Phnom Penh, 23 October 2025 – Cambodia has officially made its mark on the global agri-business map with the successful launch of the first-ever Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum, held on 23–24 October 2025 in Phnom Penh.
This first-of-its-kind event, jointly hosted by the Royal Government of Cambodia, the European Union, and the Federal Republic of Germany, convened more than 300 processors, exporters, buyers, and investors in a dynamic platform designed to accelerate exports, attract investment, and spotlight Cambodia’s emerging role in the global cashew and pepper markets.
Held under the theme “Spotlight: Unlocking EU Market Access,” the Forum delivered a powerful message: Cambodia is ready to compete in premium, sustainable markets.
Key government bodies — including the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) — partnered with industry leaders such as the Cambodia Cashew Federation (CCF) and Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation (CPSF) to deliver a collaborative, forward-looking event.
Highlights included:
- Expert sessions and policy dialogues on sectors transformation
- A dedicated Team Europe Side Event on sustainability and innovation in agri-processing
- Investor showcases and B2B matchmaking connecting local producers with European companies
These sessions provided Cambodian SMEs with practical, actionable insights on both sectors and for accessing especially the EU market — meeting the demand for traceable, sustainable, high-quality products.
“As Cambodia aspires to strengthen its position as a leading producer and exporter of high-quality cashew and pepper, the Royal Government remains fully committed to enhancing the global competitiveness of these strategic sectors. In close collaboration with relevant stakeholders, we are advancing export readiness and ensuring compliance with European market standards through the development of robust quality infrastructure, certification, and traceability systems. By leveraging preferential trade arrangements, Free Trade Agreements, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Cambodia is expanding access to new markets and reinforcing its reputation as a credible trading partner. With continued support from our development partners, particularly the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, the Ministry of Commerce is steadfast in its efforts to position Cambodian cashew, pepper, and other agri-food products as trusted, sustainable, and premium choices in the global marketplace,” said H.E. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce.
H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, affirmed that Cambodia’s next chapter in cashew and pepper will be defined by standards, quality, and cooperation. “Compliance and value-addition are our shared language with global partners. With Team Europe, we can transform potential into trust, exporting not only products, but also confidence in Cambodia’s reliability, safety, and traceability.”
“Recently, Cambodia’s local production and processing capacity has been receiving enthusiastic support and momentum,” said H.E. HEM Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation. “As Chairman of the National Standards Council, I call on allstakeholders—from the Council’s technical committees to public and private sectors, researchand academic community—to continue developing more standards for cashew and pepper to meet both national and international market needs, and to invest in infrastructure, especially in transportation, storage, and processing facilities to increase the added value of these products.”
International partners also praised the Forum as a major step forward.
“Cambodian cashew and pepper have the potential to transform from traditional crops into powerful export assets. The European Union is pleased to partner with the Government of Cambodia, in supporting farmers and SMEs so that their product are exported at a higher value to premium global markets such as the European Union. This collaboration not only improves the sector’s competitiveness but also creates employment and economic opportunities for thousands of Cambodian families,” said H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia.
H.E. Stefan Messerer, Ambassador of Germany to Cambodia, added, “As the EU’s largest economy, Germany is a key partner in unlocking new opportunities for Cambodia’s cashew and pepper industries. With rising demand for high-quality, responsibly sourced goods, German consumers offer strong potential for Cambodian exports. At the same time, Germany’s expertise and advanced technologies in agro-processing and certification will help elevate Cambodian products to meet global standards. Through building bridges that connect Cambodian producers with partners across Europe and beyond, this sustainable and innovative initiative strengthens trade ties, supply chains, and Cambodia’s integration into regional and global markets.”
The success of this inaugural event has laid the foundation for what is expected to become Cambodia’s flagship annual trade forum for cashew and pepper — two of the country’s most promising agricultural export sectors.
The strong interest from international buyers, investors, and development partners during the Forum signals clear momentum for continued collaboration in Cambodia’s high-potential cashew and pepper sectors.
Building on this success, there is growing anticipation for a future edition that will further advance Cambodia’s role in the global cashew and pepper trade.
We look forward to continued collaboration and to welcoming stakeholders to future initiatives that support the sustainable growth of Cambodia’s agri-export sector.
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For further information, please contact:
H.E. PENN Sovicheat, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce, Tel. 012 816 663 or Commerce Call Center (1266)
H.E. Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tel. 017 408 888
Mr. Soleak Seang, Advisor, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, Tel. 012 988 388
Ms. Phalkun Chan, Press and Information Officer of the EU Delegation, Tel. 023 220 611 or E-mail: Phalkun.CHAN@eeas.europa.eu
Mr. Adrian Jambé, Cultural and Press Affairs Attaché of German Embassy, Tel. 023 216 193 ext 206 or E-mail: pr-10@phno.diplo.de