Reimagining Cambodia's Food Supply Chain
- Andrew Millar
- Jun 13
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 25
TOP 50 INTERVIEW: Parth Borkotoky
March 2025
Cambodia's agriculture supply chain is undergoing a transformation, driven by innovation, sustainability and collaboration. As a key player in the sector, Azaylla Founder and CEO, Parth Borkotoky, shares his insights on the values shaping his leadership, the challenges and opportunities ahead, the role of technology in enhancing efficiency, and how a new generation of entrepreneurs is driving change.
Leadership Values & Guiding Principles
CLR: Parth, as a leader in Cambodia's agriculture supply chain sector, what core values and guiding principles drive your leadership approach? How do these principles help you build resilience and innovation within such a critical industry?
"Let me share a bit of the journey that shapes my leadership in Cambodia's agriculture supply chain sector.
When I first began this journey, I quickly realised that integrity would be the cornerstone of everything I do. Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and it all starts with being transparent and ethical in our actions.
Whether working with my team or external partners, knowing that we can rely on each other to do the right thing makes all the difference, especially when facing complex challenges. It's been a guiding principle that has helped us navigate even the toughest situations.
Collaboration is the second pillar that has helped my approach. The agriculture sector is incredibly interconnected, and no one can achieve meaningful change alone. Over time, I've learnt that the best results come when we work together - when we bring together different perspectives and skills.
Encouraging a culture of teamwork has allowed us to strengthen our relationships and tackle obstacles with a unified approach. It's amazing how much more we can accomplish when everyone contributes and feels valued.
But the third value, sustainability, has been at the heart of our work, especially as we face growing climate challenges and market shifts.
Early on, I understood that we couldn't just think short-term. Creating long-lasting, environmentally conscious practices would be the key to ensuring that we remain resilient in the face of uncertainty. It's become a mindset.
I share with my team, always looking for innovative solutions that can adapt to both current needs and future challenges. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's become an essential part of how we operate, ensuring that our interests remain viable for years to come.
By staying true to these values, I've been able to guide my team through the complexities of this vital industry. We've built a culture that values steady progress and the ability to adapt when change is upon us.
In the end, it's the combination of integrity, collaboration and sustainability that has empowered us to drive innovation and build resilience in Cambodia's agriculture supply chain. It's a journey we continue to walk together, learning and growing as we go.
Challenges & Opportunities in Agriculture Supply Chains
CLR: The agriculture supply chain is a vital component of Cambodia's economy, but it faces unique challenges such as climate change, infrastructure limitations and market volatility. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the sector in 2025, and how is your company addressing them to create sustainable and efficient solutions?
As we look toward 2025, Cambodia's agriculture supply chain faces significant challenges, including navigating international trade complexities, mitigating the impacts of climate change, addressing infrastructure limitations and managing market volatility. However, these challenges also present substantial opportunities for growth and transformation.
In response to shifting global trade dynamics, it is crucial that we adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of the international market; despite these hurdles, there are considerable opportunities for advancement. With strategic investments in trade policy and incentives, sustainable practices, technology integration and collaboration, the agriculture sector can flourish.
We are actively addressing these challenges by promoting sustainable farming methods, which not only enhance environmental stewardship but also improve crop resilience.
Additionally, we are collaborating with private sector partners to upgrade infrastructure, focusing on enhancing logistics, storage and distribution networks. This partnership ensures that products reach markets efficiently, minimising waste and maximising value.
To counter market volatility, we are diversifying crop portfolios and developing risk management strategies, including price hedging tools. Furthermore, we are integrating digital technologies to enhance decision-making, reduce waste and streamline supply chain operations.
Ultimately, the key to overcoming these challenges and seizing the opportunities ahead lies in collaboration. By fostering strong partnerships between private companies, farmers, government agencies and development partners, we can create more resilient, sustainable and efficient agriculture supply chains in Cambodia.
This collaborative approach will be pivotal in driving innovation and ensuring the sector's long-term viability.
Innovations & Developments at Azaylla
CLR: Your company has been at the forefront of improving tech in Cambodia's agricultural supply chain. What new initiatives or technologies are being introduced to enhance efficiency, support farmers and drive economic growth in the sector?
At Azaylla, we are deeply committed to driving innovation in the agricultural supply chain, to support producers, enhance efficiency and contribute to the sector's growth. As we lead in this field, we recognise that technological advancements and sustainable practices are crucial for improving productivity and resilience, especially in the face of current challenges.
Through technology, we can predict future commodity prices, track orders and anticipate demand and supply interruptions. Our resource platform is designed to provide real-time insights, ensuring that our operations are data-driven and responsive to market needs.
Additionally, our Grocerdel B2C platform connects over 250 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the market, with more than 50% of these businesses being women-led. This platform not only expands market access but also empowers women entrepreneurs in the sector.
We are developing a digital platform to provide access to market information, allowing partners to connect directly with buyers, access up-to-date market prices, and receive tailored guidance on logistics and documentation. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to create a more connected and efficient agricultural value chain.
Furthermore, we are collaborating with agritech startups to build a circular economy around the commodities we handle. For instance, organic waste from our value chain is being repurposed as raw material for BSF (black soldier fly) farms, promoting sustainable waste management and resource utilisation.
These initiatives, combined with our ongoing investments in improving logistics and storage infrastructure, aim to create a more efficient, resilient and sustainable agricultural supply chain in Cambodia. By leveraging technology, we believe we can help farmers thrive, improve food security and ultimately contribute to economic growth in the sector.
As we move forward, we are excited to continue exploring new solutions and partnerships that can further strengthen the agricultural value chain in Cambodia, ensuring that we are well equipped to meet today's demands and ready for the future.
Outlook for Cambodia's Agriculture Sector
CLR: Looking ahead, how do you see Cambodia's agriculture sector evolving, particularly with the influence of a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders? How is your company preparing to adapt to these changes, and what advice would you give to stakeholders looking to create lasting impact in the agriculture supply chain?
As I reflect on the future of Cambodia's agriculture sector, I am filled with optimism.
The emergence of a new generation of visionary leaders and entrepreneurs is transforming the industry with their innovative ideas, technological prowess and commitment to sustainability.
These young pioneers are improving agricultural practices by leveraging digital tools, adopting environmentally friendly methods and focusing on value-added products. This transformation is not only making the sector more resilient but also equipping it to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change and market fluctuations.
At Azaylla, we are embracing this change by integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of innovation. We collaborate with startups and tech-savvy companies to develop forward-thinking solutions. This includes expanding our digital platforms to enhance supply chain efficiency and supporting farmers with resources that boost their productivity and sustainability.
As we transition into a more digital and sustainable era, investing in human capital is crucial. We need to train the next generation of agricultural professionals in both technology and sustainable practices. This will ensure that Cambodia has the expertise required to navigate these changes effectively and implement solutions with precision.
For those seeking to make a lasting impact in the agriculture supply chain, I recommend focusing on collaboration and innovation. The challenges in agriculture are multifaceted and interconnected, requiring strong partnerships to share knowledge that can drive meaningful change.
Additionally, adopting sustainable practices is vital. Whether it involves improving environmental stewardship, developing equitable trade systems or supporting small-scale farmers, sustainability will not only secure the sector's future but also create a more resilient, ethical and economically viable industry for generations to come.
Cambodia's agriculture sector is on the cusp of a transformative journey. By embracing innovation, collaboration and sustainability, we can ensure that the sector flourishes and continues to drive economic growth for the country."
About Parth Borkotoky
Parth is a prominent agribusiness leader based in Phnom Penh, serving as the Founder & CEO of Azaylla since its inception in 2019.
With over 15 years' experience across Southeast Asia, he holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Universiti Putra Malaysia and has led efforts to digitise Cambodia’s agricultural supply chains. Under his leadership, Azaylla uses technology platforms like WESOURCE and Grocerdel to connect farmers (especially women-led MSMEs) with markets, improve logistics efficiency and promote sustainable practices. Parth chairs the Supply Chain Working Group at the International Business Chamber (IBC) of Cambodia, where he advocates for inclusive, tech‑driven solutions to benefit over 3,000 farmers nationwide.
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In partnership with Cambodia Investment Review (CIR) and the International Business Chamber of Cambodia (IBC), Cambodia Leadership Review has officially launched 50 International Leaders 2025.
Now in its second edition, the publication highlights 50 of the most influential international business and organisational leaders and innovators contributing to Cambodia’s dynamic economic landscape, including Parth Borkotoky.