Cambodia’s garment sector is a remarkable story of resilience, reform, and results. It lifted more than a million Cambodians into formal employment, generated billions in export earnings, and put the Kingdom firmly on the map of global trade. This transformation didn’t happen by chance—it was a product of visionary leadership, smart policies, international partnerships, and an unshakable belief in Cambodia’s potential.
Today, the Kingdom stands on the brink of another great opportunity—this time in the form of a humble yet powerful crop: cashew.
A New Chapter for Rural Prosperity
Cambodia is already one of the largest producers of raw cashew nuts in the world, harvesting nearly 850,000 metric tonnes annually. Yet most of this is exported raw, primarily to Vietnam, losing valuable income, jobs, and opportunity. But this is beginning to change.
In a major show of commitment, the Royal Government of Cambodia has allocated 400 hectares of land for a dedicated Cashew Industrial Park, and announced a $35 million development package for the cashew sector. This is not just a policy signal—it is a green light for transformation.
Just as the government opened the door for garment manufacturers three decades ago through incentives, infrastructure, and international trade access, it is now laying the groundwork to turn cashew into Cambodia’s next economic success story.
Processing Is the Game-Changer
The key to unlocking the full value of cashew lies in domestic processing. When raw nuts are exported without being processed locally, Cambodia misses out on up to four times the value per tonne. By investing in processing capacity, Cambodia can create tens of thousands of jobs—especially for rural women—and generate over $1 billion in additional export revenue.
This is exactly the direction the government and the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) are heading in. The Cashew Industrial Park in Kampong Thom will house modern processing units, drying facilities, packaging centers, and logistics hubs. With support from foreign investors and local cooperatives, Cambodia is now poised to move up the value chain.
Learning from the Garment Blueprint
Cambodia’s garment industry flourished because of a focused strategy: legal reforms, trade access, labor compliance, and investment facilitation. These same principles are now being applied to cashew:
- Legal Framework & Incentives: Investors in the cashew sector are eligible for tax holidays, duty exemptions, and streamlined approval through CDC’s Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs)—similar to the policies that once attracted garment factories.
- Trade Access: Cambodia is pursuing new export markets for processed kernels, including Japan, China, the Middle East, and Europe—markets that offer better prices and long-term contracts.
- Branding and Standards: With the unique M23 cashew variety, known for its superior quality and nutritional content, Cambodia has the potential to build a global brand in premium cashews. Certification schemes, traceability systems, and sustainability standards are now being developed to ensure compliance and consumer trust.
- Farmer Empowerment: Through the CAC, over 19,000 farmers are being organized into cooperatives, improving their access to markets, training, and inputs. This mirrors the way Cambodia built stable labor relations in the garment sector—through dialogue, support, and shared prosperity.
A Shared National Vision
This isn’t just about nuts—it’s about nation-building. Cashew is grown in 22 provinces, involving over 100,000 farming households. By focusing on local processing and market development, the cashew sector has the power to lift entire communities, reduce poverty, and generate sustainable rural income.
It also contributes to climate resilience. Cashew trees thrive in dry zones, prevent soil erosion, and offer long-term environmental benefits. Supporting this sector means investing in both economic and ecological sustainability.
What Lies Ahead
The momentum is real. With $35 million in support, 400 hectares of land, investor interest growing, and a clear roadmap ahead, the foundation has been laid. If the garment industry taught us anything, it’s that consistent government backing, international cooperation, and private sector engagement can deliver extraordinary results.
The cashew industry is ready to follow the same path—with the right policies, processing, and partnerships.
Let’s Make Cambodia the Cashew Capital of Asia
We believe that just as Cambodia became a trusted name in global garment supply, it can also become Asia’s cashew powerhouse—not just in production, but in quality, value, and impact.
Let us turn this vision into reality. Let us support our farmers, encourage our entrepreneurs, and promote “Made in Cambodia” cashew products across the world.
From cotton to cashew, Cambodia’s future is full of promise. The time to act is now.
