a staggering amount of coffee, tea, vegetables, and other agricultural products. Source from Khmertimes.