Phnom Penh (FN), March 9 – Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) has formed an ad hoc committee to help prevent illegal imports of rice from neighboring countries and to seek financial assistance to support rice sector in Cambodia, particularly rice milling factories that are facing bankruptcy.

The formation of the ad hoc committee was announced at a press conference held on March 9, at Tonle Bassac II Restaurant by Cambodia Rice Federation on action plan to address challenges faced in the rice sector.

The ad hoc committee is composed of high-ranking officials from CRF all of whom were of comprehensive experience in rice sector. The group will undertake two major tasks – to prevent unfair and non-transparent competition with rice imports from neighboring countries that threatens to close down the local businesses and to seek financial packages from the government to support its members, such as rice milling factories and rice export companies, that are facing financial difficulties, said CRF President Sok Puthyvuth.

“To prevent the flow of rice from neighboring countries, we request the government to develop clear, strict legislations on tax and licensing of rice imports to ensure there will be no cheating and collusion with custom officials,” continued Puthivuth who added that in regard of financial supports, he would seek cooperation from the Rural Development Bank (RDB) for a loan of $20 -30 million for members of CRF to be used to support their business operation.

Observers congratulate CRF for the approach to address the issues by forming an ad hoc committee and expressed hope that the government would consider the request and take the actions timely for the sake of Cambodian farmers.
=FRESHNEWS