Cambodia seeks to expand higher-value food exports to Singapore
Officials discussed food safety rules and support for Cambodian exporters as Singapore looks to diversify its overseas supplies.
Cambodia wants to sell more higher-value foods to Singapore, with industry minister Hem Vanndy urging businesses to upgrade processing and quality controls to meet the market’s requirements.
At a seminar involving Cambodian agencies, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and businesses, Vanndy said the country needed to move beyond agricultural production and raw commodity exports. He called for better manufacturing, packaging, storage and food safety systems.
Vanndy also sought stronger testing laboratories, inspection and certification services. Smaller enterprises particularly needed affordable testing and technical support, he said, while modern equipment, cold chains and digital traceability could help reduce losses after harvest.
Singapore’s ambassador to Cambodia, Steven Pang Chee Wee, said closer food trade could broaden Singapore’s supply sources and create opportunities for Cambodian producers. Singapore’s dependence on imports made diversification essential amid climate change and supply disruptions, he said.
Victor Li, director of the SFA’s International Cooperation and Trade Partnerships Division, advised exporters to identify the category covering their products and work with a Singapore importer familiar with the rules. Importers handle permit applications, but exporters must understand the relevant requirements, he said.
Li explained that controls vary by risk. Processed products such as biscuits generally face less scrutiny, while meat and eggs require assessments of national oversight and production facilities. Preliminary document checks and online assessments could help suppliers identify shortcomings before formal assessments.
Vanndy said his ministry was prepared to cooperate with the SFA and Cambodian partners on laboratory capacity, training, food safety management and technology. He also sought closer connections between Cambodian exporters and Singapore’s importers and distributors.
