Cambodia’s agricultural exports to Asean countries was valued $1.2 billion in 2017, up 66 percent on a year earlier, Commerce Ministry figures show.
The rise comes amid streamlining of certificates of origin, issued before agricultural products are sent abroad.
Ministry spokesman Seang Thay said Thailand and Vietnam were the main markets for Cambodia.
“We export mostly cassava and maize to neighbouring countries like Thailand because most of those agricultural products are mostly planted near border areas, so that they are easily transported,” he said.
He expected that exports of agricultural products to neighbouring counties will increase in years to come, due to a new program in which the ministry has delegated issuing certificates of origin to provincial departments.
The ministry allowed the provincial commercial departments in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Palin and Oddor Meanchey provinces to issue the certificates to traders and producers.
Mr Thay said he expected that the move would make it easier for exporters and producers and increase exports of agricultural products to neighbouring countries.
“The four provinces have more agricultural plantations than other provinces, so we allow those provinces to do the job first, then we will allow provincial departments in Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmom to do the same thing,” Mr Thay said. “The move is to help exports at borders.
