The Republic of Guinea plans to import 40,000 tonnes of milled rice from Cambodia, Alpha Condé, the president of the West African nation, said during a recent visit to the Kingdom.

The two countries will also look to follow up on agricultural technology co-operation agreed on in 2008, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s adviser Eang Sophallet.

No official agreement was signed for milled rice, but Condé said he wanted to push the deal through soon, according to the adviser.

An agreement for agricultural co-operation between Cambodia and Guinea was never followed through on, but the visit was hoped to expedite the co-operation.

“[Our] two countries signed an agreement in 2008 for co-operation, especially on agricultural cooperation.

But Guinea has not implemented it.

This visit will encourage even more firm and active cooperation on agricultural issues. It will be win-win for both countries,” Eang Sophallet said.

Potential rice trade with small nations such as Guinea is refreshing news for Cambodian millers.

The country is attempting to diversify away from reliance on Europe and the United States to buy its exports.

Cambodia has discussed agricultural exchanges with other countries such as Pakistan.

To contact the reporter on this story: May Kunmakara at [email protected]