Phnom Penh, July 26, 2019 –The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has been so far a good partner of Cambodia, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, made the remarks here this morning while receiving visiting Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, IFAD President.
According to H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Assistant to the Cambodian Premier, in the courtesy meeting, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo lauded the rapid development of Cambodia compared his previous visit in the Kingdom and admired Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s leadership.
Samdech Techo Prime Minister expressed Cambodia’s concerns related to the agriculture field such as production and markets for export. He thus requested IFAD to help and share its experience and research findings so that Cambodia can solve the problems.
The rising demand for agricultural land due to increasing population, and climate change issue are also among Cambodia’s concerns, he said, adding that Cambodia has been encouraging farmers to grow crops suitable for their land and practicing intensive farming on their existing land.
The Premier also laid stress on the country’s priorities – human resources, water, road, and electricity – and high economic growth of around 7 percent in the past two decades.
Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo arrived in Phnom Penh yesterday for a three-day visit in Cambodia. He is scheduled to conduct a field visit to IFAD’s Agricultural Services Programme for Innovation, Resilience and Extension (ASPIRE) and meet with participants to see the progress being made through training packages, extension activities and improvement of infrastructure (roads, irrigation systems, markets) for agricultural production.
According to its press release, IFAD has been present in Cambodia since 1996 and has implemented nine projects, which represented an investment of US$152 million and directly benefit 1,338,500 households. Three projects supported by loans and a project by a grant aid have been being implemented.
by C. Nika
