PHNOM PENH: In a remarkable testament to its economic transformation, Cambodia’s rice sector is celebrating a decade of monumental growth, marked by an explosion in milling capacity and a surge in export revenue. On Monday afternoon, June 16, 2025, the Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF) commemorated its 10th anniversary, an event that highlighted a “rice revolution” that has propelled the nation onto the international stage.
The ceremony, presided over by His Excellency Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, and numerous national and international guests.
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol recounted the sector’s humble beginnings a decade ago, where a weak private sector lacked a strong, unified voice. His initiative to reform the private sector and establish the CRF proved to be a turning point. This strategic move has since rendered the Cambodian rice sector remarkably efficient, fostering commendable progress across its entire production and value chains.
Over the past ten years, Cambodia has deftly balanced its crucial food security needs with an aggressive expansion of its trade and investment potential. This dual focus has yielded impressive results: in 2024 alone, the nation exported over 651,000 tons of milled rice and more than 5.1 million tons of paddy, generating a staggering total revenue of over US$1.987 billion.
One of the most striking indicators of this revolution is the dramatic increase in processing infrastructure. From fewer than 10 operational rice milling sites a decade ago, Cambodia now boasts over 80 facilities, each equipped with the world’s most advanced technological equipment. This rapid expansion is a direct result of substantial investment, both from domestic and foreign sources, signaling strong confidence in the sector’s trajectory.
These extraordinary achievements are credited to the enduring leadership policies of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate, and the continued guidance of Samdech Maha Prasad Hun Manet, the present Prime Minister. Close collaboration among relevant ministries and institutions has further cemented Cambodia’s position as a significant global rice exporter, earning its rice the moniker “White Gold” from the nation’s leaders.
Looking ahead, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol also highlighted the transformative potential of the Funan Techo Canal Project. This ambitious infrastructure initiative, once completed, will become an integral part of Cambodia’s logistics system, significantly streamlining the transportation of goods, including critical rice products, to international markets. This promises to accelerate supply chains and further boost the sector’s export capabilities.
In his concluding remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister extended his gratitude to the leadership of the Cambodian Rice Federation across its four mandates. Their tireless efforts, he emphasized, have been instrumental in leading the institution to sustained success, fostering solidarity, and securing the many achievements that define Cambodia’s burgeoning rice industry.
