Deputy CEO of the ARDB presided over and delivered the opening remarks of the lecture series on ” Fostering Forest-Positive Commodity Value Chain in Cambodia ” delivered by Dr. Chou Phanith, an Environmental Economist and Associate Professor at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).
31 July 2026
Deputy CEO of the ARDB presided over and delivered the opening remarks of the lecture series on ” Fostering Forest-Positive Commodity Value Chain in Cambodia ” delivered by Dr. Chou Phanith, an Environmental Economist and Associate Professor at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).
Phnom Penh: With the high permission of H.E. Dr. Kao Thach, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as CEO of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), H.E. Ban Lim, Deputy CEO, delivered the opening remarks of the second Lecture Series on “Fostering Forest-Positive Commodity Value Chain in Cambodia.” The Monthly Lecture was presented by Dr. Chou Phanith, Environmental Economist and Associate Professor at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The workshop was attended by management, advisors, research teams, and ARDB staff, alongside professors, researchers, and students from relevant universities and institutes, totaling 137 participants (both in-person and online).
This lecture was organized by the APM Center. Its purpose is to share research findings and deep scientific knowledge on fostering agricultural commodity value chains with a specific focus on the cashew sector. This initiative not only helps boost farmers’ incomes and drive national economic growth but also serves as a key mechanism for environmental protection and sustainable forest resource management in Cambodia. Furthermore, the workshop acts as a bridge to expand networking and strengthen research cooperation among various relevant institutions.
On that occasion, H.E. Ban Lim highlighted the strategic importance of developing a “Forest-Positive Value Chain.” He emphasized that to achieve sustainable agriculture, collective efforts must be made to promote climate-smart practices, value ecosystem services, and establish green financial incentive mechanisms. Furthermore, he cautioned against the risks of unbalanced agricultural growth, which can cause deforestation and biodiversity loss. To mitigate this, his Excellency urged all relevant actors to remain highly vigilant and adhere strictly to the ethics of sustainable development and national social responsibility.
The lecture was held on the morning of Friday, July 31, 2026, at the ARDB Headquarters.
