Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on or before August 10, 2026, aimed at developing agritourism and ecotourism hubs throughout the country. The agreement, formally endorsed by Minister of Tourism HE Huot Hak and Minister of Agriculture HE Dith Tina, establishes collaboration to support rural communities and enhance sustainable tourism linked to local agriculture. This MoU was created in response to the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum’s recommendations seeking to reduce economic leakage by strengthening Cambodia’s local production chains in the tourism sector.
Four Strategic Objectives of the Partnership
The MoU sets forth four primary
strategic goals. First, joint efforts will focus on developing agritourism and ecotourism ventures specifically in areas under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Ministry. Second, the partnership aims to improve operational efficiency between ministries to implement green belt establishment and bolster agricultural value chains in proximity to major tourist sites. Third, the agreement establishes a real-time information exchange mechanism that connects farmers with tourism businesses to better align local agricultural supply with visitor demand. Fourth, coordinated action plans will maximize the use of locally sourced agricultural products in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related enterprises across Cambodia.
Economic Integration and Mutual Benefits
Both ministry leaders emphasized the
economic ecosystem created by integrating agriculture with tourism. The rising number of tourists increases domestic market opportunities for local farmers, while sustainable agricultural practices enhance visitor experiences and promote Cambodian culinary traditions. The partnership also supports building and expanding green belts and ensures a reliable supply of safe, locally produced food. These efforts are intended to convert tourism growth into sustainable income for rural farming communities nationwide.
Government-Private Sector Cooperation
The MoU aligns Cambodia’s tourism development framework with the priorities set forth in the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum, which called for greater integration of the agriculture and tourism sectors. This cooperation formalizes inter-ministerial
measures designed to retain more tourism revenue within the national economy, advance sustainable rural livelihoods, and diversify tourism offerings by promoting agritourism and ecotourism hubs across the Kingdom.
