Pursat (FN), Jan. 20 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Sam Rainsy’s group is more focused on pressuring the United States and Europe to revoke preferential tariffs on Cambodian goods than on finding markets for Cambodian farmers.
The premier spoke on Monday (Jan. 20) at the inauguration of the newly established village “Bun Rany Sen Chey Damnak Troyeung” in Pro’ngel commune, Phnom Kravanh district, Pursat province.
Samdech Thipadei addressed certain external analysts who often politicise issues, particularly Sam Rainsy, a convict who continuously calls for rebellion and the overthrow of the government. Samdech Thipadei urged them to stop their activities that are harming Cambodian agricultural products if they are not helping to find markets for farmers.
Samdech Thipadei underscored, "You claim to care about the people—dressing well, giving interviews in Europe, taking photos, and boasting about it. You talk about people's rights and freedoms, yet you don't advocate for opening more markets for Cambodian agricultural products. Instead, you focus on pressuring the US and Europe to withdraw the GSP and EBA. Your calls for market expansion contradict your daily demands to limit Cambodia’s market access."
At the same time, Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that the government cannot resolve all challenges, noting that farmers continue to face ongoing issues, which are not new. Agricultural yields have fluctuated for decades, both in Cambodia and globally. For example, Viet Nam faces declining export prices, while in the US and Korea, agricultural product prices, such as kale, have been volatile, making it difficult for anyone to control global price trends.
Samdech Thipadei stated that the price of white rice is expected to rise next year due to India’s suspension of rice exports in July 2023, which triggered a global shortage and drove up prices. However, he noted that India resumed rice exports in September, leading Viet Nam to lower its prices in an attempt to compete, which has contributed to the current challenges in white rice pricing.
Samdech Thipadei continued, "Ensuring stable market prices for agricultural products requires a comprehensive approach. The first priority is to open markets, enabling cultivation and improving agricultural techniques for farmers." He emphasized that expanding agricultural production is crucial not only for rice but for all Cambodian products, which must find and grow new markets.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei also pointed out that Minister of Agriculture Dith Tina cannot be everywhere at once and criticized those who, instead of taking action, sit abroad giving interviews and enjoying leisure activities while calling for Cambodia’s market to be cut off. In contrast, Samdech Thipadei highlighted that the government has actively addressed public concerns through various campaigns, both online and in person, and the public has witnessed these efforts.
=FRESH NEWS
