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IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) are cultivating Cambodia’s rice industry to accelerate its growth in a sustainable way.
Today, IFC and CRF are hosting a knowledge sharing workshop to exchange ideas with government representatives, private sector stakeholders and development partners. Attendees will learn about IFC’s key lessons and achievements in the last five years and discuss the sector’s next steps including its current challenges, and ways to increase competiveness. IFC’s Rice Sector Support Program is implemented by IFC and co-funded by the European Union (EU) and Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).
“Cambodia’s formal milled rice exports have significantly increased in the last five years, from approximately 100,000 MT in 2010 to 530,000 MT in 2015 ” said H.E. Sok Puthyvuth, President of CRF. “Thanks to support from IFC, our development partners and the government, we look forward to Cambodia’s rice sector advancing to the next level.”
Since 2010, the Cambodian rice industry has developed rapidly. To improve global market accessibility, the country developed its first international rice standards. Leading mills are also been encouraged to obtain Food Safety and Quality Management Certifications from international regulators. Such progress has helped Cambodia achieve international acclaim, winning the World’s Best Rice awards for three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014.
“Rice production, processing and marketing are estimated to employ more than 20 percent of the Cambodian population, further proving the sector’s positive impact on job creation and income growth,” said Kyle Kelhofer, IFC Country Manager for Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Vietnam. “IFC seeks to add value to every step in the supply chain with interventions on farming, milling and exporting levels so that the country can better integrate into the regional and global economies.”
To date, IFC has directly facilitated over US$140 million worth of Cambodian rice exports, of which more than 50 percent account for high value fragrant rice. With IFC support, 11 rice mills has obtained Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification
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IFC has also provided training to hundreds of rice millers and re-processors to improve operational efficiency and quality control. In addition, IFC had helped more than 34,000 farmers in eight provinces learn about the latest farming techniques and adopt improved fragrant rice seeds.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence, to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In FY15, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $18 billion, helping the private sector play an essential role in the global effort to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org
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About Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF)
CRF was formed by consolidating various rice associations in May 2014. CRF is recognized by Cambodian government to represent rice industry to work with government agencies and development partners. CRF aims to promote competiveness of Cambodian rice domestically and internationally. There are currently 234 members, consisting of farmer cooperatives, millers, exporters, banks, logistics and inspection companies and other stakeholders. For more information, visit
www.crf.org.kh
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