Gastronomic Diplomacy in Action with Confirel

Dr. Hay Ly Eang, President of Confirel, recently presented an assortment of authentic Khmer products to His Excellency Chea Chanbaribo, Cambodia's new ambassador to seven European countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These gifts included Thnot palm sugar, Kirum pepper, and Prahok powder, emblematic products of Cambodian know-how produced and developed by the company. This initiative aimed to promote Cambodia's cultural and gastronomic richness as part of the ambassador's diplomatic mission.

In presenting these products, Dr. Hay Ly Eang emphasized the importance of these products in representing Cambodian heritage. Thnot sugar, for example, he noted, is recognized worldwide for its exceptional quality. It received the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Natexpo trade show in Paris thanks to its taste and health benefits, and in Southeast Asia, it was also awarded the "ASEAN Best Product First Prize." According to Dr. Hay Ly Eang, these products demonstrate Cambodia's cultural richness, which goes beyond the famous temples of Angkor Wat. He encouraged the ambassador to highlight these culinary treasures during his diplomatic meetings. Chea Chanbaribo expressed enthusiasm for this initiative and promised to present Confirel products to senior officials in the countries where he will be posted. As proof of his commitment, the ambassador spent several hours at the Confirel Food Innovation Center learning how to cook with Confirel's flagship products, including Kirum prahok powder, under the guidance of the chef of the Penh House Hotel. These skills will allow him to organize diplomatic meals at his residence abroad to introduce Cambodian flavors to local dignitaries. According to Chea Chanbaribo, a proponent of the gastronomic diplomacy initiated by Foreign Minister Prak Sokhon, inviting foreign officials to discover Khmer cuisine is an effective diplomatic strategy. "If we only talk politics, it may not interest them. But if we invite them to taste our dishes, they will be genuinely interested," he assured. #VIDEO