BGA Cambodia Senior Analyst Kunmakara May wrote an update to clients on Cambodia’s new rice export strategy.

Context

  • The Cambodia Milled Rice Market Expansion and Export Diversification Strategy 2025-2030, launched August 28, aims to strengthen Cambodia’s global presence in the rice market through enhanced go-to-market approaches, ensuring sustainable growth. The vision is for Cambodia to be recognized as a reliable rice supplier, contributing more effectively to global food security and nutrition through sustainable and responsible trade. The strategy aims for 1 million tons of milled rice exports by 2030 through close collaboration with strategic rice value chain actors.
  • Cambodia’s rice strategy builds on a 2010 policy paper and is aligned with development goals outlined in the Pentagonal Strategy, Phase I. The strategy outlines a clear road map to strengthen Cambodia’s position in fragrant rice markets and expand into global food security and relief programs. It targets key bottlenecks in rice trading and emphasizes downstream value chain activities to drive sustainable export growth.

Significance

  • The rice strategy targets key bottlenecks in rice trading and market dynamics, focusing on downstream value chain activities under the Ministry of Commerce. It introduces a strong governance framework and actionable plan to guide sector development. The strategy aims to sustain existing markets while opening new ones, leveraging trade agreements with China, Korea and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to boost rice exports globally.
  • The medium-term strategy sets three core objectives: maintain leadership in fragrant rice markets; boost premium white rice exports, especially in Asia; and expand market access through trade agreements and institutional procurement channels like government-to-government deals and the United Nations Food Program. To achieve these goals, six strategic measures have been adopted, each backed by a detailed action plan. These measures focus on market access, marketing, trade facilitation and strategic partnerships, ensuring Cambodia’s sustained and competitive presence in global rice markets.

Implications

  • The Ministry of Commerce will promote Cambodia’s milled rice exports by tackling trade barriers, advancing regional integration and reforming internal policies, according to Commerce Minister Cham Nimul. It will boost global visibility through branding and innovation while strengthening partnerships and trade ties to position Cambodia as a trusted supplier of nutritious, socially responsible rice. “I urge all relevant ministries as well as public and private institutions at every level, to actively collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce to facilitate the export of Cambodia’s milled rice to global markets,” she said.
  • Building on its strong local production and export performance, the strategy signals a major opening in rice milling, logistics, agri-tech and branding. Cambodia is driving infrastructure upgrades, public-private partnership and climate-resilient rice production while streamlining export facilitation and tapping demand from global buyers such as Europe, the United States, China and within the region. At the same time, Cambodia is expanding to Middle East and Africa with high-quality rice and is ready to scale up amid a shifting global trade landscape.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments in Cambodia as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Cambodia Senior Analyst Kunmakara May at kmay@bowergroupasia.com.

Best regards,

BGA Cambodia Team

A small ginko leaf

Senior Analyst

Makara has nearly 20 years of experience working in Cambodia’s media sector. With broad networks in government ministries and institutions, the business community and civil society, he helps BGA clients understand the rules, regulations and policies that impact investors’ success locally, regionally and globally.  In his professional journalism career, Makara focuses on Cambodia’s macroeconomics, politics and geopolitical issues. His reporting has covered the garment, banking and finance, capital markets, trade, investment and tourism sectors. Earlier, he worked as a financial officer at the Thai-owned TV3 television station.  Makara holds a master’s degree in business administration from Asia Euro University, a ... Read More