Cambodia Seeks Chinese Investment in Cashew Processing Following China Visit

Mr. Ros Soden, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, led a working group from the Agro-Industry Department on a four-day visit to China from July 22-25, 2026, to attract investors for cashew processing in Cambodia. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that during the visit, ministry officials met with Hangzhou Yukouyuan Limited, an agricultural technology company in Hangzhou, China, to promote and attract Chinese investors for the further development of Cambodia's cashew processing industry. Following the visit and discussions, the company and the Cambodian delegation reached several agreements. First, the company will promote Cambodian cashews as an organic brand by directly purchasing Cambodian cashew nuts for processing in China and then exporting them to the European, Japanese, and domestic markets. Second, the company will hire a third-party firm to conduct on-site studies, inspections, and evaluations of organic cashew nut compliance (for both M23 and traditional varieties) in several provinces, including Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Kratie, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and Preah Vihear, during August 2026. Third, the company expressed its intention to invest in building a cashew nut processing factory in Kratie province and requested certain preferential conditions from the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Fourth, the company will participate in agro-business forums and other events upon invitation from the Cambodian side. Fifth, the Cambodian delegation supported the company's visit to Cambodia for the purpose of studying and evaluating organic cashews in the country and will submit this proposal to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries leadership to request principles for the Agro-Industry Department to facilitate its successful implementation. Sixth, both parties will maintain continuous communication, with the Agro-Industry Department serving as the unit responsible for coordination with relevant agencies.