The Philippines aims to strengthen its agricultural cooperation with Cambodia, as it looks to unlock new investments in the agriculture and fisheries sector while advancing its pursuit of food security.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said he met with Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Dith Tina, on July 21 to explore opportunities to deepen collaboration.

“Your visit reflects the deepening strength of our bilateral relationship and our shared commitment to advancing cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and broader economic development,” Tiu Laurel told his Cambodian counterpart.

While agricultural trade between the two countries reached $15.9 million last year, the DA said there is still “untapped potential” for stronger commercial ties.

In particular, the agency sees opportunities to encourage private sector partnerships and promote greater investments across the value chain.

With trade in agricultural commodities between the two countries continuing to gain momentum this year, Tiu Laurel said he is optimistic that the Cambodian official's visit would result in new commercial agreements and long-term business partnerships.

“In 2026, there is significant growth in trade between the Philippines and Cambodia, and we're looking forward to continuing that trajectory,” he said.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) earlier said in a report that the country will widen its importation of Cambodian rice this year, with imports projected to grow by 5,598 percent to 200,000 metric tons (MT) from just 3,510 MT in 2025.

Under this projection, the Philippines would account for around 20 percent of Cambodia’s total rice exports this year, which are estimated to surpass one million MT.

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that rice imports from Cambodia reached 69,770 MT as of July 9, about 65 percent short of the full-year target of 200,000 MT.

Tiu Laurel said strengthening agricultural ties with Cambodia reflects the growing intra-regional trade within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as member countries work to reduce supply chain risks amid global uncertainties.

“At the end of the day, we cannot afford to do it alone. The Philippines needs its ASEAN brothers to work closely for the common good and a common food-secure ASEAN,” he said. (Dexter Barro II)