Interview with Okhna Sovithya Sothy, Chairman of Agribusiness Committee and Chairman of 8S Agro-Industry and the 8S Group

This week, Vosumtey SENG, interviewed with Okhna Sovithya Sothy, Chairman of Agribusiness Committee and Chairman of 8S Agro-Industry and the 8S Group. During their discussion, Okhna Sovithya shared his vision for the Cambodia's agriculture sector. Drawing from 18 years of experience in finance, audit, and banking, Okhna Sovithya shared his journey into agriculture through family businesses focused on sustainable practices in nest farming, agroforestry, and crop cultivation.
As the newly appointed Chairman of EuroCham’s Agribusiness Committee, Okhna Sovithya outlined his vision for the 2024-2026 term, focusing on expanding market access, strengthening government support, maximizing agricultural returns, and boosting sustainable investments. The upcoming Breakfast Talk on Cambodia Agri-Food processing on November 28 will further explore agri-food processing, government policy, and Cambodia’s first Agri-Food Industrial Park project.
Sumtey: Can you share a bit about your background and the current initiatives you're focusing on?
Okhna Sovithya: I bring 18 years of experience in finance, audit, and banking to my current endeavors. My journey now centers on agriculture, through our family businesses: 8S Agro-Industry and 8S Group. We focus on several initiatives:
- Our first activities include sustainable practices in nest farming, livestock, and fish farming, aimed at creating a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
- Our second focus is on agroforestry for sustainability, where we have planted one million agarwood trees in Koh Kong, enabling Cambodian farmers to access Arab markets. Additionally, we cultivate luxury wood such as rosewood and Cambodia Beng Tree (Afzelia Xylocarpa), contributing to sustainable forestry and climate resilience.
- Our third area of activity focuses on crop cultivation, which includes cashew nuts, longan, and durian, complemented by side projects involving vanilla and flowers.
By combining my financial expertise with agricultural practices, we aim to revolutionise agricultural funding and processes. One of our key projects is the establishment of an Agri-Industry Center in Kampong Cham, which will serve as a hub for efficient market storage and enable expansion into high-potential crops such as cashew nuts and longan, along with fish farming. In addition, we are focusing on agricultural financing by partnering with financial institutions to provide innovative storage and funding solutions. Through this approach, stored goods can be used as collateral, granting farmers improved access to financial resources. Furthermore, we are developing platforms to facilitate the agricultural value chain by streamlining supply chain operations, connecting sellers and buyers for better pricing opportunities, and ensuring the easy procurement of raw materials. These initiatives are designed to empower farmers, enhance market efficiency, and drive sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
Sumtey: Congratulations on your recent appointment as Chairman of EuroCham’s Agribusiness Committee! Could you share your vision for the committee and the impact you hope to achieve?
Okhna Sovithya: My vision for the 2024-2026 term is centered on driving innovation and growth in Cambodia’s agribusiness sector through targeted strategies and partnerships. First, we aim to expand access to both existing and new markets by forging collaborations and signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with chambers of commerce, business associations, and key industry players both locally and internationally. We will also actively participate in agriculture-related events, such as conferences and exhibitions, to showcase opportunities and build valuable networks.
Second, we plan to strengthen government support and policies by participating in bilateral and multilateral meetings to advocate for favorable resolutions that benefit the agribusiness sector. This includes working toward implementing additional tax incentives, import restrictions, and export agreements to enhance competitiveness and create a more enabling environment.
Third, we aim to maximise returns on agricultural products by improving value chain integration and sharing expertise, knowledge, and advanced technologies to increase productivity and efficiency across the sector.
Lastly, we seek to boost investments in agriculture and sustainability by supporting agri-investment and trading platforms that leverage blockchain technology for carbon credits and fundraising. Standardizing investments in agriculture will help promote transparency and reduce risks, while fostering a culture of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles ensures long-term sustainable growth.
Sumtey: What role do you see technology playing in helping Cambodian farmers overcome challenges such as limited resources, labor shortages, and climate variability?
Okhna Sovithya: Technology plays a critical role in addressing challenges in the agricultural sector and can be applied on three levels. First, technical solutions for planting, such as advanced agricultural techniques and tools, can significantly improve crop yields while promoting sustainable practices. For example, cashew shells can be processed into biochar, a material that captures CO2 and helps mitigate climate change. Second, modern machinery, including drones for spraying fertilizers, offers solutions to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower labor costs, making farming operations more productive and cost-effective. Lastly, digital tools, such as IT-based solutions, online marketplaces, and blockchain technology, enable farmers to sell their products more effectively, improve traceability, and ensure transparency throughout the agricultural value chain. Together, these technological advancements empower the sector to address current challenges while fostering sustainability and growth.
Sumtey: The Agribusiness Committee is hosting a Breakfast Talk on Cambodia’s Agri-Food Processing sector on November 28. Could you give us a preview of the key topics and discussions planned for this event?
Okhna Sovithya: This Breakfast Talk will spotlight the importance of modern machinery in agri-food processing and its impact on productivity. Discussions will cover:
- Government’s Policy Support on Agri-Food Processing in Cambodia
- Exploring the shift from traditional methods to advanced equipment and its impact on agricultural processing.
- Agri-food processing focusing on Equipment and Technology: Challenges and Opportunities
- The Agri-Food Industrial Park (AIP) Project: A discussion on Cambodia’s first Agri-Food Industrial Park project.