Cambodia’s Ministries of Tourism and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries formalized a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) prior to August 10, 2026. The agreement, co-signed by Minister of Tourism HE Huot Hak and Minister of Agriculture HE Dith Tina, aims to foster agritourism and ecotourism across the country. This initiative follows recommendations from the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum and establishes a cross-sectoral mechanism to integrate agriculture with tourism development.
Four Strategic Objectives to Connect Agriculture and Tourism
The MoU outlines four strategic objectives. First, the ministries will collaborate to develop agritourism and ecotourism projects within areas under the Ministry of Agriculture’s jurisdiction. Second, it seeks to
improve joint operational efficiency in establishing green belts and strengthening agricultural value chains near main tourist zones. Third, the agreement sets up real-time information exchange between farming communities and tourism operators to align agricultural supply with tourist demand. Fourth, it aims to maximize the use of locally produced agricultural goods in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism establishments nationwide.
Economic and Environmental Impact of the MoU
This partnership targets curbing economic leakage in Cambodia’s tourism sector by reinforcing local agricultural production chains. The ministries emphasize that increasing tourist arrivals expands market opportunities for farmers, enabling more sustainable community incomes. Development of green belts and value chains will connect
rural producers with visitor markets, supporting both environmental conservation and livelihood sustainability.
Related Tourism Development Initiatives
Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure is undergoing major enhancements alongside the agritourism MoU. Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. is redeveloping the former airport site. Legendary Entertainment and Culture Group Ltd. is advancing the Immersive Angkor project in Siem Reap, scheduled to open by late 2026 or early 2027. The Royal Government of Cambodia has launched a strategic framework to develop Phnom Kulen National Park as a sustainable eco-tourism destination.
Tourism Statistics and Payment System Launch
Cambodia earned over $18 million from international tourist ticket sales at Angkor Archaeological Park during the first six months
of 2026. The country welcomed around 22,000 Indian tourists between January and March 2026. To facilitate payments for these visitors, a cross-border Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and QR code system between Cambodia and India was introduced on June 2, 2026. The Investment Promotion Working Group held its twenty-fifth meeting on June 5, 2026, to discuss developing Koh Rong City as a world-class tourism destination.
