(Takeo): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on all citizens to consistently support Cambodian-made products, urging the spirit of nationalism to remain steadfast.
The premier spoke on Tuesday (Jul. 1) during the National Fish Day celebration and the release of approximately 1.5 million fish into Tonle Sap Lake, held in Bati district, Takeo province.
In his speech, the prime minister stressed that even if international borders remain closed or Western markets remain inaccessible, the Royal Government is fully committed to supporting Cambodian farmers. He affirmed that the government would not allow Cambodian farmers to be left behind or looked down upon, even without assistance from Western countries. On this occasion, Samdech also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Cambodian people for their patriotic commitment to safeguarding the national interest.
Samdech Thipadei highlighted the participation of several domestic supermarkets in purchasing agricultural products directly from local farmers, including Chip Mong, AEON, Big C, Tela, and various transport companies such as Vireak Buntham, ZTO, CO, and E-Gets. He praised them for embodying the true Khmer spirit of “Khmer supporting Khmer.”
“Short-term assistance alone is not enough. We must think strategically and long-term. I have already approved tax exemptions, and the policy commission together with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce that is studying ways to gradually achieve ownership and step-by-step control over production. Even if we cannot produce 1,000 different products, we must increase the output of those we can produce to meet local market demand more effectively in the future,” the premier underscored.
Samdech Thipadei added that Cambodia already produces enough rice and pork to meet domestic needs and thus does not require imports of these goods. However, he noted the importance of diversifying production further. The Ministry of Agriculture must review the available and suitable livestock breeds for local farming to boost domestic supply and exports, while also applying similar efforts to vegetable production.
According to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, relevant ministries and institutions must prioritise agro-industrial development in western Cambodia, with a focus on processing agricultural products at their source to pave the way for international exports. This is an important step in diversifying Cambodia’s economy.
Following the recent Cambodia–Thailand border tensions, a strong “Khmer helping Khmer” movement has emerged through widespread support for locally produced goods. Nevertheless, the prime minister continued to call on all Cambodians to consistently support domestic products and maintain a resilient national spirit.
=FRESH NEWS
