Private companies seek investment opportunities in the cultivation of medicinal plants

HE Veng Sakhon, minister of MAFF, has meeting with a delegation from Khmer Holding Group and Shanxi Institute of National Medical Biology Led by Lok Oknha Cao YUNDE,  to pay a courtesy call and discuss work related to the investment project on the cultivation of medicinal plants on August 6, 2020 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The Minister extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation in Cambodia, and this visit is very important to strengthen the bonds of solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the both country and the people and last longer. Not only that, it is part of paving the way for the two countries to move to free trade in the near future.

Taking this opportunity, Minister also informed the delegation about the volume of Cambodia's agricultural exports in the past, such as rice, dried cassava slices, fresh yellow bananas, cashew nuts and mango jam, etc. In addition, some ministries have been cooperating with the Chinese Customs Administration to prepare protocols for export to the Chinese market in the future.

The Minister welcomed the intention to invest in establishing a research institute, cultivation and refining of medicinal plants in Cambodia to participate in the using of raw materials, create jobs for local people, increase income, reduce import volume.

Oknha Cao YUNDE thanked the Minister for taking the time to meet with the delegation and highly appreciated and praised Cambodia's progress. Lok Oknha stated that this achievement really comes from the full and comprehensive cooperation between the government and our people, as mentioned by the Minister.The main purpose of the meeting was to request the cooperation and support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in establishing a research institute and establish a medicinal plant, and to find land for this medicinal plant which has received financial support from the Chinese government.

The Minister expressed his happiness and support for the above project. The Minister informed the guests that this important project will definitely contribute to reducing the volume of medicinal imports in the future. However, the Minister advised the company to study the location and size of the area for growing this medicinal plant, and especially since this investment project is supported by the Royal Government of China, Minister requested the company to contact the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia to get a clear diplomatic note requesting the Royal Government of Cambodia, which has Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as the staff to provide full and comprehensive cooperation.

The Minister expressed his hope and requested the delegation to set up a technical working group in collaboration with the relevant organizations and to review some undeveloped ELCs as partners. And companies need to prepare a clear map before proceeding to prepare and sign the MOU. At this point, the Chinese side fully agreed to take into account the request and recommendation of the Minister.