PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - Media OutReach - 30 December2020 - Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has reset fundamentalassumptions underpinning various industries. In Cambodia, environmentalconservation is now an important feature in recovery efforts for theagriculture sector, and Neak Oknha Chen Zhi (陈志公爵) and PrinceGroup are spearheading change in the sector.

Agriculture is a mainstay in Cambodia employing more thana third of the workforce[1], and thecurrent crisis is an important moment for the sector as it faces an opportunityto "build back better"[2],according to CGIAR, the world's largest agricultural research network.

Developing countries like Cambodia depend on agriculturalexports and need to move away from traditional farming practices that utilizefertilizers, pesticides, water-intensive processes and legacy farming methodsthat contribute to increased deforestation and soil erosion.

Earlier this year, Chen Zhi and Prince Group launched theEcological Agriculture Plantation at Prince Manor Resort in Phnom Penh,Cambodia, a state-of-the-art agricultural hub at a new real estate developmentthat will implant the seed for change and give Cambodians a chance to learnmodern farming techniques. The Ecological Agriculture Plantation is one of thekey attractions at Prince Manor Resort, an international eco-resort spanning136,000 square meters that was officially launched in October.

At the resort, visitors will see sustainable agriculturalpractices and how modern technology is employed and managed by international andCambodian agriculture experts. For example, the 10,000-square meter plantationhas a 24-hour intelligent monitoring system that controls humidity,temperature, sunlight, carbon dioxide and more. It also has state-of-the-artreverse osmosis water filtration and intelligent water and fertilizerintegrated systems. The resort also houses a greenhouse where flora and faunasuitable for local conditions are grown utilizing resources from the region.

The plantation will serve as an educational tool forvisiting students, families and other stakeholders. As a responsible corporateconglomerate, Chen Zhi and Prince Group launched the resort to support the long-termdevelopment of the local tourism and agriculture industries in Cambodia.

With nearly nine-tenths of the resort consisting offorested land, Prince Manor Resort will also serve as a model for sustainabledevelopment efforts in Cambodia's fast-growing economy. Other facilities at theresort include flower gardens, an amusement park, a water park and severallodges.

Even before the pandemic, farmer incomes in Cambodia hadbeen hit by extreme weather that led to floods and droughts, and drop in pricesof key agriculture commodities like paddy rice, cassava and other vegetables aswell as declining soil productivity. This year, a survey conducted by a localconsultancy found that farming incomes are estimated to have dropped by 55% inthe first four months of the year.[3]

The construction of the Ecological Agriculture Plantationby Chen Zhi and Prince Group is a small but important step to help theagriculture sector in Cambodia. The plantation will facilitate visits anddiscussions helping drive further collaboration between industry bodies, thegovernment and private enterprises in Cambodia.

Chen Zhi and Prince Group will continue to play animportant part in Cambodia's development through various projects, pursuepartnership opportunities and offer relevant financial support to keyindustries for the betterment of Cambodians and the local economy.

About Neak Oknha Chen Zhi

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi of Cambodia is the chairman ofPrince Group, short for Prince Holding Group. As chairman, Chen Zhi has turnedPrince Group into a leading conglomerate in Cambodia that adheres tointernational standards, invests in the future of the Kingdom and is committedto sustainable business practices.

In Cambodia Chen Zhi has expanded Prince Group'sbusiness operations to encompass various sectors, such as real estatedevelopment, banking, finance and tourism. Aside from his business activities,Chen Zhi actively engages in helping Cambodian communities with hisphilanthropy work.

About Prince Holding Group

PrinceHolding Group, better known as Prince Group, is one ofthe largest corporate conglomerates in Cambodia, with businesses spanningacross multiple industries, including real estate development, banking,finance, aviation, tourism, logistics, technology, food and beverages, andlifestyle sectors. Prince Group adheres to its mission of "Building aBetter Life", and the Group's philosophy espouses the values of  "Commitment, Responsibility, Respect,Generosity and Innovation".