Rice exports to Indonesia are imminent, following an August 11 phone conversation between Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, according to the prime minister’s personal assistant Eang Sophalleth.

Speaking after the call, Sophalleth said conversation focused primarily on rice exports to Indonesia, and that Hun Sen welcomed the move and was ready to welcome an Indonesian delegation to arrange the matter soon.

“Prime Minister Hun Sen said Cambodia will soon welcome an Indonesian delegation who will come to talk about rice exports,” he explained.

He added that Hun Sen raised the possibility of permitting 100 per cent Indonesian investment in rice mills and warehouses in the Kingdom, and noted that direct purchase contracts with Cambodian farmers would ensure the process of exporting rice went smoothly.

On the political front, Widodo announced that he was ready to work with the new government of Cambodia – to be led by Prime Minister-in-waiting Hun Manet – especially during the ASEAN summit and related meetings, which are slated to take place next month.

Sophalleth said Manet will lead a delegation to the 43rd ASEAN Summit, which is scheduled to take place from September 5-7 in Jakarta, Indonesia.