CHINESE firm Guangxi Guohong Development will invest US$5 million building a rice mill in Cambodia to process the crop for export, according to its president, Song Zhenxion.

Slated for Kampong Chhnang province some 90 kilometres west of Phnom Penh, the mill aimed to eventually turn out up to 100 tonnes of milled rice per day, he said yesterday.

“Our company will build good relations with farmers so they will become our partners in producing paddy,” Song Zhenxion said.

Eang Sophallet, assistant to Prime Minister Hun Sen, said the Chinese firm’s plans had been welcomed by the premier at a meeting with the firm yesterday. The Kingdom’s Prime Minister recommended Guangxi Guohong Development keep an eye on potential markets for rice exports overseas, while building the mill in an area with a strong annual rice harvest, Eang Sophallet said.

Last week, Chinese firm Inner Mongolia Erdos declared its intention to invest up to $3 billion in Cambodia.