A major Thai manufacturer of seasonings and instant foods recently visited Kampong Speu province to explore opportunities, particularly for processing mangoes destined for the EU.

Provincial governor Vei Samnang told The Post on August 28 that this marked the first-ever visit by one of Thailand’s “leading” enterprises, DJ Food Public Company Limited.

He said the firm aims to produce a variety of agricultural products including rice, sugar cane, stone fruits, pepper and cashews.

“The company is mostly keen on processing small mangoes for export to the EU. But it needs only 800ha, while we possess an ample 90,000ha of land for the cultivation of the tropical fruit, inclusive of private holdings,” he said.

Despite the modest investment scale, Samnang said the company’s leaders personally visited the province to explore opportunities, eschewing sending representatives.

“This underscores their keen interest in Kampong Speu’s potential. While their initial intent was exploration, it’s a commendable step for the province to attract financing from a Thai company, alongside Chinese counterparts,” he remarked.

Hong Vannak, an economics research at the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s Institute of International Relations, lauded the venture as a promising prospect. Vannak noted that the Thai’s interest in establishing an agricultural product processing facility, given Cambodia’s surplus of products, presented a strategic opportunity.

Vannak highlighted the potential benefits, indicating that should the company proceed with the funding, the region as a whole would reap rewards. This financial commitment would offer income to plantation owners, aiding them during periods of plummeting prices. The company’s manpower requirements would provide job opportunities and additional advantages for our citizens.

“Including tax revenue derived from factories and enterprises operating within Cambodia, the government stands to gain from this venture,” Vannak said.

He also underlined supplementary advantages, as the company’s operations would involve transport services, raw materials and agricultural land, thereby stimulating the economy.