Written by Sally Piri
Saturday, 25 December 2010
via CAAI
Bandar Seri Begawan - Cambodia, one of the Southeast Asian countries relying on agriculture sector to boost its economy, reiterated its keen interest to export high-quality rice to Brunei.
In an interview with The Brunei Times, Ambassador of Cambodia to Brunei Darussalam Nan Sy said recently that the plan was part of his country's effort to expand cooperation in investment sector.
"We wish that (cooperation in agriculture sector) will soon be coming," the ambassador said.
He said that agriculture has been the most important sector in Cambodia, as it contributes 80 to 85 per cent to its country's economy. While the remaining contributions are received from the tourism sector and mining industry. He said that the country has also been exporting rice to Vietnam and Thailand.
The ambassador recalled that the plan on agriculture cooperation such as rice was previously brought up to the table during the 2008 Cambodia visit of then-permanent secretary at the Brunei's Ministry of Finance Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong, who is now Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office. During the talk with his Cambodian counterpart, Dato Paduka Hj Ali wished for the Sultanate to buy rice from Cambodia, said Nan Sy.
Cambodia, a country with more than 14 million population, have been enjoying a close affinity with the Sultanate which has been pro-viding scholarship as well as information and technology training assistance to Cambodian students and government officers.
The ambassador said the state visit by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to Cambodia in 2007 had enhanced the cooperation between the two nations and had opened the path for bilateral cooperation such as technical assistance in oil and gas industry as well as education.
Both states established diplomatic relations on June 9, 1992, which saw bilateral visits by leaders and government officials.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah visited Cambodia for the 17th Asean-EU Ministerial Meeting in 2009. While
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen attended His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 60th birthday celebrations on July 15, 2006. Also, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni made a state visit to Brunei from 24-25 March 2008. At the ministerial level, Dr Thong Khan, who is the Cambodia's Minister of Tourism has attended the 28th Asean Tourism Forum in January this year.
The bilateral cooperation between the two covers a number of areas including defence, trade and education. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
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