AKP Phnom Penh, September 15, 2026 -- Cambodian rice miller and exporter City Rice Import Export Co., Ltd. signed a 10,000-tonne rice purchase agreement with DILAI Trading Co., Pte Ltd. on Monday for export to the Philippines.

Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul presided over the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Commerce, attended by ministry officials, representatives of the Philippine Embassy, industry leaders and other distinguished guests.

The agreement marks a significant milestone for Cambodia’s rice sector and is expected to further strengthen trade ties between Cambodia and the Philippines.

Speaking at the ceremony, City Rice Import Export CEO Oknha Lay Chhun Hour described the deal as more than a commercial agreement, calling it a new development for Cambodia’s rice industry.

“This success demonstrates the growing confidence of international buyers in the quality, safety, competitiveness and supply capacity of Cambodian rice,” he said.

He added that the agreement also demonstrates the ability of Cambodian companies to process rice, ensure quality and transport large volumes to international markets in a professional and efficient manner.

“This 10,000-tonne export agreement is not our ultimate goal, but the beginning of a new chapter for Cambodian rice exports to the Philippine market,” said Oknha Chhun Hour, who is also President of the Cambodia Rice Federation.

Noting that the initial shipment would lay the groundwork for long-term trade relations and potentially lead to regular exports, he said the deal is also expected to benefit rice farmers, millers, transport operators and other businesses involved in the rice value chain.

City Rice will continue investing in quality control, technology, processing capacity and supply systems while working closely with relevant ministries, financial institutions, the Cambodia Rice Federation, farmers and international partners, he added.

H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul praised City Rice’s achievements and thanked DILAI Trading for selecting Cambodia as a rice supply partner and placing its trust in the quality and supply capacity of Cambodian rice.

She said the agreement was not only a commercial transaction but also a strategic step towards expanding Cambodia’s rice export markets, strengthening food security and deepening economic cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines.

The Minister called on both companies to implement the agreement with professionalism, accountability, transparency and close cooperation.

She further urged stakeholders across the rice value chain, including the Cambodia Rice Federation, to improve rice quality, food safety and packaging standards while fully implementing the Cambodia Rice Export Market Expansion and Diversification Strategy 2025-2030.

The strategy aims to boost the competitiveness of Cambodian rice and expand its presence in international markets.

By Chea Vannak