'Bring to market': Cambodian rice-the experience of the International Finance Corporation in Cambodia

摘要

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has implemented the 'Cambodian rice' project-Rice Sector Support Programme: 2012-2015-to engage in development of the Cambodian rice export industry. This project provides support to the rice production, milling, and marketing components of the industry in an effort to remove some of the barriers to expansion of the industry. Funding of new seed multiplication systems and implementation of low-cost/innovative technologies has created improved yields and rice quality. IFC has fostered investment into the milling industry to enable infrastructure upgrades to process greater quantities of rice to standards expected of the international market. This, together with food safety education programs for mill staff and managers, has enabled millers to meet the certification standards required in high-value export markets. The final component of the program focuses on identifying new and potential markets for high-value Cambodian rice. Once identified, IFC facilitates export promotion and advertising and increased exposure of Cambodian rice exporters to those markets. These activities have played a significant role in the rapid expansion of the Cambodian rice export industry; however, a lack of infrastructure, poor availability of finance and high transaction costs for exporters remain constraints that may be resolved by development of effective policy.