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  6. Coordination and advocacy: Agribusiness Machinery Association in Cambodia (AMAC)

Coordination and advocacy: Agribusiness Machinery Association in Cambodia (AMAC) 

Background

One of the learnings from the implementation of the Mekong Inclusive Growth and Innovation Programme (MIGIP), the predecessor to ISA was the lack of a coordination services to the private sector in the agriculture machinery domain. Therefore, the Agribusiness Machinery Association in Cambodia, (AMAC) was envisioned so that the machinery association could provide a common voice for the private sector. This will help the competitiveness of the industry and the smallholder farmers getting easier access to the machinery of their services. AMAC’s presence will also support the introduction of new machineries and the Government’s vision to mechanize agriculture in Cambodia. Mechanization in turn helps the small holder farmers to be more productive. Under the direction of Department of Agriculture Engineering (DAEng), ISA in Phase 1 supported the formation of AMAC.

Aims and Objectives

The Agribusiness Machinery Association in Cambodia, (AMAC) aimed to connect important actors of agricultural sector in Cambodia and relevant association to establish network nationally and internationally in order to explore through new technologies training, exhibition and study tours. AMAC was also envisioned to provide the space for the private sector to discuss opportunities and challenges in their businesses and possibly lobby for changes with the Government.

Institutionalization Vision

The institutionalization vision for AMAC was for it to be an independent association for the private sector involved with importing and exporting agriculture machinery. However, due to internal and external limitations, this vision will not be pursued.

AMAC in the making

2019
Agriculture Machinery Association in Cambodia (AMAC) formalized
Under the direction of the Department of Agriculture Engineering (DAEng), the Cambodia Agricultural Machinery and Technology Association (CAMTA) was formed. Fifteen companies participated in the event and four have expressed interest in becoming the founding board members for the association. The association also attended the Qingdao Exhibition 2019 with the aim of strengthening the relations of the association members with international stakeholders and other regional associations for future potential importation of new agricultural machineries into Cambodia. In 2019 the development of the charter of the association for the registration process at the Ministry of Interior commenced. CAMTA was also renamed as Agriculture Machinery Association in Cambodia (AMAC).
2020
Registration of Agribusiness Machinery Association in Cambodia (AMAC)
In 2020, the Agriculture Machinery Association in Cambodia (AMAC) was registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia. The strategic plan for the association was also under development. The association was also registered to be a member of The Regional Council of Agricultural Machinery Associations (ReCAMA). Being part of ReCAMA would help getting knowledge of technology from the region. The first board meeting of the association was also conducted.
2021
Development of Spare Part List for tax exemption
In 2021, the association focused on developing and reviewing spare part lists for tax exemption. AMAC’s technical working group conducted 16 meetings to discuss the spare part list and also organized meetings with the Deputy Secretariat General of MAFF, H.E. Khy Kosal, who oversees the Minister’s office. The draft of the AMACs Roadmap and strategy documents was completed.
2023
Closure of AMAC Intervention and New Collaboration on Tax Exemptions​
In 2023, the AMAC intervention was called off. However, Swisscontact and CAPRED collaborated with DAEng to address agri-machinery spare parts tax exemptions, aiming to support the agricultural sector through policy improvements.
2024
Advancing Spare Parts Tax Exemptions with DAEng​
In 2024, DAEng, with support from Swisscontact and CAPRED, reviewed and prepared a comprehensive list of spare parts received from participating companies. The DAEng working group is leading the review process, consulting with agricultural machinery companies to ensure the accuracy of specifications, technicalities, and HS codes for each item. This preparation will culminate in a series of consultation workshops with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to discuss the proposed lists.

Events/articles

Cambodia
Sustainable agriculture
30.11.2021
Building collaborative platforms: Experience of ISA
Bringing about change in an established system is not an easy task. It is even more difficult to bring about sustainable change, where the new systems operate smoothly even after the agent of change has abrogated. It is difficult, but not impossible. The key in establishing these sustainable structures is by imparting a strong sense of ownership over the change, having a capable public-private support, and setting up a proper market system that enable market actors to not only drive economic growth, but also to contribute to development policies. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to bring about sustainable change in the system is through public-private partnerships.
Learn more