Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 4 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, called on a Japanese tobacco company to share its expertise in tobacco leaf cultivation with Cambodian farmers.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Eddy Pirard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Japan Tobacco International (JTI), on 3 February 2025 at the Senate.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed Eddy Pirard and his delegations to Cambodia. Eddy Pirard also sought recommendations, insights, and a strategic vision from Samdech Techo on how the company could contribute to Cambodia’s development.
Although no longer serving as head of the Royal Government, Samdech Techo Hun Sen reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with the private sector to support Cambodia’s socioeconomic development.
Eddy Pirard expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet with Samdech Techo. He highlighted JTI’s commitment to Cambodia’s economic and social development, noting the company’s compliance with Cambodian regulations, its recognition as a responsible employer, and its efforts to improve the environment through tree-planting initiatives. He also outlined JTI’s contributions to local communities, including human resource training, recruitment of local employees, and fostering strong partnerships for shared progress.
He further explained that JTI Cambodia operates as a subsidiary of the JT Group, with 33 percent of its shares owned by the Japanese government. In addition to the tobacco sector, the company has business interests in pharmaceuticals and food processing.
Having operated in Cambodia for many years, JTI has witnessed the country’s rapid economic growth. Eddy Pirard emphasised that Cambodia remains a key market for the company, which seeks to strengthen collaboration and partnerships with Cambodian authorities to support further expansion and development.
Eddy Pirard strongly believed that Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet will lead the nation to a new stage of national development.
In response, Samdech Techo congratulated and highly praised JTI for its contributions, including its fiscal responsibility, membership in leading business groups, and active participation in green and sustainable development initiatives. He also acknowledged JTI’s efforts in combating climate change and providing solar power systems along Cambodia’s national roads.
Reflecting on the past, Samdech Techo recalled how his family and many farmers along the Mekong River were once engaged in tobacco farming. He shared insights into the evolution of his policies on tobacco, from a time when smoking bans were non-existent to the present regulatory landscape.
To further promote economic development, Samdech Techo advised companies to explore opportunities for investment and diversification, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food processing. He noted that Cambodia has recently emerged as a global leader in rice and cashew nut cultivation and harvesting.
Samdech Techo also urged companies to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, particularly in research and technological advancements. He highlighted the importance of leveraging Japanese expertise in seed selection, land use, and agricultural techniques—especially for areas with poor soil quality—to help Cambodian farmers improve the quality and yield of tobacco leaf production.
Additionally, Samdech Techo advised company to collaborate with tobacco-growing community under the Ministry of Commerce’s collective brand initiative. He emphasised the need to expand production and develop export markets to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry through a win-win partnership.
=FRESH NEWS
