President of Cambodia Aquaculturist Association (CAA), Sok Raden, said the nation’s aquaculture sector faces challenges, including fish species and technical training.

Raden told Kiripost on Wednesday that the exchange market for both imported and exported products are competitive. He added that Cambodian aquaculturists face problems due to expenses outweighing income. This has resulted in a decrease in fish farmers, he noted.

He confirmed, “We requested that China cooperate, invest, and train on the cultivation of aquaculture products. We hope that China can help to promote Cambodia to international investors and work with our government to share some tips for our fish farmers.”

However, methods to develop the sector and processes take a long time, Raden said. Aquaculturists need support, especially with regard to technical training and financial support, which requires low-interest loans. While China also lacks goods, so they have to import from Cambodia to support their citizen daily’s needs.

Raden added that CAA has lodged a proposal with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, and Fisheries (MAFF) to facilitate with China to allow Cambodia to export some natural products, including wild fish, shrimp, eels, and river snails.

“Fish species are the most important factor in CAA's mission, therefore, we cannot work alone, we need cooperation with each other to motivate fish farmers. Now, the government is also working to support them by providing some basic knowledge, a permanent place with an adequate water and electricity supply system,” he said.

Raden said he hopes that if Cambodian farmers understand more about the core value of this field, the Kingdom can support itself and stop importing agricultural products from Vietnam and Thailand. “I want Cambodia to reach the success of other countries,” he added.

The Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh and Im Rachana, MAFF spokesperson, did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.

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