Auckland-New Zealand: On March 20, 2026, under the full coordination and support of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony was held to strengthen cooperation in the rice trade sector and investment between Cambodia and New Zealand.
This important ceremony was organized under the presidency of Dr. Kao Thach, Royal Government Delegate and Director General of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), Oknha Lay Chunhua, President of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), and Mr. Khuy Maikol, Head of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Representative Office in New Zealand.
The main purpose and content of this cooperation and the signing of the MOU at this time is primarily to promote the export of Cambodian rice to the New Zealand market as well as to establish a framework for cooperation in exchanging market information and connecting business relationships between traders of both countries.
On this occasion, Dr. Kao Thach gave important recommendations to both parties, especially the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Representative Office in New Zealand, as follows:
1- Strengthening work: Must diligently perform duties with a high sense of responsibility in attracting investors to invest in Cambodia’s potential sectors.
2- Work efficiency: Must implement the contents of this MOU as effectively as possible to bring real economic benefits to the homeland and enhance the national image on the international stage.
3- Role as a bridge: Must actively act as a strong “bridge” for investors and an important gateway for Khmer agricultural products to the New Zealand market. Moreover, efforts to promote sales and support the ordering of Khmer agricultural products are not only about expanding international markets but are also crucial activities in helping improve the living standards of Khmer farmers through obtaining added value and stable markets.
This activity reflects the commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia in seeking new markets and ensuring that all international investment and trade activities become a driving force to help fellow farmers at the grassroots level.
