Phnom Penh — Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul has reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to transforming Cambodia from a producer into a major exporter of high-quality cashew nuts and pepper, while boosting the nation’s competitiveness in international markets.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum 2025” on October 23, themed “Spotlight: Unlock EU Market Access,” Nimul underscored that both government institutions and the private sector are working closely to enhance the country’s export capacity.
The event brought together key figures, including Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation; Touch Bunhor, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans; and German Ambassador Stefan Messerer, alongside representatives from ministries, development partners, and international guests.
Minister Nimul explained that the forum aimed to connect producers, processors, exporters, and investors to share insights and foster partnerships in value-added processing. “Cambodia has made and continues to make strong efforts to move from being a producer to an exporter of premium cashew and pepper,” she said, highlighting that these initiatives aim to meet global demand, particularly from European markets.
She added that the Ministry of Commerce is actively implementing measures to strengthen export competitiveness through quality assurance, certification systems, and product traceability aligned with EU standards.
Recognizing the rapid growth and opportunities in these sectors, the minister outlined government-led initiatives such as the National Cashew Policy 2022–2027 and the upcoming National Pepper Policy, designed to ensure sustainability, enhance processing capabilities, and expand markets.
“These efforts will transform Cambodia into a reliable supplier and high-quality producer for both domestic and international markets,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of leveraging trade frameworks such as Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to unlock new export destinations.
Minister Nimul concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to continue collaborating in advancing agricultural productivity and export competitiveness. “The Ministry of Commerce will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Cambodian agricultural products, especially cashew nuts and pepper, are trusted and high-value products in the global market,” she affirmed.
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