Cambodia and India are poised to expand agricultural cooperation, placing fresh cashew nuts at the heart of new investment opportunities, following a high-level meeting between officials of both nations.
On Monday, Touch Bun Hour, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), welcomed Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India, and his delegation for a courtesy call and working discussion at the Ministry.
The Indian delegation expressed strong interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on importing Cambodian cashew nuts. Recognising the Kingdom’s potential as a reliable supplier for India’s growing demand, the delegation highlighted plans to establish a cashew processing factory in Kampong Thom province—one of Cambodia’s leading cashew-producing regions.
Bun Hour assured the delegation of Cambodia’s openness to foreign investors, stressing that the Kingdom’s cashew varieties, including M23, M10, H09, and IM4, are highly regarded in international markets. He pointed to Cambodia’s favourable climate, fertile soil, and government support policies as major factors making the country an attractive destination for agribusiness investment.
Discussions also explored broader cooperation across agriculture, including cultivation, processing, and value-added exports. The delegation is scheduled to meet private sector representatives and visit cashew plantations in Kampong Thom to assess opportunities first-hand.
Officials noted that the visit reflects India’s commitment not only to importing Cambodian cashew nuts but also to strengthening trade ties and widening cooperation across agricultural sectors.
Cambodia’s cashew industry has shown remarkable growth. In the first half of 2025 alone, exports of cashew nuts reached $753.21 million, representing a 56 percent increase compared to the $480 million recorded in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) confirmed ongoing discussions with investors from China, India, and Singapore on opportunities linked to the Cashew Industrial Park (CIP)—a flagship government initiative aimed at positioning Cambodia as a regional hub for cashew processing and export.
With growing international demand, particularly from India, Cambodia is stepping up efforts to attract investment in cashew processing and value-added production, a strategy seen as key to strengthening its agro-industrial base and enhancing rural incomes.
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