PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s ambition to transform its cashew and pepper from raw commodities into high-value export assets took center stage today with the launch of the country’s inaugural Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum in Phnom Penh.
Cambodia Kicks Off First Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum to ‘Unlock EU Market Access’
Held under the theme “Spotlight: Unlocking EU Market Access,” the two-day forum brings together over 300 producers, processors, exporters, investors, and buyers from Cambodia, ASEAN, and the European Union to strengthen production, processing, and global market compliance.
The event is a joint effort by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), in partnership with the European Union, Germany, the Cambodia Cashew Federation (CCF), and the Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation (CPSF).
Commitment to Quality and Standards
H.E. HEM Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, highlighted the government’s focus on quality infrastructure, noting that Cambodia has adopted one national standard for cashew and four for pepper products, with the cashew standard currently under review to meet international demands.
“As Chairman of the National Standards Council, I call on all stakeholders… to continue developing more standards for cashew and pepper to meet both national and international market needs, and continue investing in infrastructure, especially in transportation, storage and processing facilities to increase the added value of these products,” Minister Vanndy stated.
H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce, emphasized the country’s commitment to expanding trade access. “By leveraging preferential trade arrangements, Free Trade Agreements, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Cambodia is expanding access to new markets and reinforcing its reputation as a credible trading partner,” she said, adding that the goal is to position Cambodia as a leading exporter of high-quality cashew and pepper.
EU and Germany Pledge Support
European partners reiterated their support for the sector’s development. H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, commended the potential of the crops to become “powerful export assets.”
“The European Union is pleased to partner with the Government of Cambodia in supporting farmers and SMEs so that their products are exported at higher value to premium global markets such as the European Union,” Ambassador Driesmans said.
Germany, as the EU’s largest economy, also noted the growing opportunity for Cambodian exports. H.E. Stefan Messerer, Ambassador of Germany to Cambodia, confirmed that his country has a “rising demand for high-quality, responsibly sourced goods,” and that German expertise in agro-processing and certification would help elevate Cambodian products to meet global standards.
The forum’s agenda includes Team Europe side events, expert panel discussions, and B2B matchmaking sessions designed to directly connect local producers and processors with international buyers and investors, fostering a coordinated approach to developing Cambodia’s agro-industrial value chains.