The Mekong Times
World’s Best Rice? Philippine Importer Wants a Share of Cambodia’s Harvest
June 30, 2025
The Mekong Times Editorial Team
At a business meeting in Manila, Arvin International expresses plans to source Cambodia’s top-ranked milled rice for the local market.

_Credit: The Best Cambodia _

A leading Philippine company has expressed interest in importing milled rice from Cambodia to help meet the growing demand in the country’s market.

During a working breakfast held in Manila on Tuesday February 11, 2025, Mrs. Azucena L. Yao, President of Arvin International Marketing Inc., shared her company’s intention with Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce, Mrs. Cham Nimul. Yao highlighted Cambodia’s reputation for producing some of the world’s finest rice, noting that it has earned the title of World’s Best Rice six times.

Construction & Property.jpgCredit: Construction & Property

“We see significant potential in Cambodian milled rice, known for its premium quality,” Yao said. “It would be a valuable addition to the Philippine market.”

In response, Minister Nimul welcomed the company’s interest and encouraged deeper cooperation in strengthening agricultural trade between the two countries. She emphasized Cambodia’s readiness to supply not only milled rice and paddy rice but also other agro-industrial products such as cashews and cassava.

The Borgen Project.jpgCredit: The Borgen Project

“The Cambodian government is committed to supporting the agricultural sector and attracting investment in agro-industrial production to meet the needs of regional markets,” Minister Nimul explained. She invited more companies to explore business opportunities in Cambodia’s farming and processing industries.

Arvin International Marketing Inc., known primarily as a major salt distributor in the Philippines, has been expanding its business portfolio to include chemicals and agricultural products. The firm is recognized among the Top 500 Corporations in the Philippines and holds ISO certification for quality and management standards.

Khmer Times.jpgCredit: Khmer Times

Cambodia’s rice export industry has seen steady growth in recent years. In 2024, the country exported over 651,000 tones of milled rice, earning approximately $491 million in revenue, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation. Of this, around 127,000 tones were sent to fellow ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, generating nearly $93 million in sales.
The budding partnership reflects a broader trend of increased regional trade in agricultural products, as Southeast Asian nations work to strengthen food security and market access in a fast-changing global economy.

FRESH NEWS.jpgCredit: FRESH NEWS

Get the inside track on Southeast Asia’s food trade with The Mekong Times.

© 2025 The Mekong Times. All Rights Reserved