The two-day Cashew Forum has commenced in Kampong Thom province with the aim of promoting the cashew processing sector in Cambodia and increasing the export of processed cashew nuts to international markets. The event, under the theme “Together, we support Cambodia cashew products,” is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, with support from the European Union and Germany.
This forum marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Cambodia, providing a platform for both local and foreign participants, including the public, traders, and businessmen, to gain a better understanding of the potential and opportunities present in the Cambodian cashew industry. The objective is to attract investors to the processing of cashew products, increase the value of the cashew production line, create job opportunities, and contribute to national economic growth.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that the forum offers stakeholders in the cashew sector the chance to showcase cashew products, processing equipment, engage in business matching, and attend outreach workshops to promote and enhance the reputation of Cambodian cashews.
According to official reports released last week, Cambodia earned a total of $1.2 billion from the export of raw cashew nuts and dry rubber during the first 10 months of 2023. However, the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia reported a 16.7 percent year-on-year decrease in the export of raw cashew nuts to Vietnam, with a total of 615,000 tonnes exported between January and October this year.
Touch Bun Hour, Secretary of State at the MAFF, highlighted the ministry’s efforts in reducing the cost of production in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. He also emphasized that currently, only 5 to 10 percent of fresh cashew nuts are processed within the country, with the remaining 90 percent being exported as raw materials to foreign countries. This not only limits Cambodia’s added value but also reduces potential economic benefits.
To address these challenges and promote the growth of the cashew sector, the Cambodian government has launched the National Cashew Policy 2022-2027. This policy roadmap focuses on three strategic goals: production strategy, processing strategy, and export strategy.
Cashew plantations are predominantly located in several provinces including Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Kampong Thom, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Kampong Chhnang, according to the MAFF. Cambodia currently holds the title of the biggest cashew nut producer, with 1.18 million tonnes of cashew nuts produced in 2021, accounting for a significant portion of the global production of 5 million tonnes.
Vietnam serves as the largest export market for Cambodian cashew nuts, while cashew nuts are also exported to China, Japan, Laos, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia. The association’s vice-president, Suy Kokthean, highlighted ongoing collaboration with a partner to establish a cashew agro-industrial facility, further cementing Cambodia’s commitment to the development of the cashew processing sector.
Source: Khmer Times
