Socfin Cambodia, a leader in the development and management of rubber plantations in the Kingdom, announced its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) accomplishments in a press release issued on Monday.

Socfin Cambodia, which is part of the Europe-based Socfin Group, operates in the Kingdom under two subsidiaries – Socfin KCD Co Ltd and Coviphama Co Ltd – both of which manage rubber plantations in Pech Chreada district’s Bou Sra commune in Mondulkiri province.

According to the company, the success of its CSR initiatives last year are a direct reflection of the company’s progress in achieving its long-term CSR goals, which include engagement with the Bunong indigenous community, environmental protection and management, as well as supporting local development in Mondulkiri province.

The press release continued that the company has always strived to develop a responsible and sustainable approach to business, create and share wealth, enable long-term investments in local economies and develop new skills locally.

Socfin Cambodia general manager Jef Boedt said the firm is proud to continue to strengthen and improve business practices, benefiting people and communities.

“Our focus on CSR reaffirms our commitment to the communities where we operate and demonstrates our ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods,” he said.

“We will continue to share the value we create to benefit local communities, and to develop our business in a sustainable manner.”

Cambodia exported 217,500 tonnes of dry rubber last year, a jump of about 15 per cent compared to 2017, with an average price of $1,319 per tonne.

In the first three months of this year, the country exported 48,192 tonnes of rubber, a 23 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, with an average price of $1,279 per tonne.

Founded in 1909, the Socfin Group is active in the development and management of oil palm and rubber plantations around the world.

It is present in eight countries in Central and West Africa, as well as Cambodia and Indonesia in Southeast Asia, according to the release.