Philippine ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo (left) greeting Prime Minister Hun Manet, during their July 16 meeting in Phnom Penh. - STPM
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and the Philippines have embraced the resumption of direct flights between Siem Reap province and Cebu in the Philippines, as well as increased agricultural exports and trade volume.
The commitment was made during a Wednesday (July 16) meeting between Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippines ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, held at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
“[Both sides] discussed improving the economic and trade sectors through further efforts to boost trade volume and the export of agricultural products. We also suggested boosting tourism through the renewal of direct flights between Cebu and Siem Reap, as well as cooperation in construction and education,” said a July 16 social media post by the prime minister.
Socio-economic analyst Chey Tech noted that the Philippines and Cambodia are both members of Asean, as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), and believed this could facilitate increased commercial and economic cooperation.
“Direct flights from Cebu to Siem Reap would be a positive step and bring tourists, because both towns are significant to the tourism industry. The flights should definitely see more Filipino arrivals to Cambodia,” he told The Post.
Chey also suggested that the two countries still have some untapped potential for trade and investment cooperation, especially in the milled rice sector, where the Philippines is a major importer.
“Cambodia’s milled rice exports have real potential, as the Philippines’ market is large,” he said.
He added that the Philippines is also a potential source of investment, particularly in terms of the establishment of food processing plants, milled rice warehouses, and modern rice mills that will meet the international standards required to export to the Philippines.
During the meeting, Mayo expressed her commitment to further strengthening and expanding Philippine-Cambodian relations and cooperation during her diplomatic mission, with the prime minister expressing his belief that her efforts would be successful.
Manet noted that the relevant institutions of the Cambodian government are ready to work closely with Mayo to expand the relations between the two nations, making them both stronger and more prosperous.
The two sides also discussed the continuation of cooperation in the fields of defence and national security, including through joint exercises, training exchanges and the fight against transnational crime.
Chey explained that the Philippines specialises in construction, technology and infrastructure development, as well as national security.
“The Philippine Navy has a wealth of experience. We should conduct joint exercises to gain more experience, especially in relation to maritime security,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
