Cambodia is seeking to strengthen its position in international agricultural trade by connecting local cashew and pepper producers with international buyers, investors and business partners. The second Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum, which officially opened in Phnom Penh on November 10, 2026, reflects a growing effort to move beyond agricultural production and policy discussions towards stronger commercial partnerships and higher-value exports.

Held at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, the three-day forum is organised by the Royal Government of Cambodia in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Federal Republic of Germany. More than 500 participants attended the opening, according to Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), including government representatives, international buyers, exporters, processors, industry associations and development partners.

Under the theme “Cambodia to the World – Spotlight on Trade with Europe”, the event focuses on expanding market access, strengthening export competitiveness and creating opportunities for trade and investment.

From Agricultural Production to Commercial Partnerships

One of the most important features of this year’s forum is its emphasis on practical business engagement.

Rather than focusing primarily on introducing Cambodian agricultural products to international markets, the event provides opportunities for European buyers and Cambodian businesses to arrange business-to-business (B2B) meetings, explore potential supply agreements, and gain a closer understanding of local processing facilities.

The program also brings together service providers in areas such as processing technology, certification, logistics, packaging, and finance. These services are important because successful agricultural exports depend not only on production volumes but also on the ability to meet buyer requirements and deliver consistent products.

The forum builds on Cambodia’s recent promotional activities in Europe, including the Cambodian Pavilion at SIAL Paris 2026 and commercial outreach in Rotterdam. These initiatives are intended to connect international market interest with opportunities for Cambodian producers and exporters.

Speaking at the opening, Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul highlighted the importance of translating export readiness and international standards into commercial partnerships and investment opportunities. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving export competitiveness and diversifying markets for Cambodian cashew, pepper, and other agricultural products.

Cambodia’s Cashew Sector: Strong Production, Greater Value-Addition Potential

Cambodia’s cashew industry illustrates both the opportunities and challenges facing the country’s agricultural export sector.

According to unofficial estimates from the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), Cambodia harvested approximately 1.02 million tonnes of raw cashew nuts in 2025 and exported around one million tonnes, generating an estimated US$1.5 billion in export revenue. Vietnam remained the principal destination for Cambodian raw cashew exports.

These figures demonstrate the scale of Cambodia’s production capacity and its importance as a supplier to the regional cashew industry. However, the sector also faces a significant challenge: much of the crop is exported before being processed domestically.

The CAC has reported that only around 22,600 tonnes of raw cashew nuts were processed locally in 2025. Limited processing technology, investment requirements, working capital and competition for raw materials remain important constraints for Cambodian processors.

Expanding domestic processing could allow Cambodia to capture more value from its agricultural production. Processing raw cashews into kernels and consumer-ready products can create opportunities in manufacturing, packaging, logistics, employment and export development.

The National Policy on Cashew 2022–2027 provides a policy framework for developing the sector and increasing domestic value addition. Achieving these objectives will require continued investment, stronger processing capabilities and more direct connections between Cambodian businesses and international buyers.

Pepper: Building on Product Identity and Market Recognition

Pepper offers another opportunity for Cambodia to strengthen its agricultural export identity.

Cambodian pepper products can compete through distinctive characteristics, product quality, origin recognition and branding. One notable example is Kampot Pepper, which has received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) recognition in the European Union.

This recognition connects the product’s identity to its geographical origin and established production characteristics. It provides an important foundation for promoting Cambodian agricultural products through quality and origin-based differentiation.

The forum also highlighted the marketing potential of Cambodia’s M23 giant cashew variety and featured discussions on consumer-packed pepper products and flavour profiles led by La Plantation.

These discussions point to an important commercial opportunity: competing internationally is not simply about selling larger quantities. Product differentiation, consistent quality, attractive packaging and a recognisable Cambodian identity can help businesses reach buyers seeking specialised agricultural products.

Meeting International Standards to Reach European Buyers

Access to the European market requires more than identifying interested buyers. Cambodian exporters must also understand and comply with the requirements governing products entering the EU.

Quality, food safety, traceability, and reliability were among the key issues highlighted by EU representative Mr. Bryan Fornari at the forum’s opening.

The EU applies food safety and official control requirements to imported food products. Depending on the product and applicable rules, businesses may need to demonstrate compliance with requirements concerning pesticide residues, product safety, documentation, and traceability.

For Cambodian producers and processors, meeting these requirements can involve improvements throughout the supply chain, from farm-level production and post-harvest handling to processing, testing, packaging, and shipment.

Although compliance requires investment and technical capacity, it can also strengthen the credibility of Cambodian products in other international markets. Better production practices and quality assurance can help businesses meet the expectations of a wider range of buyers.

International Cooperation and Private-Sector Opportunities

The forum also demonstrates the role of international cooperation in strengthening Cambodia’s agricultural value chains.

The partnership between the Royal Government of Cambodia, the EU, and Germany brings together public institutions, development partners, and private-sector participants around shared objectives: improving competitiveness, strengthening market connections, and supporting sustainable agricultural trade.

German Ambassador H.E. Ms. Silke Röfer expressed Germany’s support for Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen trade competitiveness and expand global connections. She also emphasized the opportunity for more Cambodian products to reach supermarkets and restaurants across Europe.

For Cambodian businesses, the presence of international buyers and service providers creates opportunities to explore commercial relationships, identify technical needs, and understand market expectations. For investors, the development of local processing, storage, packaging, certification, and logistics services offers areas for potential engagement.

However, the long-term success of these initiatives will depend on whether discussions and matchmaking activities lead to sustained business relationships, investment, and actual export growth.

Turning Potential into Lasting Trade Growth

Cambodia’s cashew and pepper sectors have important foundations for further international expansion, including substantial agricultural production, recognised products and growing engagement with international partners.

The next challenge is to strengthen the connections between farmers, processors, exporters, service providers and international buyers. Greater domestic processing, improved product quality, reliable supply chains and compliance with international standards will be essential to capturing more value within Cambodia.

The second Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum represents a practical platform for advancing these objectives. Its significance will ultimately be measured not only by the number of participants or meetings held but also by the commercial partnerships, investment decisions and export opportunities that emerge over time.

For Cambodia, the broader opportunity is clear: transforming agricultural strength into higher-value production and more competitive international trade can contribute to stronger rural businesses, industrial development and a more diversified export economy.

Sources

• AKP – 2nd Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum Opens in Phnom Penh
• GIZ – Cambodia Hosts Second Cashew & Pepper Trade Forum
• KhmerSME – Cambodia Reaps US$1.5 Billion from Raw Cashew Nut Exports
• EU – Kampot Pepper Protected Geographical Indication
• European Commission – Import Controls for Food and Feed