Working Paper Series No. 43: Agricultural Trade in the Greater Mekong Sub-region: The Case of Cassava and Rubber in CambodiaCambodia’s agricultural sector accounted for 27 percent of gross domestic product in 2007 and employed approximately 56 percent of the total labour force, especially the poor. However, the sector has grown at a sluggish pace over the last decade, and trade in this sector has not contributed significantly to the country’s total trade.
Having recognised the importance of agricultural trade development in boosting economic growth and reducing poverty, the Cambodian government’s approach has been to enhance agricultural exports while developing the sector. The overall objective of this study is to examine how agricultural trade in the region can be promoted in a manner that will optimise the benefits and minimise the negative impacts. The study selected cassava and rubber for in-depth analysis because of their potential importance for employment creation and poverty reduction.