Cashew Processing Project Seen as Boost to Cambodia’s Agricultural Exports, Backed by South Korea

PHNOM PENH, May 12, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s drive to strengthen its agricultural value chain gained momentum Tuesday as the government signed a new cashew processing and export project with South Korea, aimed at boosting rural incomes and enhancing competitiveness in international markets.

The agreement was signed between Cambodia’s Council for Agricultural and Rural Development and the Korea Rural Community Corporation under a South Korean grant assistance program supporting agricultural and rural development cooperation.

Titled “Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains Through Cashew Processing and Export in Cambodia,” the project will expand processing capacity, improve post‑harvest management and introduce modern technology in Kampong Thom Province. Officials said the initiative is designed to move Cambodia beyond raw exports by increasing domestic value‑added production.

Senior Minister Ouk Rabun, chairman of the Council, said cashew has become a priority crop under Cambodia’s diversification strategy. He noted the project would help raise farmer incomes, create jobs and strengthen competitiveness.

Dr. Choi Chan, director of KRC’s Global Project Office, said the partnership reflected strong Cambodia–Korea cooperation in agriculture and rural development. He expressed confidence the project would build a more resilient cashew value chain while contributing to sustainable growth.

Cambodia has emerged as one of the world’s major cashew producers, though most output is still exported raw. Kampong Thom alone produces nearly 200,000 tons of cashew nuts annually from about 160,000 hectares of plantations.