PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has rejected a request to import one million pigs annually from Thailand, saying it could affect local farmers.
The government's rejection comes amid initiatives by Cambodia to produce more quality food for its population.
According to the Phnom Penh Post, the decision was made during a meeting between Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon and Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak on the import and export of pigs.
Director-general of the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production, Tan Phannara, confirmed the decision to reject the request from BYG Worldwide Group Co Ltd to import the pigs.
"Currently we allow the import of 6,300 pigs (per day from Thailand) to fill the demand gap in the country. If we allow more imports it will affect our farmers and companies.
"The ministries support the recommendation of (Prime Minister) Hun Sen to cut imports and increase local animal husbandry, fish farming and crop planting."
BYG, which made the request to increase imports on July 9, also pledged to donate pork to schools and military units every week, or to communities during holidays like the Pchum Ben festival.
The company also said that the import of the pigs would ensure food safety and create new jobs.
Cambodia Livestock Raisers Association director Srun Poav welcomed the government's decision to reject BYG's proposal and said this would help the country, farmers and those who had lost their jobs.
Sakhon said the Agriculture Ministry was promoting local livestock production to ensure Cambodia had enough quality supplies. He added that the ministries would hold a meeting later this month to look into the possibility of increasing animal food production and reducing electricity prices for such companies as recommended by the prime minister.