Cambodia Moves to Boost Rice Exports to China Through ARDB–COFCO Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 10, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) has pledged to strengthen rice exports to China through closer cooperation with COFCO Grains, a major state owned food company, officials said Monday.

ARDB chief executive Kao Thach made the commitment during talks with COFCO representatives, urging the company to expand imports of Cambodian rice. The discussions also focused on improving cross border payment systems to facilitate faster transactions between Cambodian exporters and Chinese buyers.

Thach noted that rising global shipping costs linked to geopolitical tensions could affect trade, underscoring the need for efficient financial mechanisms. He said a significant share of Cambodia’s rice exports to China already flows through COFCO, with more than 200,000 tons shipped in 2025.

The meeting also highlighted efforts to boost production capacity and grain quality to meet export standards. ARDB will work with the Cambodia Rice Federation and other partners to support these initiatives.

COFCO pledged to continue promoting Cambodian rice and expand imports. Official data show Cambodia exported 940,321 tons of rice in 2025, generating $602 million, with China and Hong Kong accounting for 231,125 tons worth $138 million.