PHNOM PENH: The Innovation and Development Investors Association (IDI) and ID Capital Plc. (IDC) recently visited the United States to explore the US food market and build connections between Cambodian producers and buyers in the US market.

The visit was a success, as three Cambodian products caught the attention of the US market and could be exported to the United States. The three products were rice, fish sauce/soy sauce, and natural mango juice.

The visit was organized in collaboration with the Honorary Consulate of Cambodia in Long Beach, California, and with the support of Cambodian Entrepreneurs (KE) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.

The delegation comprised 34 delegates from agriculture, food products, and transportation, who attended the conference from March 7 to 13, 2023. The visit was aimed at learning about the US food market and packaging standards, delivery quality, and finding distribution partners in the US market. The visit also involved attending the 41st annual Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, which features exhibitors from over 2,700 manufacturers and over 80,000 visitors worldwide.

Moreover, three US firms are interested in further discussions with IDI on investment projects in food, finance, health, real estate, and agriculture, including rice exports and the use of technology to increase product distribution. The discussions also included the promotion of Cambodian food on the E-commerce market. The US firms were impressed with the quality of Cambodian products and the potential for growth in the Cambodian market.

Mr. Chap Sopheak, Secretary General of IDI and CEO of IDC, stated, “Not only learning about the products currently circulating in the US food market, but the visit also provided additional insights into packaging standards, delivery quality, and finding distribution partners in the United States. We hope and believe that the delegation will be able to develop its products further to compete in the US market due to the experience and knowledge gained from this visit.”

IDI brings together 101 local investors with a wide range of skills, knowledge, and experience from almost every sector in Cambodia's rapidly developing Kingdom. The association's core structure and activities are intended to promote an energetic, efficient, and effective partnership by providing a platform that supports business activities for investors, strategic partners, and entrepreneurs in Cambodia.

IDI and IDC advise on the export of Cambodian food products to foreign markets, including the United States and Europe, from their headquarters, offices 15th and 16th at the 25th-floor of Flatiron by Meridian, Boeung Kak Commercial Area, Street 102, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh.