The PetroVietnam Fertilizer and Chemicals Joint Stock Company (PVFCCo) officially inaugurated its branch in Cambodia on July 29, with a view to selling products directly to local farmers.

Since the establishment of its representative office in Phnom Penh in May 2010, PVFCCo, an affiliate of the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), has sold around 6,000 tonnes of urea to Cambodian companies.

PVFCCo Chairman Bui Minh Tien said the inauguration of the Phnom Penh branch will help the company better serve the Cambodian market. Through the direct sales of products to Cambodian farmers, the company may reduce time of supply and expand transfer of techniques in rural areas, he added.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An said PVFCCo’s move to shift from representative office into branch proved the company’s firm confidence in its long-term investments in Cambodia .

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Ngo Anh Dung said the event marked a turning-point and affirmed Vietnamese businesses’ commitment and resolve to make long-term investments in Cambodia.

On this occasion, PVFCCo signed deals on distributing urea with two major fertilizer agents in Cambodia, namely Heng Pich Chay in Takeo province and Chhun Sok An company in Kandal province.

The Vietnamese company also donated 25 tonnes of urea fertilizer to poor farmers in Battambang province.

This is the first foreign branch of PVFCCo. The company is planning to expand its market to other regional countries such as Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand. /.