Israeli envoy on agriculture cooperation
CAMBODIA and Israel boast a leading partnership in the agricultural sector. Since 2008, over 2,000 Cambodian students have been dispatched to the Middle Eastern country for training in the field.
On January 23, Orna Sagiv, the Israeli ambassador to Thailand and non-resident ambassador to Cambodia, granted an interview to The Post’s reporter Ry Sochan.
In the interview, Sagiv discussed the ways in which bolstering the agricultural sector has been mutually beneficial for both countries. She further delved into the progress of various domains to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
Sagiv also provided an update on the current situation of Cambodian students residing in Israel, amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine-based Hamas.
Could you tell us about the programme for Cambodian agricultural students in Israel, including its structure, the unique learning opportunities it offers?
Every year, we have 450 agricultural students from Cambodia travelling to Israel for an 11-month period, which is quite long. This usually occurs in their second year of university, predominantly from the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) and a few other Cambodian universities. They participate in a very unique programme in Israel.
What makes it unique? The students spend one day a week in a classroom sitting with top professors, receiving formal education. For the remaining five days, they engage in hands-on experiences, working alongside farmers. Here, they learn about Israeli farming technologies and techniques through onthe-job training, which I consider extremely important.
Upon their return, what impresses me the most is how they apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Israel to become entrepreneurs in Cambodia. They initiate ventures like mushroom cultivation and various other agriculturerelated businesses.
This not only benefits them personally but also their families and the wider community. I truly believe it’s a fantastic
opportunity. I’m eager to see an increasing number of Cambodian agricultural students taking advantage of the programme. This is one aspect, and in this regard, we maintain close collaboration with the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Can you provide insights into the presence and activities of Israeli companies in Cambodia?
Israeli companies operating in Cambodia, as well as those now looking to commence operations, see significant potential in Cambodia’s agricultural sector.
Not far from Phnom Penh, there’s Kirisu Dairy Farm, a joint venture between Cambodian and Israeli partners. The venture spans from cattle breeding to the production of yogurt. All the technologies employed are Israeli, including cattle rearing, feeding routines and milking processes. Everything is automated, just as in Israel. I believe this offers a great chance for Cambodians to enjoy dairy products that have a taste very similar to those in Israel.
During my last visit to Phnom Penh, I had the opportunity to taste these products and found them exceptionally good. That’s just one example. There are Israelis here cultivating black pepper and avocados. I’m aware of companies planning to establish farms with greenhouses and others interested in food processing projects. I think the potential for growth and success in this area is very promising.
Could you elaborate on Israel’s journey in agriculture and how this experience influences Israel’s approach to sharing knowledge and technology with countries like Cambodia?
Israel is a nation notably advanced in agriculture. When Israel was established, despite our small population, the food supply was inadequate. With limited land area, we faced substantial food shortages, necessitating rationing – only one egg per week and one chicken per month per person.
Today, Israel has transformed into, what I would term, an agricultural superpower. Our technologies are incredibly advanced and our ecosystem is robust. There’s a dynamic and circular cooperation among farmers, academic institutions and the government, which benefits all involved.
We are eager to share these technologies and expertise, and equally keen to learn from Cambodia’s experiences. I firmly believe in a reciprocal approach – we are as enthusiastic about sharing our knowledge as we are about learning from the Cambodian experience.
For this year and the next, what is the projected number of Cambodian students that Israel will be accepting for agricultural internships? Will the number increase?
The typical intake is around 400 students. Last year, we increased this number to 450 and I am hopeful to maintain, or possibly even raise, this figure for the coming year. This year, the number is set at 460, and we aim to continue this growth.
In terms of participation in the programme, Cambodia might have the largest, or at
least one of the largest, contingents of students globally. We receive students from various regions, predominantly Asia but also from Europe, Latin America and Africa. The Cambodian group, if not the largest, is certainly among the most substantial.
In 2022, during a meeting with former Cambodian Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon, the Israeli side indicated a desire to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two governments, aimed at facilitating the employment of Cambodian workers in Israel’s agricultural sector. Could you provide an update on the progress of the initiative?
I plan to delve into the specifics with [Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour] in our meeting tomorrow [January 24]. We’ve been in talks with Cambodia for a while regarding this matter.
Historically, Israel’s agricultural sector primarily employed foreign workers from Thailand. However, we’re now keen on diversifying and are offering Cambodia the opportunity to send workers to Israel.
It’s crucial to highlight that Israel is a highly sought-after destination for agricultural workers, owing to the favourable working conditions and competitive salaries. When compared globally, the compensation in Israel stands out, and the employers maintain commendable relationships with their workers.
The next step involves ironing out the details. The importance of a government-togovernment MoU cannot be overstated. We aim to ensure protection for the workers through the Cambodian labour ministry and the Israeli ministry of interior. It’s vital to safeguard workers against exploitation, prevent unreasonable fees and guarantee fair treatment.
We’re eager to commence official negotiations and expect an Israeli delegation to arrive soon for professional-level discussions. The initiative, I believe, will add another layer to the burgeoning collaboration between Israel and Cambodia.
Considering that agriculture is the primary sector in CambodiaIsrael relations, what other potential areas are being explored by the two countries to further expand their cooperation?
Israel’s strength lies predominately in innovation, which transcends various fields and sectors. In Cambodia, the Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce [CICC] has established the Cambodia-Israel Innovation Centre in Phnom Penh. The centre is envisioned as a catalyst for furthering collaboration across multiple sectors.
When considering other areas for cooperation, water management and telecommunications stand out. Essentially, there is potential in every sector. While agriculture is the most apparent field, numerous other opportunities exist.
The primary challenge now is to enhance mutual understanding and familiarity. This can be achieved through increased exchanges – Cambodian delegations visiting Israel and vice versa, covering a diverse range of fields including banking and finance.
Israel is also renowned for its expertise in cybersecurity, presenting additional avenues for collaboration based on Cambodia’s specific needs. Rather than dictating sectors, we prefer to respond to expressed interests and perceived opportunities.
We are keen to see more Israeli delegations in Cambodia, as I believe the possibilities are boundless. The current goal is to stimulate curiosity and engagement between our business communities, fostering a deeper understanding and exploration of what can be achieved together.
How has the current conflict impacted Cambodian students in Israel, and what measures are being taken by the Israeli government in response to these circumstances?
We cannot ignore the fact that Israel is at war. I am profoundly grateful for the response when the hostilities commenced.
When we were viciously attacked by Hamas on October 7, a Cambodian student was tragically killed. I plan to visit his family tomorrow [24 Jan].
The Israeli government is committed to supporting the families of victims and those directly affected, whether injured or otherwise harmed. This includes financial support for the families, akin to what Israeli citizens receive – the same level of compensation and lifelong support.
It is important for me to note that we were very much impressed by how former Prime Minister Hun Sen responded at the onset of the conflict. While other countries evacuated their students and workers, he made a stand. He stated that while students who wished to return home could do so, Cambodia would not mandate their departure because Israel is a friend, and friends are not abandoned in times of need.
Personally, and on behalf of our government, I want to say this stance was deeply encouraging and appreciated. It’s heartening to note that almost all the students chose to stay in Israel, which we greatly value. We all hope for a swift end to the conflict.
Could you provide an update on the condition of the Cambodian students who are staying in Israel, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine’s Hamas?
The students are in a very safe region. In Israel, we classify areas as red, yellow, or green based on safety. All Cambodian students are in green areas, which is partly due to the Cambodian government’s response.
After the conflict began, the Cambodian government decided against evacuating the students, prioritising their safety and ensuring they remained in secure areas. This was achieved in collaboration with the Israeli government and the educational institutions in Israel.
We continuously ensure they are in safe zones. As of now, I can confirm that they are secure, well-located and well-cared for. The Cambodian government remains concerned about their wellbeing, regularly checking on them. Likewise, our government frequently verifies their safety.
This represents another facet of collaboration between our two governments, ensuring that the students not only stay in Israel but remain in safe areas.