Following the recent Committee election for the Agribusiness Committee, we spoke with Oknha Mr. Saran Song, newly elected Chairperson of EuroCham’s Agribusiness Committee and CEO of AMRU Rice (Cambodia) Co., Ltd.

We discussed his journey from working with rural communities across Cambodia’s countryside to founding one of the country’s leading rice exporters, the priorities he sees for Cambodian agribusiness over the next two years, and his vision for the Committee’s role in strengthening collaboration across the sector.

Saran shared what inspired him to take on the Chairperson role, the practical priorities he wants the Committee to focus on, from market access to sustainable and technology-driven agriculture, and what he believes a successful mandate will look like by 2028.

Congratulations on the new position at the head of the Agribusiness Committee. Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and what inspired you to apply for this position?

Saran: My journey in agribusiness started with rural communities, not the boardroom.

From 2002 to 2012, I worked with NGOs across Cambodia’s countryside, focusing on health, income generation, human rights and agricultural production for poor farming families.

In 2012, I founded AMRU Rice and have since spent more than 15 years in the rice industry, working across the value chain, from farmers and cooperatives to processing, food manufacturing, exports and international markets.

This experience has shown me both the opportunities and challenges facing Cambodian agriculture.

I decided to take on the Chairperson role because I believe we can make the Agribusiness Committee a stronger platform for practical advocacy, business collaboration, and solutions. My goal is to bring the collective voice of our members to policymakers and help create a more competitive and sustainable environment for agribusiness in Cambodia.

Previous issues tackled by the Agribusiness Committee range from improving disease tracking in livestock to reforming labor regulations to better address the agricultural sector. Are there any issues in the industry that you feel may be a priority for the Committee in the next 2 years?

Saran: I would focus on five practical priorities. First, competitiveness and market access, reducing trade barriers and improving standards, certification and logistics so Cambodian products can compete internationally.

Second, policy and regulatory reform, identifying unnecessary procedures and costs and working with government on practical solutions. Third, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, promoting regenerative agriculture, efficient water use, renewable energy and low-carbon production.

Fourth, technology and innovation, encouraging digital agriculture, traceability, AI and other technologies that can improve productivity and transparency. Fifth, investment and value addition, attracting investment into food processing and moving from exporting commodities toward higher-value products.

The key is to prioritise issues where the Committee can achieve concrete results through collective action.

Along with the important advocacy work, EuroCham’s Sectoral Committees are spaces where new connections are made, relationships strengthened, best practices shared.

Looking ahead, what would a successful mandate look like for you as Chair of the Agribusiness Committee?

Saran: For me, success is not the number of meetings we organise. It is what we achieve.

By 2028, I would like to see: stronger public-private dialogue and more effective policy advocacy, concrete solutions to priority issues raised by members; more market and investment opportunities for Cambodian agribusiness; stronger collaboration and knowledge sharing among Committee members; and greater adoption of sustainable practices and technology

Most importantly, I want members to feel that their participation creates real value, so that when they raise an issue, we listen, work together, and try to find a solution.

Agribusiness is a broad value chain, from farmers and inputs to processing, logistics, finance, and technology. My ambition is to bring these different perspectives together.

Ultimately, my ambition is to leave the Committee stronger, more connected and more influential than we found it, and to make sure that our work creates practical value for our members and contributes to the sustainable development of Cambodia’s agribusiness sector.

If we can bring different perspectives together and turn dialogue into action, I would consider the mandate a success.