PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodian Banana Agricultural General Co., Ltd. (CBA), a Chinese-invested agricultural enterprise operating in Cambodia, is set to expand its exports of fresh yellow Cavendish bananas to China by 50% in 2025. The company aims to increase exports from 20,000 tonnes in 2024 to 30,000 tonnes this year through the expansion of cultivation areas and the strengthening of its supply chain.
The company’s ambitious plans were unveiled during a launch ceremony held on June 6 to celebrate the establishment of its banana supply chain network. The event was attended by Kong Chanvisal, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, along with officials from the ministry, representatives from the Cambodia-China Chamber of Commerce, company executives, local authorities, and nearly 100 employees of the company.
According to Chanvisal, CBA currently harvests bananas from 500 hectares of farmland and is cultivating an additional 200 hectares that are expected to begin producing by 2026. The company supplies bananas to supermarkets within Cambodia and exports a significant portion to China.
“This initiative not only supports agricultural development but also contributes to employment and infrastructure in the region. Over 900 Cambodians are now employed by the company, and its operations have led to improved local infrastructure and stronger community-market linkages,” said Chanvisal.
Strong National Production and Export Growth
Cambodia has emerged as a major regional player in banana cultivation and export. The country currently boasts 21,000 hectares of Cavendish banana plantations, with 15,000 hectares in active harvest. The average yield is approximately 25 tonnes per hectare, contributing to a national total output of nearly 400,000 tonnes of bananas.
Cambodia exported 260,000 tonnes of fresh bananas in 2024, with 95%—about 250,000 tonnes—shipped to the Chinese market. The remaining 5% was exported to countries such as Vietnam, South Korea, and Malaysia. The growing demand in China continues to position Cambodia as a reliable exporter of high-quality fresh bananas.
At present, 24 banana plantations and 36 packaging facilities in Cambodia have been officially registered and approved for export to China, reflecting the Kingdom’s compliance with international quality and phytosanitary standards.
A Call for More Agricultural Investment
During the ceremony, Secretary of State Chanvisal encouraged additional Chinese investment into Cambodia’s agricultural sector. “We welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Cambodia, especially in harvesting, processing, and exporting high-quality agricultural products to China and the rest of the world. The Ministry of Agriculture is ready to support and coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure these ventures succeed,” he stated.
Cambodia’s Agricultural Export Milestone
The banana sector is just one of many success stories in Cambodia’s rapidly developing agricultural industry. In 2024, the Kingdom exported over 12 million tonnes of agricultural products to 95 countries, with a total export value of approximately $5.3 billion. China remains one of the top destinations, having imported over 800,000 tonnes of Cambodian agricultural goods last year.
These achievements are part of a broader strategy to diversify Cambodia’s agricultural exports, promote value addition, and position the Kingdom as a regional hub for agro-industry.
As demand for tropical fruits continues to rise across Asia, Cambodia’s commitment to quality cultivation, international certification, and export-oriented agriculture is proving to be a vital driver of economic growth and rural development.
