Cambodia, already one of the fastest growing economies in developing Asia, produces enough food to meet not just its own needs but also those of Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries and beyond.

The potential of its agriculture sector is immense. But that potential hasn’t yet been realized because the sector is not yet competitive. It needs further investment and policy attention. The sooner Cambodia can energize its agriculture sector, the quicker its economy will advance to upper middle-income status and beyond.

Not many developing countries have made this leap retooling their economies to boost growth, jobs and incomes without first modernizing their agriculture sectors and boosting productivity.

Data from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the World Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute show that investing in agriculture can be up to three times more effective in increasing income.