Misota – the Battambang-based company specialising in the processing and distribution of tropical dried fruits and food products for local and export markets – has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japanese consumer goods and pharmaceutical corporation Rohto.

The founder and director of Misota, Michel Tan, and the managing director of Rohto Cambodia, Shunsuke Shinoda, signed the agreement, which aims to add value to local agricultural products, create jobs for local people and contribute to socioeconomic development.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Premier Centre Sen Sok on June 9 during a celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of Rohto, specialists in the manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and functional food products.

“Misota will work with Rohto in developing health and functional foods for our valued customers in Cambodia and across our export markets, collaborating together closely to develop innovative products that are beneficial for health.

"We will transform local plants and fruits into high quality products that meet the demands of our customers in terms of nutritional value, quality and food safety.

"Our collaboration will also look to developing specific products that address particular health concerns," Michel Tan said.

The MoU was aimed at forming a win-win partnership, he added, not only in terms of business, but also in building more added value to Cambodian agricultural products, creating jobs for local people and contributing to the Kingdom's socioeconomic development.

"An important factor behind this partnership is that both Misota and Rohto share the same ideals and vision.

"We will look to continue tackling social issues as we aim to contribute to improving people's wellbeing and standards of living in Cambodia," Michel Tan said.