THE first imports of kangaroo meat to Cambodia are planned for next year by a joint venture between Cambodia’s Pich Angkor Group and Ta Corp Company of Australia, Pich Angkor’s vice president Chea Porhieng said on Sunday.

“We hope Cambodian people will have a chance to enjoy tasty and healthy Australian foods they have never eaten before,” Chea Porhieng said, adding that it would be the first time the marsupial was available on domestic markets retail.

The two firms intend to import a number of Australian fruits and red wines in concert with the kangaroo meat, he added. The products will be subject to small-scale trials in supermarkets and wholesalers beginning next year, and distribution will expand if initial sales prove successful, said Chea Porhieng.

Chan Nora, secretary of state at Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, said that Cambodia is open to all products, even kangaroo, as long as the firms ensure the imports are safe and hygienic for consumption.

“We support the trade of this protein-rich food, but the company must strictly follow the standard of sanitary and phytosanitary certification to make sure it will not negatively affect people’s health,” he said.

Chea Porhieng said the planned imports would not face difficulties meeting entrance requirements, as they were healthy foods produced with high quality standards.

“We hope the imported products will be interesting for tourists visiting Cambodia and also local people who want to try unique types of food,” he said.