The Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – along with the Cambodia Cashew Federation (CCF) and the EU in Cambodia – are collaborating to aid cashew processing operations in broadening markets and advancing the sector, with the goal of boosting processed exports to the EU.
Commerce ministry secretary of state Reach Ra emphasised the importance of understanding the opportunities within the Cambodian cashew production chain, during a study tour to Ample Agro Product Co Ltd’s processing facility in Phnom Penh on March 11.
Ra said the tour – attended by representatives from the agriculture ministry, the CCF, the EU and German ambassadors to Cambodia as well as members of the EU’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific – highlighted ongoing efforts to diversify the market and develop Cambodia’s cashew sector, a top priority after rice.
He noted that during the visit, attendees were briefed on the National Policy on Cashew Nuts for 2022-27.
“We have set the vision to develop the production, processing and markets of cashew in a competitive, inclusive and sustainable manner. We aim to diversify the economy, establishing Cambodia as a producer and supplier of cashews for domestic, regional and global markets,” Ra stated.
CCF president An Dara explained on March 12 that the visit’s purpose was to gain a clearer understanding of the country’s cashew value chain, including producers, processors and exporters, and to identify and address challenges, particularly in accessing the EU market.
He noted the bloc’s status as the world’s largest importer of processed cashew nuts and the concerted efforts of relevant ministries and institutions to meet EU standards for quality.
“Cashew exports to Europe have been minimal in the past. The EU’s support in enhancing our capacity is crucial, as Cambodian cashews, known for their large size, high quality and rich nutrients, are not yet well-known in Europe. This visit is a key step in introducing Cambodian cashews to the EU market,” Dara said.
“This year, some companies, including Ample, have produced cashews meeting EU standards. We anticipate increased exports to the EU this year, aided by its grants and technical assistance,” he added.
Ample owner Sambath Kalyan acknowledged the support from the EU and Germany’s development agency GIZ for market promotion and product exposure in Europe.
“We expect further support from relevant ministries, institutions and the EU in 2024 to enhance our capacity and boost exports to the EU,” she stated.
Kalyan added that her cashew products are currently exported to Singapore, China and the US, and plans are underway to extend exports to the UK and EU.