Local transport and logistics players are seeking authorities’ support to deepen their engagement in the agricultural sector, a prospect seen as a possible door-opener for more efficient domestic and international delivery systems, food self-sufficiency, and greater access to market-related information.
The top management of the Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA) on January 18 paid a courtesy call on Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina to discuss the matter.
Seemingly open to the idea, Tina commented to CLA president Sin Chanthy and his entourage that collaboration between all supply chain actors and stakeholders could fill information gaps, reduce unnecessary competition, encourage overall efficiency and confidence, and otherwise benefit everybody involved.
“The [CLA] must find ways to work together as well as share the benefits between traders and transportation service providers,” he said, underscoring the important role that logistics players fill at each step of the supply chain.
The minister also advised the association to proceed with a clear business plan to ensure stable domestic supply and hence self-sufficiency as well as profits.
Speaking to The Post on January 19, the CLA’s Chanthy highlighted the importance of the meeting, which he said served as a direct channel between the private sector and the authorities that could pave the way for faster and more effective customer service.
The transport sector is actively involved in bringing goods from producers to consumers, he said, adding that “we hope” that the meeting will encourage a greater sense of responsibility in the transportation of agricultural products.
Meanwhile, the agriculture ministry recently reported that, in January-November 2022, Cambodia exported 5.222 million tonnes of agricultural products, down by 26.78 per cent year-on-year.
Of this amount, 689,702.65 tonnes went to China, 4.275 million tonnes to other Asian markets, 186,897.74 tonnes to the EU, and 70,196.58 tonnes to other destinations.
