Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television, September 15: The report says recent Cambodia–Thailand border conflict disrupted customs clearance and trade that depended on transit through Thailand, affecting both economies. Against this backdrop, strong Chinese demand prompted buyers to bypass Thai intermediaries and procure Cambodian farm products directly. The report views this as both a response to disrupted goods flows and a strategic opportunity for Cambodia.
The report says much of Cambodia's agricultural output had long been exported first to Thailand for processing or resale to China, allowing Thai intermediaries to retain the added value. The commerce ministry spokesperson, named in the Chinese source as 班速威杰, said direct Chinese purchasing could bring Cambodia greater trade benefits and reduce its past dependence on Thailand.
Using red maize as an example, he said it had mainly been exported to Thailand and then resold to China. Even without exports to Thailand, domestic supply was falling short of strong demand from feed processors, leaving farmers able to sell their crops. Cassava was also attracting Chinese demand; faster development of Cambodian cassava processing, including flour and other higher-value products, could expand export opportunities.
Industry observers cited in the report saw direct purchasing as more than a temporary response to border disruption: it offered an opportunity to move beyond Thai dominance in processing and branding. If Cambodia seized that opportunity, other sectors, including textiles and light industry, might also establish more direct, stable trade channels with China.
The commentary concludes that this shift is turning short-term difficulties into an opportunity for Cambodia to upgrade industry and strengthen its own bargaining power.
Compiled by the station
