Crocodile farmers aim to boost exports

[PHNOM PENH POST]

Siem Reap Province -- Crocodile farmers met with Siem Reap governor Sou Phirin yesterday with the aim of establishing measures to expedite exports of the reptiles.

The farmers raised five points to further the industry’s development, including fees for  exporters, which officials said they would consider.

The Fisheries Administration currently charged US$1 for every exported reptile, although  regulations governing the rates were unclear, Puok district farmer Man Cheam said.

“I still wonder how much I have to pay for exporting small crocodiles and big crocodiles, and whether this money belongs to the state’s finances or not,” he said.

Man Cheam called for a new, elected association for crocodile farmers, fewer restrictions on exports and the ability to obtain licences for export in Siem Reap as well as Phnom Penh.

“It’s long way to Phnom Penh to apply for licences, and we have to spend so much in order to get there,” he said.

Siem Reap deputy governor Chan Sophal told the Post the farmers’ recommendations  would be discussed at a meeting with Fisheries Administration director Nao Thouk on Friday.

“We suggest [the farmers]  run their businesses in the province as normal, and not cause any turmoil,” he said.

Cambodia’s crocodile farms hatched 238,000 young animals in 2010, up from 185,000 the previous year, according to Fisheries Administration figures obtained previously.