Bananas are cleaned for export at a farm in Kampot province. Bananas are one of the largest export earners for the Kingdom’s agricultural sector. Post staff
Agriculture is one of the key drivers of Cambodia’s economic growth, following industry and services. In 2024, the Kingdom earned approximately $4.8 billion from agricultural exports, the equivalent of around 22 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Last year, agriculture exports were valued at just over $4.3 billion.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia exported 11.7 million tonnes of agricultural products in 2024, a 39 per cent increase over the 8.4 million sent overseas in 2023.
Key agricultural exports include rubber, rice, corn, cassava, mangoes and bananas.
Prime Minister Hun Manet discussed the importance of the agriculture sector as he addressed the January 20 inauguration of a development project in Pursat province’s Bun Rany Senchey village.
He noted that the Kingdom exported produce to 94 countries, an increase of 20 countries over the previous year. Among the 11.7 million tonnes, rice accounted for over 5 million tonnes, while 650,000 tonnes of corn were exported to 75 countries.
Manet reiterated that the government remains committed to enhancing the productivity of farmers and investors by ensuring access to land for farming, irrigation systems, roads, electricity for transporting agricultural products and access to both domestic and international markets.
Silot Uon, country director of the Cashew nut Association of Cambodia, observed that the Kingdom’s agricultural exports have shown significant growth.
“So far, agricultural exports have been positive for our country. The agriculture sector alone contributed around 22 percent of GDP to Cambodia’s overall economy in 2024. Additionally, the agricultural sector provides many jobs for communities,” he told The Post on January 21.
Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, agreed, noting that agriculture has continued to grow every year, with more export opportunities becoming available through the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
“With these free trade agreements, we are benefiting from reduced tariffs for our agricultural products. As a result, we are attracting more foreign investment to boost agricultural production and exports,” he said.
“I have observed that Cambodian agricultural products are increasingly meeting the demands of export markets, including rice, corn, mangoes and bananas, which are now of the quality required for export,” he added.