Speeches Shim
A new agriculture scholarship and research grant – supported by the U.S. government – was launched at Cambodia’s Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) today in a ceremony observed by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, H.E. Veng Sakhon and U.S. Ambassador William A. Heidt.
It’s very clear that Cambodia will remain a country that depends on agriculture for economic growth and poverty alleviation for the foreseeable future. And despite a great deal of progress in Cambodian agriculture, there is still a lot of work to be done and a lot of room for innovation.
Cambodia should feel proud that it has produced enough rice for its people for over 20 years now. That is a very important milestone. But Cambodia still imports a majority – 70 percent – of its fruits and vegetables, so one of the next key challenges is developing the horticulture sector as part of overall agricultural diversification.
The United States government cares deeply about countering trafficking in persons because it affects not just individuals and their families, but also communities and entire countries, regardless of their location or level of economic development. We know from experience around the world that strong coordination among government, civil society, and the private sector is critical to stop human trafficking. The Royal Government of Cambodia shares our concern and the National Committee for Counter Trafficking has provided the leadership and coordination needed to make real progress against human trafficking.
Up to $15 million will soon be available to agricultural activities in Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Thom, and Pursat provinces as part of a new partnership between the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Development Credit Authority (DCA), AMK Microfinance Institution Plc, LOLC (Cambodia) Plc, and RMA Financial Services (Cambodia) Plc. The seven-year program seeks to address the current lack of financing for agriculture development.
The launch of the DCA, the second one here at the Mission, reaffirms the continued commitment of the U.S. Government to support the development of agriculture, economic growth, and food security in Cambodia. Our new partnership will enhance the access to finance for rural farm businesses and micro, small and medium enterprises in the agriculture sector throughout Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces.
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