Cambodia pursues green and clean policy

PHNOM PENH Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen has called on the country’s hospitality sector to increase the use of locally grown produce at tourist destinations to improve rural economies.

Emphasising the country’s green tourism policy, the PM told local media that cleanness and greenness were trends that needed to be adopted for the benefit of the economy and a clean tourism environment.

He called for a Green Belt to be established at the country’s main tourist areas to supply holidaymakers with local produce, instead of importing them from neighbouring countries.

The PM wants the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to work together to set up the green project for tourist provinces.

Khmer Times media quoted Siem Reap province governor, Khim Bunsong, saying for food safety purposes it was better to serve tourists, both local and foreign, with foods that are guaranteed chemically-free.

But the challenge is to source vegetables and even rice that is not contaminated by chemicals. Rice growers across Southeast Asia use insecticides and chemicals.

He added: “We are trying source where chemical-free vegetables can be grown to meet the needs of restaurants and hotels catering to tourists.”

The PM’s scheme initiative would meet the demand of big restaurants and hotels that need of chemical-free vegetables and meats, according to Cambodia National Tourism Alliance general secretary Ho Vandy.

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