Welcome Speech by Mr. SONG Saran, CEO of Amru Rice (Cambodia) Co., Ltd
President of Cambodia Rice Federation, and the representative of RiceTech consortium partners.
H.E Veng Sakhon, Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery.
H.E Mr. Thomas van Leeuwen, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Cambodia
H.E Ms. Chan Somaly, Deputy Secretary General of the National Council for Sustainable Development
Okhna Hun Lak, Chairman of the Board, Cambodian Rice Federation
Excellency, Lok Chamteav, Lok Okhna, distinguished guests, cooperative farmers, ladies and gentlemen.
On behalf of the consortium partners and Amru Rice, it’s my great pleasure and honor to welcome you to the launch of the RiceTechCambodia project in Mondulkiri province subsidized by Netherlands Enterprise Agency. We are very pleased to see multi-stakeholder representatives, international development partners, Cambodian Rice Federation, non-government organization partners, agriculture cooperatives, farmers, and members of the media joining us today to witness this occasion.
RiceTechCambodia is a 5-year undertaking. It is, in many ways, a very exciting and important project, not just to promote the Cambodia specialty and healthy rice to the world market, but also for the people and community of Mondulkiri province. RiceTechCambodia is also perhaps the first Public-Private-Partnership project in this area which has the aim to develop Mondulkiri as one of the prime growing areas for specialty and organic rice from “Farm to Markets”, whilst recognizing the need to protect environmentally sensitive areas.
Another significant aspect is that the project is an inclusive business model, and will bring much needed support to low income and indigenous people living in the area. Things like job creation, capacity training, modernization and mechanization will transform Mondulkiri into a prime area for organic cultivation.
The consortium sees the project as a great opportunity and a big win for the people, the community of Mondulkiri and for the Cambodian rice industry. The consortium is extremely grateful for the support of the many public, private, and growers’ parties to make the project a success. The support of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery, and the Dutch government in co-funding the project are particularly appreciated – their thought, input. and attention to detail will help ensure we all meet our targets and objectives.
RiceTechCambodia is closely aligned with the UN SDGs with inclusive business model to also uphold the principles of sustainable, ethical and responsible agri-business. Let us champion the development of Cambodia specialty rice, to see that it flourishes and overcomes the many challenges out there. The project brings together many elements together to transform a rice sector that raises human dignity and sustainability to lift farmers out of poverty.
Finally, last but not least, I would like to give my profound thanks to H.E Veng Sakhon, Minister of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry, H.E Mr. Thomas Leeuwen, Deputy Ambassador of Dutch Government to Cambodia, H.E Ms. Chan Somaly, Deputy Secretary General of Sustainable Development as representative of H.E Say Sam Al, Excellency, Lok Chum Teav, Lok Okhna, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen in joining us today.
May Buddha Bless You!
Thank you!